Reflections of Grandeur

[goldfish65]

Four nights Tampa-Cozumel, fellow passengers were as one might expect. Every demographic was represented which was refreshing. It was a full sailing. I was on this ship back in January, this time I had a grand suite, which was extremely clean (I like to disinfect the cabin myself.) The stateroom attendant Crisanto had the demeanor where you instantly feel comfortable. I asked him to clean the windows, and I found out that it is impossible to keep windows on a ship clean, they get dirty again overnight. The a/c was cold, the way I like it. How did Cris know I like big chunks of ice in the ice bucket?

 

A few reflections - I can see how some people would be put off by the age of the ship, the '90's decor, the rough chipped paint, the slight bilge-y smell, signs of wear on furniture, etc. I am just glad to have the experience you just can't get on the large ships. Especially looking out from the teak promenade. The ocean and sky are so beautiful and relaxing.

 

The MDR food was just okay with the "new" menu, which was disappointing because the old menu I found to be good.  Service was good, not too slow. I'm not crazy about the head waiter's overlong visits to the table. It struck me as comical how intent the staff was on making sure I set my clock ahead one hour...I'm on vacation, what does it matter, and besides, our phones do it automatically and I don't even know how to change the time. I told the assistant waiter "I'm giving you all 10's so no one needs to tell me about the survey."  

 

Lunch in Izumi was great. I stayed away from the 'jammer except to grab a cookie or smoothie, it was just too chaotic. The suite concierge was very helpful and the small lounge had good coffee and snacks, and heavy liquor pours. I really like the calm, expedited boarding and departure with the concierge escort.

 

Tango Buenos Aires was really good, with a 7 piece band that sounded excellent. The violin and guitar were a couple called Entourage Duo, from Ukraine, they are incredible. This brings us to the main downfall of the cruise, the loud, drunken, poorly behaved people. You could be enjoying something magical, musicians who have worked so hard to be so good...but instead being obnoxiously disruptive ten feet away. Saying "we're sorry" but not making any effort to be quieter and show respect. Finally I got up and stood right next to them and just looked at them, and they quieted down. Otherwise, I just stayed away from the crowds. 

 

The egg-drop challenge was really exciting and fun to watch. And, I won the Disco Trivia game. 

 

Cozumel was hot. 

 

 

 

 

 

[goldfish65]

A few photos

[Tlbecker1]

Love the Grandeur.  We just did a B3B before you arrived.  Thank you for sharing.

[OBX-Cruisers]

GIVE US BACK our GRANDEUR in Baltimore.............Love that ship and crew

[cruisegirl1]

Agree about the  duo in centrum. They were terrific.

m

[SRF]

20 hours ago, OBX-Cruisers said:

GIVE US BACK our GRANDEUR in Baltimore.............Love that ship and crew

 

YES, YES, YES

 

Although I sailed on the Ft Lauderdale to Baltimore repo in May and Vision is also nice.  Close to Grandeur, but just enough different to drive you NUTS. 😄

[SRF]

Oh, and the reason they harp on setting watches is that some people STILL miss the change and then are late back to the ship.

 

And BTW, leaving your phone to automatically change can bite you, as the Captain doesn't always change the ships time to match the port time.  And people who are set to automatically change, get bit and come back late to the ship.