The size of the ship was about all I could handle on a walker. I would go again in a heartbeat! The Grandeur of the Seas is beautiful!
I am a newbie to cruising, but I would offer this advice: Take a travel alarm, especially if you are in an interior cabin. A highlighter pen to mark daily activities on the newsletter is a good idea.
Book at least one excursion, even if it's just at the dockyards, which are beautiful, like the rest of Bermuda. Go ahead and come prepared with the arsenal of Seasick remedies, even though you probably won't need them ( I took Bonine, Motion Ease, Sea Bands, ear plugs, and scapalomine patch). I understand the ship also provides a remedy, but I wanted it handy if I needed it. This way, you will have peace of mind, even if the sea gets really choppy. I didn't need any of what I had brought. Utilize and bring what you are allowed: 2 bottles of wine, a good-sized carry-on Why not? It's best if your carry on is on wheels... you may have to hang out with it for a couple of hours. If you are a germophobe, get this new product, Nozin. It creates a barrier for Travelers to prevent illness.
Most of all, enjoy the experience! The beautiful ship, the great dining and entertainment, the 360 Degree experience with the ocean,, the beauty of Bermuda, and all of the wonderful people around you! You can't get those in a text message!
Embarkation
4 out of 5
I required assistance to board the ship, since I had a transport wheelchair. There was a bit of a wait, but all turned out well.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The food was outstanding! I preferred the sit-down dining experience over the buffet, because I used my walker most of the time. I had a helper with me, but on the last moments of the cruise, I went to the buffet alone for breakfast, and a dear sweet young waitress helped to make up my breakfast.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Once I figured out how to avoid the sales hype- filled activities, I really enjoyed the onboard experience.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
I guess comedy was the feature for my cruising days in the Palladium Theatre, and it was superior! I also really enjoyed the entertainment offered at the Centrum... really excellent! Sorry, I won't post any spoilers, trust me!
Children's Programs
No children in our group, but the kids seemed really happy.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Superb Service and Staff! It is obvious that these exceptional Individuals take their jobs very seriousl and they deserve every ounce of praise and gratuity that they receive.
Got a little snobbery from the day spa... funny, I don't see that when I attend the local resort, Rocky Gap Resort and Casino.
So Royal C. Spa Staff, lose the attitude. No one really cares about your opinions. Everyone just wants to be pampered. Try this just one day. You will see a positive difference.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The Grandeur of the Seas may be celebrating her 20th , but I was instantly drawn to her beauty. She had me at the docks. A beautiful ship, indeed! The Art Deco in her interior was done tastefully and not overdone
This was my first cruise, yet I felt quite comfortable with the ship immediately.
The ship was clean and inviting, and I felt that the staff respected the vessel, as well.
The perfect ship for a "first cruise"!
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin was actually roomier than I expected. The shower was very small, but I got by, even though I use a handicapped bath at home. I would recommend that anyone who must sit to shower get a larger cabin, preferably an accessible cabin.
Other than that, the cabin was clean and well-tended. I was very concerned about sleeping in a cabin on 2 deck in the bow. I actually loved it! It was quiet, dark, and lulled me to sleep in a most perfect fashion.
Ship tip
Pre-book your "My Time" dining, and eat at the Great Gatsby at least one per day! I met some of the best people ever while dining there, and felt blessed to be tended to by great Wait Staff like Dexter and Penwar.
Wonderful!
Everything about Baltimore was perfect, even though there was a bit of a wait. Being a Marylander, I'd never say anything negative about Baltimore anyway, but sailing for the first time, I felt safe and comfortable, and absolutely loved the new POV of Baltimore... dockside!
I think every Marylander needs to try sailing from this port- at least once!
Bermuda is beautiful! We took a mini-van with Jerry, our Guide, for a 3 three hour tour. It was an excellent way to experience Bermuda, even with my limited mobility. I managed well with my walker, and we actually got to see the eclipse with the glasses provided by Royal Caribbean!. A half-hour shopping stop in Hamilton, along with the scenic drive and Jerry's vast knowledge made the day perfect.
On day 2, we took a one-hour trolley around the dockyards, got off at the Clock Tower Mall, shopped and then took the complimentary shuttle back to the ship. Another perfect day!
Royal Caribbean transported me safely to the Customs area.
I was once again welcomed and processed by Customs at Baltimore.
Even though I hadn't traveled for years, there is still something heartwarmimng
about re-entering the country of my birth.
"I'm home".
Nice review and message with a lot of helpful advice. Glad you were able to enjoy the ship and maneuver around adequately using your walker. Best wishes.
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