As always, the staff is excellent and we are heavy tippers. We very much appreciate the care they give. The ship is beautiful and we have been on the Grandeur many times. However, based on the uncomfortable beds and poor quality food, this was our last time on Royal. Three years ago we said that, then decided to give them one more chance. We were on ships 97 days in 2017 and this was by far our only negative review. Too many cutbacks. Carnival does it better for less $$$. My favorites are Holland America, Cunard, and Princess - in that order.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We always arrive late. The terminal was empty and a wheelchair was immediately available. We were greeted by name! Guess cruising five or six times a year out of Baltimore has benefits.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
1 out of 5
Breakfast in the MDR is excellent, but other meals are bland, low end economy offerings with no presentation. Think IHop. The buffet at lunch has few choices and seems like a school lunchroom. Garden Café was a better choice. Windjammer is locked between meals. Too bad we cannot go for a hot beverage and just sit, play games, etc. Royal is the only cruise line I know that doesn't offer afternoon tea. Want room service? Costs $8.00!!!
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Entertainment
4 out of 5
I love the live music and enjoyed it throughout the day. The evening shows were great, but we have seen them numerous times over the years.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Excellent! Very professional, but overworked! Our steward cared for 17 cabins with no assistance. Our waiters had too many tables but took care of us as if we were their only guests. They did steer us away from several menu items.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
I like this design - very easy to find our way around. Although showing some age it is spotless. We enjoyed and appreciated the lovely Christmas decor.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
You get what you pay for. Over the years we have tried every category. We don't mind an interior, but we dislike the tiny shower. Other cruise lines have more space. My biggest complaint is the horrible uncomfortable beds. Royal is the only cruise line with terrible mattresses that we have experienced out of 7 lines. This was a 12 day cruise and sheets were not changed until day 9! We loved the location of this cabin - halfway between elevators.
Ship tip
Favorite quiet place: deck 11.
I don't drink a lot so I don't get the drink package. But the drink card is a great value. Every drink is the same price as drink of the day.
We followed directions. Enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in the MDR then arrived at the lounge, signed up for wheelchair assistance, and 15 minutes later we were in our car. Baltimore is one of the easiest ports we have experienced.
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