Relaxing, sight filled and great company
Grandeur of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern
Contributor Level:
Third Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 41
12 Night Southern Caribbean (Baltimore Roundtrip)
Sail date: April 06, 2019
Ship: Grandeur of the Seas
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 3113
Traveled as: Large Group
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
Granduer of the Seas is great cruise ship for beginners and experienced cruisers. I believe Royal Caribbean could modify their pricing for this vessel and several older/smaller ships. I have already begun to plan to sail on Granduer again. There is unique quality that this ship has above many others in the industry. The staff, destinations, entertainment, food and activities make this one special ship. Granduer of the Seas does visit some of the better destinations over other comparable Caribbean cruises. Plan accordingly and you will end up with memories of a lifetime.Embarkation
Unfortunately there was an inspection that delayed embarkation. So we missed in the Bon Voyage photo opportunity. Little things like that make you frustrated.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Dining and service was 5 star every night. Excellent selection that each night you are able to try a different meal, appetizer and dessert. Would have given 5 stars but Park Cafe was serving the same food each day. Servers let several people get a few items before noon start time yet turned away my wife twice...not a good practice to conduct. It’s the small things that make tip the scale. Unfortunately the soft serve ice cream machines were down- a lot. I don’t think the one in smoking section ever was working. The Coke drink machines were having difficulty in Wind Jammer. Wish there was a food window in the middle pool section or mid afternoon- burger/pizza buffet set out in this area.
The cafe latitudes was incredible. Handled a long line of customers with ease. Food was changing daily and was fresh.
Drink service is expensive. Whether soft drinks or alcoholic, way too pricey. Bartenders were friendly and made great drinks. I would give Granduer a 4 1/2 stars for food and drink if possible.
Onboard Activities
Every pool was clean and well maintained. Hot tubs were serviced every night. This is comforting to see. Rock climbing wall could be upgraded since it hasn’t changed in several years. There is room to add to the space to get more people interested. Being at the back is a disadvantage- the staff are great and deserve better location and upgraded wall.
Entertainment
Granduer cruise director does a very good job of promoting entertainment. He and his wife work so hard to make sure the passengers are happy with so much entertainment. House band and dancers are incredible.
The guest performers were incredible for this trip. Good opportunity to share with others so make sure everyone is involved with going to the shows.
Service and Staff
Once again, Granduer is the best at delivering customer service that is personalized. Can’t recommend Granduer of the Seas enough to other people because of the quality of service you will receive.
Towel origami has come a long way in the last 17 years of sailing, our room steward brought a few new animals into the room while on this trip. Wow! We really thought we saw them all.
Wait staff is great in main dining. What needs to recognized is the service in WindJammer. They really bring 5 star service to a buffet dining environment.
Ship Quality
Granduer staff does its best to clean and maintain everything. This is an older vessel and is starting to show a few signs of age and durability.
Layout is one of the best in the industry. Ship is easy to walk and not feel congested.
Cabin / Stateroom
I would have given this inside room a five but the toilet was way to close to the wall. Not sure how this happens because we have been in plenty of inside rooms. This room was clean, same size as most inside staterooms. No outside noise issues.
Ship tip
Don’t expect all the TV commercial thrills of cruising that are in current television. Granduer of the Seas is a sophisticated quality ship with hustle and bustle of large crowds. A passenger should expect rest, relaxation and a leisurely cruise to great destinations.
Thumbs up
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Ports of call
Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I.
This island is still recovering from hurricane. I recommend contacting Cruzan Cowgirls for a horseback excursion. They are great to work with directly and everyone has a great time. They meet you at rainbow beach, so you can snorkel eat drink be merry after the excursion.
Port is like many others- too many people trying to separate you from your money. People that will invade your personal space and no set rules or boundaries to keep them away from you.
We did find one taxi driver that was polite and friendly. I asked to go to Devils bridge, without adding more people to the taxi. I told him we did not want to crowded and wanted to stretch our legs inside. He was gracious enough to accommodate and agreed to a very good price.
If you don’t get a good fee for taxi- walk away and tell the person your done w them. Then find the right person.
Devils bridge is a good trip, see a lot of the island. Ask for a stop at the church for a picture before or after the drive. It’s worth it, especially now that Notre Dame Cathedral is in the headlines and this church was clearly designed with it in mind.
Devils bridge is remarkable area, ask your driver why it’s named devils bridge. Walk the bridge but be careful and wear good outdoors shoes to slip. Relax and listen to the crashing waves.
The people of the area just as you exit Granduer really hurt this location.
Beautiful views from the ship. Island is a rip off and everyone tries to separate you from your money. Treetop Adventures does not have clear prices, the port gives you false info to get you aboard a taxi. Zip line was great but agin- they asked for 25 more dollars per person upon arrival for just the zip line, they wanted 45 pp for a waterfall hike. In all- the zip line is fun but I think they are way over charging and everyone from the port to the Treetop is involved with obtaining more money from you than what is discussed. Being stuck in a rain forest and negotiating a new price doesn’t sit well with any husband or father for the safety of his family. Local government needs to get involved and create standards.
Excellent location. Port is beautiful and very clean. Taxi service regulated and you have a desk service for out of port taxi service. Everyone gets the exact same price if you deal w the desk. Don’t get pulled aside by someone not associated w the port taxi service.
We contacted Marriot direct and found the hotel be half the price as online Resort for the Day services. Hotel was great, clean and very accommodating. The beach is clean and cabanas were plenty. The surf is rough and not able to be snorkeled. The pools are great. food and drink, while expensive, were very good and what you would expect from a resort. Ask to go by Timothy Hill after you leave the Marriot- no extra charge and it’s just up the hillside from Marriot. Great photo location for everyone.
Island still dealing w hurricane recovery. Everyone wants to give you deal on everything. Just relax and find a great beach location that offers WiFi/buckets of beer and food. Plenty of them to choose from just after the water taxi from port. Great day to relax, see a beautiful island and not get to inundated by people that bother you for taxi/tours/ selling items.
Disembarkation
Very easy when you carry off your own bags. US ports are horrible when you rely on someone else to handle your bags, your give a time to leave ship because your bags will be in a designated spot off ship. So many workers at port not doing a darn thing but trying to sit or look busy doing nothing. US Customs has really improved their service to everyone- fast efficient and very friendly in Baltimore.