We're in WV, and wanted to try cruising via driving to port. Baltimore is the closest (3 hours) and we enjoyed our previous RC cruise so we decided to try the Grandeur out to celebrate our 3 year anniversary. We ended up having a 6 sea day cruise due to the storm that was brewing off of the Carolinas (25 ft waves, 40mph winds) the Coast Guard closed Cape Henry and thus we had to anchor in the bay until it reopened. Even when it was reopened, Captain Patrick kept everyone safe and decided to let the storm pass by before continuing our sailing. We sailed through 12ft waves and 20mph winds and could feel it! I loved it and didn't get sick, best sleep I got in a long time actually. We ended up skipping Port Canaveral, and only had about and hour and a half at Nassau (11pm-12:30am), but the lone port day was Coco Cay which was the day of our 3 year anniversary and it was everything we needed. A couple on the ship got married there! My boyfriend actually proposed on the ship, at sunset and it was the end to "a perfect day at Coco Cay." We spent the remaining two sea days relaxing and enjoying our new status as betrothed.
We booked a Bermuda cruise on this ship for next year and we're looking forward to it!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Flawless, parked, through security, and having lunch in the solarium in 30 minutes!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We had dinner in the MDR 6/7 nights. Every night was fantastic! Qixhuan "Siri" at table 708 made the experience. He was fun, and very attentive. The embarkation day crab cake is a must, order 2!
The Windjammer was great! Loved the views, the service, and the selections.
The park cafe in the solarium was my go to, their breakfast burritos are amazing! I jokingly asked to have "nacho pizza" for a late night snack and the staff didn't disappoint, it was great, and the guac is a must have!
We did the Bottomless Galley Brunch, and I can't recommend it enough! Our tour was shorter, due to the rough seas but that enhanced the experience because we got to witness how difficult it is to work in those conditions and how they have to feed everyone, no matter the weather. Our waiters didn't let a single glass empty, we had 12 glasses of mimosas and bellinis between us. Well worth the value.
The only specialty dining we ate at was Chops. It was good, and I highly recommend the red velvet cheesecake!
Windjammer Marketplace
5 out of 5
Loved the views from here! The staff were very accommodating, and the selection and quality of food was great!
Schooner Bar
5 out of 5
One of our favorite places. The lavender martini is a must.
South Pacific Lounge
5 out of 5
This was such a unique place! So many comfortable seats, chairs, couches!
Great Gatsby Dining Room
5 out of 5
Exceptional! The staff, food, and decor were perfect.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I knew prior to booking this ship didn't have all of the bells and whistles, but I was still highly impressed with what they did have. The gym was great! The equipment was in great condition and clean. I mostly lounged in the solarium and absolutely loved it! The salt water pool was so refreshing, and sitting the hot tubs with that view was so relaxing. We didn't use the outside pools or hot tubs, but they looked inviting!
The Centrum had most of the activites and there was plenty of comfortable seating to witness/participate.
The shops were nice, I wish the logo shop had a few more items.
The Spa was nice, I only got my nails done but enjoyed the experience, especially waiting in the lounge with the wake view.
Jogging Track
5 out of 5
Loved the views! This is where my boyfriend proposed and I recommend it to any future couples out there looking to do the same!
Solarium
5 out of 5
My favorite spot on the ship! I could spend my entire cruise there. Plenty of seating, the loungers were my favorite and they are very comfy. Relaxing in a lounger, listening to the salt water pool slosh around and having the ocean views made for a very relaxing setting. The pool was very nice and the 2 hot tubs had the perfect temperature, everything was so clean!
Guest Services and Explorations!
5 out of 5
Very accommodating.
Casino Royale
4 out of 5
Small but great!
Whirlpools
5 out of 5
Great temperature, and very well maintained.
Photo Gallery and Shop
5 out of 5
The staff were great and the photos were good as well.
Gift Shop
5 out of 5
Good! Forgot a couple of essentials and they had what we needed.
Logo Souvenir Shop
5 out of 5
Loved it! Could use a few more items though.
Day Spa and Fitness Center
5 out of 5
Excellent! I only had my nails done but the service was great, the view was great, and there's a complimentary steam and sauna room.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The Palladium theater was great! We always had good seats and they were super comfortable. The welcome aboard show was good, the comedians were great, and the band "Rookie" is a must see!
The ship had great movies offered both in the theatre and on the pool deck. Got to catch up on some missed movies from this year!
The Captain's Q&A is a must. We learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Palladium Theater
5 out of 5
Comfy seats, great shows!
Centrum
5 out of 5
Loved it, the music and entertainment was excellent and there was plenty of seating!
Observatory
4 out of 5
It's not the best view, but it's nice to relax in a lounger with.
Children's Programs
No children.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Exceptional. I was blown away by the professionalism! Everyone had a true smile on their face and did whatever it took to accomodate. I believe it will be difficult to find the same service on another cruise ship.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
She's older, but I enjoyed the decor and layout. Gave an "old school vibe" and an idea of how cruising used to be. The size made everything more personable and I felt like we really got to know our Captain and crew. I enjoyed the slow pace and could truly unwind and relax.
This was the cleanest ship/public space I've ever witnessed. I was blown away at the consistent "swarm" of workers and their cleaning. I actually touched the hand rails on the stairs because of how much they were cleaned!
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This was a comfortable room. We had a nice view, plenty of room for storage, in fact we didn't even use most of it! The bathroom was a tad bit small but, I wasn't on vacation to stay in the bathroom (fortunately). Our steward did a great job of cleaning our room and was very friendly!
Ship tip
There's a complimentary Steam Room and Sauna room in the spa (per gender). Go with the flow of the ship, it's slower paced and offers a true way to unwind and relax and enjoy whoever you're cruising with. Oh an be prepared to have the "Coco Cay" song stuck in your head.
So easy to navigate, we drove our F150 and had no problem! Stayed at the Hilton in the inner harbor, walked to the aquarium, had lunch at Phillip's, and spent the evening relaxing and enjoying the view of the city.
Absolutely stunning. Easy to navigate, plenty of loungers with umbrellas, the food was so good, and the views were unbelievable!
We did the scuba excursion and recommend it! It's simple, cheap, and fun. Saw so many string Ray's, a manta ray, coral, various fish, a barracuda, and an 8ft sandshark!
Due to the weather, and the scheduling we docked in Nassau for a few hours. Arrived at 11pm, and had to be back on board at 12:30am. Wasn't worth the risk of missing the ship since nothing was open. I'm sure we will have plenty of future itineraries with Nassau and I'm looking forward to checking it out then!
I'm glad y'all had a grate time in Baltimore and on the ship I actually work at the Hilton Baltimore the hotel you stayed at and Saturday I'll be on the Grandeur and can't wait.
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