Brief Review - Grandeur 8/15, Part 2

Comments on specific areas:

The ship - I was very favorably impressed by the condition of both the public areas and cabin. The ship is 8 years old, and in general, thought it was much better than an 8 year old hotel would be. I also understand that the Grandeur is scheduled for dry dock refurbishing in November, so things will only get better. Interior materials appear to be top grade, and the wear that others mention in the cabins was not found in ours. As we did our inital walk-through, I thought, yeh, these lounges etc. look great now, but wait till all 2100 passengers are in here and things get crowded. This was one of my most pleasant surprises as a first-time cruiser- never experienced any of the crowded conditions common to land resorts when at capacity, we could always get bar and casual dining tables, theater seats, pool lounges with no hassle.

Pools - The two pools seem so small on the deck plans, but really no problem. BTW, they were salt water. The main had 4 hot tubs, and got crowded with kids in the afternoon. However, the adults-only Solarium was great, quiet and never very crowded, like an oasis - my favorite spot on the ship. The Solarium pool also has jets in the center like a hot tub, and is surrounded by padded lounges, not plastic like the main pool.

Shows - feature shows varied in quality. The shows by the RC troupe singers and dancers were generally good - depends on your taste. Singer/Comedian Blair Shannon is not to be missed - got a big standing ovation. On the downside was a really obvious magician (I understand he was a temp replacement), and a gymnast that was just not to my taste.

Dining - I really don't know how people complain. Yes, it is not as good as the best restaurant in town, but I would rate it as the best food I've ever had in a mass dining situation. I was just amazed at how they get those 800 meals out at one time, at our table for 10 never had an error or need to return, meat always done as requested. Our waitstaff was just great, the recommendations were right on, and we usually got 2 of at least 1 of the courses each night. If someone at the table liked a particular dessert early on, it was offered to them on the rest of the nights, etc. Had lobster once, yes it was a small tail but came with shrimp, and when combined with the prime rib made a nice surf and turf!

We had two formal nights, and to answer dress questions, I would say - Tuxes 10%, Suits 50%, Sportcoat and tie 30%, tie only, or no tie, 10%. My guess is that about 60% of women were wearing floor-length, most of the rest nice regular dresses.

Windjammer - generally good, big selection at all meals. Omelets made here are probably the best breakfast available. Walked though one night after dinner in the dining room, just to see what the had, and found that they had about half the same entrees, for example, they might have the same chicken dish, but the shrimp scampi won't be in the Windjammer. Always a good selection of desserts.

Room service - I think they try to downplay this, but take advantage! Used it twice for breakfast in bed, and it was great, also for late snacks, and didn't try it but you are supposed to be able to get any dining meal by room service during meal hours.

Midnight buffets - had two - Pool party early on, and the big one in the dining room later on. Thought these were the weak point of dining - nice to look at, but what the hell is this stuff? (lots of sliced pate and terrine-type offerings - pretty, but "mystery meat") Cold but tasteless shrimp at the 2nd buffet, good desserts including chocolates.

Staff and Service - I was not prepared for the quality of the service. They recruit these people from all over the world, and they all are top notch. Can't think of a single unpleasant incident or any request denied, by either the waitstaff or room stewards. Our steward always knew just when to do the his twice daily service so he was never in our way, and the ice bucket was always full. Thought the suggested gratuities were high before the cruise, ended up giving more than suggested based on the service. Cannot praise these people too much.

As mentioned, this was our first cruise, and I had many questions, so happy to try to answer any I can.

Great review! Did you smell any of the sewage smell that some people have complained of? I will be on the Grandeur 10/15 and can't wait.

Hi - I was on the 8/15 also and agree with most of what was said. The sewage smell was mainly as you were getting on & off the ship at port. Every once in a while I'd get a wiff of something, but it never affected our trip at all. My 7 year old son just held his nose!

Hi Jan,

We noticed no smell anywhere when on ship, and the toilets flushed perfectly. Also, during the disembark wait, I had read that the public area toilets did not work, this was not the case, they were fine. The only time we noticed a smell was outside the ship when re-entering at one of the ports - I assumed this was due to pumping out tanks or something.

Also wanted to mention - RC sounds like they have a lot of rules: dress codes, bringing alcohol onboard, etc. In reality, other than possibly enforcing no swimwear in the dining room, I don't think they hassle anyone about anything - they don't want to annoy possible repeat cruisers.

Have a great trip, you'll love it!

We will be going on 9/24 for a 10 day cruise. Can't wait. Thanks for the review.:)

What cabin were you in? Were the cabins nice? I have cruised several time, but 2 of the people going with us, this will ne their first. Do you have any pictures you can share?

Thanks for the 2 reviews. DH and I are going on the Canada/NE cruise out of Baltimore on Sept. 13th. Can't wait. I am looking forward to taking in all I can. Oh, and I am looking forward to a repeat in the casino. I won $1000 on the slots on my last cruise. Thanks again. Bet:) :)

Hi Sheenas,

We were in 4563, inside, Deck 4. Was really glad to have picked this area, 4th Deck was so convenient with dining and the Centrum activities right there on the same deck. The proximity of that location to the Centrum, only a few doorways down the hall, made the hallway bright and I think was a good compensation for the inside location. It was never noisy, usually just soft music in the hall from whatever group was playing in the Centrum.

Don't have any pictures to post yet, maybe later.

My husband and I are going to be on the cruise 8/29/04 AOS. Is it too late to register for the meet and mingle?