Leaving out of Baltimore when it's cold... what do you do when you first board?

[Smurfette27]

We're very excited to board the Grandeur in March... it's our fist time boarding a cruise outside of Port Canaveral, and our first time on RCI as we've only cruised with Disney until now.

 

Because we've never boarded a ship when it hasn't been at least pleasantly warm, what does everyone do when they first board the ship? On our past Disney cruises out of Port Canaveral, we're always among the first to board and grab a great spot on the pool deck so the kids can enjoy the pools and slides. Given that it's going to be chilly when we board, where does everyone go until the ship departs and activities start up? Does everyone just cram into the Windjammer and Centrum? We have a 9yr old son and 12yr old daughter so it's not like we can ditch them and go and relax in the Solarium!:p

 

I'm thinking that we probably shouldn't board too early as we may end up getting bored. Is there any benefit to boarding early?

 

Thanks!

[adancer1227]

We sailed out of New York in February a couple years ago. We spent the first day exploring the ship and getting to know it (we were new to cruising). The Windjammer was busy, but I don't remember it being crazy. Also, I think they realized people would not be out at the pools so they had other things going on indoors.

[beachnative]

We're very excited to board the Grandeur in March... it's our fist time boarding a cruise outside of Port Canaveral, and our first time on RCI as we've only cruised with Disney until now.

 

Because we've never boarded a ship when it hasn't been at least pleasantly warm, what does everyone do when they first board the ship? On our past Disney cruises out of Port Canaveral, we're always among the first to board and grab a great spot on the pool deck so the kids can enjoy the pools and slides. Given that it's going to be chilly when we board, where does everyone go until the ship departs and activities start up? Does everyone just cram into the Windjammer and Centrum? We have a 9yr old son and 12yr old daughter so it's not like we can ditch them and go and relax in the Solarium!:p

 

I'm thinking that we probably shouldn't board too early as we may end up getting bored. Is there any benefit to boarding early?

 

Thanks!

 

…probably not in early March.

 

We sail on the GR every January, February, and March it is usually too cold to enjoy the outside areas on the first day.

 

Our East Coast weather varies widely. Check the weather report before you leave home and if it predicts cold weather my advice is to wait and board between 1 and 2 o'clock. The cabins will be ready at 1.

 

Although I love the GR, I would have to say that she does not have a lot of bells and whistles and would not be interesting (on a cold boarding day) for children.

Edited February 23, 2015 by beachnative

[Cuizer2]

We're very excited to board the Grandeur in March... it's our fist time boarding a cruise outside of Port Canaveral, and our first time on RCI as we've only cruised with Disney until now.

 

Because we've never boarded a ship when it hasn't been at least pleasantly warm, what does everyone do when they first board the ship? On our past Disney cruises out of Port Canaveral, we're always among the first to board and grab a great spot on the pool deck so the kids can enjoy the pools and slides. Given that it's going to be chilly when we board, where does everyone go until the ship departs and activities start up? Does everyone just cram into the Windjammer and Centrum? We have a 9yr old son and 12yr old daughter so it's not like we can ditch them and go and relax in the Solarium!:p

 

I'm thinking that we probably shouldn't board too early as we may end up getting bored. Is there any benefit to boarding early?

 

Thanks!

 

I do what I always do, rain or shine. And I recommend it for everybody. Explore the ship. Get to know your way around. Find out what is available and where. To fully explore a ship takes about two hours. By then the cabins are ready. Then you can go to your cabin and unpack and then go to the Windjammer and eat in peace.

[MalervyC]

...and fingers crossed your experience will be different - but we sailed on Carnival Pride last March. It shares the same embarkation port as Grandeur. Our sail away was miserable. It was St Patty's weekend and we got hit with a wicked snow storm. We left Baltimore and it was snowing on all of the decks, so the sail away party was cancelled. We tried to hang out on our balcony but it was snowing so bad ans it was so cold that we couldn't even enjoy it!

 

We spent that first night in the casino and in the atrium talking and laughing, being optimistic because we were on vacation. That night the captain was hauling A** out of the Chesapeake to out run the storm and it was very unpleasant. I didn't sleep at all and was extremely sea sick (which I NEVER get!) The water was just so rough. Our cabin was on deck 6, in the middle...I cannot imagine what folks in the forward or aft of the ship felt. I spent the majority of day two in the cabin :(

 

It wasn't until the 3rd night, right before we arrived at Port Canaveral, that we were able to use our balcony. It was just too cold to be out there. Needless to say we decided to pay the extra $$$ and fly to FL for our winter cruise...

[BillOh]

we're always among the first to board and grab a great spot on the pool deck so the kids can enjoy the pools and slides

 

Thanks!

 

 

We are the same way, if I were in your shoes, I might consider boarding around 1pm. That is assuming like other royal cruises the rooms are available at 1pm that way you won't be hauling around your carry ons while exploring.

[spookwife]

We're very excited to board the Grandeur in March... it's our fist time boarding a cruise outside of Port Canaveral, and our first time on RCI as we've only cruised with Disney until now.

 

Because we've never boarded a ship when it hasn't been at least pleasantly warm, what does everyone do when they first board the ship? On our past Disney cruises out of Port Canaveral, we're always among the first to board and grab a great spot on the pool deck so the kids can enjoy the pools and slides. Given that it's going to be chilly when we board, where does everyone go until the ship departs and activities start up? Does everyone just cram into the Windjammer and Centrum? We have a 9yr old son and 12yr old daughter so it's not like we can ditch them and go and relax in the Solarium!:p

 

I'm thinking that we probably shouldn't board too early as we may end up getting bored. Is there any benefit to boarding early?

 

Thanks!

 

 

she's small, and inside gets CROWDED. also Just so you know, Muster is OUTSIDE. I head to the Solarium. no kids, park cafe( mmmm beef on Weck) for lunch. cabin will be ready at 1. we also hang out in the CL( we only sail suites) which is also quiet, less crowded.

 

the Kids clubs will have an open house, take a Spa and gym tour. the bars will be open and doing a VERY brisk business.

[RSLeesburg]

One semi-secret location where you can go and hang out until your rooms are open is the Viking Crown Lounge up above the pool deck. When we sailed over Thanksgiving, is was 34 degrees out and the VCL was relatively uncrowded - probably because it's bar is not open for service. But, if you just want a place to drop your bags, rest your feet, and relax - it's perfect. My wife and son hit up the ice cream machine while I watched our stuff.

[runner2013]

One semi-secret location where you can go and hang out until your rooms are open is the Viking Crown Lounge up above the pool deck. When we sailed over Thanksgiving, is was 34 degrees out and the VCL was relatively uncrowded - probably because it's bar is not open for service. But, if you just want a place to drop your bags, rest your feet, and relax - it's perfect. My wife and son hit up the ice cream machine while I watched our stuff.

 

I'm another VCL person .... I get myself a glass of champagne from the pool deck, then spend some time exploring the ship, ending up in the VCL for sail away after I've dropped my backpack in my room and gotten a 2nd drink.

Definitely love the peace and quiet for sailaway.

[Smurfette27]

Thanks everyone! I think we'll end up boarding at around 1pm.

 

The Viking Crown Lounge definitely sounds like a place I'll be heading with the family on embarkation day!

[jakenashleysmom]

Having sailed twice from Baltimore in winter, I disagree with waiting to board!!! If its at least sunny head to the solarium and enjoy Park Cafe and the greenhouse effect of the floor to ceiling windows and sunroof and have a nice lunch. Pool bar will be open. Muster is indeed outside so keep your winter jacket handy. Then we head to the rooms and or VCL where the bar is also open and settle in for a cold weather sailaway. This ship has lovely sea views all over, the centrum is also a great place to settle in, or explore the ship! Something you won't want to do once it warms up!

 

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[shipgeeks]

At sailaway time, bundle up, go to an upper deck, and watch the first hour or two of sailing out of the Chesapeake. Kids love it, especially when approaching a bridge, where it looks like the ship will never fit under it. Quite exciting and novel.

[jgnova]

We have done three winter sailings from Baltimore and it's usually too cold to be outside at sailaway - although we do occasionally get a warm day if we're lucky. This January was our first on Grandeur (previous were on Celebrity) and the solarium was chilly when we boarded. It was lovely the rest of the trip so I don't know what happened. The cabins open at 1 so if you time your arrival for about noon, you should be through the lines and on board about the right time to go straight to your cabin, dump your coats, and see the ship.

 

On our last cruise, I was able to sit outside on the Promenade deck in the sun wearing only jeans and a T-shirt the first sea day afternoon, by which time we were off South Carolina. And I agree on the Viking Crown Lounge as a place to sit - it's up high, but was crowded after sailaway.

 

Since you have kids, you might want to check the link in our signature for photos, etc. for that sailing - I scanned the kids schedules for a few days and that will give you an idea of what they will have to do. The ship is lovely and small enough that you don't feel like you're walking miles to get to things. And we love the sea days, great time to decompress before/after hitting the ports.

 

j

[Cuizer2]

At sailaway time, bundle up, go to an upper deck, and watch the first hour or two of sailing out of the Chesapeake. Kids love it, especially when approaching a bridge, where it looks like the ship will never fit under it. Quite exciting and novel.

 

[The Sain]

You click your red rubyshoes and wish you were already in Labadee :)

[metgame24]

Board early...it's your first day of vacation! Like most have stated, explore the ship, figure out places you might like to spend your time. Kids will be fine, just being on vacation and out of school is enough to keep them happy that first day! I actually enjoy sailing from the cold weather into the warm. Have done it a few times from NY. First sea day we are usually always outside, maybe a light jacket is necessary in the a.m. But then again, storms can happen anytime, even in the warmer months, so you always have that risk of rough seas. Enjoy your trip! We are also sailing Grandeur for the first time and I am sooooo excited to sail the Chesapeake, even with all the ice!

Edited February 25, 2015 by metgame24

[kayjo]

Sailed Grandeur last week and it was really cold. The Viking Lounge was a great place to sit, and never got crowded. It was actually too cold all 3 seas days to sit outside and the outside pool wasn't open. They let kids in the Solarium Pool because of this, but it wasn't even warm in there. Bring plenty of warm clothes!!

[davy jones]

If you want to have lunch at the WJ on an indoor weather embarkation day, I would board early. I have no experience on Grandeur, but on other RCI ships, people will remain in the WJ instead of exploring and long lines to enter will form, despite the efforts of the crew to move people along.

[Toddcan]

I admire those of you who can book these sailings. To me, bringing a winter coat on board just doesn't sound right. My nephew took his family on one of these sailings, and he said never again. The 8 day (I think cruise) ended up being 5 days warm enough to be outside. To me, I would much prefer driving or flying to a warm port, and spending 7 warm days on board.

 

Please the cruises out of the northern ports are typically a lot more expensive, aren't they?

 

Not being critical - again, I admire those who enjoy those cruises. It's just not for me, I guess.

[davy jones]

I admire those of you who can book these sailings. To me, bringing a winter coat on board just doesn't sound right. My nephew took his family on one of these sailings, and he said never again. The 8 day (I think cruise) ended up being 5 days warm enough to be outside. To me, I would much prefer driving or flying to a warm port, and spending 7 warm days on board.

 

Please the cruises out of the northern ports are typically a lot more expensive, aren't they?

 

Not being critical - again, I admire those who enjoy those cruises. It's just not for me, I guess.

 

I understand the desire for warm.

 

Cruises from NYC or Baltimore this time of year typically run 9 days or longer. The cost of the two extra onboard days is typically less than the RT airfare and transfers. Some would rather sail 9 days with 2 indoor sea days than fly to Florida and sail for 7. They prefer sailing two extra days to flying. It all comes down to one's preferences.

 

While the question was geared toward cold days, my answers would be the same for a rainy day in a warm port. The only difference would be that you could patronize a covered outdoor bar on a warm rainy day.

[cruizers]

We board the ship, head to the Windjammer, and then drop off our luggage (if possible) and start exploring the ship. It's a fantastic time to take pictures of the ship. Just wander around and have a great time!

[Smurfette27]

Sailed Grandeur last week and it was really cold. The Viking Lounge was a great place to sit, and never got crowded. It was actually too cold all 3 seas days to sit outside and the outside pool wasn't open. They let kids in the Solarium Pool because of this, but it wasn't even warm in there. Bring plenty of warm clothes!!

 

So was the Solarium open for families/kids on embarkation day too? That would be perfect! I imagine though that many adults would be disappointed to see kids in there if they were expecting to get away from them!:eek:

[kayjo]

I don't know that is was open for kids on embarkation day, but it was on the last 2 sea days. It was WAY TOO COLD for most people, and very windy, so I can't imagine anyone complained.

[jakenashleysmom]

On really cold days they have certain hours when kids can use the solarium pool...like 10-12 and 4-6...something like that. The solarium itself is always open to kids because the Park Cafe is there, they just can't get into the pool. Not even their toes...saw security tell a family just that!

 

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[jakenashleysmom]

Also referring to pricing, we paid less for a 10 day Grandeur cruise than a 7 day cruise out of Florida...without airfare. Granted Grandeur is an older ship, but I would rather spend time on the ship getting to warm temps than spending the day flying and shuttling any day!

 

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Edited February 25, 2015 by jakenashleysmom