Grandeur of the Seas - Royal Caribbean International

Overview

Launched in 1996, the Grandeur of the Seas is a one of Royal Caribbean’s 6 Vision Class ships. With 975 cabins spread over 11 passenger decks, this 74,140 ton ship can carry 2,446 passengers and offers a good range of restaurants and entertainment facilities.

Its schedule for 2008 includes 5-night cruises to Bermuda (Kings Wharf) from both Baltimore and Norfolk.

Accommodation

Cabins on the Grandeur of the Seas can be broadly divided into four main categories:

Suites

Private balcony with ocean views
Sitting area with sofa bed
Two twin beds or one queen-size bed
TV and telephone
Refrigerator or mini-bar
Private bathroom with bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer

Balcony Staterooms

Private balcony with ocean views
Sitting area with sofa bed
Two twin beds or one queen-size bed
TV and telephone
Private bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer

Ocean View Staterooms

Window with ocean view
Two twin beds or one queen-size bed
TV and telephone
Private bathroom with shower
Vanity area
Hairdryer

Interior Stateroom

Two twin beds or one queen-size bed
TV and telephone
Private bathroom with shower
Vanity area
Hairdryer

Dining

The Grandeur of the Seas operates a traditional two-seating dining schedule for dinner (passengers are assigned a table for the duration of their cruise based on their preferred seating time), and open seating for breakfast and lunch.

Restaurants and other dining options include:

Ben & Jerry’s – Premium ice cream. Charge.
Great Gatsby Dining Room – This 20s-themed main dining room spans 2 levels, connected by a magnificent staircase. Casual clothing for breakfast and lunch. Dress codes vary at dinner (e.g. on 5-night cruises there is typically one formal nights and four casual nights).
Room Service – 24-hour menu offering a range of meals and light snacks. Breakfast and meals from the main dining room menu also available. No charge for meals, coffee, tea, water, iced tea or lemonade.
Windjammer Café – Casual restaurant serving continental breakfast, full-buffet breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late night snacks. No reservations required. No charge for meals, regular coffee, tea, water, iced tea or lemonade. Charge for speciality beverages, beer, wine and soft drinks.

Entertainment & Public Areas

Card Room – Lounge on Deck 7 used for board games and bridge/bingo tournaments.
Casino Royale – Features blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, and roulette tables (11 in total) plus 192 slot machines.
Champagne Bar and Terrace – Sparkling wines, champagnes and canapés. Casual dress in the daytime. In the evening follow the planned dress code.
Crown & Anchor Study – Used by the Crown & Anchor frequent cruiser club in the day and as a cigar lounge in the evening.
Library - Well stocked library with private balcony. In the evening it offers cigars and cognac.
South Pacific Lounge – Live music and karaoke most nights.
Schooner Bar – Nautical-themed piano bar. Casual dress in the daytime. In the evening follow the planned dress code.
Singin’ in the Rain Lounge – Dance lounge.
Palladium Theatre – The main show lounge seats 870 guests and offers entertainment nightly (Broadway-style revues, comedy shows, variety acts etc.)
Viking Crown Lounge – Lounge at the top of the ship (Deck 11).

Spa & Fitness

Rock Climbing Wall – 30ft high rock climbing wall. Equipment and lessons are provided. Reservations are required and a fee is payable.
Solarium – Roman-themed adults-only pool area with retractable roof and 2 whirlpools.
Main Swimming Pool
Jogging Track/Sun Walk
ShipShape Day Spa Fitness Centre – Gym and spa.
Whirlpools

Other

Royal Caribbean Online –Internet café. 50 cents per minute.

Kid Stuff

Adventure Ocean – Children’s programme open to children aged 3 – 17.
Fantaseas Teen Disco – Teen-only nightclub.
V-Deck Video Games – New and classic video games.

Reader Reviews and Additional Information

Bob :

I haven't been on many cruises, but I'm still waiting to go on a bad one and this was no exception. Completely flawless from beginning to end and worth every cent. We got around the island by bus and ferry. Public transport is reliable, efficient and cheap and many places in Bermuda are absolutely stunning. Might even go there on vacation next time.

Nora :

The ship was great and everything went like clockwork. Food and entertainment was first class and we arrived in Bermuda on time after a very smooth crossing. Horseshoe Bay Beach was spectacular; the sand was pink, the water was turquoise and crystal clear. We went jet-skiing, one of the few things that you can't do on the ship, and everyone had a great time on the island.

Alan :

Thoroughly enjoyed this cruise. Check in was and efficient, and our balcony cabin met with our approval. We had to wait about 30 minutes for our luggage, but that was ok, and our cabin steward was very helpful and informative. We arrived in Bermuda right on time and had plenty of time to see the island.