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Royal Caribbean International

MS Grandeur of the Seas

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Reviewed by:Eva and Paul Korosec
# previous cruises: 1
Date of Trip: August 18, 2001
Itinerary: Mediterranean

We sailed on the Grandeus of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean International. This was our first cruising experience and it was our honeymoon, so our expectations were relatively high. We were quite amazed with the ships size, it's huge. The ship was nicely decorated and the staff were all very friendly and helpful. Rooms are small, but well thought-out. We were a little diappointed with the 'guarantee' option for securing a room. We paid more but did not receive much of a room upgrade at all. We were in Room 7019, and I definately felt motion. It was soothing after awhile, however, to this very moment, the swaying and motion has not yet stopped for me. Shows started off strong and then got boring later in the week. Food was usually good, but I felt the 'en masse' approach of cooking was apparent. The only impressive night was the Captains Gala. We dressed formally one night only, as we felt this was a waste of time and more of a fashion show opportunity then truly purpoesful. The ports of call were astounding. However, after our first 10.5 hour day we cancelled all our remaining day trips and changed them to 4 hour days. (A very wise move!) Tours were good, some better then others, depending on your guide. Drinks are not included on board and are very pricy, we chose to pay a corkage fee and bring our own alcohol on board. We would recommend this cruise to others, we really enjoyed it. Although, after speaking to many other 'veteran' cruisers we learned that there are better sailing opportunities out there! Perhaps a new cruise line next time. Celebrity? (Which was just bought by Royal Caribbean International, ha.)

Public areas were all good and spaced out enough that they rarely seemed over-crowded. I like the 'relaxation room' at the bow of the ship. There was always cold drinks and fresh fruit trays, and never any people. There was a walk-around promenade but at night it was too windy to use, during the day, while the ship was docked, it was do-able. The pool was a delightful surprise as we had no idea that it was filled with sea water. Very nice, too small,but refreshing. The casino, also small was fun. We were fortunate enought to win the jackpot on a nickel machine, 12,500 nickels!

We were least impressed with the food and the dining room service. Our waiters in the Great Gatsby always appeared to be running themselves ragged. So, we were a nit surprised as to why the first two nights took 3 hours for the enitrity of our meal. Sheesh! The 6 of us, at our table, complained after the 3rd night and service was better. The only night when I felt the food was fabulous was the Gala night, lobster, escargots, smoked salmon and a tasty pasta. Other than that, food was decent. The burger and pizza bar was horid, and we always missed breakfast (nds at 10:30 am). Ordering it to our room was the way to go. Overall, wWe prefered the Windjammer buffet to the Great Gatsby, and only dined in the latter 4 times.

Cains were cozy and comfortable. Tonnes of closet space, well organized. My 6'3" husband fit nicely in the shower, and the water pressure was great! The cabin was cleaned really well each day.

The first 2 shows were great, and from what I heard the later shows not as eventful.

Day One: A must! Naples, Capri, Pompeii and Sorrento Day Two: Valetta, Mosta, Medenia; Malta - very cool! Day Three: a much needed day at sea Day Four: Barcelona, Spain - our least favourite Day Five: Villefranhce, France - we will live here in our next lives! Day Six - Florence, missed this, as my husband was ill that day

We met some really nice people. Two women from Ohio and a couple from the Bronks.