Ryan and Eric Hall

Age: 27
Occupation: Paralegal and Internal Auditor
Number of Cruises: This was our first
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Ship: Grandeur of the Seas
Sailing Date: July 3rd, 2005
Itinerary: Western Caribbean

This was our first cruise. We were on our honeymoon. I had read several reviews claiming this ship to be older and showing it before we left, but I was pleasantly surprised. Let me start from the beginning.

As two other cruisers have posted. We had engine trouble and left late, and had a shorted stay in Bermuda. We got 50% of our money back and 50% off our next cruise. This was a great, great deal for us. We had heard from many people not to expect a cruise to be the best way to see any of the places you port. So we weren't. When our trip was shortened, we did not care. We just wanted to be on vacation, in the sun, with tons of food, and people planning activities for us. And this is exactly what we got. I did not get the impression at all they they weren't putting in 100% because we got money back. Everyone was helpful and upbeat. No one during check-in seemed to know about the discount, but I asked the purser as soon as I got on board and he explained it to me. Again, it was a great deal!!

The activities staff was amazing and upbeat. Another reviewer thought that they were "lethargic." That actually makes me excited to take another cruise. I thought that everyone was helpful, and overwhelmingly nice. And if they were not good compared to this reviewer's other trips, then I am am anxious to see other crews.

We had a room on the 2nd deck with a window. This was the only room available when I booked the cruise. I would definitely not book a window room again. We got a deal on the room, but in the future, if I decide to upgrade I will go for the balcony. The window didn't make much difference to me, I'll save some cash and choose an inside room next. They were big enough for all our clothes and suitcases.

The food was good. The amount of food was unbelievable. I never went hungry, not even in the middle of the night. The room service is a great thing for newlyweds. :) I loved never having to get out my wallet, or figure out the price of food. It wasn't the greatest food I ever had, but it was certainly very good, and I never had any complaints.

The pool was crowded, but the ship was full. We expected this and got to the pool early. It wasnt any different than if we had gone to a resort.

The shows were awesome. We loved having entertainment every evening after dinner. We had two comedians, a magic show, and two performances by the Royal Caribbean Dancers (a jazz and swing night and a Broadway Muscial sampler). I recommend going to all of them. Get there early, they fill up every night.

Getting off in Bermuda was my only complaint of the trip. There was no help on how to get around or anything. And since our trip was shortened, this was very important. We waited in line for the ferry, bus, and taxi, (none of which we were able to get on) for two hours. We finally gave up and went back on the ship and bought a shore excursion for that night. We had already bought a shore excursion for the next morning, so we never made it out of the port. Again, we weren't expecting this to be the best way to see Bermuda, but it was have been nice to see a beach.

If you need constant activity this ship had alot, but from other reviews, I see that we had nothing compared to other ships.

If you want a vacation for an awesome value, abundance of food, and relaxation and don't care where your destination is, then a cruise is the way to go. We will definetly go on another one. We are going to try a bigger ship next time though.

Ask a Question About Royal Caribbean Cruises