When people think of a cruise vacation, they think of a mega-ship that is filled with thrilling and cutting-edge onboard activities. However, for travelers who are seeking a more relaxed and classic voyage, Grandeur of the Seas stands out.
In this guide, we will dive into what makes this ship special, for whom it is best suited, and how to make the most of your time onboard.
30-Second Summary
Despite being an old ship, Grandeur of the Seas is well-loved by cruisers who are looking for a serene and classic cruise experience. If you are one of those, this guide explains everything about this ship in detail.
Learn about the specifications of Grandeur, its overall vibe, its itineraries, its deck plans, and staterooms. Moreover, explore its dining, entertainment, onboard activities, and shore excursions. With helpful tips, spend quality time onboard.
Grandeur of the Seas: A Snapshot
This ship was launched on March 1, 1996. It belongs to the Vision Class of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and is the smallest ship in the fleet.
It has the classic charm of the 20th century, but it gets maintained through meticulous updating. However, the cabins lack modern decor.
This ship is around 73,817 GT and is 279 meters long. It can carry 1,992 passengers at double occupancy and around 2,446 at maximum occupancy.
It has 12 decks, and 11 are accessible to passengers. The number of staterooms is 997, which are spread across 5 decks. These cabins offer a warm and classic cruise aesthetic.
This ship is excellent for you if you prefer quiet mornings over packed buffets, serene retreats over non-stop activities, and scenic ports over onboard thrills. It is particularly ideal for
- Couples
- Seniors and retirees
- First-time cruisers who want a classic ship feel
- Travelers focused on culture, ports, relaxation, and ocean views rather than big-ship activities
Vibe of the Ship: An Understated Classic Atmosphere
Grandeur of the Seas has that nostalgic charm that is missing on the newer “floating resorts.” The vibe onboard is friendly, laid-back, and calm.
The wooden interiors, sea views from large windows, and a sense of community among fewer passengers provide a serene vibe.
There are no thrill rides, waterparks, or extremely busy bars. Instead, you find quietness, comfortable lounges, and a calmer pace. For many guests, it is more like a break from the overstimulation.
However, it is not your ideal ship if you want non-stop fun, young-crowd parties, and flashy attractions. For peace, views, and classic cruising, this ship delivers.
Grandeur of the Seas Itinerary
One of the strongest selling points of Grandeur of the Seas is its itinerary flexibility. It has access to smaller ports that many mega-ships skip. Some example itineraries include
- Western Caribbean round-trips for 7 nights from Tampa: visiting different ports, such as Puerto Costa Maya (Mexico), Roatán (Honduras), Belize City (Belize), and Cozumel (Mexico).
- Seasonal sailings that also include Southern Caribbean routes (islands like St Lucia, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Curacao, even Panama and Costa Rica) when deployed from Caribbean ports.
- Shorter sailings for 4 to 5 nights: for travelers seeking a brief and affordable taste of cruising without a week-long commitment.
Because of its size, Grandeur has access to less crowded and smaller ports, which provide a more immersive cultural and beach experience. It often means less standing in line and fewer encounters with fighting crowds.
Grandeur of the Seas Deck Plans
This ship has a classic Centrum-based deck plan, with the most important venues from deck 4 to deck 8. Passengers have easy access to elevators and stairs right at the Centrum, which makes it easy to reach places like Guest Services and Café Latte-tudes.
The Centrum is also a lively entertainment zone and hosts music, dance, and games. It becomes one of the busiest spots on the ship, particularly during sea days and evenings.
The sea views are abundant, thanks to the large windows in the Main Dining Room, ocean-facing walkways, the outdoor Promenade on deck 5, and all three specialty restaurants.
Top decks have fewer attractions, one of them being a climbing wall. As a result, teens and tweens do not have a lot of dedicated activities.
One noticeable layout issue is the placement of Park Cafe inside Solarium, which is the only venue that serves pizza. It causes frequent visits from teens and tweens throughout the day.
Grandeur of the Seas Cabins
Grandeur of the Seas offers a variety of staterooms. You can choose depending on your preferences and budget.
- Interior and Ocean-view cabins provide you with essentials in a compact but efficient space. For travelers who are focused on port days and exploring, this is suitable.
- Balcony cabins and suites offer sea breeze and classic cruise vista. It is a good idea for couples, seniors, and anyone who likes extra comfort on sea days.
Tips for Picking the Right Cabin
- Choose mid-ship cabins (less motion) for a smoother journey.
- If nighttime noise bothers you, avoid booking cabins near nighttime areas, such as casinos and bars.
- If you are a sea lover, upgrading to Ocean or Balcony Cabins is worth it
- If you are traveling with your family or a large group, check for connecting cabins or suites options.
Grandeur of the Seas Dining Options
Grandeur has solid classic venues along with a handful of specialty restaurants, offering travelers quality over quantity.
- Main Dining Room (MDR): It offers formal dinners. As the number of guests is lower, service tends to be more personal than on the big ships.
- Casual Buffet (Windjammer) and Café-style snacks: These are great for easy meals or when you want to grab a quick bite.
- Specialty restaurants: These venues are worth trying on nights when you feel like treating yourself to different cuisines.
- 24-hour room service: It is great for late returns from excursions or night-ins.
Because there are fewer guests overall, you will not face longer lines, jostling crowds, or overcrowded dining halls.
Grandeur of the Seas Entertainment
You will not find Broadway-style shows or a waterpark. While the entertainment onboard Grandeur is modest, it is pleasant and favors a classic cruise charm.
You will find
- Theatre shows: These are locally produced shows and musicals, sometimes with aerial performances in the central atrium.
- Lounges and Bars: These are good for relaxing evenings, socializing, or just enjoying a quieter nightlife vibe.
- Casino: It is for the guests who like gaming; however, it has a modest size compared to mega-ships.
- Family and kids programs: These are supervised activities for young travelers, but expect smaller and more intimate groups than on mega-ships.
Grandeur of the Seas Activities
There are some great activities you can enjoy onboard.
- Pool Deck and Sun Deck: You can enjoy a relaxing pool environment and spend a good time during the days at sea.
- Rock-climbing Wall: It is a nod to adventure without over-the-top thrills. It is great for some light fun and exercise.
- Spa and Fitness Center: You get onboard spa services, steam, massages, and sauna rooms for relaxation and wellness.
- Daytime Activities: Activities are modest but engaging, including dance classes, trivia, small-group social events, and enrichment talks.
- Quiet Retreats: The adult-only Solarium, library, and card room are great for some indoor peace and quiet.
Grandeur of the Seas Shore Excursions
The biggest strength of Grandeur of the Seas lies beyond what is on the ship. It has a moderate size that allows it to visit smaller and less crowded ports as well as some popular Caribbean and Central American destinations.
Depending on the itinerary, travelers can enjoy the following excursions.
- Beach days, snorkeling, and diving in tropical destinations, such as Belize, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Roatan.
- Cultural and historical excursions, including exploring Mayan ruins, old towns, and local markets in Yucatán, Belize, and various Caribbean Islands.
- Island-hopping and discovering lesser-visited places or ports skipped by big ships for a more authentic experience overall.
- Relaxed port days with fewer crowds, easier access to excursions, quicker onboarding, and less chaotic lines.
For travelers who prioritize shore discovery over onboard thrills, Grandeur itineraries are the best for them.
Grandeur of the Seas Tips
If you are sailing on Grandeur of the Seas, here are some practical tips to make your journey smoother and more budget-savvy.
- Try to book the cruise during off-peak seasons for better pricing. Many itineraries offer great value compared to the big ships.
- Choose your cabins smartly. If you are cruising for the first time, mid-ship balconies or ocean views are better to enjoy the sea air. However, for motion-sensitive travelers, mid-ship interior cabins are suitable due to their stability.
- Pack wisely, as in old ships, small touches help. For example, take magnetic hooks for hanging things in your cabin, use power strips, and pack a small night light.
- Prioritize shore excursions, as this ship is more about destinations than onboard thrills. So you need to plan your port days to get the most out of them.
- Embrace the chill vibe and slow pace onboard. Use the spa, read a book, soak in the sea breeze, and enjoy deck times and sunsets.
Final Verdict: Is Grandeur of the Seas Worth It?
Grandeur of the Seas is excellent for those travelers who want calm sea days, engaging shore excursions, and a peaceful onboard experience. If you want glitz and thrill, it might feel a little underwhelming.
It is more suitable for guests who care more about the destinations they visit, instead of how loud the ship is. For couples, seniors, and anyone who wants to enjoy sun, sea, and simplicity, it remains the top choice.
Learn more about the world of cruises by exploring Cruise Tidal.
FAQs
Is Grandeur of the Seas good for First-time Cruisers?
Yes, it is great for first-time cruisers because of its manageable size, simple layout, and relaxed pace. It provides a less overwhelming cruise experience through its easier navigation, fewer crowds, and a calmer atmosphere.
Does Grandeur of the Seas have Balconies and Suites?
Yes, this ship offers a range of staterooms, including ocean-view, interior, balcony, and suites. Upgrading to a balcony or suite gives you extra space and sea breeze for a peaceful cruise experience.
What is the Difference between Grandeur of the Seas and the Newer Mega-ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet?
The newer mega-ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet boast dozens of restaurants, zip lines, waterparks, and non-stop onboard entertainment. Grandeur of the Seas focuses more on a modest and classic cruise experience with its manageable size, fewer crowds, and simple amenities.
