Grandeur of the Seas Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,826 reviews

Grandeur in the Med.

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Grandeur of the Seas
User Avatar
johnboy2
10+ Cruises • Age 80s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Oct 2012
Cabin: Junior Suite

Booked late; just needed some sun after the awful UK weather. The late evening flight with EasyJet departed and arrived on time but seating (perhaps as expected) was cramped and uncomfortable, however it got us there. We stayed at the Garibaldi Hotel in Venice (actually in Maestre on the mainland) which was no more than adequate but with exceptionally helpful and pleasant staff. It had the big advantage of being right by the bus stop (No.2) for Venice which was very useful. The next morning, despite some good instructions about getting to the Cruise Terminal via bus and the new People Mover we took the lazy option of a cab.

Check-in was very smooth and speedy so that we were on board for lunch in the Windjammer buffet restaurant. It was interesting to note that the multitude of drinks waiters trying to sell "Cocktail of the Day" which we had previously experienced on RCI had completely disappeared. Our mini-Suite was spacious and the bathroom lived up to its name by having a proper bath! There were coffee making facilities in the room which was nice. The balcony was, however, a bit disappointing being much smaller than those on Princess, our favourite Cruise Line. Lifeboat drill was done in port which seemed a very good idea but without life jackets which seemed a bit strange.

We were booked into 2nd sitting (8:30 pm) for dinner which suited us, but again would much prefer to be able to arrive when we want for our meals as in Princess "anytime dining". RCI are trying with their "mytime dining" but one still has to book a specific time which seems to defeat the point. There were fewer courses available since our previous RCI cruise on the Mariner (a great ship) but this seems to be in line with many other cruise lines that are cutting back The food was not as varied as expected and the special menus for formal days (lobster and baked Alaska) which we are used to never appeared. The waiting staff tried hard but seemed to be under pressure and the one wine waiter we saw on our first day disappeared when we declined to buy a drinks package, leaving the table waiters to deal with wines as well. They coped with this well and our wine (we bought bottles) was always ready for us at the table. We ordered hot chocolate instead of coffee after dinner on our first evening which was at no extra cost, unlike Princess who now insist on charging for it. A special word of praise should be given to the assistant waiter who thereafter brought us our hot chocolate every evening without our having to ask for it. We did not try any of the "Speciality" restaurants.

Cabin Review

Junior Suite

Junior or Mini-Suite was very good and excellent value. Plenty of room and storage space. Bathroom was what it said and had a reasonably sized bath. Balcony was a bit small.

previous reviewnext review

Find a Grandeur of the Seas Cruise from $205

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.