Living in Maryland this was my first cruise out of the Port of Baltimore. We left our home in Owings Mills around 11:00 and arrived at the Port about 25 minutes later. At the gate we were greeted by parking attendants that directed us to the lines to drop off your luggage- and then proceeded to park our car.( they do have handicapped parking- but you have to tell the attendant-even though I have handicapped tags - that you need to park there). Embarkation was the easiest I have ever encountered. Went through the scanned and proceeded to the check in counter. The assistance was fantastic. Check in was simple ( I had done most of my check in on line, so they just needed to verify). As we proceeded to the boat, our first stop was for our Welcome aboard photo's. Then up the ramp and on the boat. The Grandeur is very impressive and with all the glass and beautiful art it is indeed a Beautiful ship. We proceeded to the Windjammer on Dec 9 for their buffet lunch - which was very good. My father is a very picky eater and he was able to find a little of everything that he very much enjoyed. Salads, soup, fish, and all cooked to perfection and very tastey.After our relaxing lunch we proceeded to our room. This was my first time on Royal Caribbean, and because most people seem to want a balcony-Ourselves being no exception- I had booked a balcony room. As I did not book until June of this year, the only room left when I booked was the Royal Suite. And Royal it is. It was a small apartment with a Baby Grand piano in the lining room. There was also a dining room and bar - a hugh bathroom complete with a sauna and A bedroom with a King Size bed. ( They have not changed the mattresses yet)The balcony had a table and chairs as well as two lounges. This was stupendous.!!!!! Our luggage was already at our door - so we unpacked before the drill. We proceeded to deck five at 4 o'clock for the drill- the cruise staff directed everyone( as I walk with two canes- I was allowed to sit in the casino so that I did not have to stand for the drill) however it was very well done, and over in about 30 minutes. The first night out did not go well or the first day at se... we encountered some rough waters. My mother spent most of the day in bed- as did the people in the cabin next to ours. My Dad and myself did some walking around the ship - but I too succumbed to the sea- and back to the room I went. Monday night was Formal night, and Mom recovered enough to make dinner. The Great Gatsby dinning room is breathtaking. Not having checked out our seating before we sailed - we found that our table did not have room for us, and we were directed to the head waiter who found us a nice table for 3 on the main seating area. The wait staff is very knowledgeable and very friendly. Went out of their way to be sure you enjoyed what you had. Tuesday and Wednesday we were in Bermuda. King's Wharf is a very scenic area. The ferry is accessible to take you to Hamilton and St. George, and many of our fellow cruisers did just that. As I was traveling with older parents we opted to stay in Kind Wharf and took a wonderful carriage ride on Tuesday afternoon. Our Driver was Crystal and her horses names were Silver and Gold ( although I thought it should have been Silver and Platinum) - it was a delightful tour for an hour, and we saw area's on the island and she spoke about what we saw. We arrived back at the dock, again had lunch at the Windjammer. Went to the Photo shop to check out pictures, and yes they are expensive - but there is no had sell and if you don't want your picture taken they understand and do not insist. Wednesday we took the Trolly ride- much more informative and we were let off at the shopping mall. It is quaint, and has many small shops. Found most prices about the same as they had been on other island I have visited in the past. Bought a few things and then took the free shuttle back to the boat. At 4 p.m. we left Bermuda and began our journey home to Baltimore. Spent some time in the Casino- where I lost more than I won- but it was a good time. Thursday was a day at sea , and thank goodness it was calm. Spent the day shopping on board , checking out different area's of the ship , the pool deck, and some of the lounges. This is a magnificent ship. It is hard to believe that it is 10 years old. My favorite place was the Palladium Theater.( Disney should take note) They not only had single seats - but little love seats( for those of us who are not a size 10) and the shows - well, the singers and dancers are good- seem a little like some are trying to outdo others but I suppose as they continue it will work itself out. The comedian was very funny- as was the juggler- but we were not impressed by the magician. We had nice clam seas for our return home, spent the evening after an enjoyable dinner at the casino, and then to bed. Didn't really want the trip to end. We were in port by 7. Had to be out of our room by 7:45 and in designated ares to wait to be called for debarkation. We were in the Palladium Theater, and were finally called at (, and were off the ship and through customs and in our car home by 9:30. If you have not traveled on the Grandeur - my suggestion is that you should. This is an elegant vessel, and the staff and food and the ship itself would make anyone want to travel the seas all the time. I look forward to returns trips often .