This was our second cruise on GRANDEUR. DW and I previously sailed on board in 2008 to Bermuda from Norfolk. I was impressed with the consistency of service and overall quality over five years later, including a 2010 on JEWEL OF THE SEAS.

A big disappointment was the increased amount of promotion for add-on services at additional costs, including specialty restaurants, beverage packages, photo packages, etc. One of the subtle differences is the reference to standard dining room meals (Gatsby and Windjammer) as "complimentary." The port shopping consultant was fairly blatant about promotion of the selected shops on shore. He bragged about his years of experience on cruises, yet could not answer a question about Nevis. And the ship is showing its age in the nooks and crannies. On the last few days of the cruise I did see deck crew out and about painting.

We tried My Time dining and selected a standard 6:15 time for all nights. We sat at table 587, a table for two at the back of the dining room. It was the same table we had on our 2008 cruise on GRANDEUR. Service from Cipriano and Ruel was excellent. The were very attentive, although Cipriano never did figure out that we don't care for fresh pepper on our food. This dynamic duo entertained us with napkin folding tricks including mice, swans and a chicken, and also did magic tricks. My only dining comment is the vegetable du jour was actually the vegetable du cruise: carrots, broccoli, asparagus and squash served in the same way each night. As for the Windjammer, well - it was the Windjammer. Not spectacular, but nothing offensive either. We tried the Park Cafe a few times and enjoyed the sandwiches. Read more