We were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and was our third time on the Grandeur. This is our fifth cruise, our first time on a western caribbean itinerary and our first time driving to a port. We drove from TN and stayed with family in Baton Rouge. Packing was simpler since we didn't have to worry about airline weight restrictions and carry on restrictions. That was nice. My sister and brother-in-law then took us to the port on Saturday, parked in the Hilton lot and walked around the Riverwalk shopping complex. The ship was docked just outside the food court where we ate lunch. I was disappointed that few of my favorite restaurants had reopened their places in the Riverwalk. It was still nice to sit on the balcony and look at the Grandeur. At 2pm, we drove down to the Julia street pier and off we went. The signage is good for the cruise ship docks and it was no problem, just a little congested at the drop off point. We had completed the online check in and were directed to a separate line, showed our passports and credit card to the check in clerk, received our boarding cards and were passing through the security line in less than 10 minutes. We bypassed the photographers and boarded the ship where we went directly to our cabin to drop off our carry-ons.

Our Cabin: 3092, deck 3 outside mid ship. Perfect location as the stairs and elevators were just steps from our door and just one flight below the main dining room and Champagne bar. More on that later.LOL We never heard our neighbors or fellow cruisers in the stair wells. It was a bit of a shock to see the condition of the beds, though. They are really sagging and when you put two sagging twin beds together it makes for a rather comical looking humpy lumpy queen bed. I would be embarrassed if I were the hotel manager. BUT, I slept great, sort of cradled by my side of the bed, since you couldn't do much cradling otherwise. Wink.

The ship: Yes, she's aging. But I think (other than the mattresses)she has been well cared for and it was a joy to be sailing her again. The crew: I think this was the BEST CREW we have ever had. Everyone was friendly, personable, gracious, smiling and welcoming. We had a great time getting to know some of the crew, you just have to engage them in conversation, and you'll have a great time. Captain Rob was very entertaining as well. Hamish the CD and Anna Banana and the rest of the activities crew were so much fun. Read more