Holiday sailings can be expensive but reasonable rates do surface from time to time apparently. About a year ago we were successful in locating this incredible 12 day Southern Caribbean itinerary for less than what we paid for a 7day Oasis of the Seas cruise last fall. This is good news for those looking to escape the conventional holiday routines.
Ship
The Grandeur of the Seas is showing some age, but only a little and really only if you look for it. For the most part the relatively small ship holds its own for those of us who just want the sea, great food, good entertainment and beautiful ports of call. I often eschew the traditional, but old fashioned cruising minus the dress codes is exactly what I need a couple times of year. My cruising tastes were formed on Carnival Fantasy class ships and Grandeur fits that mold perfectly.
Cabin was average. Nothing special. The windows on Deck 2 have a bar in the middle but its not a big deal. There was room for a sofa, which was good. Not sure if interiors have that or not. All in all an incredibly average cabin.
Don't go to St. Croix on Boxing Day unless you're planning to do an excursion. Not sure Fredericksted has much to offer even if stuff was open. We found the KFC and one store were open.
Beautiful island. Nice area to explore on your own. We got a cab and drove around the area for a couple hours for $20pp. Don't recommend walking to Vigie Beach. Not far, but not an interesting walk.
Port Zante is very nice. We didn't stray from there other than to walk through town some.
My favorite Caribbean port. Be careful where you pick to sit on the beach in town if you go. A few dumps. But a few are good. Often wifi doesn't extend to the beach. Can't recommend where we were, but can't remember name. Its probably a good idea not to use a place that has someone pushing their place at the water taxi.