We chose this cruise for two reasons - to get out of the cold for 13 days and we did not have to fly to get to the port. Embarkation and disembarkation were a breeze; no issues whatsoever. We are frequent cruisers and this was about our tenth cruise on Royal and the oldest ship we have ever been on. The Grandeur's age was not a factor. She was clean and surprisingly in better shape than expected. You cannot compare a ship of this age with all the bells and whistles the new ones have, and we do prefer ships of this size.

Daytime activities were lackluster and uninteresting. If you weren't into trivia, line dancing, art auctions/lectures or drinking, there was not much to do. With three sea days going and returning to port, a lot more could have been offered. Many activities had an upcharge. I attended a cupcake decorating class for $25, which included decorating one cupcake and making a frog out of fondant - really??? It was an outrageous amount for that.

The entertainment staff was average at best and the cruise director, although a very nice man, was not cruise director material. It was uncomfortable listening him at times. Read more