We just recently finished a wonderful five night cruise aboard the Grandeur of the Seas. Visited ports included Key West, Cozumel, and Coco Cay. This was Capt Rob's last sailing aboard GOS.

Embarkation - Port Everglades. We flew in the night prior because AirTran adjusted our flight schedule three times prior to departure and we didn't want to take any chances. We stayed at the Hampton Inn north cruise port which was nice and comfortable and included free breakfast. Friends on the cruise with us drove down from Tampa so we had use of their vehicle and used the parking garage at the port ($15/day paid on exit). Upon arrival (early around 10:30) we were in a line with probably less than 50 people and they had only two security screening points operating. After the crowd size started picking up they opened a larger waiting hall /security area but we had been screened already so they directed us directly to the cruise agents and after the obligatory photo were on board. The total time was probably 30 minutes from curbside bag drop off to parking and on the ship. Only hitch was enroute to the port a train was stuck in the crossing by only feet and the gates were down. I had to jump out, add some additional counterweight to the gates to lift them up and allow us to pass. Always an adventure it seems. We were able to bring a case of water aboard in roller soft sided cooler without problems.

Food Windjammer - Okay to good. We ate lunch embarkation day in the windjammer and then ate here only for breakfast. Tried the honey-stung chicken everybody raves about but it was dried out and lacked any taste. There wasn't much variety at least from what we saw at breakfast from day to day. The omelet station was the best part of breakfast and they also always had fresh fruit. Pastries/doughnuts seemed like day old bakery stuff you'd get at your local convenience store. Read more