Grandeur of the Seas Review

March 2010 out of Tampa, ALSO May 2010 out of Ft. Lauderdale

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Grandeur of the Seas

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Additional details

Sail Date: Mar 2010
Cabin: Large Ocean View Stateroom

This cruise began at the Port of Tampa, which is a very easy port to begin and end your trip, once you get there, the signs leading to the port once you exit the highway, are a little difficult. So if this is your first trip to this port, make sure you google, mapquest, or have a GPS, the area on the way to the port is a little rough. You do have the option of using a valet service at the same area everyone drops off their bags before driving to the parking garage across the street. The extra $30. was worth it to us. The ship is mid sized, there are 2 pools, one under a glass roof called the Solarium, and a main pool outside. I like the idea of an inside pool in case you get unlucky with the weather on a cruising day. I was told they could open the roof to make 2 outside pools, but they never did this. There are multiple whirlpools near both pools, but they always seemed full, and it seemed like on all cruises we've taken, these people never get out! The ship is designed like a 1930's gangster movie, or if you prefer, a 1930's movie set, which looks a little odd considering everyone's dressed for the pools! But even though the Grandeur is 15 yrs old, this ship is a good looking movie set. The meals in the dining room were good, but not something I would go out of my way back home for. I would grade the food in the Windjammer buffet the same way, but you had the option to eat inside or outside, with a terrific view. We enjoyed our meals in the Windjammer the most because of the views. This cruise only had one stop at Cozumel with 2 cruising days, and on a ship this size, if your don't enjoy sitting at the pool, or gambling, you're going to get a little antsy on the second cruising day! We took this ship out of Ft. Lauderdale in May 2010, and with the added stop at Key West, the trip was more enjoyable! Cozumel, if you like beaches off the beaten path, you'll love Cozumel. We rent a car right at the port for about $50., and drive about 17km to Playa Palancar. I would also recommend Mezcalito's which is on the opposite side of the island.Both of these beaches have sand, and snorkeling areas, you'll need booties cause there are sharp rocks under the water. The food at both of these beaches is good, the beer is cold, and the prices are very reasonable. A warning to those a little more adventurous, stay away from the moped rentals, there are a lot of accidents on the road away from the port, and there are a lot of speeding taxi's too. A taxi ride to Playa Palancar is about $20. plus tip. Key West, everything is within walking distance of the port for the most part, and if you want, you could always rent a scooter. The sunsets are great, bars are loud, and fun, the food is decent, but a little expensive at some places, so be wary. And best of all, you're in America, and it feels a little safer.

Cabin Review

Large Ocean View Stateroom

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