We chose this cruise on the Grandeur due to the itinerary and the excellent RCI offer of free flights, which made it an attractive price. Having sailed on two Vision class ships before (Legend and Splendour) we pretty much knew what to expect of the ship, although the layout of the Grandeur is slightly different in some areas.

We flew Thompsons from Birmingham and had no problems with the flight. Royal Caribbean had pre-booked our seats together and booked meals for us, although it would have been useful to have been told this before we flew. Service on arrival at the airport was very efficient, with some buses going straight to the ship and others taking passengers on a trip to the Castle. We opted to go straight to the ship and walked straight to the check in desk and were on the ship within minutes.

Ship: I've seen reviews before about 'tired' ships and never really noticed it myself, but the Grandeur was definitely looking tired. Automatic doors on the pool deck which didn't work, some doors closed off with tape. Collapsed ceilings, plenty of rusty spots and there was an issue with toilets on decks 7 and 8 starboard side, which lasted several days. However, the ship is due for a refit next May so these issues should be resolved and, in all honesty, a few bits of rust are not going to spoil a cruise for me. Read more