2. Oddly Placed Crown Lounge

For Diamond and above loyalty members, the Crown Lounge on Grandeur felt like an afterthought. Instead of a dedicated space, it was carved out of another lounge area with only a partial wall separating it. This meant you could hear everything happening outside, including loud shows and karaoke sessions. Additionally, the space was too small for the number of guests using it.

3. Lack of Musical Headliners

We love live music, and unfortunately, this cruise had fewer musical acts than we expected. Instead, we had jugglers, magicians, and comedians. While entertaining, we prefer more live singing and dancing performances.

4. Limited Kids’ Areas

If you’re traveling with kids, Grandeur lacks many family-friendly features. Unlike larger Royal Caribbean ships, there’s no sports court, no splash pad, and no mini-golf. There is an Adventure Ocean kids’ area, but beyond that, options for children are minimal.

5. Small and Tight Gym

We enjoy staying active at sea, but the gym was quite cramped. While they packed in as much equipment as possible, the tight spacing made workouts a bit uncomfortable, especially during peak times.

6. No Chai Tea!

This may sound minor, but for nine days, the ship ran out of chai tea right after embarkation! Every morning, we checked, and every morning, we were disappointed.

7. Diesel Fumes in Aft Cabins

While we adored our aft-facing balcony, we occasionally experienced diesel fumes when the ship was maneuvering into port. It wasn’t enough to make us regret booking the cabin, but it’s something to keep in mind.

8. Smoky Casino

The older HVAC system on Grandeur didn’t do a great job filtering out cigarette smoke in the casino. If you’re sensitive to smoke, this might be a drawback.

Our Favorite Aspects of Grandeur of the Seas

1. Gorgeous Teak Outdoor Promenade

We’re huge fans of outdoor promenades, and Grandeur features a fully teak promenade deck—something even newer Vision-class ships don’t have! The classic wood feel added a nostalgic and elegant touch to our walks under the stars.

2. Specialty Dining Options

For such a small ship, we were surprised and impressed by the variety of specialty dining options. Grandeur features Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, and Izumi, making it easy to enjoy high-quality meals beyond the main dining room.

3. Exceptional Staff

Grandeur’s crew was outstanding. Being a smaller ship, we saw the same staff members daily and truly got to know them. Special shoutouts to Lloyd and Russell in the dining room and Christopher, our amazing stateroom attendant, who made our anniversary extra special with a romantic setup in our cabin.

4. Amazing Ports of Call

Grandeur’s small size allows it to visit unique destinations that larger ships can’t access. One highlight was Dominica, where the wooden dock was so small that the ship overhung both sides. This rustic arrival set the tone for an adventure-filled day in an untouched paradise.

5. Relaxed, Mature Vibe

Unlike some of the party-heavy short cruises out of Miami, this sailing had a more relaxed, mature atmosphere. If you prefer a laid-back experience, Grandeur is a great choice.

6. Excellent Food

The dining experience on Grandeur exceeded our expectations. Even simple dishes like breads and vegetables were executed perfectly, with noticeable attention to quality and presentation.

7. Great Spa Services

The spa team was accommodating and professional, even adjusting our appointments twice without issue. Plus, we discovered a hidden gem—separate men’s and women’s saunas tucked away in the spa area.

8. Best Balcony We’ve Ever Had

Our aft junior suite had the largest balcony we’ve ever experienced. It was wide, deep, and partially covered, allowing for both shade and sun at any time of day. At night, we laid back and stargazed, making it one of the most romantic experiences of the trip.

9. Thoughtful Theater Design

Unlike many ships where the theater has steep stairs, Grandeur’s theater was fully accessible, making it easy to find a seat. Plus, the seats were wider, more comfortable, and had better drink holders!

10. Walkable Ship Layout

Being on Deck 7, we rarely needed the elevator, as most public areas were within a deck or two. This made getting around the ship quick and effortless.

11. Small Ship, Big Community Feel

One of the best parts of a smaller ship is the intimate atmosphere. On our first day, we met the entire leadership team, including Cruise Director Jamie, who we had sailed with before on Odyssey of the Seas. Throughout the cruise, we saw familiar faces and had meaningful conversations, adding to the special experience.

Final Thoughts: Would We Sail on Grandeur Again?

Absolutely! Despite its age and small size, Grandeur of the Seas delivered a charming, relaxing, and intimate cruise experience. The staff, ports, and cozy atmosphere made this an unforgettable anniversary trip.

Would we book the same aft balcony again despite the occasional fumes? Yes! Would we recommend Grandeur for families with kids? Probably not. But if you love a classic cruise experience, this ship has a lot to offer.

Have you sailed on Grandeur of the Seas? What were your favorite (or least favorite) aspects? Let us know in the comments!

Thanks for reading, and happy cruising!

— Crystal & Marshall