Grandeur of the Seas

Grandeur of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean’s history, and that alone might be a good reason to give it a try sometime. It technically isn’t the first ever Royal Caribbean ship - that title belongs to Song of Norway, which launched in 1970 and was sold in 1997 - but it’s the oldest one in the current fleet and an important stepping stone that helped Royal Caribbean grow as a brand and eventually reach the huge Icons and Stars of the Seas we see today. Does the ship hold up when it comes to onboard amenities, prices, and overall atmosphere? Let’s check it out.

What we like about Grandeur of the Seas

Grandeur is definitely grand when it comes to that nostalgic feeling of sailing in the 1990s. It has some fine touches that take you back to the past, like a full teak outdoor promenade and a relaxed, more adult-focused vibe for longtime Royal Caribbean fans. 

Nowadays, Royal Caribbean is the biggest cruise line in the world, with some of its newest ships boasting 57 swimming pools, ice rinks, bumper cars, carousels, and basically a mini Disneyland at sea. On Grandeur, you’ll still find pools, a rock-climbing wall, and a casino, but that’s about it. There are no waterparks, no mini-golf or even a single waterslide onboard. If you’re a Royal Caribbean fan, don’t want to spend too much, and prefer a more adult-oriented cruise in the Caribbean, this might be the ship for you.

Grandeur of the Seas has three specialty restaurants: Izumi, Chops Grille, and Giovanni’s, which is fair for a ship of this size. The staff onboard across the restaurants and public areas is excellent, maybe because the ship is smaller, which creates a more intimate atmosphere since you’ll be seeing them often, or perhaps because many crew members have been working on Grandeur for years. Whatever the reason, they always greet you with a smile and are ready to help with anything, whether it’s at the fitness center, getting you a special drink, or making a menu adjustment.

In the end, this is a Royal Caribbean ship that doesn’t actually feel very Royal Caribbean, and that’s perfectly fine. The overall vibe onboard even resembles what you’d find on a more premium cruise line. It’s not about the décor or the amenities, but rather the fact that guests tend to be older compared to other Royal Caribbean ships. This creates a more mature atmosphere, perfect for those who just want to relax, enjoy Perfect Day at CocoCay, or get a nice tan.

What we don’t like about Grandeur of the Seas

We all grow older, and we all start to show our age sometimes, and that also applies to cruise ships. The granddaddy of cruising is actually not that bad when it comes to public areas. Sure, you’ll notice dents on the walls, a bit of maintenance problems here and there and the Crown Lounge is a bit small, but there are ships from 2005 onward that look worse than Grandeur of the Seas in this department. The main problem lies in the cabins, which definitely carry that almost-thirty-years-old vibe. Balconies show signs of rust, drawers creak a little, and inside rooms are small, starting at just 136 square feet.

Also, don’t expect huge Broadway-style productions or anything too… well… Grandeur in the ship’s musical venues. Those shows are mostly reserved for the big Icon and Quantum-class ships. On Grandeur, you’ll find a special tango performance and singers covering Broadway hits, but the shows are nowhere near as large-scale as what you’ll see on ships launched after 2020. Also keep in mind that there aren’t as many activities and entertainment centered around children, and the Kids Club isn’t as huge or amazing as the ones you will find on newer vessels.

Conclusion

Grandeur of the Seas is a historic Royal Caribbean ship and a fun choice for those who want to relax and enjoy the private island experience in a more laid-back atmosphere. The ship does show its age, and it doesn’t come anywhere close to offering the entertainment options of newer vessels, but it’s still a solid pick for celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a vacation without tons of kids onboard.