Curt From Canada

Sorry for the length of this post.  Engineers never give the easy answer, especially to such a complicated question.  First the reasons we cruise, then our favourite(s).  One of the reasons my soulmate & I cruise so often on Royal Caribbean, is the wide variety of experiences on board their ships.  I am certain that there are other cruise lines that offer the same variety.  Still, one tends to stick with the known versus the unknown.  Below are our different ways to approach cruising: 
1).  The Ship is the Destination:  How can anyone disagree that the ships are so special that passengers want to maximize their time on the ship?  The large ships offer so much that visiting no ports would probably be fine.  On our last trip, Harmony of the Seas was so busy there was little time for afternoon naps (we think this is necessary if you dance all night).  Even their medium sized ships are packed with on board options.  So many ships (Oasis, Quantum, Freedom Classes) have so many things to do; we frequently are stuck trying to determine what we will not do (because there is more than one event at the same time).
2).  Travel is the Main Goal:  We have spent a lot of time in Europe with self-directed land vacations.  It is a different experience and has its advantages.  One thing that is an absolute pain is packing, unpacking and travel between destinations.  When we are in “Travel Mode” it is such a treat to unpack and pack once and wake up with a new experience almost every day.  These are not necessarily restful vacations, but they are stimulating and are normally filled with many special memories.  Although these can be had on the large ships, we find that small and medium ships are better to meet this objective.  
3). Stay Connected to the Sea:  After all, this is a cruise ship.  Some ships have a strong and obvious connection with the sea.  Everywhere you go you can see the sea.  When we travel, it is never so obvious than when we are on the water … we are not in our home, we are venturing out, we are exploring.  Small and medium sized ships maintain this connection easily.  The larger ships get, the more difficult it is.  We have been on Grandeur three times in the last year.  Lady G does not have all the “bells & whistles”, but she has sea views everywhere.  In support of Goal 2), she taken us to many places we have never been before. She also has been the catalyst, for our main reason for cruising …
4).  Make Your Own Fun:  We did not start with this strategy, but it is becoming our primary one.  Sometimes, day to day routines can foster a complacency that turns into a “rut”.  Travel is one way to shake this up, but we think the concept is a little simpler.  By using new experiences (ship or port or sea), we “connect” better on cruise ships.  Relationship building is about shared experiences, and we find that we converse more, laugh more, dance more (and drink more too) on the ship.  As much as possible we try to travel with friends.  The more friends, the more opportunities to build deeper relationships.  It does not matter if the ship is big or small, if the number of days are few or many, or if we are in port or at sea … we make our own fun.
For 1) … we enjoy: Allure, Harmony & Anthem.
For 2) … we enjoy: Radiance, Grandeur, Adventure, Explorer & Anthem.
For 3) … we enjoy: Grandeur, Radiance & Anthem.
For 4) … we enjoy: All the above.
Regardless of how you cruise … Have a Blast.

Sorry for the length of this post.  Engineers never give the easy answer, especially to such a complicated question.  First the reasons we cruise, then our favourite(s).  One of the reasons my soulmate & I cruise so often on Royal Caribbean, is the wide variety of experiences on board their ships.  I am certain that there are other cruise lines that offer the same variety.  Still, one tends to stick with the known versus the unknown.  Below are our different ways to approach cruising: 
1).  The Ship is the Destination:  How can anyone disagree that the ships are so special that passengers want to maximize their time on the ship?  The large ships offer so much that visiting no ports would probably be fine.  On our last trip, Harmony of the Seas was so busy there was little time for afternoon naps (we think this is necessary if you dance all night).  Even their medium sized ships are packed with on board options.  So many ships (Oasis, Quantum, Freedom Classes) have so many things to do; we frequently are stuck trying to determine what we will not do (because there is more than one event at the same time).
2).  Travel is the Main Goal:  We have spent a lot of time in Europe with self-directed land vacations.  It is a different experience and has its advantages.  One thing that is an absolute pain is packing, unpacking and travel between destinations.  When we are in “Travel Mode” it is such a treat to unpack and pack once and wake up with a new experience almost every day.  These are not necessarily restful vacations, but they are stimulating and are normally filled with many special memories.  Although these can be had on the large ships, we find that small and medium ships are better to meet this objective.  
3). Stay Connected to the Sea:  After all, this is a cruise ship.  Some ships have a strong and obvious connection with the sea.  Everywhere you go you can see the sea.  When we travel, it is never so obvious than when we are on the water … we are not in our home, we are venturing out, we are exploring.  Small and medium sized ships maintain this connection easily.  The larger ships get, the more difficult it is.  We have been on Grandeur three times in the last year.  Lady G does not have all the “bells & whistles”, but she has sea views everywhere.  In support of Goal 2), she taken us to many places we have never been before. She also has been the catalyst, for our main reason for cruising …
4).  Make Your Own Fun:  We did not start with this strategy, but it is becoming our primary one.  Sometimes, day to day routines can foster a complacency that turns into a “rut”.  Travel is one way to shake this up, but we think the concept is a little simpler.  By using new experiences (ship or port or sea), we “connect” better on cruise ships.  Relationship building is about shared experiences, and we find that we converse more, laugh more, dance more (and drink more too) on the ship.  As much as possible we try to travel with friends.  The more friends, the more opportunities to build deeper relationships.  It does not matter if the ship is big or small, if the number of days are few or many, or if we are in port or at sea … we make our own fun.
For 1) … we enjoy: Allure, Harmony & Anthem.
For 2) … we enjoy: Radiance, Grandeur, Adventure, Explorer & Anthem.
For 3) … we enjoy: Grandeur, Radiance & Anthem.
For 4) … we enjoy: All the above.
Regardless of how you cruise … Have a Blast.

Sorry for the length of this post.  Engineers never give the easy answer, especially to such a complicated question.  First the reasons we cruise, then our favourite(s).  One of the reasons my soulmate & I cruise so often on Royal Caribbean, is the wide variety of experiences on board their ships.  I am certain that there are other cruise lines that offer the same variety.  Still, one tends to stick with the known versus the unknown.  Below are our different ways to approach cruising: 
1).  The Ship is the Destination:  How can anyone disagree that the ships are so special that passengers want to maximize their time on the ship?  The large ships offer so much that visiting no ports would probably be fine.  On our last trip, Harmony of the Seas was so busy there was little time for afternoon naps (we think this is necessary if you dance all night).  Even their medium sized ships are packed with on board options.  So many ships (Oasis, Quantum, Freedom Classes) have so many things to do; we frequently are stuck trying to determine what we will not do (because there is more than one event at the same time).
2).  Travel is the Main Goal:  We have spent a lot of time in Europe with self-directed land vacations.  It is a different experience and has its advantages.  One thing that is an absolute pain is packing, unpacking and travel between destinations.  When we are in “Travel Mode” it is such a treat to unpack and pack once and wake up with a new experience almost every day.  These are not necessarily restful vacations, but they are stimulating and are normally filled with many special memories.  Although these can be had on the large ships, we find that small and medium ships are better to meet this objective.  
3). Stay Connected to the Sea:  After all, this is a cruise ship.  Some ships have a strong and obvious connection with the sea.  Everywhere you go you can see the sea.  When we travel, it is never so obvious than when we are on the water … we are not in our home, we are venturing out, we are exploring.  Small and medium sized ships maintain this connection easily.  The larger ships get, the more difficult it is.  We have been on Grandeur three times in the last year.  Lady G does not have all the “bells & whistles”, but she has sea views everywhere.  In support of Goal 2), she taken us to many places we have never been before. She also has been the catalyst, for our main reason for cruising …
4).  Make Your Own Fun:  We did not start with this strategy, but it is becoming our primary one.  Sometimes, day to day routines can foster a complacency that turns into a “rut”.  Travel is one way to shake this up, but we think the concept is a little simpler.  By using new experiences (ship or port or sea), we “connect” better on cruise ships.  Relationship building is about shared experiences, and we find that we converse more, laugh more, dance more (and drink more too) on the ship.  As much as possible we try to travel with friends.  The more friends, the more opportunities to build deeper relationships.  It does not matter if the ship is big or small, if the number of days are few or many, or if we are in port or at sea … we make our own fun.
For 1) … we enjoy: Allure, Harmony & Anthem.
For 2) … we enjoy: Radiance, Grandeur, Adventure, Explorer & Anthem.
For 3) … we enjoy: Grandeur, Radiance & Anthem.
For 4) … we enjoy: All the above.
Regardless of how you cruise … Have a Blast.

The sample set is still too small to draw any conclusions.  However, I have taken up the challenge to assemble the data on GTY Assignment.  Send me any and all experiences and I will prepare the data set this weekend.
 
Never ask an Engineer what the data might tell us.
?
Curt from Canada

The sample set is still too small to draw any conclusions.  However, I have taken up the challenge to assemble the data on GTY Assignment.  Send me any and all experiences and I will prepare the data set this weekend.
 
Never ask an Engineer what the data might tell us.
?
Curt from Canada

Being from Canada, Anthem is a cheap option for us as well.  We have been on her twice, and this is what we love:
Getting on a ship in the middle of winter and waking up the next day (typically off the Carolinas) is great.  It is not hot, but it is very pleasant (and the opposite of Canada at that time of year). Lots to do on this ship, and different from Oasis Class.  iFly is blast and Two70 is a very different and fun venue. Different entertainment.  We really enjoy the Broadway shows, so it was nice to not see Mama Mia (which we love) for the 4th time.  However, we have seen The Gift twice now and still don't get it.  Everything else is great. Yes, Anthem does not have Central Park and the Promenade, but the Music Hall and Two70 can be lots of fun. Best dance floor for 2 at sea (right bedside the piano in the Schooner Bar). Sailing under the Verrazano Bridge is special.  Go up to IFly and watch from there.  Both times the instructors were "training" as you glide under the bridge (It looked like too much fun to be work). The covered parking just to the East of the terminal is worth it.  Drop your bags, drive less than a minute, and park ... it is a short walk back to the ship. Curt from Canada

Our first cruise was on Radiance of the Seas in 2006 (our 25th wedding anniversary).  We remember two things vividly:
1).  Our first date was at a restaurant in Montreal called Portofino.  We were pleasantly surprised that Royal Caribbean took this into account and named a restaurant on Radiance Portofino as well.  It made us feel immediately "at home".
2).  We loved watching the guests dance all over the ship.  We were both quite envious.  When we returned home, we immediately started dance lessons.  You will see us on a ship someday.  We are not good, but we are not bad.  You will immediately notice who we are ... we will be the ones having the most fun on the dance floor.  Our favourite places on Royal Caribbean ships to dance are:
Any Centrum on any night. The Schooner Bar on Anthem (the floor just beside the piano is a dance floor just made for two). The entrance to the Schooner Bar on Harmony (we know it's not really a dance floor ... hasn't stopped us yet). Every Central Park (at night under the stars with slow music) Every Promenade (crowded or just us) The lounge forward on deck 5 on Voyager and Freedom class ships. Every Elevator that has the Stowaway Piano Player. Curt and Sue from Canada

Our first cruise was on Radiance of the Seas in 2006 (our 25th wedding anniversary).  We remember two things vividly:
1).  Our first date was at a restaurant in Montreal called Portofino.  We were pleasantly surprised that Royal Caribbean took this into account and named a restaurant on Radiance Portofino as well.  It made us feel immediately "at home".
2).  We loved watching the guests dance all over the ship.  We were both quite envious.  When we returned home, we immediately started dance lessons.  You will see us on a ship someday.  We are not good, but we are not bad.  You will immediately notice who we are ... we will be the ones having the most fun on the dance floor.  Our favourite places on Royal Caribbean ships to dance are:
Any Centrum on any night. The Schooner Bar on Anthem (the floor just beside the piano is a dance floor just made for two). The entrance to the Schooner Bar on Harmony (we know it's not really a dance floor ... hasn't stopped us yet). Every Central Park (at night under the stars with slow music) Every Promenade (crowded or just us) The lounge forward on deck 5 on Voyager and Freedom class ships. Every Elevator that has the Stowaway Piano Player. Curt and Sue from Canada

Our first cruise was on Radiance of the Seas in 2006 (our 25th wedding anniversary).  We remember two things vividly:
1).  Our first date was at a restaurant in Montreal called Portofino.  We were pleasantly surprised that Royal Caribbean took this into account and named a restaurant on Radiance Portofino as well.  It made us feel immediately "at home".
2).  We loved watching the guests dance all over the ship.  We were both quite envious.  When we returned home, we immediately started dance lessons.  You will see us on a ship someday.  We are not good, but we are not bad.  You will immediately notice who we are ... we will be the ones having the most fun on the dance floor.  Our favourite places on Royal Caribbean ships to dance are:
Any Centrum on any night. The Schooner Bar on Anthem (the floor just beside the piano is a dance floor just made for two). The entrance to the Schooner Bar on Harmony (we know it's not really a dance floor ... hasn't stopped us yet). Every Central Park (at night under the stars with slow music) Every Promenade (crowded or just us) The lounge forward on deck 5 on Voyager and Freedom class ships. Every Elevator that has the Stowaway Piano Player. Curt and Sue from Canada

Our first cruise was in May of 1999 on the Enchantment of the Seas.  I proposed to my wife on the stage of the Orpheum Theater with the assistance of the Cruise Director who tricked her into getting up on stage under the guise that she had lost her SeaPass card.  Pretty lasting memory if you ask me.  ? 

Our first cruise was on Radiance of the Seas in 2006 (our 25th wedding anniversary).  We remember two things vividly:
1).  Our first date was at a restaurant in Montreal called Portofino.  We were pleasantly surprised that Royal Caribbean took this into account and named a restaurant on Radiance Portofino as well.  It made us feel immediately "at home".
2).  We loved watching the guests dance all over the ship.  We were both quite envious.  When we returned home, we immediately started dance lessons.  You will see us on a ship someday.  We are not good, but we are not bad.  You will immediately notice who we are ... we will be the ones having the most fun on the dance floor.  Our favourite places on Royal Caribbean ships to dance are:
Any Centrum on any night. The Schooner Bar on Anthem (the floor just beside the piano is a dance floor just made for two). The entrance to the Schooner Bar on Harmony (we know it's not really a dance floor ... hasn't stopped us yet). Every Central Park (at night under the stars with slow music) Every Promenade (crowded or just us) The lounge forward on deck 5 on Voyager and Freedom class ships. Every Elevator that has the Stowaway Piano Player. Curt and Sue from Canada

Our first cruise was on Radiance of the Seas in 2006 (our 25th wedding anniversary).  We remember two things vividly:
1).  Our first date was at a restaurant in Montreal called Portofino.  We were pleasantly surprised that Royal Caribbean took this into account and named a restaurant on Radiance Portofino as well.  It made us feel immediately "at home".
2).  We loved watching the guests dance all over the ship.  We were both quite envious.  When we returned home, we immediately started dance lessons.  You will see us on a ship someday.  We are not good, but we are not bad.  You will immediately notice who we are ... we will be the ones having the most fun on the dance floor.  Our favourite places on Royal Caribbean ships to dance are:
Any Centrum on any night. The Schooner Bar on Anthem (the floor just beside the piano is a dance floor just made for two). The entrance to the Schooner Bar on Harmony (we know it's not really a dance floor ... hasn't stopped us yet). Every Central Park (at night under the stars with slow music) Every Promenade (crowded or just us) The lounge forward on deck 5 on Voyager and Freedom class ships. Every Elevator that has the Stowaway Piano Player. Curt and Sue from Canada

Our first cruise was on Radiance of the Seas in 2006 (our 25th wedding anniversary).  We remember two things vividly:
1).  Our first date was at a restaurant in Montreal called Portofino.  We were pleasantly surprised that Royal Caribbean took this into account and named a restaurant on Radiance Portofino as well.  It made us feel immediately "at home".
2).  We loved watching the guests dance all over the ship.  We were both quite envious.  When we returned home, we immediately started dance lessons.  You will see us on a ship someday.  We are not good, but we are not bad.  You will immediately notice who we are ... we will be the ones having the most fun on the dance floor.  Our favourite places on Royal Caribbean ships to dance are:
Any Centrum on any night. The Schooner Bar on Anthem (the floor just beside the piano is a dance floor just made for two). The entrance to the Schooner Bar on Harmony (we know it's not really a dance floor ... hasn't stopped us yet). Every Central Park (at night under the stars with slow music) Every Promenade (crowded or just us) The lounge forward on deck 5 on Voyager and Freedom class ships. Every Elevator that has the Stowaway Piano Player. Curt and Sue from Canada

Our first cruise was on Radiance of the Seas in 2006 (our 25th wedding anniversary).  We remember two things vividly:
1).  Our first date was at a restaurant in Montreal called Portofino.  We were pleasantly surprised that Royal Caribbean took this into account and named a restaurant on Radiance Portofino as well.  It made us feel immediately "at home".
2).  We loved watching the guests dance all over the ship.  We were both quite envious.  When we returned home, we immediately started dance lessons.  You will see us on a ship someday.  We are not good, but we are not bad.  You will immediately notice who we are ... we will be the ones having the most fun on the dance floor.  Our favourite places on Royal Caribbean ships to dance are:
Any Centrum on any night. The Schooner Bar on Anthem (the floor just beside the piano is a dance floor just made for two). The entrance to the Schooner Bar on Harmony (we know it's not really a dance floor ... hasn't stopped us yet). Every Central Park (at night under the stars with slow music) Every Promenade (crowded or just us) The lounge forward on deck 5 on Voyager and Freedom class ships. Every Elevator that has the Stowaway Piano Player. Curt and Sue from Canada

Our first cruise was on Radiance of the Seas in 2006 (our 25th wedding anniversary).  We remember two things vividly:
1).  Our first date was at a restaurant in Montreal called Portofino.  We were pleasantly surprised that Royal Caribbean took this into account and named a restaurant on Radiance Portofino as well.  It made us feel immediately "at home".
2).  We loved watching the guests dance all over the ship.  We were both quite envious.  When we returned home, we immediately started dance lessons.  You will see us on a ship someday.  We are not good, but we are not bad.  You will immediately notice who we are ... we will be the ones having the most fun on the dance floor.  Our favourite places on Royal Caribbean ships to dance are:
Any Centrum on any night. The Schooner Bar on Anthem (the floor just beside the piano is a dance floor just made for two). The entrance to the Schooner Bar on Harmony (we know it's not really a dance floor ... hasn't stopped us yet). Every Central Park (at night under the stars with slow music) Every Promenade (crowded or just us) The lounge forward on deck 5 on Voyager and Freedom class ships. Every Elevator that has the Stowaway Piano Player. Curt and Sue from Canada

Our first cruise was on Radiance of the Seas in 2006 (our 25th wedding anniversary).  We remember two things vividly:
1).  Our first date was at a restaurant in Montreal called Portofino.  We were pleasantly surprised that Royal Caribbean took this into account and named a restaurant on Radiance Portofino as well.  It made us feel immediately "at home".
2).  We loved watching the guests dance all over the ship.  We were both quite envious.  When we returned home, we immediately started dance lessons.  You will see us on a ship someday.  We are not good, but we are not bad.  You will immediately notice who we are ... we will be the ones having the most fun on the dance floor.  Our favourite places on Royal Caribbean ships to dance are:
Any Centrum on any night. The Schooner Bar on Anthem (the floor just beside the piano is a dance floor just made for two). The entrance to the Schooner Bar on Harmony (we know it's not really a dance floor ... hasn't stopped us yet). Every Central Park (at night under the stars with slow music) Every Promenade (crowded or just us) The lounge forward on deck 5 on Voyager and Freedom class ships. Every Elevator that has the Stowaway Piano Player. Curt and Sue from Canada

Our first cruise was on Radiance of the Seas in 2006 (our 25th wedding anniversary).  We remember two things vividly:
1).  Our first date was at a restaurant in Montreal called Portofino.  We were pleasantly surprised that Royal Caribbean took this into account and named a restaurant on Radiance Portofino as well.  It made us feel immediately "at home".
2).  We loved watching the guests dance all over the ship.  We were both quite envious.  When we returned home, we immediately started dance lessons.  You will see us on a ship someday.  We are not good, but we are not bad.  You will immediately notice who we are ... we will be the ones having the most fun on the dance floor.  Our favourite places on Royal Caribbean ships to dance are:
Any Centrum on any night. The Schooner Bar on Anthem (the floor just beside the piano is a dance floor just made for two). The entrance to the Schooner Bar on Harmony (we know it's not really a dance floor ... hasn't stopped us yet). Every Central Park (at night under the stars with slow music) Every Promenade (crowded or just us) The lounge forward on deck 5 on Voyager and Freedom class ships. Every Elevator that has the Stowaway Piano Player. Curt and Sue from Canada

I'm sure most of you R/C followers are aware of what's going down on this ship right now, but just in case: They canceled CocoCay because of the hurricane and then decided it was not safe to return to Miami today so they extended the cruise by three days. A lot of folks bailed in Cozumel and then we sailed to Roatan for the day. We're now at sea heading to George Town for tomorrow, then back in Miami (maybe) on Wednesday.
The three days are totally free! They extended my drink and internet packages at no charge and even the gratuities stopped at 8 days. Instead of getting off the boat in Miami this morning I'm on a whole new adventure, compliments of Royal Caribbean. This is my first cruise ever and man am I a brand new fan of this cruise line!

1. I have my Bulletproof Coffee each morning. I was contemplating bringing my set up for cold brew with me IF there was a fridge but if there is not then I won't. I can just improvise with bringing my protein and doing it hot with some coffee from the cafe lattitudes place. I try if possible to stick with my Bulletproof brand of coffee for certain reasons but it's not something I am going to sweat if I don't have it. I am planning to get the refreshment package so can get the little bit nicer coffees and not fuss with my own. So I have already crossed that off my worry list. I travel so much that a fridge is about 50/50 if I get one so I have learned to make it work either way.
2. Oh good! lol There was this one in Normandy that was just "what is the point"? Even my former spouse who was 130 pounds soaking wet with 3% body fat didn't fit in it. That was a wet washcloth stand up wipe down few days for sure. The showers and the elevators in Paris! ? The elevator was so small we sent one person up to our floor, I staid down on the ground and sent each suitcase up one at a time then took the final empty ride up! Crazy! But amusing and a fun story to tell the kids ?
3. I suppose I should just go for it with what I take this time and then figure I can adjust/learn accordingly from there. No vacation will be perfect and I have decided taking a suitcase that is too big shall be allowed as one of my mistakes the first time ☺️ I have made far worse mistakes in my life and probably will again!
A. Oh! Were you the one who first mentioned this??? I saw that and I love Neil Diamond and this was on my list of things to look for! I grew up listening to all his albums as my family drove long car trips. I could probably sing all his songs by heart. I am so so so hoping to see that one!
B. I have been pouring over the old Compasses. Looking forward to the music in the Centrum and, hopefully, some dancing. I am about to medal test for Rumba and Waltz so hope to get a little dancing in!
C. I was recently in Vegas for work and for the first time simply indulged in sitting down in the lounge EVERY night and listening to the piano player. I'd never done that before but I am truly trying to prepare to cruise. I rather liked that so look forward to the piano bar and people watching.
D. I am hoping to make this cruise a yearly enforced (on myself) vacation exile and look forward to becoming part of the Grandeur Army ?
 

On our one-and-only inside cabin on Grandeur, we had to do this as well.  Be careful if you lift up one side of the bed.  The double bed is actually 2 single beds that are connected. Without knowing it, we inadvertently disconnected them when we lifted the one to slide the luggage under it.  In the middle of the night, I awoke to find myself submerged  in an abyss which had developed between the two (now-loose) beds.   It took the attendant to fix whatever malfunction we had created.  We laughed and laughed over that one.

NOV 08 Grandeur (8-Night).  We will be the ones first on and last off the dance floor.  We are not great, but we will be the ones having the most fun.
?
Curt from Canada

NOV 08 Grandeur (8-Night).  We will be the ones first on and last off the dance floor.  We are not great, but we will be the ones having the most fun.
?
Curt from Canada

On Grandeur:
1).  No Mini-Fridge in an Oceanview.  We make sure that the Room Attendant supplies ice twice per day.  You can "construct" a makeshift cooler for bottles by using the ice and a proper flexible "bag".  We have never done this, but heard of others who have.
2).  We are not Gym People.  It is definitely in an interesting place (above the Viking Crown Lounge).  Really not sure about facilities to get ready for the evening.
3).  We have a fairly large bag (and a suit bag as well).  In an Oceanview they kinda' fit under the bed.  We lift the bed slightly to fit them under (seemed to be OK).  You  can not just slide under the bed, as on the larger ships.  We place our carry-on upright in the closet and use as a laundry "bag".
We have been on Grandeur twice already and will be on her this NOV.  This is a ship that helps you connect with the sea (something we love).  We just completed a 9 day Bermuda / Bahamas cruise that was excellent.  Not the bells and whistles of the bigger ships, but a relaxing, enjoyable ship.  Bermuda might be our favourite island destination now.
Have a Blast ...
Curt from Canada

My Soulmate and I will be sailing on Grandeur (NOV 08) ... (it will be our 3 cruise on her in the last 2 years).  We have sailed on every class of RC ship (except Empress and Majesty).  She is, obviously, one of our favourites.  Here are our biggest observations:
1) Baltimore port is very easy to navigate ... in and out.  You will not feel like you are on a "cattle call".
2) If you love to dance (or even like it a little bit), this might be the best cruise ship in RC's fleet.  We are always in the Centrum at 4:30ish to dance all the way until late seating.  Live bands on RC are great ... Lady G does not disappoint.  While you are dancing or enjoying the music, you will notice a "connection" to the sea.  Everywhere from the Centrum you can see outside.  Some of the larger ships rob you of this experience ... drink it up.
3)  If you like a piano bar, the Schooner Bar is very similar to the ones on other RC ships, with one small exception.  We find it is a little more intimate, a little more inviting, and a great place to hang out.  AND, just like the Centrum, you are always connected to the sea ... there are wonderful views from virtually everywhere in the Schooner Bar.
4)  The staff is excellent ... we have seen some of the crew twice now and really hope we see them again in NOV.
5)  We are big "show people".  Still, even the basic performances on this small ship are very enjoyable.  They are genuine and feel more like someone is performing in your living room.  Very special.
6)  If John Blair is the Cruise Director, he will perform his Neil Diamond Tribute.  We have seen twice (JAN 2006  & NOV 2018).  It is excellent.  After seeing the first time, I found myself listening to a lot more Neil Diamond.  Not to be missed.
7)  The ship is extremely easy to get around.  This was different for us on our May cruise, as we just got of Harmony ... earlier in the year.  It is kind of nice to not have to plan 30 minutes in advance to get somewhere (slight exaggeration).  Have I mentioned yet, that you CAN ALWAYS SEE THE SEA.  This is a big plus and something not to be missed.
8.  Relax ... we are always relaxed on this ship.  The Solarium is small, but very quiet and relaxing.
9)  If you like to walk, the best place is on Deck 5  where you can walk outside all around the ship ... it is shaded for 95% of your trip.  Did I mention that you are still really connected to the seas.
 
As others have said, there are very few bells and whistles.  Still this is one of the most enjoyable cruise ships we have experienced.
HAVE A BLAST ...
Curt From Canada

My Soulmate and I will be sailing on Grandeur (NOV 08) ... (it will be our 3 cruise on her in the last 2 years).  We have sailed on every class of RC ship (except Empress and Majesty).  She is, obviously, one of our favourites.  Here are our biggest observations:
1) Baltimore port is very easy to navigate ... in and out.  You will not feel like you are on a "cattle call".
2) If you love to dance (or even like it a little bit), this might be the best cruise ship in RC's fleet.  We are always in the Centrum at 4:30ish to dance all the way until late seating.  Live bands on RC are great ... Lady G does not disappoint.  While you are dancing or enjoying the music, you will notice a "connection" to the sea.  Everywhere from the Centrum you can see outside.  Some of the larger ships rob you of this experience ... drink it up.
3)  If you like a piano bar, the Schooner Bar is very similar to the ones on other RC ships, with one small exception.  We find it is a little more intimate, a little more inviting, and a great place to hang out.  AND, just like the Centrum, you are always connected to the sea ... there are wonderful views from virtually everywhere in the Schooner Bar.
4)  The staff is excellent ... we have seen some of the crew twice now and really hope we see them again in NOV.
5)  We are big "show people".  Still, even the basic performances on this small ship are very enjoyable.  They are genuine and feel more like someone is performing in your living room.  Very special.
6)  If John Blair is the Cruise Director, he will perform his Neil Diamond Tribute.  We have seen twice (JAN 2006  & NOV 2018).  It is excellent.  After seeing the first time, I found myself listening to a lot more Neil Diamond.  Not to be missed.
7)  The ship is extremely easy to get around.  This was different for us on our May cruise, as we just got of Harmony ... earlier in the year.  It is kind of nice to not have to plan 30 minutes in advance to get somewhere (slight exaggeration).  Have I mentioned yet, that you CAN ALWAYS SEE THE SEA.  This is a big plus and something not to be missed.
8.  Relax ... we are always relaxed on this ship.  The Solarium is small, but very quiet and relaxing.
9)  If you like to walk, the best place is on Deck 5  where you can walk outside all around the ship ... it is shaded for 95% of your trip.  Did I mention that you are still really connected to the seas.
 
As others have said, there are very few bells and whistles.  Still this is one of the most enjoyable cruise ships we have experienced.
HAVE A BLAST ...
Curt From Canada