Grandeur of the Seas - Photo Tour and Commentary

OVERVIEW

Overview....................................................Page One

Pools, Spa and Open Decks..........................Page Two

Shops, Children, and Other Public Areas.......Page Three

Entertainment..............................................Page Four

Bars and Lounges.........................................Page F ive

Dining (Complimentary venues)....................Page Six

Dining (Specialty Restaurants)......................Page Seven

The Bridge...................................................Page Eight

Exterior Photos.............................................Profile Page

Pools, Spa, Sports and Open Decks is next.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE THE TOUR

Grandeur of the Seas is one of six Vision class ships.
The Vision class were built in pairs with two pairs being
built in France and one pair in Finland. Grandeur is one of
the latter pair. Her younger sister, Enchantment of the
Seas, was lengthened by adding a new middle section in
2005. (See profile). As a result, Grandeur is unique as the
only Finish-built Vision class ship that adheres to the
original design.

Grandeur entered service in 1996 and was quite large for
that time. Since then Royal Caribbean has built much
bigger ships and so Grandeur is now one of the line’s
smaller ships. However, she is only relatively small in
comparison to the line's giants. It should be borne in mind
that Grandeur is as large as such legendary ships as Queen
Elizabeth 2.

Due to the difference in size, a cruise on Grandeur is
somewhat different than a cruise on the larger RCI ships.
There is no Royal Promenade, Flo-Rider surfing
simulator, or Johnny Rocket’s as on the larger ships.
However, Grandeur’s interior is nicely laid out, well-
maintained and the facilities are nice quality. There has
been extensive use of large glass windows that let in
natural light and which provide good views of the sea. Of
course, there are also fewer people onboard. Moreover,
the officers and crew work hard to ensure that the guests
have a good time.

Passengers tend to be middle class Americans with a
substantial number of young families with children
onboard. The ship has a children’s program and areas
dedicated to children and teens.

The ship uses a traditional propulsion system with two
propeller shafts. However, her bow and stern thrusters
make her quite maneuverable. She is all-steel construction
and she has good sea-keeping abilities.

In 2012, Grandeur underwent an extensive refit. Several
new dining venues; Concierge and Diamond lounges; and a
giant LED screen were added. Grandeur's Centrum was
re-done and emerged as an entertainment venue. The
staterooms were refurbished, receiving among other
things, flat screen televisions. These alterations enhanced
rather than changed the cruise experience on Grandeur.
Guests have more choices as to dining and entertainment
but the experience remains one that is relaxed, good
quality and on a human scale.

GRANDEUR OF
THE SEAS
PHOTO TOUR
AND
COMMENTARY

The centerpiece of the ship is
a multi-story atrium called the
Centrum. This area was
changed significantly during
Grandeur's 2012 refit to
become an entertainment
venue as well as a
crossroads. The large mobile
sculpture was removed and the
area is now used for aerialist
shows. Meanwhile, the lobby
at the base was changed to
facilitate shows and dancing.

Above: Captain Trond Holm

Below: Hotel Director Francois
Wache

The art collection on Grandeur
is a mix of styles and media but
is largely contemporary.

The Shore Excursions Desk, where guests can book tours, (above left) and the Guest Services Desk (i.e.,
reception desk) are located next to each other on Deck 4 on one of the tiers overlooking the Centrum.

Below left: The Next Cruise Office where guests can book future RCI, Celebrity and Azamara cruises. It also
acts as the office for Royal Caribbean's loyalty program, the Crown and Anchor Society.

Below right: The Port Shopping Specialist's Desk. The specialist gives advice as to shopping in the various
ports of call.

Grandeur

of the Seas

Grandeur is an active ship with many things going on. Above: An ice carving demonstration. Middle: A
cooking demonstration. Right: Making a fruit arrangement.

Cruise ship photo tour - Grandeur of the Seas - Royal Caribbean - page 1

Grandeur of the Seas, Captain Trond Holm

Grandeur of the Seas, Hotel Director Francois Wache

Grandeur of the Seas, cooking demonstration

Grandeur of the Seas, guest services desk

Grandeur of the Seas, shore excursions desk

Grandeur of the Seas, Next Cruise Office

Grandeur of the Seas, Port Shopping Desk

Grandeur of the Seas, flat screen television

Electronic features added
during the 2012 refit
include touch-screen signs
in the public areas, which,
among other things, give
directions on how to get
around the ship and
information about what is
happening onboard (left).

Flat screen televisions have
been added to the
staterooms (right).