Size isn't everything. Honestly, if you look at the current state of cruising, everything is about the biggest, the newest, and the loudest. You have ships like Icon of the Seas that are basically floating cities with water parks that could rival Orlando. But then there is Grandeur of the Seas. It’s the "Lady G." She’s been around since 1996, which in ship years is practically ancient. Yet, there’s a reason this Vision-class vessel has a cult following that refuses to move over to the giant mega-ships.
She’s small. By modern standards, anyway. At roughly 73,800 gross tons, you can actually walk from the bow to the stern without needing a nap halfway through. It’s a different vibe. You’re closer to the water. You can actually see the ocean from almost anywhere on the ship because of the massive amounts of glass Royal Caribbean used in the design. It’s sort of a throwback to when cruising was about the sea, not just the slides.
What People Get Wrong About Grandeur of the Seas
Most first-timers look at the deck plans and assume they’ll be bored. They see the lack of a surf simulator or a skydiving tube and think, "What am I going to do for five days?" That’s the wrong way to look at it. You don't go on Grandeur to be overstimulated. You go there because you want a ship that feels like a ship.
The intimacy is real. On a 6,000-passenger ship, you are a statistic. On Grandeur, the crew actually recognizes you by day three. I’ve talked to cruisers who have been on 50+ Royal Caribbean sailings, and they keep coming back to this specific hull because the service level is just... different. It’s more personal. The staff isn’t as overwhelmed as they are on the Oasis-class giants.
People also worry about the age. Yes, she’s older. But she’s been refurbished multiple times, most notably in 2012 and with constant maintenance since. You might find a creak here or a slightly dated carpet there, but the "bones" of the ship are elegant. It’s all about that Centrum—the multi-deck atrium that acts as the heart of the vessel. It’s not a mall; it’s a social hub.
The Real Deal on Dining and Entertainment
Don't expect 25 different restaurants. You won't find them. But what you do find is usually better executed. The Great Gatsby Main Dining Room is a two-tier masterpiece of 90s cruise ship glamour. It’s grand. It feels like you’re actually somewhere special for dinner.
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For specialty dining, you've got the staples:
- Chops Grille: The signature steakhouse. It’s consistent. The file mignons are usually better here than on the bigger ships because the kitchen isn't cooking for 1,000 people at once.
- Izumi: Sushi and hot rocks. It’s tucked away but offers some of the best views on the ship.
- Giovanni’s Table: Italian comfort food that actually feels authentic.
The entertainment is smaller scale, too. You have the Palladium Theatre for Broadway-style (or Broadway-adjacent) shows and the Schooner Bar. If you haven't spent an evening in a Schooner Bar listening to a piano player belt out Billy Joel while smelling that faint, intentional scent of gunpowder and oiled rope, have you even cruised Royal Caribbean?
Why the Itineraries Matter More Here
Because Grandeur is smaller, she can go places the monsters can't. This is a huge selling point. While the big ships are stuck in Nassau or Cozumel for the thousandth time, Grandeur of the Seas often handles the more interesting paths. She’s spent significant time sailing out of Baltimore, which is a massive win for anyone in the Mid-Atlantic who hates flying.
She’s been the workhorse for Tampa and even southern Caribbean routes out of Barbados. When you're on a smaller ship, the destination becomes the star again. You aren't spending the whole day trying to navigate a crowd of 5,000 people to get off the ship at a port. You just... walk off. It’s easy. It’s stress-free.
The Solarium: A Quiet Oasis
If you’re traveling without kids, or just need to escape them, the Solarium on Grandeur is one of the best in the fleet. It has a sliding glass roof (the Magrodome). This means even if you’re sailing in less-than-perfect weather, the pool area stays warm and usable. It’s got this Romanesque vibe with white pillars and greenery that feels much more sophisticated than a standard lido deck.
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The Financial Reality of Sailing an Older Ship
Let's talk money. Cruising isn't cheap lately. Prices have spiked across the board since 2023. However, Grandeur remains one of the most budget-friendly ways to get on the water. You can often find a balcony room here for the price of an interior room on an Icon-class ship.
Is it a trade-off? Sure. You’re trading the "wow" factor for value. But for families on a budget or retirees who want a month-long back-to-back sailing, the math just works. You’re getting the same food quality in the main dining room and the same Royal Caribbean DNA for a fraction of the cost.
Important Stats You Should Actually Care About
- Occupancy: Around 1,990 passengers at double occupancy. This is the sweet spot.
- Crew-to-Guest Ratio: It hovers around 1 to 2.5, which is why the service feels so tight.
- Speed: She can still clip along at 22 knots, though she usually cruises much slower to save fuel and keep things smooth.
The "Vibe" Check: Who Is This Ship For?
If you need a waterslide to be happy, don't book this ship. You'll be miserable and you'll complain on Reddit about how "boring" it was.
But if you like reading a book by a window while the ocean goes by? If you like meeting people at the bar and actually seeing them again the next day? If you prefer a ship that doesn't feel like a shopping mall? Then Grandeur of the Seas is probably your speed. It's for the "purist" cruiser. It’s for the person who wants to dress up a little for dinner and watch a sunset without 400 people blocking the view with their phones.
There was talk a few years ago about Royal Caribbean moving Grandeur over to their sister brand, Pullmantur. That fell through when Pullmantur went under. Then there were rumors she’d be sold off entirely. But she’s still here. She’s the survivor of the fleet. That should tell you something about her popularity. Royal Caribbean keeps her around because she makes money, and she makes money because people love her.
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Actionable Insights for Your First Grandeur Sailing
If you're looking to book, keep these specific tips in mind to get the most out of the experience:
Book an Aft Balcony if Possible
Because of the ship's design, the aft-facing balconies on Grandeur are legendary. They are often much deeper than the side balconies. Watching the wake of the ship from a lounge chair on your own private deck is the peak "Lady G" experience.
Don't Skip the Centrum Aerial Shows
The ship doesn't have a dedicated AquaTheater, but they do incredible aerial acrobatics in the Centrum. It’s intimate. You’re standing just a few feet away from performers swinging from the ceiling. It’s better than the big theater shows in many ways because of that proximity.
Check the Port Logistics
If you are sailing out of Baltimore, remember that the ship has to pass under the Key Bridge (well, the area where it stood) and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The clearance is tight. It’s a spectacular sight to be on the top deck when the ship passes under a bridge with only a few feet to spare.
Embrace the "Small" Ship Perks
Use the Steiner Spa. It’s rarely as packed as the spas on the bigger ships. Also, make it a point to visit the Viking Crown Lounge at the very top of the ship. It has 360-degree views and is the perfect place for a pre-dinner cocktail while the sun sets.
Monitor the Cruise Planner
Since Grandeur has fewer specialty restaurants, they can fill up fast on sea days. If you want Chops or Izumi, book them in the app the second you deposit. Don't wait until you're on board or you'll be eating at 9:30 PM.
Grandeur of the Seas isn't trying to be the future of cruising. She’s a reminder of what cruising used to be—and for a lot of us, that’s exactly why we keep coming back. It’s about the horizon, the service, and the simplicity of being at sea. If you go in with that mindset, you'll realize she isn't "old"—she's a classic.