Grandeur of the Seas

The Grandeur of the Seas is a Vision-class cruise ship owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International. She entered service in 1996 and carries around 2,000 guests, placing her in the mid-sized range. Built at Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, Finland, Grandeur is now the oldest and smallest ship still operating for Royal Caribbean, yet she remains a ship that many guests favour for her size and character. She was designed with more glass windows than most ships of her era, giving guests greater views of the ocean from interior spaces.

At her heart lies an open atrium called the Centrum that stretches from deck four to deck ten, a bright gathering point that draws people together throughout the day. The main dining area, the Great Gatsby, sits on decks four and five and offers traditional formal dining, whilst the ship also contains a rock wall with areas for climbers of various skills, a feature that has become a signature part of the onboard experience. She features a full-service spa, six whirlpools, an outdoor jogging track, and a number of bars and restaurants. Eight themed bars and lounges include the pool deck bar, South Pacific Lounge, Schooner, and The Viking Lounge, each with its own laid-back atmosphere. Mainstage entertainment is staged in The Palladium, the main theater found on decks five and six.

A significant 2012 refurbishment refreshed the ship with updated staterooms, shipwide Wi-Fi, HDTVs, specialty dining venues, a redesigned atrium, and an outdoor movie screen. Cabins number 997 in total across twenty-one grades, with 95 suites, 122 balcony cabins, 380 oceanview, and 400 inside cabins. The mix of cabin types means there is something for different budgets and preferences, from simple inside rooms to roomy suites.

Grandeur of the Seas suits guests who appreciate a more intimate cruising experience, with fewer crowds than the massive mega-ships, yet still plenty to do. She is particularly appealing to those returning to cruising or seeking a classic ship where the atmosphere remains warm and sociable rather than overwhelming. Add your sailing on Grandeur of the Seas to your profile at The Cruise Globe to update your nautical miles and grow your stats.