My wife and I booked a 5 day cruise from Baltimore to Bermuda for our 10th Anniversary. We also decided to bring our children (ages 6 and 3) along, understanding that the cruise line had a program for kids.

And that is where I need to begin this review. For all parents who are considering taking a vacation on the Grandeur of the Seas, you are in for a special treat. The staff in the Grandeur's Adventure Ocean Club was fantastic and took wonderful care of both of our children. We would regularly go check on them and they would inevitably beg us to let them stay a little longer. The kids were thoroughly entertained and the program was interactive and educational as well as fun. Our kids made friends with so many of the other children and just generally seemed to be having a blast. I won't bother getting into every activity but there were themed days and nights, the staff would take them for group meals or ice cream, and they even participated in a talent show and an on-stage presentation in front of much of the whole ship. There were many things that came back with us (pillow cases, artwork, etc) and it helped make the trip even that much more enjoyable.

The food was excellent throughout the entire trip and the staff was extremely accommodating. Many of them talk very freely and I don't believe I ever came across one staff member that was not polite or courteous. They also helped make the trip something to remember. The rooms were made up promptly and the wait staff was extremely attentive.

Activities on the ship were very diverse - ranging from Karaoke to a pool party to late night dancing and entertainment in the Viking Crown lounge. Drinks were very good and not unreasonably priced. You will pay more on a cruise but it was not substantially more than in a bar or other nightclub.

We sailed to Bermuda and the staff was very helpful in becoming familiar with the island and in identifying ideas and things to do. They were also able to point out which sights to see, which beaches to go to, and in helping us get a fix on just where to go once we got to the island.

I have very few negative things to say about our experience. If anything, sometimes the service is simply too good and you can feel a bit overwhelmed. However, the staff knows who likes what and quickly backed off of doing every little thing for me. My wife enjoyed the pampering however and they kept right on going.

Do not hesitate to book a vacation on this ship. The experience was so good for us that we are already planning another vacation and we will almost certainly use the Grandeur.


Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Families