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The beautiful
Grandeur of the Seas
entered service in 1996 for Royal Caribbean International as the first of four
near-sisters that have proven to be the engines behind the cruise line's
phenomenal growth in the last decade.
Grandeur of the Seas
and her sisters are very classy ships, with expansive public rooms, lots of
teak, marble and exquisite art collections. Why not join me for a look on board? |
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Most
passengers will board Grandeur of the Seas via the ship's stunning 8-deck high
Centrum. Topped with a glass roof, this is the physical heart of the ship,
housing the Purser's Office, Shore Excursion Desk, Photo Gallery and Art
Gallery. |
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On the lowest level of the
Centrum is the charming Champagne Bar, overlooking the band stand and marble
dance floor.
Potted full-grown palms and comfortable seating areas with large round windows make
for a truly elegant setting. Up on deck 7, you will find some
nice intimate rooms opening up directly to the Centrum. On starboard side is RCI
Online, Grandeur's Internet Café, open around the clock. On the opposite side, floor to ceiling windows provide a
great view
of the sea at the Crown & Anchor Study. One deck higher, the ship's architects have designed a stunning
Library and Card Room, each with their own private veranda!
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Literally crowning the ship is
Royal Caribbean's signature Viking Crown Lounge, set amidships on deck 11 with glorious
views of the Pool Deck below. Access to the room is by panoramic elevators,
while terraced seating ensures that the Viking Crown Lounge acts as a prime
observation spot during the day. At night, all sound and light systems are
switched on and the room is transformed into a disco. Another Royal
Caribbean exclusive is the Solarium, and outdoor/indoor pool area protected from
the elements by a retractable glass roof. On Grandeur of the Seas (and twin
sister Enchantment of the Seas) the Solarium is done in a Moroccan style,
with beautiful blue tiling and some interesting artwork.
Two jacuzzis and the popular Solarium Café complement this wonderful area.
Further aft of the Solarium is the expansive Shipshape Spa, with all the well
known treatment and work out rooms. Just like the Solarium, the Shipshape Spa is
also done in Moroccan style.
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Grandeur of
the Seas
was designed to cruise worldwide. She has expansive open decks for Caribbean
cruising, but when the temperatures drop her heated Solarium pool can be covered
by a glass roof. Her Windjammer Cafe has ample seating inside, but those wanting
to have lunch alfresco can do so overlooking the pool. All in all, there are
more than enough possibilities on this fine ship, whether you cruise in
subtropical waters or choose to join
Grandeur of the Seas
in colder climes.
The main swimming pool on deck 9
is of a good size and has an adjacent shallow wading pool for children. With two
jacuzzis, an inviting Pool Bar and the upbeat tones of the resident Calypso
Band, who would ever want to leave? So it is good to know the Windjammer Cafe is
just a few steps away. Here, food is served almost around the clock, with walls
of windows looking out over sea and sky.
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Let's go down to Deck 6, which
is largely given over to public rooms. Walking aft from the Centrum is Royal
Caribbean's signature Schooner Bar, with its wooden accents and maritime
memorabilia. Right next door is the Singing in the Rain Lounge, a multi-purpose
area. All the way aft you'll find the beautiful South Pacific Lounge, Grandeur's
secondary showroom.
One deck lower
is the ship's Casino Royale, complete with flashing neon signs, in-your-face
artwork and lots of noisy slot machines. And let's not forget the elegant shopping
gallery, followed by the stunning Palladium Theater. Seating some 1,000
passengers comfortably on two levels, this is what a floating theater should look like!
The chairs and sofas in this show lounge are amongst the most comfortable
afloat, and the whole decor is just very up market and luxurious.
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Last but not
least is another double-height room. Sandwiched between decks 4 and 5 is the
bright, airy and elegant Great Gatsby Dining Room. Decorated in "Roaring
Twenties" style with matching artwork, this dining room is perfect for elegant
shipboard dinners in fine company. |
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