RCCL: Grandeur or Empress

[Jason's Storm]

I am wanting to go on a one way caribbean trip with similar itineraries out of San Juan in the spring. I am having trouble deciding which one I want to go on more. Grandeur is cheaper, it goes to Freeport instead on Nassau and it goes straight to Baltimore (a plus). Empress (a.k.a. Nordic Empress) is a little more, goes to Nassau, but goes to Philly. Which oh, which should I go on :unsure:.

~JS

[Ned]

Originally posted by Jason's Storm@Nov 14 2005, 10:54 PM
I am wanting to go on a one way caribbean trip with similar itineraries out of San Juan in the spring.* I am having trouble deciding which one I want to go on more.* Grandeur is cheaper, it goes to Freeport instead on Nassau and it goes straight to Baltimore (a plus).* Empress (a.k.a. Nordic Empress) is a little more, goes to Nassau, but goes to Philly.* Which oh, which should I go on :unsure:.

~JS
13547

If I have your cruises right, while the itineraries are similar, they are also very very different.

OK...tell me if I've got it right. The San Juan to Baltimore cruise is 6 nights on Grandeur of the Seas, and goes like this.

6 Night San Juan To Baltimore Cruise Grandeur of the Seas
06-May San Juan, Puerto Rico
07-May Philipsburg, St. Maarten
08-May Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
09-May At Sea
10-May Grand Bahama Island
11-May At Sea
12-May Baltimore, Maryland

The San Juan To Philadelphia Cruise is 8 Nights on the Empress Of The Seas
21-Apr San Juan, Puerto Rico
22-Apr Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
23-Apr Philipsburg, St. Maarten
24-Apr At Sea
25-Apr At Sea
26-Apr Nassau, Bahamas
27-Apr At Sea
28-Apr At Sea
29-Apr Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Grandeur is cheaper, but is 2 nights less. Grandeur seems to have a few more facilities (it is the larger ship) and Empress is about 5.5 years older. The Empress has considerably fewer staterooms with balconies than Grandeur. The comparable staterooms on the Grandeur seem to be larger. Personally, I always take a room with balcony so I have a private spot to get away from people when I want to where I can read, listen to my music, and get away from cigarette smoke in the public outdoor areas. I haven't been on either ship, but I'd bet that most of the public space differences in quality are not overwhelming. I would imagine the service on both is about the same. Cruise Critic Reviews rate the Grandeur somewhat higher than the Empress. If I was choosing between the ships I'd choose the Grandeur based on the staterooms and what appears to be a somewhat better overall ship than Empress.

To me the biggest difference, and I think it is a really big difference is that 8 night cruise features its 2 extra nights not with 1 or 2 additional ports, but with 2 more days at sea, meaning the 8 night trip has half its time in port and half at sea. The 6 night cruise has on 2 days at sea or 1/3 of the time at sea.

Depending on whether you like to be in ports or spend lots of time aboard the ship at sea will really decide which cruise to go on. I enjoy being at sea and the activities available on ships during those days, however, on an 8 night cruise I don't want to be at sea half the time. I'd like to be in port more. That coupled with Grandeur's better staterooms and somewhat better ship overall I'd choose the shorter Grandeur cruise between the two choices. If I wanted more time at sea for those lazy days then the choice would probably be Empress, between these choices.

[Jason's Storm]

Originally posted by Ned@Nov 15 2005, 03:05 AM
If I have your cruises right, while the itineraries are similar, they are also very very different.

OK...tell me if I've got it right.* The San Juan to Baltimore cruise is 6 nights on Grandeur of the Seas, and goes like this.

6 Night San Juan To Baltimore Cruise Grandeur of the Seas
06-May* San Juan, Puerto Rico
07-May* Philipsburg, St. Maarten
08-May* Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
09-May* At Sea* * * **
10-May* Grand Bahama Island
11-May* At Sea* * * **
12-May* Baltimore, Maryland

The San Juan To Philadelphia Cruise is 8 Nights on the* Empress Of The Seas
21-Apr* San Juan, Puerto Rico
22-Apr* Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
23-Apr* Philipsburg, St. Maarten
24-Apr* At Sea* * * **
25-Apr* At Sea* * * **
26-Apr* Nassau, Bahamas
27-Apr* At Sea* * * **
28-Apr* At Sea* * * **
29-Apr* Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

13553

You got the itinaries right. Thanks for the reply. One thing on Empress that I'm liking is the vast amounts of light that the ship has.:)

~JS

[Ned]

Originally posted by Jason's Storm@Nov 15 2005, 06:51 PM
You got the itinaries right.* Thanks for the reply.* One thing on Empress that I'm liking is the vast amounts of light that the ship has.:)

~JS
13614

Hi Jason,

Can you tell me what you mean by "vast amounts of light" on the Empress of the Seas.

Thanks.

[Jason's Storm]

Originally posted by Ned@Nov 16 2005, 06:00 PM
Hi Jason,

Can you tell me what you mean by "vast amounts of light" on the Empress of the Seas.

Thanks.
13688

I looked at pictures of both, and by the pictures, it looks like Empress has a lot of windows in it. At least more than Grandeur. Of course, pictures (and 360 degree views) lie sometimes. :)

~JS

[Ned]

Originally posted by Jason's Storm@Nov 16 2005, 08:10 PM
I looked at pictures of both, and by the pictures, it looks like Empress has a lot of windows in it.* At least more than Grandeur.* Of course, pictures (and 360 degree views) lie sometimes. :)

~JS
13695

You're right about the windows, but they're stateroom windows. They're not bringing lots of light into the interior of the ship. I suspect your observation, while true, is an illusion. What you're seeing in photos of Grandeur are its balconies for its rooms, so it looks as though there aren't any windows for staterooms in the photos. It has many more rooms with the balconies than the Empress, even by percentage. They have a big sliding glass door for each balcony which you can't see in the photos on the net. The doors are much larger than the windows and bring more light into each stateroom than the windows.

As I said earlier, among other things, Grandeur is a newer ship. The newer ships have many more balconies than the older ships and so their exterior appearance is much different than the older ships. They've designed the ships now with more balconies because they can charge more for the rooms, and make larger profits, because people want the private balconies. My wife and I always take a stateroom with a balcony when on a medium to large ship. It makes the cruise much more enjoyable for us.

[Jason's Storm]

Originally posted by Ned@Nov 16 2005, 07:36 PM
You're right about the windows, but they're stateroom windows.* They're not bringing lots of light into the interior of the ship.* I suspect your observation, while true, is an illusion.* What you're seeing in photos of Grandeur are its balconies for its rooms, so it looks as though there aren't any windows for staterooms in the photos.* It has many more rooms with the balconies than the Empress, even by percentage.* They have a big sliding glass door for each balcony which you can't see in the photos on the net.* The doors are much larger than the windows and bring more light into each stateroom than the windows.

As I said earlier, among other things, Grandeur is a newer ship.* The newer ships have many more balconies than the older ships and so their exterior appearance is much different than the older ships.* They've designed the ships now with more balconies because they can charge more for the rooms, and make larger profits, because people want the private balconies.* My wife and I always take a stateroom with a balcony when on a medium to large ship.* It makes the cruise much more enjoyable for us.
13696

I was talking more about the public areas, not the cabins.

~JS

[Ned]

Originally posted by Jason's Storm@Nov 17 2005, 12:47 PM
I was talking more about the public areas, not the cabins.

~JS
13754

Ok...We must be looking at different photos. It's been my experience that most of the interior public areas on cruise ships, other than dining areas, have very few windows. Maybe the Empress is different.

I wouldn't base my choice of ship or cruise with that criteria at the top of the list, for sure.

Which ever cruise and ship you decide, I hope its truly a wonderful experience. I hope you come back with many terrific memories.

I strongly suggest you book your cruise through a good travel agent, preferably one specializing in cruising. My wife and I are experienced cruisers. We feel we pretty much know the ins and outs of cruise choices and understand the many choices one must make in initially setting up the cruise. We also know we're far better off with our cruise travel agent making the arrangements. We believe we've saved money that way too. We know we've saved ourselves from many bad decisions over the years by using our agent.

Oh...don't forget to take out travel insurance. Your cruise is several months away and not inexpensive. Things can happen between now and then.

Again, happy sails.

[Jason's Storm]

Okay, I think I am pretty set on Grandeur, but I am thinking of going through a TA, but the rate I'm getting from them is basically, what I could find on Royal Carribean's site, plus their fee. They are an AmEx agent, and short of AmEx doing a group cruise, I'm out of luck for any special things they could do. I have found extra things or money off at other sites (like free shore excurtion, wine like on cruisevalue.com or $50 off for ocean view on travelocity). Any advice? Oh and I don't have a dedicated cruise TA in my town.

~JS

[wrp96]

Grandeur will actually have a lot more light in its public areas than Empress will. One big feature of the Vision class (of which Grandeur is one) is that they have more glass in public areas than most ships, allowing more views of the outside. Plus the staterooms will be larger on Granduer.

RCI does not allow discounting, so except for group bookings, the price you find at with one TA should be exactly the same as another and they should all be the same as booking with RCI directly. If you find a TA that will offer you perks and you are comfortable with booking with them go ahead. Just remember to find out what kinds of added fees they have - example if you have to cancel or change anything what is their fee for doing so.

Once you've booked, come join us over on CruiseCritic.com where you'll find lots of information on your ship, your ports of call, etc.

[jfrenaye]

Somewhat biased here, but book it through your local Amex Agency. They probably will offer an amenity as well--a lot of agencies do--it is not advertised as they do not look to buy or bribe their business--more of a thank you for doing business.

If somethign goes wrong, they are in a much better position to fix it than a website. What if your plane is delayed on arrival and you miss the boat? Are you sure you have your insurance needs covered? Did any of the sites validate your status with the line or see if there are any other amenities available for that sailing.

Most agencies will not give the farm away if they think you are not serious--we do it all the time...someone looking for a price gets a price. Someone looking to buy a cruise will have a lot more time--fair? Maybe not, but it does happen.

Above all, be honest. Tell your TA what you are interested and what you found. Make sure it is apples to apples and I would be be willing to bet a Travel Pro Rollaboard Duffel that they will be able to match or beat the price and that you will feel better dealing with an agent versus the web.

THe bet is out there--your call!

[Jason's Storm]

Originally posted by jfrenaye@Nov 22 2005, 08:54 PM
Above all, be honest. Tell your TA what you are interested and what you found. Make sure it is apples to apples and I would be be willing to bet a Travel Pro Rollaboard Duffel that they will be able to match or beat the price and that you will feel better dealing with an agent versus the web.

THe bet is out there--your call!
14193
I went today and she said that, anything less of a group booking (when AmEx group books), they wouldn't match the travelocity $50 off thing.

[jfrenaye]

Well, I have to say I am surprised. I know we don't do price matching per se, but there is typically a value add to dealing with an agency versus online.

[Ned]

Originally posted by jfrenaye@Nov 22 2005, 10:31 PM
Well, I have to say I am surprised.* I know we don't do price matching per se, but there is typically a value add to dealing with an agency versus online.
14196

I too am surprised. Even on our first cruise, which we made with a travel agent with whom we never did business before, (He was recommended by a friend who had used them for one cruise and we knew nothing about cruising then.) the agent beat the then advertised pricing specials (No internet booking on cruises then). Today we certainly check things out on the internet and our agent always gives us a better deal when you look at the total package.

Frankly, I won't book a cruise with an online agent and I wouldn't even book a cruise online directly with the cruise line. I want an advocate and an expert and that's what a good cruise travel agent is. I don't believe the online agents (Expedia, Travelocity, etc.) will stand by you in case of trouble like a live human travel agent will. I want someone I can talk with who actually knows me if I have a problem, not an 800 number. Booking a cruise is not like booking a plane flight. There are many choices which need to be made and many details which need to be handled. I've heard of too many travelers who after making their choices found they didn't quite get what they wanted, and the online agency basically said tough.

We had a very problematic, expensive 15 night cruise on the Med some years back. We did complete the cruise, went to every port as advertised, basically had a good time, but felt we had to put up with way too many problems which were much much more than annoying. I could deliniate the problems here, but it's not necessary to this thread. Once we got back home we told our agent. He had us put everything in writing to him. He then took our complaints and "case" to the cruise line. We got 50% each off our next cruise up to a 15 night cruise. We had two years to use the voucher we got. There is no way we could have gotten the deal on our own and I don't think any online agency would have done anything based on tales from friends and some of the many cruise stories from Chris Elliott.

Finally, I'd like to add, after my incessant push, above, to have anyone booking a cruise do it through a human travel agent, I must say that $50 in the scheme of things cruising isn't very much for peace of mind and having an advocate to lean on through the booking process and beyond. I know that $50 is still $50, and better in your pocket, but as Ben Franklin once mused, "Penny wise and Pound foolish?" When you checked the price of the total package from the agent versus Travelocity was the package from the travel agent the same as Travelocity for the extra $50 or was there possibly more in the travel agent package? Did both prices include full travel insurance which is a must? I've found my travel agent gets me a lower insurance premiums than the online guys.

Wherever you book, may you have no problems, lots of sun and smooth sailing. When you get back, let us know how you made out.

[Gesualdo]

I wanted to say that perhaps the AmEx agent is the wrong agent. Most travel agents are good to work with, but like everything else, there are a few bad apples. And then, some are just better at other areas of travel than others.

I ended up booking my cruise online, although I wish I hadn't. But the human TA I chose was definitely not the right agent. I should have looked around a bit more. She was great at air travel, but didn't know anything about cruises and her information was out of date. I got a better deal by going online. But now, I realize that I probably could have gotten the same deal as online (minus the gift card incentive) if I had merely found a good cruise agent. For my next cruise, that's exactly what I'm going to do (assuming there is a next one - have to see how this one goes first).

In any case, I'll second the opinion that with an open mind, you'll probably enjoy whatever you end up with. Someone posted somewhere that your worst day on a cruise ship is still better than your best day at work! (or something like that...)

[Jason's Storm]

Ned, I believe the TA had a travel insurance package for $79 vs travelocity's $29. Though I didn't go completely through the terms of each, the cheapness of both makes me suspect.
Originally posted by jfrenaye@Nov 22 2005, 08:54 PM
Above all, be honest. Tell your TA what you are interested and what you found. Make sure it is apples to apples and I would be be willing to bet a Travel Pro Rollaboard Duffel that they will be able to match or beat the price and that you will feel better dealing with an agent versus the web.

THe bet is out there--your call!
14193

:)

[Ned]

Originally posted by Jason's Storm@Nov 23 2005, 11:07 AM
Ned, I believe the TA had a travel insurance package for $79 vs travelocity's $29.* Though I didn't go completely through the terms of each, the cheapness of both makes me suspect.

:)
14227

While the price quote by the TA definitely sounds low (I would have expected something over $100), the Travelocity quote makes no sense whatsoever. You want all aspects of the cruise covered by the insurance; air travel to and from the cruise, the cruise, any prebooked excursions (pre-cruise, during cruise, post-cruise), lost or stolen luggage and contents, delays including purchasing clothes due to delayed luggage, etc. It has to be very comprehensive.

Make sure the insurance coverage is right before you book, no matter who you use for the booking. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to use the insurance.

If you book by Travelocity, make sure you get all their phone numbers to contact them in case of trouble. Make sure you have a non-800 number in case you can't use the 800 number. Make sure the numbers they give you are specific for contacting them before and during the trip if you have a problem Make sure you have a way to contact them from out of the county, a local number in each country perhaps.

[Ned]

So, Jason, I was wondering if you ever booked the cruise. If you did, how did you book it and which cruise did you choose? Finally, what's the story on the insurance? What did it actually cover and what was the final cost?

[Jason's Storm]

Well went with Gandeur and went with the TA, mostly for the piece of mind factor. Got a category M stateroom that way we were in the middle of the ship. I believe the total was a little over $1031, or something close to that, plus her fee. I haven't shopped the travel insurance quite yet, but we plan on getting it. The main reason why we went with Gandeur, because it went to Baltimore. I hope I can get air cheaper than $270 p/p to San Juan (from MSP) and about or cheaper than $120 p/p from BWI, although those prices are about right.

~JS

[AaronK]

Not that I'm a cruise expert, but I believe that you should always go with the cruiseline airfare, that way you are guaranteed to get to the boat. If you book your own airfare, the cruiseline has no responsibility to get you to the boat.

[Ned]

Originally posted by Jason's Storm@Dec 3 2005, 02:54 PM
Well went with Gandeur and went with the TA, mostly for the piece of mind factor.* Got a category M stateroom that way we were in the middle of the ship.* I believe the total was a little over $1031, or something close to that, plus her fee.* I haven't shopped the travel insurance quite yet, but we plan on getting it.* The main reason why we went with Gandeur, because it went to Baltimore.* I hope I can get air cheaper than $270 p/p to San Juan (from MSP) and about or cheaper than $120 p/p from BWI, although those prices are about right.

~JS
14901

I hope you love the cruise. I'm glad you went with the TA. They generally know what they're doing in setting up the reservation and in case of problems can provide the backup needed, unlike the online guys. When you get back, tell us how it went.

[joyceandrews]

Remember you need to get the insurance within 14 days of the cruise deposit if you need it to cover "pre-existing" conditions.

[drwong]

You can check out various insurance policies and compare coverages on www.tripinsurancestore.com. They've done a pretty good job at weeding out questionable policies (i.e., those with narrow bands of coverage or wide ranges of exclusions) so the ones they list are among the most reputable in the business. Also, they're really good with customer service assistance, including providing a real-time online option if you have any questions. And before our cruise, they sent us luggage tags featuring their toll-free numbers should any problems arise!

[Ned]

Originally posted by drwong@Dec 8 2005, 01:09 PM
You can check out various insurance policies and compare coverages on www.tripinsurancestore.com.* They've done a pretty good job at weeding out questionable policies (i.e., those with narrow bands of coverage or wide ranges of exclusions) so the ones they list are among the most reputable in the business.
15219

Thanks for the link. That's a great resource for future travels.