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Review of Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas – Part 1 Embarkation

December 4, 2016 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment


We returned last week from a one-week cruise on the Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas.  We chose that ship because it sails out of the Port of Baltimore – a short 30-minute drive from Annapolis.   This was our second cruise (out of Baltimore) and I must say that it is REALLY SO NICE not having to fly somewhere to get onboard!

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Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas

We arrived before noon and there were short lines for security and check-in.  The ONE BIG COMPLAINT about check-in was that we were meeting others (kids) and they were forced to wait outside in the freezing cold.  That is ridiculous – terrorist alerts or not.  So be warned if you are meeting a group – wait in your car until everyone is there.

If you carry your bags on – also be aware – there is a long winding walk where they try and sell you things like drink packages and take your photo. You will also register any kids (and get a wristband for them) along the way.  If you check your bags it will be a much easier walk but you could wait hours for your bag to be delivered to your room (they said if didn’t get it before 7, call for assistance – UGH).  We carried on once – exhausting by the end since we had a kids bag too.  Pack a light backpack with swimsuit or something to keep you occupied for first couple of hours.

 

My parents got in an hour earlier than we did – I would say get on as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

Here are the actual steps for check-in:

1.  Drive to the parking lot for the Port of Baltimore – really easy, right off I-95 and Key Hwy (right next to the ship – short walk to ship)

2.  Pull up to drop off your bags – unless your carrying on (then you will just drive by)

3.  Drive up to one of the pay station windows to pre-pay for parking – it’s $15 per cruise night

4.  You can drop people off if want then park but it’s not a large lot

5.  Walk into left or right entrance – there are 2 lines for security (sometimes really long line on one side and none on other)

6.  First show passports and boarding passes, then go through x-ray machines

7.  Complete a questionnaire (medical) then get in line (we went through quickly) to receive your cruise card photo ID – then they will take a photo (about 5 minutes) and issue a cruise photo ID (sea pass).  You will use that card for everything – room key, ID for leaving and returning to ship, purchases onboard  (acts like a credit card), gambling, etc. – so don’t lose it!

8.  Walk through the long, winding boarding area – 10 minutes?   Register any kids

9.  Show your cruise ID and go have fun!  You won’t be allowed in rooms until 1 or so.  Most people went to buffet for lunch and it took a while to find a seat.

10.  Relax and have fun – no cooking, no cleaning and no work!

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Sunset from Cruise Ship

Stay tuned for “part 2 – The Cruise”…


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