Rhythm and Rhyme Cruise Show, Performers Dancing on Stage, Grandeur of the Seas — Performers dancing on stage for the Rhythm and Rhyme Cruise Show on Grandeur of the Seas

The Top Things To Do Onboard Grandeur Of The Seas

This cruise ship makes it easy to fill sea days with fun onboard attractions

By Amanda Mesa | Published on March 18, 2024

When it comes to putting together a wow-worthy vacation, I’m all about research, planning and pre-booking. I’m the kind of person who believes that being prepared can make a huge difference in your travels, helping you maximize every moment of your vacation while reducing the potential for hiccups along the journey. That said, even a type-A planner like me enjoys a break every once in a while. That’s when I turn to cruising.

As far as vacations go, cruises — in my opinion — require the least amount of planning and effort. Everything is pretty much taken care of for you, from the itinerary to the dining options onboard. You can even book excursions to fill every moment of your time onshore with organized, carefully curated fun.

One of my favorite cruise ships, hands down, is Grandeur of the Seas. The longest-sailing cruise ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet holds a special place in my heart. I love the history that surrounds this particular cruise ship. I also prefer the more intimate, laid-back vibe it offers compared to its much larger sister ships in the Oasis and Quantum Classes.

That said, don’t let its smaller size fool you. Grandeur of the Seas is kitted out with plenty of great onboard attractions and activities to fill all your sea days with new discoveries and opportunities to chill — including a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, a tranquil adults-only hideaway called the Solarium, epic pool parties and game shows and plenty more. Here are just some of the top things to do onboard.

1. Get An Insider’s Look At The Ship

One of the coolest things to do onboard any cruise ship, including this one, is to sign up for an All Access Tour. This exclusive experience offers guests an inside look at ship operations, from dish prep in the main kitchen to the inner workings of the engine control room. The tour even includes an exclusive visit to the ship’s bridge. If this sounds right up your alley, you can reserve your spot on the tour ahead of or during your sailing via Cruise Planner.

2. Scale The Rock-Climbing Wall

Another of my favorite onboard activities is rock-climbing. Grandeur of the Seas is home to a 40-foot rock wall that’s completely complimentary to cruise guests. You don’t even need to make a reservation — simply show up, strap into your harness and get ready to go vertical. Not only is summiting the rock-climbing wall a great workout, but it also yields the most spectacular views of the surrounding ocean and isles. For the prettiest vistas, visit first thing in the morning or just before sunset, during golden hour.

3. Unwind In The Solarium

The adults-only Solarium is a tranquil hideaway onboard the ship that’s open to guests aged 16 and older. It offers lagoon-like pools and whirlpools, plus plenty of comfy areas to lounge in the shade or the sunshine. I spend a lot of time here when I sail aboard this cruise ship, either catching up on some reading or catching up on my beauty sleep. The Solarium even has its own bar just steps away, so you can enjoy your favorite vacation libations without leaving this peaceful sanctuary.

4. Enjoy A Movie Under The Stars

One of the best free things to do onboard Grandeur of the Seas is to cozy up on the pool deck for a low-key movie night under the stars. Showings on the giant projector screen rotate throughout your sailing and can range from decades-old classics to recent blockbuster hits — check your Cruise Compass for the latest schedule. I like to grab a towel from my stateroom to snuggle up with, along with a nice glass of bubbly. When you’re craving a relaxed evening out solo or with your significant other, it doesn’t get better than this.

5. Turn Up On The Pool Deck

The pool scene on this cruise ship is always great. In the mornings, it’s pretty chill — the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a little R&R. As the day progresses, it gets more and more lively. Bellyflop competitions, dance-offs and DJ-driven pool parties are common during sea days, and a great time for guests of all ages. The best part? They’re totally free for guests — no admission or reservations needed.

6. Keep The Party Going After Dark

Grandeur of the Seas offers plenty of options to keep having fun long after the sun sets. The cruise ship regularly hosts themed nights, impromptu parades, silent discos and more — simply check your Cruise Compass for a nightly lineup. They’re all free, too. If you’re craving a few belly laughs, head to one of the ship’s late-night game shows. These adults-only experiences are always a riot, and typically involve hilarious scavenger hunts and challenges for prizes.

7. Drop The Little Ones Off At Adventure Ocean®

You’ll find the best activities for kids onboard at Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning youth program. Here, kids are broken out into groups based on their age, then given plenty of fun, supervised activities to keep them busy and engaged all day long. Think science experiments, arts and crafts and more. Adventure Ocean is also complimentary and available every day of your sailing for kids aged 3 through 11.

8. Enjoy A Dazzling Musical Or Broadway-Style Performance

Royal Caribbean is well known for its amazing onboard entertainment, and this cruise ship lives up to that legacy. The two shows onboard are truly wow-worthy, and among the best free things to do onboard. One is an homage to Argentina’s iconic dances, called Tango Buenos Aires. The other, Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme, plays tribute to the hottest hits off Broadway in a stunning showcase of choreography and musical talent. Admission to both shows is complimentary to cruise guests.

9. Get Cozy In The Library & Card Room

One of the ship’s best-kept secrets is its Library & Card Room. On rainy days or late evenings, I like to curl up here in a plush leather armchair with a good book or play a round of Scrabble with my family or husband at one of the room’s several game tables. This quiet, peaceful escape is a great place to relax, unwind and disconnect after a busy day in port.

10. Spend A Few Hours In The Ship’s Arcade

My brother’s favorite spot onboard Grandeur of the Seas is the arcade. He and my husband will spend hours here playing classic games from the ‘80s and ‘90s, challenging each other to see who has the fastest fingers and reflexes. You have to pay for games, but each round costs just a few dollars — if that.

11. Discover A New Favorite Wine

If you’re a wine lover, ask onboard about the ship’s wine tastings (or check your Cruise Compass). These free sampling events are held throughout sailings and feature a diverse array of vintages from iconic and lesser-known producers. You might even find some bottles that can only be purchased on Royal Caribbean sailings.

These are just some of my favorite things to do onboard Grandeur of the Seas. You can view an entire list of offerings, or if you’re ready to start planning an amazing cruise getaway on this Vision Class mainstay, browse a full lineup of dates and itineraries.