Grandeur of the Seas Amenities and Activities Guide

The Best Things To Do on a Royal Caribbean Cruise


By Amanda Mesa | Published: March 18, 2024 | Updated: June 26, 2026

 

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 on board. 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 amenities and attractions to fill all your sea days with new discoveries and opportunities to chill — including a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, multiple pools, adults-only spaces, live entertainment venues, dining options and more.

Here are just some of the top things to do onboard. 

Key Takeaways: Grandeur of the Seas Amenities

● Guests can enjoy fitness features like the rock climbing wall.
● The ship includes multiple pools, whirlpools and an adults-only Solarium.
● There are dedicated entertainment venues, including a theater for live performances.
● A variety of bars, lounges and nightlife spaces keep evenings lively.
● Dining experiences and tastings provide food and beverage variety on board.
● Families benefit from the kids and teens facilities and arcade.
● Relaxation is offered at every corner, with quiet lounges, libraries and a spa.
● Want to experience it all firsthand? Start by browsing a full lineup of dates and itineraries.

1. Scale the Rock-Climbing Wall

One 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.

 

2. Unwind in the Solarium

The adults-only Solarium is a tranquil hideaway on board 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.

 

3. Relax by the Pool Deck and Outdoor Movie Screen

One of the best poolside amenities on board Grandeur of the Seas is the giant outdoor movie screen on the pool deck. Guests can relax in a lounge chair or take a dip while enjoying rotating showings, from decades-old classics to recent blockbuster hits. 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.

 

4. Turn Up on the Pool Deck

The pool scene on this cruise ship is always great. With multiple pools and whirlpools on board, mornings are 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. 

 

5. Experience Nightlife, Bars and Lounges

Grandeur of the Seas offers plenty of bars, lounges and nightlife venues to keep the fun going long after the sun sets. The cruise ship regularly hosts themed nights, impromptu parades, silent discos and more — all for free. 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.

 

6. Drop the Little Ones Off at Adventure Ocean

You’ll find the best activities for kids onboard at Adventure Ocean® Youth Program, the award-winning Royal Caribbean 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 three through 11.

 

7. 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 with its dedicated theater venue. The two shows available are truly dazzling, and among the best free things to do on board. One is an homage to Argentina’s iconic dances, called Tango Buenos Aires. The other, Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme, pays 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.  

 

8. Get Cozy in the Library and 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. 

 

9. Spend a Few Hours in the Ship’s Arcade

My brother’s favorite spot on board 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. 

 

10. Explore Dining Experience and Wine Tastings

Grandeur of the Seas puts out all the stops when it comes to dining experiences. If you’re a wine lover, ask about the ship’s wine tastings. 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 are only available on Royal Caribbean sailings.

 

11. Indulge in the Spa, Salon and Wellness Facilities

If relaxation is high on your priority list, you’ll love the ship’s spa and salon. At The Vitality℠ Spa, you can book restorative massages, rejuvenating facials, hair styling and mani-pedis. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day in port or treat yourself before a formal night out.

 

12. Enjoy Behind-the-Scenes Access With the All Access Tour

One of the coolest things to do on board 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. 

 

Find Countless Activities on Your Next Royal Caribbean Cruise

These are just some of my favorite things to do on board Grandeur of the Seas. Whether you prefer high-action thrills at the rock climbing wall or other activity centers, a movie under the stars or a relaxing afternoon at the spa, there are tons of things to do on Royal Caribbean to kick boredom to the curb. 

 

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.

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