Norbert Nagel
This family-friendly ship is for low-cost party cruises to the Bahamas
The Ship. Grand Celebration, now 30 years old, is really a large water-taxi to the Bahamas. It also has extremely short bows and a swept-back, wing-tipped blue funnel just aft of the ship’s center. The swimming pools are very small, and the open deck space is extremely limited, which makes it feel crowded.
It has a double-width indoor promenade and a good selection of public rooms, including a large (Paradice – cute spelling!) casino, and several lounges and bars. There is no walk-around open promenade deck.
Accommodation. There are several accommodation grades, and several price categories: suite with balcony; junior suite with balcony; outside-view; and interior cabins. The cabins are quite standard, are of fairly generous proportions, except for the interior cabins, which are very small. A 24-hour room service menu is provided. The best living spaces are in 10 suites, each of which has much more space than a standard cabin, plus its own private balcony, a larger bathroom and more closet, drawer, and storage space.
Dining. There are two dining rooms: the 550 seat Restaurant Vistahermosa and the 450-seat Restaurant Riazor. They are cramped when full, and extremely noisy. There are tables for four, six, or eight, but none for two. The decor is bright and extremely colorful. Dining is in two seatings. Meals for vegetarians and special children’s menus are available.
Food presentation is simple, and few garnishes are used. Some meat and fowl dishes are disguised with gravies and sauces. There is much use of canned fruit and jellied desserts. This is strictly banquet catering, with all its standardization and production cooking. For casual meals, there’s the 280-seat, self-serve Buffet Triana.
Entertainment. Gran Teatro Mirasierra is the venue for high energy, high volume shows. Almost every lounge/bar onboard has live bands and musical units, so there’s always plenty of live music in the evening.
Spa/Fitness. The Indulgence Spa is located on the ship’s uppermost deck. It has a gymnasium with muscle-pumping equipment, men’s and women’s changing rooms, and saunas. The beauty salon is elsewhere. Massages, facials, pedicures, and beauty treatments cost extra.