Royal Caribbean’s Smallest Cruise Ship Provides an Affordable Escape with Newly Updated Amenities

The glamor of a cruise holiday may seem like a luxury few can afford. Yet, there are budget-friendly cruises available in addition to the pricier options — you don’t have to break the bank for the world’s largest cruise ship, a record-breaking marvel redefining luxury.

Some cruisers prefer smaller, more intimate ships, which are often underrated and come with lower price tags. That’s how some passengers felt aboard Royal Caribbean’s smallest (and oldest) cruise ship, Grandeur of the Seas. “Lady G,” as she’s affectionately known, has been recently updated and won over some new fans. “This was my 15th Royal Caribbean Cruise and I just found my favorite ship!” wrote Den7Cruiser on CruiseCritic.

It’s not just retirees hitting the high seas either. Royal Caribbean says nearly half of its passengers are millennials or younger (via Skift), looking for experiential holidays that won’t eat up their savings. So, if the idea of Lady G and other budget cruise offerings seems tempting, here’s a look at what passengers appreciated most — and didn’t like so much — about Grandeur of the Seas.

They say a lady never reveals her age. But Lady G is pretty fit for a ship whose maiden voyage was in 1996. She had a complete refurbishment in 2013 and a spruce-up in 2024, and can comfortably fit more than 1900 passengers. However, there are some things to remember about an older ship. Grandeur of the Seas was built in the 1990s, part of Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class. These ships have fewer balcony suites and more interior cabins with older designs and layouts. While the furnishings have all been updated, the rooms are still small, though efficient. But some passengers say the size of the bathrooms is a particular challenge.

But, how does Lady G compare to other cruises? “We were really impressed at the condition of it. They’ve taken very good care of it. Everything was in good condition, and they had updated things to make it current,” said YouTubers Gary and Jenn in their review of the ship, especially compared to competitors. For example, Margaritarville Cruises are affordable options, but Gary and Jenn said Grandeur of the Seas has aged much better.