Grandeur of the Seas is part of the Vision Class of cruise ships owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International. Vision's maiden voyage was in December of 1996, and she is 78,491 gross tons. Grandeur was built in Kværner Masa-Yards Hietalahti shipyard in Helsinki, Finland. The ship hosts 1950 guests and 760 crew. The casino on deck 5 has many slot machines, variations of poker, craps, blackjack, and a bar. There are also eight themed bars and lounges and an open atrium that stretches from deck 4 to deck 10. An outdoor pool is found on the top open deck (deck 9) along with 4 whirlpool areas, 2 on the starboard side and 2 on the port side. There is a jogging track on deck 10. Several youth facilities are scattered about the ship. The Spa and Fitness Center can be found on deck 9. more

When Seward increased its fee a few years ago, Princess Cruises made Whittier, Alaska, as its embarkation port for southbound Alaska cruises. The good news for Princess passengers is that Whittier is an interesting destination in its own right. Don't visit between November and February, however, unless you bring a flashlight ' the sun doesn't rise high enough during that period for direct sunlight to reach over the nearby Chugach Mountains to warm town. From Anchorage, the trip aboard the Alaska Railroad to Whittier is a scenic 2 hour and 20 minute ride ($55.00 one way). Highlights of your visit would include: fishing, kayaking and day-cruises which cater to visitors who want to explore this "gateway to Prince William Sound." On your way into Whittier you'll pass through the 2.5 mile Anton Anderson Tunnel - the longest highway tunnel in North America. more