Grande Mariner Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I chose this cruise because it is the only cruise on the Erie Canal and was looking for a small ship cruise.
The ship itself is an older ship and in considerable need of refurbishing. The beds in particular were terrible and had a 1-2 inch foam pad topper that was squished flatter than a pancake. The air conditioning blew hard directly onto my face as I slept, adding to the misery each night.
The captain and crew were friendly and accommodating. That said, I noticed that one of our food servers was obviously ill, and mentioned it to the cruise director, concerned that it was not a healthy situation. The cruise director replied that the staff are not allowed sick days and have to work for the entire duration of the cruise. The food servers were the same staff who provided maid service to the rooms. By the end of the cruise, I had come down with the same infection as the food server, and was not able to shake it for the entire winter following the cruise.
Cabin Review
I was in one of the largest cabins, but is was still very tight; more so than any other river cruise ship I have ever been on. The Bathroom was no larger than an airline bathroom, and my first shower turned cold after a very short time. I later learned that there is only 5 gallons of hot water available per shower. For the high cost of this cruise, a better accommodation should have been provided.