This well-maintained cruise liner from Radisson Seven Seas Cruises is an all-suite, oceanview ship with a 1:1.4 staff-to-guest ratio. This Bermuda-registered vessel entered service in 1999. She is 560 ft long and 81 ft wide, with a draft of 21 ft and a cruising speed of 20 knots. At 28,550 tons, this spacious ship accommodates 490 guests, and its space ratio of 67.3 is one of the highest at sea. Her cruises attract affluent, well-heeled and mostly American cruisers over age 45 who favor service from a polished, sure-handed staff. The officers are European and the crew of 340 is largely from the Phillipines. The ship was refurbished in 2007 and new owners Apollo plan a full refurbishing in 2010.
The strengthened hull of this ship allows her to sail virtually anywhere in the world, and she cruises on far-flung itineraries. Many of the cruises are longer itineraries of as many as 80 days, with shorter segments available for specific locales. Destinations include Africa, Dubai and India, as well as European routes that cover the Mediterranean, including the Italian and French Rivieras, as well as the Black Sea, the Iberian peninsula, Sicily, Greece and Turkey. In winter, many 7- to 11-day sailings to the Caribbean, central America and Mexico are scheduled to and from Fort Lauderdale.
Ship decor is sleek and understated in muted shades of blue, gold and amber, with accents of rich mahogany. Attractive art embellishes the corridors, and glass elevators whisk passengers up and down.
Dining is a pleasure, with unobtrusive yet elegant service and open seating in the Compass Rose restaurant, serving all meals. Dinner is served from 7 to 9 pm. Such traditional dishes as Dover sole and rack of lamb are mixed with an eclectic contemporary menu and served with complimentary wines at dinner. Attire is country-club casual and formal wear is de rigueur at least one evening. On formal nights, guests can take a spin on the small dance floor. Portofino Grill offers gracefully laid-out buffets for breakfast and lunch in a gorgeous setting on an upper deck, with outdoor tables available for fine days. At night, one wing of the spacious room is transformed into a reservations-only a la carte restaurant with a full course northern Italian menu and light-hearted entertainment. Lunch is also available at the Pool Grill. Continental breakfast is available from 6:30 to 11 am in the Navigator Lounge, where a coffee bar serving complimentary specialty coffees is open all day. Prompt room service is offered 24 hours a day. The complimentary afternoon tea in Galileo’s is the real thing with warm scones and Devonshire cream.
Cocktails and canapes are served in the Navigator and Vista Lounges. The Connoisseur Club offers Cuban cigars and Galileo's serves martinis and other drinks to piano accompaniment. In the Stars Lounge, a DJ keeps the tempo lively and comfy leather chairs belly up to the glass-topped bar. The dramatic two-tiered show lounge offers entertainment ranging from Broadway-style reviews to concert pianists. A casino is also onboard. Lecturers are excellent on the more port-intensive itineraries, and the shore excursions are well-run.
The large pool area amidships proves a strong lure with two whirlpools, and its occasional moonlit barbecues with dancing are something special. Golfers can practice on two driving ranges and a putting green. The well-equipped fitness center provides exercise classes. In 2003 the spa underwent an overhaul and is now operated by Carita of Paris. The library is stocked with books, periodicals and a good selection of videos. Well-trained counselors staff Club Mariner, a summer and holiday program for passengers aged 6 to 17. Passengers can check their e-mail on an expanded bank of computers and the entire ship is wired for Wi-Fi.
Cabins are well-appointed and very comfortable, and 90% have balconies. Incredibly, the smallest is 301 sq ft, and they range up to 1,173 sq ft in the master suite. Standard suites are identical. Each features a subdued color scheme, cherry accents, a sitting area, phone, TV with VCR, and one king or two twin beds. The marble baths have a separate shower and tub, the robes are plush, and the walk-in closets are enormous. The in-room bar supplies complimentary soft drinks and mineral water. Master and grand suites offer butler service. Four suites have wheelchair access and 10 have connecting rooms.
Gratuities are included in the fares. This ship provides a convenient way to see exotic locales from the comfort of a luxury liner.
