Holland America Oosterdam Alaska Cruise
We are invited on a media trip to spend 7 nights aboard the new Oosterdam in Alaska!
Itinerary: Seattle, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, Victory Island, Seattle
Every now and then a company decides to go off in an entirely new direction. I never thought I would see the day that pickup trucks would bear the Cadillac moniker, or that Cadillac would be one of the most sought after cars by teenagers! Who could have predicted just ten years ago that Apple Computer’s hottest product would be a portable music player? Times change, markets shift, and the consumer is a continually moving target. Holland America Line is one company that is not satisfied clinging to a solid reputation as a premium cruise line for “older” folks. Instead, HAL (as it is affectionately referred to throughout the industry) is in the middle of a $225 million “Signature of Excellence” initiative to literally reshape their business. “The comprehensive enhancements focus on five areas central to the Holland America guest experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs and activities, and compelling worldwide itineraries,” claims the Holland America website. What this really means is that Holland America is no longer 'your father’s cruise line'. HAL’s new Vista-class ships (Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, and Westerdam) are built on the same platform as Carnival’s popular Spirit class. At 85,000 tons each, these vessels can serve 1,850 passengers when full, nearly 600 more passengers than ms Maasdam which was built in 1993.
The Ship
Oosterdam anchored off the coast of Sitka, Alaska
The ms Oosterdam is one of the new Vista class vessels and is reflective of HAL’s new vision of the future. One thing the company has not changed is the traditional dark blue hull capped with white decks and topped off with dual smoke stacks. Even though the Oosterdam’s inaugural was in 2002, we were surprised to see the amount of wear she was showing. The leather recliners in the Crow’s Nest lounge looked as though they had been in service for ten years. Some other signs of wear could be seen on the brass-plated surfaces in elevators and handrails. Funny thing about brass plating, it looks really chic when it is polished and clean, but cheap when it is scratched. Other than these nits (as in ‘nit pick’), the ship is downright beautiful. Holland America’s combination of colors, fabrics, woods, marble and brass make Oosterdam a floating palace. The décor is elegant without overpowering the senses.
The interior spaces of HAL’s Vista class ships are very easy to navigate. All public areas are located on Decks 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10. Remaining decks are used for staterooms with a few staterooms also being located on the Main Deck (1). There are plenty of elevators and stairways to keep traffic moving vertically. An elegant spiral staircase connects Decks 1, 2 and 3 in the ship’s centrally located Atrium. A wonderful and wide Promenade on Deck 3 makes for great morning walks with 3 laps equaling a mile. The Promenade Deck also features HAL’s signature teak decking and there are plenty of teak lounge chairs, perfect for relaxing with a book. Blankets are readily available so you can enjoy your favorite novel while watching the amazing scenery of the Inside Passage go by. The Lido Pool on Deck 9 (Lido deck) is located amidships and features a retractable roof, perfect for Alaska or the Caribbean! The Aft Pool, as its name would indicate, is located aft on the Lido Deck and is fully exposed to the elements. Both pools offer lots of loungers and deck space. Additional loungers can be found on the Observation Deck (10) with the nicer teak loungers located forward on Deck 10.
Rickee looks for wildlife from the Deck 4 promenade.
The Crow’s Nest is located forward on the Observation Deck (10) and is perhaps the most popular place for viewing Alaska scenery and wildlife. The Crow’s Nest features 180 degree viewing and extremely comfortable seating. A row of leather recliners is located at the very front of the lounge for excellent viewing. This is also a popular venue for pre-dinner and after dinner drinks and dancing.
The Vista Lounge is the ship’s theater that spans Decks 2 and 3. The seating is comfortable, but the sightlines leave a lot to be desired. The best bet is to arrive early and get a seat on one of the first five rows. The Vista features the latest in lighting and stage technology and is capable of delivering a variety of entertainment options to Oosterdam’s guests. The smaller Queen’s Lounge is used for lectures, bingo and afternoon movies.
The futuristic Piano Bar is located on Deck 2 forward and makes a great place to meet for drinks while enjoying the stylings of a talented musician. However, sports fans will want to head to the Sports Bar, located just aft of the Piano Bar. The Sports Bar features several TV screens with a live ESPN feed. The Ocean Bar surrounds the Atrium on Deck 3 (Promenade Deck) and also features live entertainment each evening.
The Erasmus Library on Promenade Deck (3) is well stocked with a variety of the latest books and board games. Plush leather seating offers a quiet sanctuary for guests looking for a peaceful place to read the latest novel. Each book must be “checked out” and a $25 charge is put on your shipboard account until the book is returned.
The Internet Lounge is one of the nicest you will find on any ship. There are plenty of workstations and the pricing is fair, $40 for 100 minutes (40 cents per minute) or 75 cents per minute if you go on a per minute basis. The problem with the prepaid services (50 minute or 100 minute package) is you will not receive any refund for unused minutes at the end of the cruise. However, if an interruption in the service during the last day or so of your cruise prevents you from using your minutes, you will be credited on the last day of the cruise.
The Shopping Arcade features a nice assortment of shops selling such items as clothing, jewelry, liquor, logo items and sundries. You cannot miss the shops since they have been strategically placed to capture all foot traffic on Deck 3 as you move from one end of the ship to the other.
The Gym and Greenhouse Spa are located on the Lido Deck forward. The Gym is well equipped with the latest cardio equipment as well as weight training circuit machines and free weights. The Greenhouse Spa offers a wide variety of massage, facials, and manicure treatments. For $109 I got an amazing back and shoulder massage and facial treatment that lasted more than an hour. There is also a hair salon.
Accommodations
Staterooms and suites aboard Oosterdam range in size from a modest 183 sq. ft. to as much as 1,318 sq. ft. Our Deluxe Verandah Outside Stateroom was 249 sq. ft. including a nice-sized balcony. The stateroom was a little cramped and suffered from a lack of storage space. Other than the small nightstands, there was no drawer space to be found. We were able to use the shelves in the closet as drawers. HAL claims that the drawers were replaced with the mini-bar/refrigerator in response to customer suggestions. The closets themselves were very roomy and were full of wooden hangers. Even though Oosterdam has not yet undergone the Signature of Excellence overhaul (it is scheduled for September of ’06), we found the bed to be very comfortable. The bathroom features a full-sized tub/shower combination. The bathroom, too, has minimal storage with only a single tower of narrow glass shelves next to the sink. A small sofa and chair surround a small coffee table. The desk/entertainment center could also use some drawers and shelves. There is very little space for using a laptop computer or plugging in charging units for cameras, video cameras, etc.
Our stateroom was very quiet throughout the entire cruise and its location on Deck 5 put us within easy walking distance of most of the ship’s facilities. The plumbing, heating and A/C worked flawlessly throughout the entire cruise.
Dining
Rickee and I find time for a quick photo before heading to dinner at the Vista Restaurant.
We found the overall dining experience on our Oosterdam Alaska cruise to be much improved over our 2003 Zuiderdam sailing. Oosterdam offers guests several dining choices throughout the day. Each day begins with breakfast, which can be enjoyed buffet style at the Lido Restaurant or a traditional, full service breakfast in the Vista Dining Room. The Lido is the best bet for variety. Eggs made to order can be accompanied by bacon, sausage, ham, potatoes, grits, or just about anything else you can think of. A large variety of doughnuts, breads, waffles, pancakes and pastries as well as fruit and yogurt are offered here as well. My favorite morning spot is the Windstar Café located on Deck 2. This is Oosterdam’s premium coffee shop where you can get Espresso, Cappuccino, Mocha Latte or any other coffee drink you can imagine. The beverages here are not complimentary, though. A 16oz. Americano will cost you $2 plus gratuity (about the same as Starbucks). However, the quality of the fresh brewed coffee served here far exceeds that served in the Lido or in the Vista Dining Room.
Lunchtime offers perhaps the most choices of all. If you wander up to the Lido on Deck 9 you could have a sandwich made-to-order. Or, you could walk a few more feet and choose from a variety of meats and vegetables that change each day. Or, if you make it all the way forward to the Asian Wok, you could partake of fresh sushi and Chinese, Thai or Vietnamese wok creations with fried rice. Or, you could do it all! If a burger or fajitas is more your style, you could step out to the Terrace Grill and enjoy your lunch “al fresco”. Of course, you could also enjoy a full service lunch served in the Vista Dining room with a menu which changes every day. Be advised, the Vista Dining Room is only open for lunch on sea days.
“Enjoy dinner in The Pinnacle Grill on the first night of your cruise and pay only $10 per person instead of the normal $20 per person!”
Dinner is served in the Vista Dining Room at four different times: 5:30pm, 6:00pm, 7:45pm and 8:00pm. We found the service in the Vista to be very good, even though we were seated at a table for ten. Dinner orders were taken promptly and all courses were delivered in a timely fashion. The menu selections on Holland America should appeal to just about any palate. Food quality and preparation ranges from average to good with very few real misses along the way. Presentation is exceptional for a large, busy dining room. Entrees are served on gold accented china plates and each one is carefully turned so that the distinctive HAL logo is found at the 12 o’clock position in front of you. Those who wish to dine without the regiment of set dining times can opt for dinner in the Lido Restaurant anytime from 5:30 till 7:45 pm each evening, or, the evening menu is available delivered to your stateroom or suite via Room Service, something you will not find on most other large ship cruise lines. For a true 5-star dining experience, however, Holland America guests should make reservations at the ship’s premier restaurant, The Pinnacle Grill at the Odyssey. It is well worth the nominal service charge to experience the food and service at the Pinnacle Grill. The Pinnacle grill is open for lunch on sea days and dinner every evening. Lunch is $10 per person and dinner is $20 per person (only $10 pp on the first night of every cruise).
Entertainment
Even though somewhat improved over the abysmal entertainment we experienced two years ago on Oosterdam’s sister ship, Zuiderdam, this is still an area that does not live up to the expectations one has of a “premium” cruise line. Evening entertainment options are varied throughout the week with musical acts, magicians, jugglers, comedians and two “big” production shows featuring the Oosterdam Singers and Dancers. The cast of singers and dancers is extremely talented and do their best to deliver on lackluster productions. In the Rockin’ Road show, the stage sets hardly changed at all throughout the show and there was only one noticeable costume change. Even though the title would lead one to believe the show would focus on rock and roll, the whole show had more of a country western feel. Also noticeable is the lack of a live orchestra during production shows. Music is taped and many numbers are lip synched. On the upside, the selection of comedians, magicians and other entertainers which appear in the Vista Lounge was exceptional.
Note: HAL claims to be developing three new shows which will be released in late February 2006.
Activities
Cruise Director, Steve Gayda, did an exceptional job of keeping guests busy with a variety of activities during our cruise. Below is a list of available activities for one of the “at sea” days on Oosterdam:
8:00 am Aerobics class
9:00 am Shore Excursion Talk
9:00 am Pathway to Yoga Program (nominal fee)
9:15 am Mixed Ping Pong Tournament
9:30 am Pictionary Fun
10:00 am Port and Shopping Information Talk
10:00 am Casino Gaming Lessons
10:00 am Pinnacle Grill Open House and Kitchen Tour
10:30 am Quoits (game) Women vs. Men
10:30am Spa Seminar Eat More to Weigh Less
11:00 am Snowball Jackpot Bingo
Noon Singles Lunch
12:00 pm Naturalist Lecture Alaska, Wild and Wonderful
12:15 pm Line Dance Class
1:00 pm Martini Bartending Class
1:00 pm Ship Building Competition
1:15 pm Golf Chipping Contest
2:30 pm Team Trivia
3:15 pm Snowball Jackpot Bingo
3:15 pm Royal Dutch Afternoon Tea
3:30 pm Digital Camera Seminar
9:15 pm Karaoke
11:00 pm Let’s Celebrate Dance Party
It’s easy to see that you will not be bored on Holland America, unless of course, you choose to be.
Itinerary and Excursions
Our 7-night Alaska Explorer Cruise sailing roundtrip out of Seattle is a great way to get a taste of Alaska. This is especially good for first-time Alaska cruisers who want the convenience of avoiding international air travel (most Alaska itineraries require flying into or out of Vancouver, BC).
Seattle, Washington - This cruise embarks and disembarks in Seattle, making this one of the most convenient Alaska itineraries available. Seattle is a beautiful city and one well worth spending an extra day or two before or after the cruise to discover on your own. We were fortunate to book a room at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Seattle. The hotel is amazing and is located within walking distance of many of Seattle's most popular attractions, most notably, Pike Street Market. The market is located on the waterfront and is where locals and tourists congregate to buy fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, fresh flowers and souvenirs from hundreds of local vendors. We purchased an amazing floral arrangement for only $5 that would have easily cost $30 or more in Dallas. We enjoyed it in our stateroom throughout the cruise!
Juneau, Alaska - Juneau is nestled between Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts, which gives the town a beautiful scenic setting as well as natural protection from cold winds and permafrost common to Alaska. In 1900, the capital of Alaska was moved from Sitka to Juneau where it has remained ever since. Our Juneau Icefield & Glacier Flightseeing by Floatplane excursion ($174 per person), a one hour and fifteen minute excursion (40 minutes flight time), offers some great glacier sightseeing and photo opportunities, depending on the weather conditions. It was overcast on our visit to Juneau (a very common weather condition in Alaska) and the visibility was limited. A better excursion, albeit more costly, would be one of the helicopter flightseeing trips which were sold out on our cruise. Book early and in advance if you want to do a helicopter sightseeing trip.
Rickee and Donna partake of the Dutch tradition of split pea soup with John Hopkins glacier in the background.
Glacier Bay - Our unscheduled stop at Glacier Bay was amazing. Our visit to John Hopkins and Margerie Glaciers was a memorable one. This is a great place to get out on deck and enjoy the Dutch tradition of eating green pea soup as you watch the glaciers in all their majesty. Normally, the ship visits Hubbard Glacier, but due to rough seas, the Captain decided to take Oosterdam to Glacier Bay instead. This was an unexpected delight!
Sitka, Alaska - Alaska's "Little Russia" shows little evidence of its Russian ancestry. Sitka's beautiful scenery is its most treasured asset. The island is covered with lush spruce forests that stretch to the water's edge. Having been to Sitka on multiple cruises, we opted to just walk around town on our own. There are a few small tour operators right near the pier where the tenders drop passengers, so we paid $12 for a van to drive us to the Alaska Raptor Center where we paid another $12 per person admission. This was a great way to spend an hour or so viewing a variety of bald eagles, owls and other raptors cared for by the center. Birds that have been injured are brought to the Raptor Center for rehabilitation and, hopefully, reintroduction to the wild. There are some great bike and hike tours available through the cruise line that we can also recommend.
Rickee and I enjoying a brief rest during our ride in Ketchikan.
Ketchikan, Alaska - Typically the first Alaskan port visited by northbound cruise ships, Ketchikan offers the best shopping in Alaska and some of our favorite excursions. On this trip, we opted for the Harley Davidson® Motorcycle Tour ($251 rider/$131 passenger). Having recently been reintroduced to motorcycling with the purchase of my own Harley, I could not pass up the opportunity to ride in Alaska. This is a must-do excursion for any biker. The tour is operated by Panhandle Motorcycle Adventures and includes the use of a helmet, raingear (if necessary), and riding gloves. The folks at Panhandle were very friendly, helpful and safety conscious. After a short briefing about group riding and the basics of operation, we mounted our Harley Sportster 883 bikes for the 3 & 1/2 hour ride through the Ketchikan countryside. The tour included a stop at a local coffee shop and a visit to Totem Bight State Park. There were eight bikes in our group plus a couple of tour guide bikes. Regular stops were made along the Tongass Highway for photo ops and explanations of the sites.
Victoria, BC Canada - This city is situated on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island. Originally founded in 1843 as a trading post for the Hudson Bay Company, Victoria now serves as the provincial capital of British Columbia. Victoria is the last port visited on this cruise and the stop is probably only done to satisfy the Jones Act (requiring non-U.S.-flagged vessels to visit a foreign port before returning to a U.S. port). Oosterdam is scheduled to arrive in Victoria at 8:00pm, however, we arrived late on our cruise, about 8:45pm. Unfortunately, we chose the Victoria by Horse-Drawn Trolley excursion, with our problem being one of total darkness! In September, the sun goes down about 6pm and by 9:00pm when we boarded our trolley, there was literally nothing to see. We learned later that HAL does inform guests that the tour is conducted in the dark during the shore excursion talk on Victoria. Unfortunately, we did not attend the tour talk. Nevertheless, some people still want to take the tour to see the lights of Victoria. Our advice would be to opt for another excursion, or simply stay on board and enjoy a leisurely dinner.
Conclusion
Holland America has positioned itself as a "premium" cruise line. This relatively new class of cruising fits in somewhere between mass-market and upscale lines. Holland America Line appeals to the cruise consumer looking for a bit more style than is offered by lines like Carnival, NCL and Royal Caribbean, yet without the upscale prices of Seabourn, Silversea and Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. This puts Holland America Line in a category with Celebrity Cruises and Oceania. What distinguishes Holland America from other lines is its long-standing tradition of excellence, great lecture series, worldwide itineraries, friendly Indonesian staff, highly respected Alaska cruises and cruise tours and a growing fleet of beautiful new Vista-class ships. We are sorry to see the line move away from the "no tipping required" policy, because it was such a distinctive characteristic. Nevertheless, Holland America is able to offer some cruise fares that compete with mass-market lines. The 7-Day Alaska Explorer cruise will be offered May 6, 2006 through September 16, 2006 (click here to see details and dates).
Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down
During a bridge tour, Captain van Donselear shows Rickee exactly where Oosterdam is positioned.
👍🏻 - Captain, Jeroen van Donselear - The young Master of Oosterdam did an exemplary job during our cruise. In addition to being quite personable and approachable (something that we cannot say of all ship Captains), he did an admirable job of getting permission to have the ship visit Glacier Bay to avoid rough seas en route to the scheduled stop at Hubbard Glacier. The Glacier Bay alternative was an expensive one for the Oosterdam (the national park charges $12 per passenger which was absorbed by HAL).
👍🏻 - Food Quality - The Vista Dining Room offers good food, good service and a nice menu selection with top-notch presentation while The Pinnacle at the Odyssey delivers a true 5-star dining experience.
👍🏻 - The Pinnacle Grill - A true 5-star restaurant with exceptional food quality, presentation and impeccable service. Reservations are required and there is a $20pp service charge (Only $10pp on the first night of the cruise). The prime steaks served here are as good as you will find in any Texas prime steakhouse and cooked to perfection. Lunch is served here on sea days ($10 pp).
👍🏻 - Lecture Series - One thing that Holland America does very well is in offering a great variety of lectures throughout their cruises. It is one of the things that distinguishes HAL from the mass market cruise lines and even from other premium lines.
👍🏻 - Ship decor - The ship is beautiful and very nicely decorated.
👍🏻 - Windstar Cafe - Great coffee shop and patisserie offers the best coffee on the ship.
👍🏻 - Fitness Center - The fitness center is well-equipped with the latest treadmills, cycles, weight-lifting equipment and free weights.
👍🏻 - Alaska Itinerary - The Seattle roundtrip itinerary is a great way to get a taste of Alaska without the hassle of an international flight. Seattle is easy to get to and is a great city to spend a couple of days before or after the cruise.
👍🏻 - Internet Cafe - The decor of the Internet Cafe is as nice as any you will find on any vessel. The Internet service on Oosterdam is now provided by Maritime Telecommunications Network. Even though we had several problems getting connected to the Internet, the connection speeds were decent once we were able to connect. Guests can pay on a per minute basis (65 cents per minute), or by purchasing a block of 100 minutes for $50 (average 50 cents per minute). The 100 minute block is a better deal, but you run the risk of ending up with unused minutes at the end of the cruise, especially if the Internet service is unavailable on the last day or two, as it was on our cruise.
Rickee and I pose with the staff of Panhandle Motorcycle Adventures.
👍🏻 - Harley Davidson Tour, Ketchikan - One of the best excursions we have ever had on ANY cruise (and one of the most expensive). There is no better way to see Ketchikan than on two wheels. Ray and Terri Kolean, owners of Panhandle Motorcycle Adventures offer bikers an exceptional way to see Ketchikan.
👎🏻 - New tipping/liquor policies - In an effort to offer cruise fares that compete with mass market cruise lines, HAL has abandoned its long-standing "No tipping required" policy. Now a $10 per day/per person gratuity is automatically added to your stateroom account. Of course, this can be adjusted by visiting the Reception desk. Also gone is the ability to consume liquor in your stateroom that you purchase in the onboard liquor store.
👎🏻 - Production Shows - The production shows could benefit from, well. . . better production. The singers and dancers are gifted, but they need better props, costumes and the vibrancy of a live orchestra. Note: HAL claims to be developing three new shows which will be released in late February 2006.
👎🏻 - Victoria Excursion - Our horse drawn carriage ride did not even start until 8:30pm which, in September, put us into total darkness. This may be a fine excursion in May thru July, but as the days get shorter, there is little to see other than the lights on the Parliament buidling.
👎🏻 - Stateroom Storage - Our Superior Stateroom could have benefited from more storage space. There was very little drawer space and bathroom storage was limited as well.
If you have any questions about our Oosterdam Alaska cruise, please feel free to email us at reviews@cruisereport.com and we will do our best to answer any questions.
Chris Dikmen and Rickee Richardson are seasoned cruise travel journalists
Scotch and Water - Hebridean Island Cruises Review
We spend 7 nights aboard Hebridean Spirit sailing from Kusadai to Sicily.
Hebridean Spirit docked in Kusadasi, Turkey
Alma Moss is an “eighty-something” great-grandmother and a seasoned cruise veteran with eleven cruises on Hebridean to her credit. You will not find Alma on the big cruise ships in the Caribbean. Alma is perfectly happy on her favorite ship, the Hebridean Spirit. In fact, Alma has already booked three more cruises on Spirit and her sister ship, Hebridean Princess. Any cruise line would love to have loyal passengers like Alma. Hebridean Island Cruises appears to have a lot of them.
Hebridean Island Cruises is a small ship cruise line operating two vessels. The company is based in England and is primarily marketed in the U.K. Hebridean Princess was the first ship in the 16-year old company’s fleet. Originally built as a ferry, the Princess was completely reincarnated in 1989 as a luxury cruise ship with a passenger capacity of just 49 guests. Between March and November, Hebridean Princess embarks on three to eight-night cruises to the Inner and Outer Hebrides (in Scotland) and ventures north to the Orkneys and Shetlands, and for 2005 Norway. By contrast, her sister ship, Hebridean Spirit, is a bit larger, catering to 80 guests, and sails year round to exotic destinations ranging from the northernmost extremes of Norway to the Indian Ocean.
Our seven night cruise from Kusadasi (pronounced ‘koo-shuh-da-suh’ in Turkish), Turkey, to Catania, Sicily, aboard Hebridean Spirit was an adventure few Americans get to enjoy. Even though Hebridean Cruises does not actively market its cruises in North America, Americans and Canadians are welcome and can inquire about Hebridean through any U.S. travel agent. On our sailing, Rickee and I were the only Americans on board. The majority of the guests were from the U.K. with a couple of Canadians thrown in for good measure.
Getting to the Ship
Many sailings on Hebridean Spirit will begin with a charter flight from London’s Stansted airport to the city from which the ship will depart. Hebridean has contracted with Charter Express to provide its charter air services. Our trip began with a flight on American Airlines, Business Class service, from DFW to London's Gatwick airport scheduled to arrive the day before the cruise. We made the mistake of taking the train from Gatwick to Stansted airport. Even though the trip by train was an hour shorter than the bus trip, this plus turned into a minus when I had to lug our heavy bags up and down several flights of stairs at various train stations each time we had to change trains. It also didn't help that our first train broke down and had to be removed from service forcing us to find another way to reach our destination.
CruiseReport.com Tip If you are taking the trains in London don’t waste your money on a First Class ticket. The seating is not that much better.
The train trip took about 1 hour 45 minutes total to finally reach the Stansted airport station and we arrived at the Stansted Radisson SAS hotel around noon. If you are planning to stay at Stansted overnight, we highly recommend Radisson SAS. The hotel is located at the airport and is a short walk from the terminal building. The Radisson SAS is brand new and beautiful. We heard several complaints about the Stansted Hilton and opted for the Radisson SAS instead. It was a wise choice.
The next morning, we walked from the hotel to the terminal (about a 3 minute walk) at 6:30am and proceeded to the Hebridean charter air check-in counter. We were given our boarding passes and instructed to go to the gate where there would be a continental breakfast available. Once we arrived at the gate, Hebridean representatives were there to greet us and offer coffee, tea, juice and a variety of pastries. Champagne and Mimosas were available, too! We were amazed by the number of people mingling in the gate area who appeared to already know each other from previous Hebridean cruises.
At 7:45am we begin boarding the chartered Boeing 737 for the flight to Izmir, Turkey, a 3 ½ hour flight with a 2 hour time change. There were about 68 passengers on the flight so there was plenty of room to spread out. The seating on the plane was a little cramped, but Hebridean distributed a note explaining that the “normal” charter jet was being re-configured with a new interior and the plane we were on was only being used temporarily. There were 5 flight attendants and all were very professional and courteous. A nice meal was served about 1 ½ hours after takeoff.
Upon arrival in Izmir, Turkey, we identified our bags, breezed through immigration and were loaded onto two motor coaches for the 30 minute ride from Izmir to Kusadasi, the port city from where the ship embarks. All of the baggage was handled for us by Hebridean and we never saw our bags again until we boarded the ship.
When we arrived in Kusadasi, we again went through port security and made the short walk to the ship. We boarded the ship on Deck 3 where Captain Tim Roberts was waiting to greet all of us. After a short stop at the Reception Desk to drop off our passports, we were given our room keys and boarding cards and were escorted to our stateroom.
The Ship
The Skye Lounge is the main meeting spot on Hebridean Spirit.
Hebridean Spirit is the larger of the two Hebridean vessels. She can accommodate up to 80 passengers and has a full-time crew of around 70. That is nearly a 1:1 crew to guest ratio. The ship looks a bit stodgy and, quite frankly, unimpressive from the exterior. However, the interior areas of the Spirit are very well-appointed. The ship’s hallways and cabins are lined with dark, rich hardwoods upon which are hung artwork. When the ship is docked, all guests arrive on Deck 3 into the ship’s Reception area. A small lounge area, the Purser’s Office, and a small gift shop are located here. Just aft of Reception is the Skye Lounge, the ship’s largest gathering spot.
The décor of the Skye Lounge is English Country House with a variety of high back armchairs, elegant sofas and mahogany tables. The feeling is more like being in someone’s home instead of in a cruise ship lounge. There is even a large fireplace at one end of the room (for visual effect only). The Skye Lounge is the central meeting place for virtually all functions on board. Evening cocktail receptions, excursion talks and lectures all take place here.
The Argyll Restaurant is located on Deck 2 and is the ship’s main dining salon for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The décor is elegant without being too stuffy or pretentious. The Spa and Gymnasium are located on Deck 4 aft. There is a small hair salon, a massage room and a workout room with a treadmill, exercise bike and, well, that’s about it. Deck 5 is the Mizzen Deck and is where you will find the pool (albeit a very small one), a pool bar and tables for al fresco dining. Deck 6 hosts the Travel Library, the Look out Lounge which was the cigar/smoking lounge, and the Panorama Lounge. 'Serve yourself ' coffee, tea and pastries were available 24-hours a day from an area outside the Travel Library, and bottles of liquor and mixers were available in the Panorama Lounge at all times in case you felt the urge to mix yourself a drink or have a nightcap. Fresh fruit was offered from a large beautiful bowl placed in the Panorama Lounge.
The vessel is extremely well maintained. There is no visible rust on the exterior painted areas and all carpeting and fabrics are spotless. A few smudges on the brass handrails are about all you may encounter, which are nearly impossible to avoid. There are public restrooms on every deck and they were spotless, as well.
One of the most notable features of the ship is how mechanically sound she is. Unquestionably this is one of the quietest ships we have ever sailed on. There is virtually no engine noise or vibration anywhere on the ship, even on the lower aft decks.
Accommodations
Staterooms are large and tastefully decorated.
All staterooms on Hebridean Spirit are ocean view and a few have balconies (on Deck 5). Our stateroom was on Deck 3 and had a large picture window. There are some staterooms on Deck 2 that have portholes. The stateroom was larger than you might expect on a small ship, especially the bathroom. Dark wood paneling gives the room a yacht-like feel. There is plenty of closet space with wooden hangers and, something we have never seen on a cruise ship before, an iron and ironing board! There is also a nifty heated trouser press. The small entertainment center/storage area contains several drawers, a mini-bar stocked with complimentary soft drinks and other beverages, a safe and a coffee/tea maker.
The seating area consists of two comfortable chairs and a small coffee table. The queen-size bed was a little too firm for our liking, but it was not “rock hard” like some we have seen (or felt). The bedding was pretty standard hotel-type sheets and blankets.
The bathroom was very nice, with a large tub/shower combination. A single large sink with vanity along with an additional group of shelves above the toilet offered plenty of room for all of our toiletries in addition to the Molton Brown amenities provided by Hebridean. Another first, a heated towel rack!
Each stateroom includes a 15” color television with only a few stations, two of which play ship information and messages. There is a DVD player and DVD movies are available from the Panorama Lounge. However, the selection was very limited.
There is a 110 volt electrical outlet located underneath the vanity in the bedroom and another one on the wall next to the bed. You would be well-advised to take a small power strip with you if you have more than one electrical appliance. The vanity is too small to be used as a desk, so to work on my laptop I had to use the coffee table and plug into the outlet next to the bed.
Another nice feature is a large wall clock in each stateroom which is automatically adjusted to any time zone changes.
Martin Treacher recites the 'address to a Haggis' for guests attending the Captain's Farewell Dinner.
Food and Dining
Breakfast and lunch are available in the Argyll Restaurant and on the Mizzen Deck (Lido). Dinner is served only in The Argyll Restaurant, except on special evenings where Hebridean will feature dinner “under the stars” on the Mizzen Deck. On our voyage, "Mediterranean Night" was the featured outdoor dining theme. The Mizzen Deck hosts a buffet for breakfast and lunch. At breakfast, there are eggs made to order, pastries, cheeses, cereals and, of course, pottage, which is actually oatmeal. Careful if you order your pottage with a “wee dram” or it will come with a shot of Whiskey! While the Mizzen Deck offers a beautiful al fresco dining experience, it is too small to accommodate everyone on the ship and it tends to get very crowded. A quieter choice is The Argyll Restaurant, which offers the same menu and full table service. There are lots of tables for two available, but these tables are arranged in such a way that you can easily converse with the guests at the tables nearby. There is a nice Afternoon Tea each afternoon in the Skye Lounge and before dinner each evening, guests are invited to the Skye Lounge for a cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres. The only room service offered on Hebridean Spirit is for the two suites on board, St. Oran and St. Columba (from 8:30am to 10:00pm). However, on one particularly rough seas night when we did not make it to the dining room for dinner, Nigel Sheppard, the ship’s Food & Beverage Manager, noticed that we weren't in the dining room and called our stateroom to ask if we would like to have something delivered to the room. In no time, a cheese and cracker plate was delivered to our room. How about that for customer care and personal service? And this is only one example of just how well Hebridean cares for their guests.
Being from Texas, I recognized that the menu at the Captain's Farewell Dinner was about as far from southern cooking as you can get.
Terrine of Sweetbread, Wild Mushrooms and Foie Gras
Kilmeny Kale From The Kingdom of Fife
a broth of bacon, rabbit & cabbage"Chieftan O The Puddin Race"
neeps & champit tatties (haggis)Oven Baked Loin Of Venison
spiced red cabbage, carmelized shallots, cocotte potatoes, & rowanberry sauceSteamed Delice of Salmon
fragrant parsley coulis
I can only comment on that which I actually tasted. The venison was excellent. On evenings where there was nothing particularly appealing on the menu, Rickee and I would order a steak. Although somewhat undercooked, the filet mignon was excellent quality, tender and flavorful.
The menus are definitely designed to fit British tastes and seasoned mildly to accommodate the generally older clientele. I found myself reaching for the salt grinder regularly. Unfortunately, the salt grinders had a tendency to malfunction. The pepper grinders, on the other hand, worked perfectly. I was even tempted to purchase some granulated salt in port to bring back on the ship. To their credit, the wait staff always found a replacement salt grinder that worked. Nigel Sheppard, the ship’s Food & Beverage Manager, was more than happy to accommodate my request for green vegetables each evening. Each night I was brought a plate of asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
Desserts were very well prepared. Our favorite was the Bread and Butter Pudding with warm custard. The selection of cheeses was second to none. A huge platter with at least 20 different cheeses is offered at the end of the evening meal with a choice of crackers and grapes. Oddly, it is difficult to get a cup of coffee to enjoy with dessert at lunch and dinner. That is a shame since, at breakfast Hebridean has, without question, the best coffee I have ever tasted on any cruise ship. Each table is delivered a fresh-brewed pot of hot, delicious coffee at breakfast, but one must go to the Skye Lounge or Mizzen Deck to get coffee after lunch or dinner.
The dining room staff is eastern European and very friendly, even though not as polished as you might expect on a cruise line of this caliber. However, our waiter, Oleg, always remembered that we drank 'still' water and Antonia, the wine stewardess, always brought us our soft drink of choice at lunch without our having to order it. Some of the staff appeared to be new and not fully trained. One evening in the Skye Lounge I ordered a Scotch and water on the rocks and got a tumbler full of straight Scotch, no water or ice! It appears that the bartender had never made a Scotch and water before or perhaps there was a bit of a language barrier. Nonetheless, his supervisor arrived shortly thereafter and corrected the drink order.
Entertainment
Martin Treacher piped us out of port each day and serenaded us on the piano each evening.
By big ship standards, the entertainment on Hebridean Spirit is minimal. However, you find that on smaller ships there is tendency to interact more with other passengers and crew, so "formal" entertainment is not really missed. Each evening, Martin Treacher delighted guests with his piano and vocals. An accomplished piper, Mr. Treacher was also found wandering the Promenade Deck each day as the ship left port, blowing a Scottish tune on his bagpipes.
For intellectual stimulation, Hebridean offered a very interesting lecture series about pirates presented by John Lello. Guest lecturers with specialties applicable to the itinerary are featured on most voyages.
The most formidable entertainment on Hebridean is the itinerary. Unquestionably, this small cruise line has some of the most aggressive and impressive itineraries of any cruise line in the world. Your days are spent in port, discovering new cultures and ancient civilizations and your evenings are spent in the Skye Lounge mingling with new friends, discussing what you experienced that day. What better entertainment could you ask for?
The Hebridean Experience
Rickee and me with new friends, Rick and Doreen Abbott from Ontario, Canada.
Hebridean Island Cruises knows its passengers and knows how to please them. Perhaps that is at least one reason they have earned a 5-Star Award from the Scottish Tourist Board.
Hebridean is an expensive vacation, even for Brits; however, this cruise line comes about as close to being all-inclusive as you can get. All excursions, transfers, charter air to/from London Stansted airport, soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine and liquor (except for premium brands) are included in the fare. Even minor medical care provided by the ship’s doctor is included! Even though Americans are very welcome on Hebridean, the current weakness of the U.S. Dollar versus the British Pound makes this cruise an expensive venture for Americans.
We were constantly impressed with the lengths Hebridean goes to insure the comfort of its guests. Crew members were present on every excursion and coach ride. Complimentary bottles of water were available for every excursion and, during the excursion, crew members could be seen walking around with bottled water and paper cups offering drinks of water to guests. There was always a crew member available to assist someone up steep walkways or stairs. They really take exceptional care of their guests and seem to genuinely enjoy doing so. There were always two motor coaches provided for each excursion so guests would not be crowded. The local guides provided for each excursion were extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their subject matter. The daily shore excursions were indeed a highlight of the trip and eagerly anticipated.
92% of Hebridean guests are British and there is an extremely high percentage of repeat guests. For this reason, the atmosphere is family-like and intimate. The feeling is more like being a guest at a house party than a passenger on a cruise ship. The Captain was always accessible and he and his officers mingled with the group before and during dinner. The folks we talked to during our cruise had nothing but glowing things to say about the company, the ship and the crew. Not one single negative comment the entire week. Not one!
The dress code on Hebridean is a throwback to the traditional days of cruising. Gentlemen will almost always wear a jacket to dinner, most with ties. Ladies are adorned in dresses or dressy pant suits. There are usually two formal evenings on a seven-night cruise, as was the case on our sailing. All but a handful of gentlemen wore tuxedos on formal night. It was nice to be on a cruise where guests were expected to dress appropriately and did so willingly.
The Hebridean experience is as much about the guests as it is about the cruise ship and staff. An example of this is the onboard publication, The Hebridean Times, which features stories about the guests and things that happened to them around the ship and during the shore excursions. The British people are wonderful travel companions. Everyone is pleasant and oh-so-civilized. As the British would say “everyone is just lovely.”
Disembarkation
The very nature of small ship cruising makes disembarkation a much less stressful experience than on larger ships. Hebridean does a very nice job of making this process smooth and effortless. You place checked luggage outside your stateroom when you go to breakfast on disembarkation morning. Smaller luggage can be carried onto the motor coach and the charter flight. Everyone begins leaving the vessel around 9:00am, so there is plenty of time for a leisurely breakfast before disembarking. The Captain and crew are lined up to say goodbye to the disembarking guests, most of whom have already booked one or more return visits to the Hebridean Spirit. On most voyages, a tour of the city is included on the day of departure for London. We toured Catania, Sicily, and were treated to a wonderful Mediterranean-style lunch before heading to the airport for the flight back to London.
The Itinerary
Navplion, Greece
Navplion is the port city for Epidavros, an ancient Greek center of healing with ruins dating back to the 5th century B.C. The centerpiece of this archeological site is the best preserved of all ancient Greek theaters. Capable of seating upwards of 12,000 spectators, the ancient theater has near-perfect acoustics. A person standing in the middle of the orchestra can be heard at a whisper from the top row of the theater. The drive from Navplion to Epidavros takes 30 minutes by motorcoach.
In the afternoon, Hebridean offered a walking tour of Navplion with a local guide.
Time for a quick photo op as we transit the Corinth Canal.
Corinth Canal Transit
To get from Navplion to our next port-of-call, Itea, Greece, requires a transit through the Corinth Canal. The Corinthian canal, completed between 1882 and 1893, connected the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea. It is only four miles in length and 75 feet wide. Therefore, large freighters and cruise ships cannot fit through the narrow passageway. Unlike the Panama Canal where ships are “dragged” through using mules, ships transiting the Corinth Canal are guided through with a tug.
The trip through the canal takes about an hour and only one ship at a time can make the journey. Transiting the canal had a special meaning to me and Rickee as it is the second of three such canals that we have transited. We hope to transit the Suez Canal later this year!
Itea, Greece (Dephi)
“Take good walking shoes if you are visiting Delphi. There is lot of walking up rock and marble steps which can be slippery.”
Upon arrival in Itea, we immediately boarded the coaches for the 30-minute drive up the winding mountain highway to Delphi, the religious and spiritual center of the ancient Greek world and arguably the most historic site in Greece. The first traces of inhabitation at Delphi date back to the Mycenaean period (14th – 11th century B.C). The first stone temples at Delphi, one dedicated to Apollo and the other to Athena, were built toward the end of the 7th century B.C.
During the period from the 6th to 4th century B.C., the sanctuary at Delphi flourished and was adorned with a large number of votives and buildings dedicated to Apollo by the Greek cities and private individuals. Worshippers and public messengers came to Delphi from all over the world to seek the advice of the god and an oracle whenever they were about to make a serious decision.
Corfu, Greece
The capital and main port of Corfu is the largest town in the Ionian Islands. It is one of the most elegant and impressive towns in Greece and has an architecture influenced by all the civilizations that once occupied the island such as the Venetians, the French and the English.
It is a town of unique charm and character. Corfu is one of the most popular shopping islands in Greece.
Our coach tour of Corfu included the new fort (which was built in the 16th century), the open-air fish and vegetable market and narrow winding streets of Corfu. The Esplanade was turned into a public square by the French. They designed the square following the French style and planted it with trees and flowers. Today, the Esplanade Square is the central square of Corfu Town. The Square welcomes cricket matches and is the only place in Greece where this sport is played. It is one of the heritages of the English occupation. We also toured the town of Corfu by foot and enjoyed window shopping in all the many stores.
Gallipoli, Sicily
A bridge connects the fishing town and island of Gallipoli to Italy's mainland. The city's entrance is guarded by a castle, and its Baroque cathedral dates back to the 16th century. Old Town Gallipoli is a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with art shops whose contents spill brightly out the doors and windows to liven up the ancient sidewalks. We took a guided walking tour of old Gallipoli then ventured out on our own to explore and look for pizza. We were not successful in our quest as it was Sunday and many stores and restaurants were closed.
Siracusa, Sicily
The town is situated partially on the mainland of Sicily’s east coast and partially on an island connected to the mainland by two small bridges. There are two areas that are of major interest and should not be missed – the Archaeological Park on the mainland, and the island of Ortigia, site of the ancient city first inhabited by the Greeks.
We opted for the morning guided tour of the ruins at Siracusa with a knowledgeable guide who also exhibited a beautiful singing voice when we visited the 'Ear of Dionysius' cave. The echo of her rendition of Ave Maria in the cave was hauntingly beautiful.
On the schedule for the afternoon was a guided walking tour of Ortigia. Today, Ortigia still features a few reminders of its glorious Greek past, but the main attractions are its fine Baroque buildings and fountains along with the Piazza del Duomo, reputed to be one of Italy’s prettiest squares. All are a testimony to Syracuse’s great past and make this port of call a fascinating place to visit.
Great shopping and dining make Taormina, Sicily a popular tourist destination.
Taormina, Sicily
Rough seas necessitated a detour from our planned docking point of Giardini Naxos, Sicily, to Messina. Hebridean quickly made plans for the coaches to pick us up at the port of Messina for the 30 mile trip to Taormina. The east coast of Sicily is considered by many to be its most magnificent. Lovely Taormina was called "the greatest work of art and nature" by Goethe in his Italian Journey. Situated 673 feet above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna as a spectacular backdrop, this storybook town of sculpted gardens, stately palaces and ancient monuments is easily one of Sicily’s most striking sites.
There is something here for every taste: from the ancient Greek amphitheater and medieval cathedral to her panoramic public gardens and picture-perfect beaches. The main attractions in Taormina have to be seen on foot. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring all the narrow winding streets in Taormina and treated ourselves to pizza and gelato. Delicious!
Catania, Sicily
The disembarkation port for our journey was Catania, Sicily. We left Hebridean Spirit on the last morning as we found her, with Captain Tim Roberts waving to us as the motor coaches pulled away. The buses made their way through the busy streets of this port city to drop us off at the walls of the city. Catania is a large, bustling city buzzing with activity. After a brief walking tour with our guide, we were given a couple of hours to explore on our own before lunch. The streets of the city are wide and lined with shops and cafes. The farmer's market is something to behold. Row after row of vendors selling fresh cheeses, raw meats, vegetables and fruit. It was a maze of activity and interest. A rain storm forced us into a small Italian coffee shop where I warmed up with a cup of fresh Cappuccino. Only 1 Euro (about $1.25) compared to $3.50 at Starbucks!
Huge trays of grilled eggplant, zuccini and rissoto are passed from table to table at a Sicilian feast.
Because our charter flight left from Catania at 3:00pm, Hebridean arranged for a very special Sicilian luncheon at a local restaurant. What a fabulous addition! Tables crammed together in a noisy room might seem uncomfortable, but it was the perfect setting for this type of affair. A Sicilian chef prepared fresh pasta tableside while waiters squeezed their way between the tables with huge trays of hot and cold dishes. It was a feast to remember and a great time was had by all.
Thumbs Up
Ship decor – The ship is tastefully decorated and comfortable.
Mechanical – Virtually no engine noise or vibration, even at top cruising speeds.
Overall Service – Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Crew members routinely go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable.
Argyll Restaurant – Menus are limited by American standards, but all food is prepared well and top quality ingredients are used. Service is friendly and efficient.
Skye Lounge – This lounge looks more like a parlor in an English country home. Very inviting and comfortable.
Spa – Treat yourself to a great massage from Caroline. She is amazing!
Itinerary - Hebridean has some of the most intense and exciting itineraries of any cruise line.
Liquor Policy – All drinks are included in your cruise fare on Hebridean with the exception of premium brands.
Disembarkation – Very efficient and relaxed, like the rest of the cruise.
Senior Friendly – The staff is very prepared to cater to older travelers.
Stateroom - Our ocean view stateroom was roomy, clean and quiet with plenty of storage and a large bathroom.
Thumbs Down
Room Service – There isn't any.
Internet Connection – There is a computer and Internet access in the Panorama Lounge, but alas, it did not work the entire trip.
Bar Service – Unfortunately, on our cruise there was a new bartender who lacked experience or training. We had a difficult time getting a couple of drink orders correct. We are confident that Hebridean will correct this.
Summary
Hebridean is an excellent choice for those who can afford it. It is truly a 'stress-free' cruise with everything included in the price (except for international air). Hebridean is perhaps best for senior couples or singles since they are accustomed to serving this segment of the market. With just a few tweaks here and there, it would have easily been one of our 6-Star picks.
If you have any questions about our Hebridean Spirit cruise, please feel free to email us at reviews@cruisereport.com and we will do our best to answer any questions.
Radisson Seven Seas Voyager Transatlantic
We enjoy a 9-day Transatlantic crossing on Seven Seas Voyager.
There are a still a few things in life that are predictable. You rest assured that the sun will rise every morning and set each evening; Congress is never going to reduce spending; my hair isn’t coming back; and a cruise aboard Radisson Seven Seas Cruises is certain to be a memorable experience. So it was with great anticipation and excitement that Rickee and I prepared to take our first trans-Atlantic cruise aboard Radisson Seven Seas Cruises’ brand new Seven Seas Voyager. With 7 out of 9 days being “at sea”, we would have ample time to put the ship and crew through a series of tests.
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises is positioned at the luxury end of the cruise industry with a list of awards that is truly impressive. For the past three years, CruiseReport.com has recognized Radisson Seven Seas Cruises with our 6-Star Award of Excellence, an award that only 4 cruise lines in the world can claim. We take our awards very seriously and only after a cruise line has met or exceeded our expectations in 17 separate service areas can it receive the 6-Star Award of Excellence. What makes this accomplishment so special for Radisson Seven Seas Cruises is that they consistently deliver this level of service on ships that serve up to 700 passengers.
Radisson Seven Seas operates five ships all of which sail all over the world. The Radisson Diamond is an odd-looking 350 passenger twin-hull design that looks like a huge catamaran; the m/s Paul Gauguin is a 320 passenger ship that spends the year sailing the clear waters of French Polynesia and Tahiti; Seven Seas Navigator is a 490 passenger ship that was the first “all-suite” vessel in the world; Seven Seas Mariner is a 50,000 ton, 700 passenger vessel which was the first “all-suite and all balcony” ship in the world; and the newest jewel in the Radisson Seven Seas crown is Seven Seas Voyager, sister ship to Mariner. Even though both ships are 50,000 tons, serve 700 guests, and both offer the same level of service that Radisson Seven Seas’ regulars have come to expect, that is where the similarity ends. On the inside, one finds the two vessels to be quite different indeed.
The Review Process
We review 6-star cruise lines much more intensely than we do a 4-star or even a 5-star cruise line. Guests can easily pay $500 to $1000 per day for the experience of sailing on a luxury ship, so it is only fair that expectations should run higher. We mention this because some of the things we point out in our review may seem like we are ‘nit-picking’. And if truth be told…we are.
In addition to our own observations, we mix and mingle with other passengers throughout the cruise to inquire about their experiences and thoughts. In some cases, these people are aware of our position as editors for a major cruise travel web site. However, often we are totally ‘under the radar’ and are just another cruise passenger. We have found that cruise passengers will say things to other passengers that they will never reveal to a crew member. Finally, we meet with various crew members and officers to ask specific questions about the cruise line and ship.
The Ship
A bottle of chilled champagne awaits every guest on Seven Seas Voyager
Regular patrons of Seven Seas Mariner might think it impossible to improve on her design and décor. Nevertheless, Voyager’s designers took a good design and made it even better. The interior passageways of Voyager’s public areas tend to gracefully flow and curve. This breaks up the visual sightlines from one end of the vessels to the other, making it “feel” more spacious and at the same time, increasing the sense of intimacy. The central winding staircase now reaches all the way from the lobby to Deck 10, giving the atrium area a wide-open and airy feel.
Suites have been redesigned to include separate bathtubs and showers (similar to Seven Seas Navigator). At 356 sq. ft. the Deluxe Suites (Cat C-H) are larger than those on Mariner. Even though the Penthouse Suite (Cat A-B) on Voyager is smaller than the Penthouse Suite on Mariner, we actually enjoyed it more. The Penthouse Suites are only 20 sq. ft. larger than the Deluxe Suite but have an incredible layout. The walk-in closet was the largest of any of the suites we inspected. If we were taking a World Cruise on Voyager, we would pick the Seven Seas Suite (aft). While there are only 6 of these on Voyager, they offer a huge balcony with an amazing wrap-around view of the ocean. A large LCD television is also a nice touch. The Azipod propulsion system on Voyager provides a silky smooth ride without the stern vibration inherent on ships with traditional shaft propulsion systems. Our next favorite suite was the Voyager Suite at 604 sq. ft. Believe it or not, there are two additional suite categories that just keep getting larger. The Grand Suite at 876 sq. ft., two Master Suites at 1,335 and 1,403 sq. ft. (depending on location). All Voyager suites from Penthouse up include private butler service.
Nice selection of cardio and strength training equipment in the fitness center
If staying in shape is a priority, the Fitness Center on Deck 6 forward offers a nice selection of elliptical trainers, recumbent bicycles, treadmills, universal weight machines, free weights and a spin cycle. There are plenty of clean towels and a water cooler as well. There is a small locker room/dressing area with a steam room, sauna and showers.
Staying in touch with your friends, relatives and business associates is possible 24 hours a day at Club.com, Voyager’s Internet Café located on Deck 5. Club.com on Voyager is much larger and offers more PC’s than the Club.com on Mariner. A training center with more than a dozen PC’s arranged in a large circle is used for all sorts of computer training classes. All classes are complimentary. Without a doubt, Club.com is the BEST Internet Café of any ship we have sailed. Even though the connection speeds never exceeded what you would expect from a bad dial-up connection, the charge for Internet access is fair. Radisson charges 75 cents per minute, but only charges for the actual download/upload time. Therefore, if it takes you 10 minutes to write an email message, you are not being charged for that time. You are charged only for the time it actually takes to send or receive the messages or download web pages.
The well stocked library located on Deck 6 is open 24 hours a day. There is no need to “check out” a book. Just grab the book you are interested in and return it to the library before the end of the cruise. The DVD library is located in Club.com and is also open 24 hours. There is a huge selection of DVD’s available for viewing in your suite. All DVD’s are complimentary and when you have viewed them, simply return them to the reception desk.
The duty-free boutique is well-stocked with sundries, clothing, perfume and jewelry. However, we were very disappointed in the choice of logo wear available. For example, the only embroidered cap on hand was pale yellow with white stitching. The selection of logo polo shirts and jackets was not much better.
Dining
Like her sister, Voyager features four main dining venues.
The Compass Rose Restaurant is the main dining salon which features full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
La Veranda is Voyager’s lido buffet for breakfast and lunch. In the evening, La Veranda becomes an Italian-themed bistro for casual dining. There are three or four different menus featured in La Veranda on a rotating basis during each cruise.
Signatures is Voyager’s 5-star Le Cordon Bleu dining venue serving fine French cuisine each evening. Reservations are required.
Latitudes serves Asian-inspired cuisine and regional specialties. Unlike Latitudes on Mariner, Voyager’s menu does change periodically throughout the cruise. We found the food and service to be much more creative than in Latitudes on Mariner. One evening featured a Mongolian Wok where we could select our ingredients and watch the chefs prepare our meal in the open demonstration kitchen. Reservations are required for dining in Latitudes.
The Pool Grill serves burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, fries and salads each day at lunchtime.
Elegant table setting at Signatures restaurant
The quality of food served throughout Seven Seas Voyager is very good. Our favorite venue was Compass Rose. We found the food quality and service here to be the most consistent of any of the dining venues. We did not feel the dishes served in La Veranda and Signatures quite lived up to the standards we experienced on Mariner. The quality of the food and the overall concept of Latitudes, on the other hand, was a big step ahead of same venue on Mariner. As is the policy on all Radisson Seven Seas vessels, a different red and white wine is available on a complimentary basis with evening meals. The wine selections throughout the cruise were exceptional. We also found that if we preferred a wine from a previous evening’s selection, that wine would be brought to us with no problem. A little known secret is that guests can order any drink from the bar during dinner on a complimentary basis, even an after dinner cordial.
Every day aboard Voyager begins with a hearty breakfast. A substantial breakfast buffet is served at La Veranda on Deck 11 from 7:30am until 10:00am. As you would expect on a 6-Star luxury cruise ship, even a buffet can be elegant. You will not find any plastic plates or paper napkins here. White tablecloths and folded napkins are the order of the day. You can have an omelet made to order, or any egg dish, for that matter. If you can hold off another 30 minutes for breakfast, you can enjoy full service from the breakfast menu in the Compass Rose Restaurant. The Compass Rose was my personal favorite because it tends to be much less crowded at breakfast (I guess most people like the buffet concept). The breakfast menu is extensive with Eggs Benedict, omelets, a variety of pancakes, French toast and my personal favorite, baby lamb chops. Of course, there are days where you just want breakfast in bed. You can get full breakfast served in your suite using Voyager’s room service as early as 6:30am. If you are in a Penthouse Suite, your butler will deliver your breakfast at the time you choose. There is an early-riser breakfast with pastries and coffee available in the Coffee Corner on Deck 5 and a Fitness Breakfast at the Pool Grill from 6:30am until 9:30am.
Al Fresco dining is available for breakfast and lunch at La Veranda
Lunchtime offerings are no less impressive. Again, La Veranda offers a sumptuous buffet from noon until 2:00pm. There is an impressive selection of salads, fruits, breads and meat dishes which change daily. A fresh pasta station offers a delicious made-to-order pasta dish each day. Apparently, Food and Beverage Manager Phillipe Logerais is not afraid to spice things up a bit. I was pleasantly surprised to see an Indian-inspired buffet one day with a variety of curry dishes. A Souvlaki Grill was featured by the pool on another afternoon with fresh grilled Greek specialties. La Veranda is definitely my favorite place for lunch on Voyager! Of course, Compass Rose is also open for lunch every day and offers a full-service menu. You can also get wonderful burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and fries at the Pool Grill.
The Horizon Lounge (Deck 5 aft) is the hot spot every day around 3:45 for Afternoon Tea. Tea is served by wait staff wearing white gloves, as is the British tradition. The offerings here include fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, a variety of finger sandwiches and a large assortment of delectable sweets. One afternoon during tea a Chocoholic Buffet is served, a chocolate extravaganza which is not only delicious, but beautiful!
We enjoyed a dinner with Jamie and Dana Logan
Dinner time offers a lot of choices aboard Seven Seas Voyager. As previously stated, our favorite was Compass Rose. We applaud Radisson Seven Seas for starting dinner service at 6:45. This is great for those of us who prefer to eat earlier than 7:30 and don’t want to have to rush to make it to the evening show. The Compass Rose menu changes each evening and the choices rival those of any 5-star restaurant on land. A choice of appetizers, two soup choices, two salad choices, a pasta dish and a choice of three or more main courses are offered each evening. A Menu Dégustation is offered each evening with the chef’s recommendations. After dinner, a dessert menu offers everything from soufflé to chocolate cake. A selection of premium ice creams and sugar-free offerings are also available. An international cheese board is available with choices including Taleggio, Camembert, Gorgonzola and Bel Paese. For something different, guests can try one of Voyager’s other dining venues. Signatures is Voyager’s Le Cordon Bleu French restaurant. The menu in Signatures remains the same throughout the cruise. This is perhaps the “dressiest” of all restaurants on board. Latitudes offers an Asian-inspired menu in a more casual setting. We really enjoyed the Mongolian Wok dinner. La Veranda is a casual Italian Bistro in the evening with rotating menu throughout the cruise. The best feature of La Veranda is the Antipasto Bar where you can fill your plate with a variety of Mediterranean specialties like Baba Ganoush, Dolma, and Tabouli just to name a few. You can also have course-by-course dinner served in your suite from the Compass Rose during dinner hours.
Lounges
The Voyager Lounge on Deck 4 is located just down the hall from the Compass Rose Restaurant making it the most popular place for “before dinner” drinks. Unlike the Mariner Lounge, the Voyager Lounge is more secluded and is not open to the restaurant foot traffic. Our favorite watering hole before dinner was the Observation Lounge on Deck 11. Even though smaller than the Observation Lounge on Mariner, it is the only place on board Voyager where you can enjoy a drink and get a 180 degree view out the front of the vessel. The Horizon Lounge on Deck 5 is a nice place to enjoy a drink before dinner at Signatures and also the venue where the daily afternoon tea is held.
Entertainment & Activities
You might think that a ship with only 700 passengers would be short on activities and entertainment. You would be wrong. The list of daily activities and the variety of evening entertainment rivals that of much larger ships. With six consecutive days at sea, daytime activities become a very important part of the cruise. Below is a sample of part of the Daily Program for one “at sea” day aboard our cruise:
7:30 Wake-up and Walk with Fitness Instructor Nina 8:00 Voyager Quiz is available Morning Stretch & Relax with Nina 8:30 Full Body Toning with Fitness Instructor Nina 9:00 Back Basics with Fitness Instructor Nina 9:15 Needlepoint Corner with Dionne 10:00 Port Talk with tour manager Enrichment Lecture “Terror Over Berlin” 10:15 Computer Class Bridge Brush-Up Board Game Enthusiasts Meet 11:00 Enrichment Lecture “The Man Who Was Afraid of Christmas” 11:15 Boutique Presentation “Jewelry for the Spirit” Bridge brush-up for the experienced player Introduction to paddle tennis 12:00 Midday Game Show: Team Trivia Friends of Bill W 1:45 Ping Pong Tournament Duplicate and Party Bridge Play 2:00 Movie Matinee Art Introduction 2:30 Blackjack Tournament 2:45 Arts & Crafts Ballroom Dancing 3:00 Shuffleboard Tournament Gym Introduction with Nina 3:30 Ballet Workout with Fitness Instructor Nina 3:45 Afternoon Tea Dance 4:00 Slot Tournament Computer Class: Learn Microsoft Word Pilates Basics with Fitness Instructor Nina 4:45 Team Trivia Quiz 5:00 Bingo Bonanza
Cruise Director Jamie Logan warms up the crowd on formal night
Many people spend the day relaxing by the pool or on their private balcony. On more than one day at sea, Rickee and I spent the afternoon watching a DVD movie in our suite. Of course, we had our butler bring us a bowl of fresh popcorn!
After dinner the attention focuses on the Constellation Theater, the ship’s main show lounge. The theater is well-designed with unobstructed views of the stage from just about every seat in the house. The stage, lighting and sound systems are comparable to theatres on ships three times the size of Voyager. We were fortunate to be sailing on a special Big Band cruise which featured the Glenn Miller Band. However, our nine day cruise also featured comedian Ronnie Hayward, classical guitarist Chris Nicholson, violinist Lisa Rollin and a production show performed by the Peter Terhune Singers and Dancers. That is a pretty impressive line-up for a ship of any size. Those who preferred a quieter evening could enjoy Perry Grant on the piano in the Voyager Lounge each evening. Music for dancing was also provided in the Observation Lounge each evening.
Without question, the Glenn Miller Band was the highlight of the evening entertainment with several performances during the cruise. The Big Band theme was a hit with everyone on board.
Rickee shoots hoops at the Country Fair
The highlight of daytime activities on our cruise was "A Day At The Country Fair" which was held on the pool deck. Each department had its own booth with a game where passengers could win credits towards prizes. There was a basketball competition, a bean bag toss, a slot car race, ice curling, and the ever popular water balloon throwing contest where you got to soak your room steward(ess). Everybody had a lot of fun playing the various games. It was one of the most creative activities we have encountered on any cruise.
Carita Beauty Salon & Spa
A luxury cruise ship is simply not complete without a top-notch spa. Radisson Seven Seas Cruises has recently decided to team up with Carita Spa to operate the spa aboard its vessels. From what we can tell, that was a good decision. My 'Traditional Therapeutic Massage' was 60 minutes of muscle relaxing bliss. At $95, it was competitive with similar offerings from other spas on land. Carita offers a complete menu of facial treatments, body massages, manicure/pedicure, and hair treatments.
World Cruise
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises is one of a handful of cruise lines that still offers a world cruise. In 2005, this 108-night cruise will take place aboard Seven Seas Voyager and will run from Jan 5 through Apr 23. The World Cruise can also be purchased in segments from as few as 11 days to 22 days. Segments can be combined for additional savings and benefits. During this sailing, Voyager will sail to some of the most exotic and exciting ports-of-call in the world including Sydney, Australia, Ho CHi Minh City, Vietnam, Bankok, Thailand, Shanghai, China and Bombay, India. Guests who book the full 107-day cruise enjoy first-class roundtrip air, $1,000 to $2,000 per suite shipboard credit, all visa costs for U.S. and Canadian citizens, private car transfers in port of embarkation/disembarkation, luggage delivery service, overnight at a luxury hotel in Los Angeles and a special commemorative gift. During the World Cruise, all cocktails, wine and beer are complimentary throughout the ship.
Summary
At 46,000 tons, Seven Seas Voyager is a small ship by today's standards, but offers big ship amenities. Radisson Seven Seas has figured out how to offer luxurious accommodations and personalized service in a ship that carries 700 passengers, not an easy task. The service levels aboard this ship rival those of ships half her size.
Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down
Chris and Rickee weigh in on various aspects of Seven Seas Voyager.
The Ups
👍🏻 - Hotel Director, Jos Coppers. Jos has been with Radisson Seven Seas Cruises since 2000 where he was Chief Purser aboard Song of Flower. He moved to Seven Seas Mariner in 2001 and was promoted to Food and Beverage Manager of Radisson Diamond in 2002. As the Hotel Director aboard Voyager, Jos has assembled an excellent team to cater to the needs of Voyager's guests.
👍🏻 - Cruise Consultant, Nancy Pelletier. We enjoyed an impromptu drink one evening with Nancy only to learn that she and I had met a few years earlier in Chicago when I was giving a seminar to a group of travel agents. It is a small world! As the Cruise Consultant aboard Voyager, Nancy helps guests book future cruises on Radisson Seven Seas' ships.
Rickee and Dana pose for a quick photo in the Compass Rose
👍🏻 - Assistant Cruise Director, Dana Logan. Dana is one of those warm, smiling people that go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
As the Assistant Cruise Director, she can be seen all over the ship throughout the day. Her career in the cruise industry began as a dancer for an around-the-world cruise. In 1990, Dana married Jamie Logan, the ship's Cruise Director.
👍🏻 - La Veranda. Notwithstanding the service in the evenings, which could use some improvement, La Veranda is an excellent venue for breakfast and lunch.
👍🏻 - Compass Rose Restaurant. Our favorite restaurant on board Voyager. Exceptional service and creative menus make this a great place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner.
👍🏻 - Complimentary wines. The complimentary wines poured each evening throughout the cruise were well-matched with the dinner offerings and were very good quality. If a wine was not to our liking, an alternate was offered.
Leslie, our butler, delivers a tray of cheese and crackers to our suite
👍🏻 - Butler, Leslie. Our Penthouse suite came complete with butler service provided by Leslie. Each day Leslie showed up with our cheese platter and was never far away when we needed something special. Every request we made was satisfied. We put Leslie through the paces and he came through for us with flying colors.
👍🏻 - In-Suite Bar Setup. Each suite is stocked with two complimentary bottles of liquor upon embarkation.
👍🏻 - Latitudes. A big improvement over Latitudes on Mariner. Creative menus and an open demonstration kitchen make this casual alternative a hit.
👍🏻 - The Pool Grill. Great burgers, dogs and fries. Also, eating at the pool does not mean you have to sacrifice service. A waiter is on hand to take your drink orders and deliver your meal.
👍🏻 - The Carita Spa. This spa offers wonderful massage treatments that are competitively priced.
👍🏻 - Penthouse Suites are not as large as the ones on Mariner, but they are very well-designed and comfortable. The bedding and linens are top-quality with down-filled duvets. The all-marble bathroom features a separate shower and tub and wonderful amenities. The television positioning could be better, but the DVD player makes up for it.
👍🏻 – All-inclusive. Luxury cruising means not being "nickeled and dimed" to death. All soft drinks and bottled water are included in the cruise fare as are all gratuities. Complimentary wine is poured each evening with dinner and mixed drinks are complimentary with dinner, as well. All fitness classes are complimentary. About the only time you pay for anything extra is when you take a shore excursion, a spa treatment or purchase a drink at the bar. On World Cruise segments, all beer, wine and cocktails are complimentary throughout the ship.
👍🏻 – Open-seating dining. Eat whenever and with whomever you like. We love it.
👍🏻 - The Library is well-stocked with books and is open 24 hours per day. The honor system is utilized here so you can drop by any time, grab a book, and simply return it when you have finished reading it.
👍🏻 - DVD Library offers hundreds of video selections. Located in Club.com, the DVD library is open 24 hours a day. Simply select the DVD holder for the movie you want and take it to the Reception Desk where they give you the DVD. Return it when you are done!
👍🏻 - Afternoon Tea aboard Voyager is very nice without being too formal. You can relax in the Horizon Lounge and enjoy a wonderful selection of sweets, scones and finger sandwiches along with your hot tea.
👍🏻 - The Constellation Theater is as nice as theaters on much larger ships. Great sightlines, stage and sound.
👍🏻 - Special Requests. Just ask and you shall receive. Voyager's staff did an excellent job of handling our special requests. Creamed spinach was requested each evening at dinner and was missed only once. A request for popcorn (which is not on any menu) in our room was promptly delivered by our butler. We requested a cheese platter each day at 4:30pm and it was delivered every day on time. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that the staff is accustomed to tending to guests' needs.
The Downs
👎🏻 - La Veranda (evening). Unfortunately, this restaurant was a let down. It was one of our favorite dining spots on Seven Seas Mariner, but the food quality and presentation on Voyager was not at the level we expected.
👎🏻 -Signatures. Again, we were expecting the same food quality we received on Mariner. It was not there. My rack of lamb was tiny, literally three bites.
👍🏻 – Overall. We continue to be impressed with how well Radisson Seven Seas Cruises provides its guests with such a high level of service on such a large ship (large for a luxury ship). The ship is beautiful, the food is exceptional and the service is 6-Star. Radisson Seven Seas Voyager is one of our all-time favorites.
If you have any questions about our Seven Seas Voyager cruise, please feel free to email us at reviews@cruisereport.com and we will do our best to answer any questions.
Silversea Silver Wind Mexican Riviera (2004)
We spend 14 nights aboard Silver Wind in 2004.
Having spent more than our fair share of time exploring Cozumel and Playa del Carmen on Western Caribbean cruises, Rickee and I were ready for a change. When the opportunity to explore the other side of the Panama Canal on Silversea appeared, we jumped on it. They call this the “Mexican Riviera”. To say that the terrain and culture does not quite live up to the standards of the Italian or French Riviera might be the biggest understatement possible. Nevertheless, whenever or wherever you sail with Silversea Cruises, the destination can often take a back seat to the onboard experience.
Our cruise aboard Silver Wind was our second on Silversea, the first having been on her newer and bigger sister ship, Silver Whisper, in November, 2002. Silver Wind was the second Silversea ship, introduced in 1995, one year after the cruise line was founded. With her twin sister, Silver Cloud, these two ships have amassed more accolades and awards for service and quality than any afloat, including our Editor's Award for Best Small Ship Cruise Line for 2002 and our 6-Star Award of Excellence. Over the past 10 years, Silversea has become synonymous with “ultra-luxury” cruising. Their reputation is an asset which any cruise line would love to list on their balance sheet. Silversea’s approach to cruising is sophisticated and stylish.
The Review Process
It may be interesting to note that we review 6-star cruise lines much more intensely than we do a 4-star or even 5-star cruise line. Guests can easily pay $500 to $1000 per day for the experience of sailing on a luxury ship, so it is only fair that expectations should run higher. We mention this because some of the things we point out in our review may seem like we are ‘nit-picking’. And if truth be told…we are.
In addition to our own observations, we mix and mingle with other passengers throughout the cruise to inquire about their experiences and thoughts. In some cases, these people are aware of our status as editors for a major cruise travel web site. However, often we are totally ‘under the radar’ and act as any typical cruise passenger. We have found that cruise passengers will say things to other passengers that they will never reveal to a staff member. Finally, we meet with various crew members and officers to ask specific questions about the cruise line and ship.
Getting There
The Real Comfort Hotel
Our Mexican Riviera cruise sailed out of Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, which is about 60 miles south of the capital city, San Jose. However, you should know that it is about a 2 hour drive from one to the other because of the winding, 2-lane mountain roads. We chose to fly into San Jose the day before the cruise, spend the night at a hotel, and hire a town car to take us to Puerto Caldera the following day. This is a very wise choice if it is within your budget. For this journey, we chose to stay at the Real Comfort Hotel which we booked though Hotels.com for about $59 a night. While not a luxury hotel by any stretch, we were pleasantly surprised at how clean and new the hotel was. Our room was nice, quiet and even included complimentary breakfast. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to/from the airport (about a 15 minute ride) and to/from the Multiplaza Mall. Taxis are also widely available at the airport and all over San Jose. The taxis we used were small, but relatively clean and the rates were inexpensive ($12 to the hotel from the airport, $3 from the hotel to the Mall).
Rickee arrives at Silver Wind in style thanks to Michael Berg, President of Jaguar Limousine.
Silver Wind embarkation was scheduled for 3:00pm, so we arranged to have our car pick us up at our hotel at noon. The town car was booked on the Internet directly with Jaguar Limousine service (www.jaguarlimousineservices.com). Michael Berg, owner of Jaguar, just happened to be our driver for the day. If you require a limousine or town car transportation in San Jose, we highly recommend Jaguar. The town car was new, spotless and stocked with bottled water for the 2 hour ride. Michael even made a couple of stops along the way at local establishments allowing us to purchase Costa Rican coffee at about $1.50 per pound! Costa Rican coffee is arguably the best in the world and sells in Dallas for around $9 a pound. It pays to know a local! The cost for the town car transfer was $200, almost ½ of what some cruise lines charge for the same service. Of course, there are less expensive ways to get from San Jose to Puerto Caldera. There are public buses which are very inexpensive, and you can also get transfers from your cruise line or travel agent.
We arrived at Puerto Caldera at about 2:15, 45 minutes early. Since it was rather windy and dusty outside, Silversea allowed us to board early, wait in one of the ship’s lounges and sip a glass of champagne while we waited for the formal embarkation to begin. At 3:00pm we walked down to Deck 5, surrendered our passports, had our photos taken for security and were given our room keys and boarding cards. The entire check-in process took less than 5 minutes.
Unfortunately, as we were making our initial walk around the ship to inspect all of the facilities, Rickee slipped on the stairs at the pool deck and broke one of her toes. A crew member quickly contacted the ship’s doctor and her injury was tended to and a crutch provided so she could keep the weight off of her foot.
Going to formal night with a crutch!
The Ship
Silver Wind anchored off the coast of Cabo San Lucas
Silver Wind is second of two identical Silversea ships constructed in 1994 when the cruise line began operations. It is apparent that the ships were designed and built to accomplish the specific task of delivering the ultimate in all-inclusive luxury cruising. At a time when most cruise lines were focusing on how to build bigger, more elaborate ships, Silversea went in the opposite direction. At 16,800 tons, Silver Wind is small in comparison to today’s mega-ships. She carries 296 guests and a crew of 200. That’s an extremely high ratio of 1 crew member for every 1.5 guests. There are seven passenger decks, all of which can be reached by any of four elevators located mid ship. There are also two winding staircases which run from Deck 4 to Deck 8. The layout of the public rooms and the location of the stairs and elevators combine to make this one of the easiest ships to move around in. From a suite on Deck 5 you can get to any other area of the ship in just a few minutes.
Dual staircases located mid-ship make getting around Silver Wind very easy.
The Reception Desk and Tour Desk are located on Deck 6. Located on Deck 5 is The Bar, a popular gathering place for before and after dinner drinks. Deck 5 is also where you typically will embark and disembark the vessel when it is docked. The Restaurant, Wind’s main dining salon, and the alternate dining venue, Saletta, are located on Deck 4 aft. Just down the hall from the Restaurant is the ship’s recently installed Library and Internet Point. Moving up to Deck 6 you will find The Parisian Lounge, the ship’s show lounge. The Terrace Café is located on Deck 7 aft and is the ship’s buffet breakfast and lunch venue as well as an alternate, theme-dinner bistro in the evening. The pool is located on Deck 8 as is the Panorama Lounge, a quiet and elegant lounge that offers a 180 degree view of the ocean being left behind. There is also the Champagne Room which serves as the ship’s cigar and Cognac lounge.
A recent refurbishment and refit finds the fitness center moved to Deck 9 replacing the Observation Lounge. A new library and Internet Point has been added on Deck 4 in a space previously occupied by one of the ship’s suites. Part of The Restaurant on Deck 4 has been sectioned off and redecorated to become the ship’s new 2-star Michelin restaurant, Saletta. Carpeting has been replaced in many places throughout the ship and there are new cushions and upholstery in public areas. New fabrics and furnishings can be found in the suites as well. In general, the ship looks far younger than it is. The only areas showing any real signs of wear are some marble in the suites and tile flooring in the public restrooms. There are no signs of rust ANYWHERE on the interior or exterior of the ship. This is further indication of exceptional maintenance, something we noticed on Silver Whisper in 2002.
The overall décor of Silver Wind is understated and elegant. There are no striking displays of art or sculpture and the color scheme is calming and subtle.
Accommodations
The mid ship Veranda Suite (529) was a comfortable 295 square feet in size. Even though the bathroom was considerably smaller than those on Silver Whisper/Shadow, it was well-appointed. There is a single combination bathtub/shower. Bathroom amenities include shampoo, body lotion, shower gel, conditioner and soap from famed Bvlgari. Cotton swabs and cotton balls are also provided in a container on the marble vanity. A single medicine cabinet offers ample storage, but not as much as you might expect in a ‘suite’. The only disappointment was the towels, which looked more like the kind you would find at a Holiday Inn instead of a 6-star cruise line or hotel. Functionally, the towels were fine and quite absorbent; they just were not much to look at.
Vanity
As with the Veranda and Vista suites on Whisper/Shadow, the makeup vanity is situated right in front of the bed which makes maneuvering around the suite very tricky while someone is seated at the vanity. A makeup mirror is provided on the vanity, but a lighted mirror would be better. Nevertheless, there is a lot of light generated by the two fluorescent fixtures flanking the mirror. The only electrical outlet we found in the suite was located on the vanity. This means you have to move the mountain of makeup, creams and potions that women like to display on the vanity to plug in your digital camera, video camera, cell phone, laptop recharge transformers, etc. A better option would be to have 2 110 outlets located on the desk/entertainment center.
The desk has a mini bar and small television which can be seen from the bed
The desk/entertainment center is directly across from the full-size sofa and coffee table. The television is located in the lower right cabinet of the entertainment center. The placement of the television makes it difficult for a person laying on the far side of the bed to view it. We would like to see the TV moved up higher in the cabinet, or better yet, a flat-screen LCD mounted to the wall next to the room divider. It never hurts to wish! The veranda spans the width of the suite and is covered in teak. There are two white plastic adjustable chairs (no loungers) with padded fabric cushions and a small white plastic table. For some reason, the white plastic looks out of place on a ship as elegant as Silver Wind.
There is a small coffee table which is easily converted to a comfortable dining table with the addition of a square tabletop that fits on top. When not in use, the square tabletop is stored behind the sofa or under the bed. The walk-in closet is quite large and can easily hold enough clothes for a two-week or longer journey. There are plenty of wooden hangers and more are available upon request from the stewardess.
The queen-size mattress was VERY comfortable and the linens were of the highest quality and thread count. Silversea has introduced new down-filled duvets that are heavenly. The standard pillows are the fluffy down variety, a little too soft for my preference. A quick call to housekeeping and we had two firmer pillows in their place.
Verandah
The suites are maintained twice each day by the stewardess and her assistant. Beds are made up and the suite cleaned each morning and once again in the evening when the bed is turned down. There are always chocolates waiting on the bed when you return to your suite after an evening of dining and entertainment.
Dining
The Restaurant is Silver Wind's main dining salon.
Mealtime is always something special on Silversea. You do not simply ‘eat’ on Silversea, you dine. Whether you choose to dine in The Restaurant, Terrace Café, Saletta or in your own suite, you will do so on a white linen tablecloth which has been set with flatware and china. Even casual dining is something special. The dining service onboard Wind is crisp and polished with a decidedly European flair.
The day begins with breakfast at 8:00am in The Restaurant or The Terrace Café (buffet style). The breakfast menu in The Restaurant is extensive and everything is made to order. Even if something is not on the menu, chances are you only need ask and it will be prepared for you. This is true of any meal, not just breakfast. Even though The Terrace Café is less formal than The Restaurant, you are not deprived of linen tablecloths and excellent service. Here you will enjoy a lavish buffet of fresh fruits, breads, pastries, eggs and meat selections. You can also order fresh egg dishes in the Terrace Café. Of course, you can always enjoy breakfast is ‘en suite’. Room service will deliver a full breakfast to your suite.
At noon, The Terrace Café opens for lunch with a buffet filled with hot dishes, cold cuts, salads, fruits and amazing desserts. There is a carving station serving roasted meats and a made-to-order pasta station featuring daily creations. One unique and welcome regular on the lunch buffet is fresh Sushi. A mountain of fresh chunks of tuna is surrounded by a variety of Sashimi hand rolls. Once your plate has been filled, it will be surrendered to one of the polished staff who will carry it to your table. The Terrace Café features several tables located outdoors for a wonderful al fresco dining experience. A full service menu lunch is served in The Restaurant starting at 12:30pm. We found The Restaurant to be much less crowded at lunch since most guests opt for The Terrace. You can also enjoy burgers and hot dogs poolside if you would like to eat without changing out of your swimsuit.
Just in case you get hungry before dinner, the ship offers a traditional British Tea service at 4:00pm in the Panorama Lounge. A nice selection of finger sandwiches, cookies and scones (served with traditional clotted cream) complement the selection of teas.
““As much as anything, the people you meet aboard the ship make the cruise. The typical passenger is older, well traveled, educated, affluent, and friendly. You can board the ship without knowing a soul and never eat a meal alone because it is so easy to meet people.””
Executive Chef David Greves begins working his culinary magic at 7:30pm when guests migrate to one of Silver Wind’s three dining venues for the evening meal. The tradition of dressing for dinner has been preserved on Silversea. Even on informal evenings most men will wear a jacket and tie and ladies will wear a dress or dressy slacks. On formal nights, the ratio of tuxedos to suits is probably the highest in the cruise industry. It seems fitting that one should pay such respect to this level of dining and service. Steven Weber, the ship’s Maître d’ Hôtel, greets guests by name as they arrive at The Restaurant. You can count on Steven to ensure that any special dining requests are met. The Restaurant is a sophisticated, understated dining room with nothing to distract from the food and service. The menu changes each evening and offers a variety of hot and cold appetizers, salads, soups, and main courses. The service is polished and attentive. Waiters and assistants will routinely greet you by name and remember your personal preferences. Head Sommelier Jérôme Larbi selects two complimentary wines (one red and one white) each evening. The complimentary wines offered ranged from average to very good. There is also an extensive selection of premium wines available (at an additional cost) from Silver Wind’s wine cellar.
Silver Wind offers two other evening dining venues, each with its own interesting twist. The Terrace Café transforms into a quiet bistro setting. The menu ‘theme’ changes each evening and offers a fixed selection of menu items which are pre-selected by the Chef. We visited The Terrace Café on Asian night and American Steak night. Both visits were memorable, with the Asian night being the real standout. There are generally only between 20 and 50 guests dining in The Terrace Café. While there is no charge for dining at The Terrace Café, advance reservations are required. As you would expect, the service here is near perfect.
“Did you know? Saletta will be added to the Silver Cloud when she emerges from dry dock in Spring 2004.”
A new addition to the dining choices is the Relais & Châteaux Relais Gourmands-inspired Saletta. This specialty restaurant features the creations of Mr. Joachim Koerper, Chef/Owner of the Michelin 2 Star Girasol Restaurant in Moraira, Spain. Saletta is the most elegant restaurant on Silver Wind and serves a maximum of 30 guests each evening. Reservations are required and even though there is no charge for the meal, there is a charge for any spirits and/or wines consumed in Saletta. The menu in Saletta changes every day or two and features some very unique creations which are not commonly found in restaurants on land or at sea. The 5 course fixed menu is nothing short of amazing. Thankfully, the portions are small with the emphasis on creativity and quality preparation. The beef tenderloin with truffles served in Saletta was far superior in taste and tenderness to the beef served in The Restaurant. Virtually everyone we spoke with who had tried Saletta agreed that it was a highlight of the Silversea experience. Our visit to Saletta confirmed that opinion.
Dining Highlights The poolside barbeque held one evening each cruise features a massive selection of grilled meats, salads, deserts and pasta. The Galley Luncheon is a special buffet lunch served in the galley.
The quality of the food and the ingredients used in preparation throughout the ship is generally very high. Some of the seafood offerings were exceptional with the fresh lobster being the real standout. Bernhard Stacher, Silver Wind’s Food & Beverage Manager, says “90% of the seafood served on board is fresh and not frozen.” The exception is certain fish which is served raw (e.g. Saku tuna for sushi) which must be frozen for at least 3 days at minus 21 degrees to ensure that any bacteria is killed. Notwithstanding the filet served in Saletta, the steaks I tried on Silver Wind, while cooked perfectly, were a little tough. The prime rib, on the other hand, was tender and juicy. All of the lamb and veal dishes we tried were excellent. We did not notice an appreciable difference in the quality of meals served in The Terrace Café bistro over the much larger and busier Restaurant. Perhaps that is because the food in The Restaurant already meets such high standards. The presentation of every course served could not have been better. As Chef Greaves says “the food must look as good as it tastes,” and it certainly does on Silver Wind. The service levels in every dining room were exceptional with little room for improvement.
There is also a 24-hour room service menu for meals delivered to your suite. During regular restaurant hours, you can order from The Restaurant menu and have your multi-course meals delivered to your suite.
Bars & Lounges
There are three bars on Silver Wind. The Pool Bar is, as you might guess, located near the pool on Deck 8. The Panorama Lounge is located on Deck 8 aft and The Bar is located on Deck 5 aft. All champagne, soft drinks, wines and liquor are complimentary with the exception of some premium brands. Philipponnat Royale Reserve has replaced Moet & Chandon as Silversea’s signature champagne. We found it to be light, crisp and just sweet enough to satisfy most tastes. It is every bit as good as the Moet & Chandon previously poured, and many guests thought it to be better.
The bar service on Silversea is excellent. Mixed drinks are served in large heavy glasses with clear, cubed ice. Virtually any brand of liquor you could possibly want is available on a complimentary basis. There are a few premium cognacs, brandies and ports which are available for an additional charge. Waiters are very prompt and polite. If you are drinking champagne or wine, don’t be surprised if your glass is filled while you are not looking before it gets half empty. The Bar and The Panorama Lounge are popular from 7:00pm for pre-dinner drinks. A nice selection of canapés and hot hors d’oeuvres are served in each lounge from 7:00 until 7:30 each night.
You may also order your favorite beverage from any other location on the ship. For example, if you wish to have a drink delivered to your suite you can call room service. Drink service is also available in the Parisian Lounge during evening entertainment.
Entertainment
Executive Chef, David Greaves entertains guests with an impressive cooking demonstration.
The entertainment on Silver Wind was noticeably less impressive than we found during our cruise on Silver Whisper (November 2002). Missing was the enthusiastic song and dance production shows formerly provided by Jean Ann Ryan Productions. There were good performers, such as the comedy and magic of Des and Cherry, Harmonica Virtuoso, Bernie Fields and vocalist Steve Teague. These were very good lounge acts, but do not fully utilize the stage, sound and lighting capabilities of The Parisian Lounge. There is good news on the horizon, Jean Ann Ryan Productions will be back on board all Silversea ships in March 2004. Apparently Silversea listens to its guests.
For those who wish to remain in their suite, there is satellite television and a selection of movies which play at various times throughout the day. On our cruise, the satellite television programming was sub-standard. There was no CNN or any news channel for 7 of the 10 days, and other channels were hit and miss. Cruise Director Collin Brown confirmed that Silver Wind was to receive a new satellite system within the next week or two with additional programming (CNN, BBC News, etc.). He also mentioned that all Silversea ships will get new DVD players to replace the outdated VCR’s and a large selection of DVD’s will be available for checkout from the front desk.
Activities
Cruise Director, Colin Brown and I share a moment at the farewell reception.
You might think that a ship with only 292 passengers would have very few, if any, activities. Not so. It seems that there is always something going on somewhere around the ship.
Power Walk Session at 7:00am; Step Trax Class at 8:00am; SculptTrax Abs, Buns and Thighs Class at 9:00am; Internet Assistance at 9:00am; Bridge Lecture at 10:00am; Morning Coffee Chat at 10am; Table Tennis at 10:30am; Lecture Series at 11:00am; Shuffleboard at 11:00am; Afternoon Tea at 4:00pm; Pilates at 4:00pm; Yoga Dynamics at 5:00pm; Team Trivia at 5:00pm; Golf Putting at 5:30pm.
For risk takers, there is a casino on Silver Wind with 8 slot machines, 3 poker machines, 2 blackjack tables and a roulette table.
The Fitness Center on Deck 9 forward now occupies the space previously used as the Observation Lounge. The Fitness Center has three stationary bicycles, three treadmills, a universal weight machine, free weights, mats and exercise balls. There is a basket of complimentary bottled water and fresh towels. On several visits to the Fitness Center, we found the room to either be too cold or too hot. The equipment is showing its age and should be upgraded. There are no bottled water holders on the bikes or treadmills and no elliptical trainer. The ceiling is so low that my head would hit it when I stepped on the treadmill. I am only 6’ 1” tall. Our suggestion would be to replace the three old treadmills with two new ones and a new elliptical trainer. There is a nice outdoor walking/jogging track area on Deck 9.
The Itinerary
PUERTO QUETZAL, GUATEMALA
Puerto Quetzal is the port for the town of San Jose, Guatemala, which used to be the country’s second largest port. Most ships had to stay at anchor and discharge their cargo to shore by lighter vessels. Puerto Quetzal was built to allow ships to dock. If you are looking to stock up for your next garage sale, you will enjoy the marketplace where vendors sell hand made crafts, leather items and pottery. Silversea arranged a complimentary shuttle from the ship to the cruise terminal where the marketplace was setup.
The big draw here is the Mayan ruins of Tikal and Copan. Both tours take 9 hours and require an airplane ride. There is also a day long tour of Antigua Guatemala (not to be confused with the Antigua in the Caribbean). A 90-minute drive takes you from the ship to Antigua where you can walk through a variety of historical buildings.
Me and Rickee with Ixtapa in the background.
ZIHUANTINEJO, MEXICO (IXTAPA)
This quaint fishing port boasts more than 16 miles of beaches and semitropical weather all year round. The main plaza faces the ocean; from here the town spreads out, covering just a few square blocks. The large, computer-planned resort of Ixtapa is only 5 miles away and features luxury hotels, miles of beaches, two 18-hole championship golf courses and upscale shopping malls.
MANZANILLO, MEXICO
This major port city was first visited by Hernan Cortez while he was in search of Chinese treasures. By the 1970's, Manzanillo had become a major Pacific manufacturing center and port. Manzanillo has also become a popular destination for sun and adventure seekers. The bustling beach areas are Manzanillo's main appeal. You can choose from relaxing on a sun-soaked beach or participate in one of the many watersports and fishing activities.
PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO
Located in the center of Mexico's Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is one of the country's most picturesque destinations. In addition to its visual appeal, Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of cultural entertainment and a lively nightlife. The ship offered a tour called "Nature's Canopy" which, among other things, allows participants to swing from one platform to another on a zip line. Very cool.
Rickee with new friends, Joel and Harriet, prepare to mount up for the ATV Tour in Cabo.
CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO
Cabo San Lucas is like the Maui of Mexico. This west coast community has exploded over the past two decades and features some of the most exotic vacation resorts in Mexico.
One tour that we enjoyed was the ATV adventure. For more than three hours you get to explore hilly dessert trails on four-wheeled all-terrain vehicles (ATV's). This tour is good for anyone in reasonably good physical condition. Beware, you will get VERY dusty during the ride. The tour operator provides helmets, goggles and bandanas.
The Silversea Experience
The ‘experience’ one gets when sailing Silversea is more than the sum of its parts. There is an atmosphere on Silversea that has yet to be duplicated by any other cruise line we have ever sailed. When you sail Silversea, you feel like you are on the best cruise line in the world. You feel important, like you have arrived. You realize you are experiencing a level of luxury that only a small fraction of the world’s population will ever enjoy.
Silversea has put into practice a philosophy of customer service that meets the demands of the most discriminating clients. Max and Caroline Welling from Jersey Island have accumulated over 330 days on Silversea over the years and are planning another 90-day voyage later in the year. “There is no other cruise line to compare to Silversea,” says Mr. Welling. “Nobody else offers intimate ships with balcony suites and open-seating dining with this level of service,” he continues. Mr. Welling makes a very valid point.
How To Get The Most Out Of A Silversea Cruise
Use a knowledgeable and trustworthy cruise professional with experience in selling Silversea. Ask your travel agent how many Silversea cruises they sell each year. If they say “none” or “very few”, look for an agent who understands this product.
Pay for your cruise with your American Express Platinum card. This will get you extra benefits like $300 in shipboard credit, a complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon champagne in your suite, dinner with a senior officer and a private tour of the bridge!
Once on board, if you want something ASK FOR IT! Chances are, Silversea will get it for you. In my case, I like creamed spinach with dinner each evening and a Caesar salad. Don’t expect them to read your mind and don’t be shy about making requests.
Book your next Silversea cruise on board and save an additional 5%. Even if your plans change, you will get the 5% discount applied to your next Sivlersea cruise. Also, your travel agent will get full credit for any cruise you book on board.
Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down
Chris and Rickee weigh in on various aspects of Silver Wind.
The Ups
👍🏻 - Cruise Director Colin Brown. Colin seemed to be everywhere! His ease with the guests, his never-ending supply of energy, his warm smile and charming demeanor combine to make him very good at what he does. 👍🏻 - Maitre’d Steven Weber. Steven will greet you by name on visits to the dining room and he will make sure that any of your special dining requests are met. - Cruise Consultant, Vivienne Grouse. Vivienne is on hand to assist with booking your next Silversea cruise. She will also make sure you get the best suite location on the ship for the money. Guests who book a future cruise while on board receive a 5% discount in addition to any other discounts that may be offered.
Michael Gregurich
👍🏻 - Assistant Cruise Director, Michael Gregurich – Full of energy, always smiling and a pretty darn good singer to boot! Michael will be leaving the Wind to become the Cruise Director when Silver Cloud emerges from dry dock this Spring.
👍🏻 - Maintenance/Housekeeping. The Silver Wind is immaculate. The exterior of the ship literally sparkled with fresh paint. The interior surfaces and brass were also polished daily and well- maintained. Public restrooms are cleaned regularly. - Medical Staff. Rickee fell the first night out and broke two toes on one foot. Within minutes, a nurse was speeding her to the medical center on Deck 3 in a wheelchair. The doctor was summoned from the dining room and Rickee received very competent care.
👍🏻 - The Terrace Cafe. This is an excellent venue for buffet breakfast and lunch and transforms into an intimate, candlelit bistro for casual “theme” dining each evening. Panoramic views of the ocean and optional al fresco dining make this a beautiful dining area.
👍🏻 - The Restaurant is Silver Wind’s main dining room offering open seating dining from 7:30pm to 9:30pm each evening. We are sold on the concept of single seating which allows you to dine whenever and with whomever you wish. Service, food and presentation are all excellent.
Elegant dining is the order of the day in Saletta.
👍🏻 - Saletta. This is an amazing dining experience. The creations of Mr. Joachim Koerper, Chef/Owner of the Michelin 2 Star Girasol Restaurant, as prepared by Silver Wind's dedicated Saletta chefs are works of art. Fortunately, this is art you can eat!
👍🏻 - The Pool Bar and Grill offers excellent drinks, good burgers, all-beef hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches and a variety of salads. Table service is a great convenience, but we would also like to see the addition of a walk-up order area for food. During peak periods, the wait for an order can be considerable. - The Mandara Spa on Deck 7 has a new relaxation room that is very classy. Massage treatments are second to none. - Mid ship Verandah Suites are well-designed, comfortable and quiet. Even though they are smaller than the Veranda Suites on Whisper and Shadow, they are as good as or better than most comparable suites on other luxury ships.
👍🏻 – All-inclusive. Virtually everything is included in your cruise fare - champagne, wine, mixed drinks, soft drinks and bottled water. A bottle of liquor will also be delivered for consumption in your suite if you desire. All gratuities are also included.
👍🏻 – Single-seating dining. Perhaps the single biggest advantage Silversea and other luxury lines have over "mainstream" cruise lines is the option to dine whenever and with whomever you wish.
👍🏻 – Daily Information Guide - Silversea Chronicles. Worthy of special mention. This onboard guide to daily activities and events is the best of any cruise line we've seen! Hence, we give it our 'Best at Sea' award. Not only is the Chronicles professionally laid out and easy to read, it is packed with valuable information. A logical Daily Program provides a timetable of all events onboard. The Silversea Chronicles is left in your suite during the evening turndown service (along with chocolates, most likely) so you always know what is happening the next day. They even include a preview of the day's lunch and dinner menus!
👍🏻 - Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service aboard Silver Wind is exceptional. Items we sent out by 9:30am were returned the same afternoon!
👍🏻 - The Library is well-stocked with books and video tapes and is open 24 hours per day. The honor system is utilized here so you can drop by any time, grab a book or video, and simply return it when you are done. - Afternoon Tea aboard Silver Wind occurs every afternoon at 4:00pm. An excellent selection of sandwiches, desserts, and scones with clotted cream make this one of the nicest teas at sea. - The Parisian Lounge is a superb venue for a variety of production shows and entertainment acts. The lounge features great sightlines with very few obstructed views. Unfortunately, on our cruise, the entertainment provided did not live up to the capabilities of the venue. - Special Requests. Silversea is very good about dealing with special requests. I ordered Caesar salad every evening, no problem. When we requested firmer pillows for the bed, they were brought immediately. Even though Eggs Benedict did not appear on the breakfast menu for room service, we wrote in the request and they were delivered hot and delicious. The only slip up was at dinner in The Restaurant. My standing order for creamed spinach was missed on three of the five nights we ate there.
The Downs
The Fitness Center is small, cramped and under-equipped. The treadmills are old and worn out Life Stride models with no holders for water bottles. The ceiling is so low that when jogging on a 6% incline my head would hit the ceiling (I am 6’ 1”). Given the average age of Silversea clientele, they should replace at least one of the treadmills with a good elliptical machine.
👍🏻 - The Internet Point. What a contrast from the Internet Café on Silver Whisper! The Internet Point on Deck 4 experienced more than its share of problems. The satellite appeared to be offline more often than it was online. Connections to the Internet were some of the slowest we have seen anywhere, land or sea.
👍🏻 - Entertainment. The entertainment we experienced was good, but the ship really misses the punch of the production shows. Jean Ann Ryan Productions will be back in March and it will be welcomed by every guest with whom we spoke. - Towels. The towels provided in the suites are simply not up-to-par for a 6-star cruise line like Silversea. They were coarse and, well, just ugly. The good news is that Hotel Director, Yves Joubin, verified that new and better towels are on the way! - Smoking policy in Parisian Lounge. This is one area of the ship that should be designated as a non-smoking venue.
👍🏻 – Overall. Our opinion of Silversea has not changed one bit. This remains a 6-Star luxury cruise line that can easily be considered the most luxurious on earth. If you will settle for nothing but the very best, and can afford it, Silversea has no equal.
If you have any questions about our Silver Wind cruise, please feel free to email us reviews@cruisereport.com and we will do our best to answer any questions.
Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas
We enjoy a seven-night sailing of Canada/New England aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas.
Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean sailing off the coast of Nova Scotia, Dan and Teresa from Atlanta, Georgia, are being served cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the intimate Concierge Club, just one of the amenities they enjoy from booking a suite aboard a brand new cruise ship. But this is not Crystal or Silversea, this is Royal Caribbean! As a friend in Plano, Texas would say “Who would have thunk it?”
Okay, maybe I am biased when it comes to Royal Caribbean. The first cruise that Rickee and I enjoyed together was on Grandeur of the Seas in ’97. Since then, we have sailed together on dozens of ships from nearly as many cruise lines to all corners of the world. Yet, as we stepped aboard Royal Caribbean’s new Serenade of the Seas, we were immediately reminded of why this cruise line continues to amaze cruise enthusiasts. With a gross tonnage of 90,090, Serenade of the Seas may not be one of Royal Caribbean’s largest vessels (Voyager-class vessels are 138,000). Nevertheless, this ‘Radiance-class’ vessel commands a distinctive presence wherever she sails.
THE SHIP
Royal Caribbean - Serenade of the Seas
Royal Caribbean has a knack for designing and building impressive ships, and Serenade of the Seas is certainly no exception. Like her slightly older sisters, Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade’s massive white hull is trimmed with blue-green glass lining the upper decks and topped off by the distinctive Viking Crown lounge (as are all Royal Caribbean vessels). With a gross tonnage of 90,500 and a beam of 105.6’ (width), Serenade is able to squeeze through the Panama Canal, allowing her to service the east coast, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Hawaii and Alaska.
The Centrum gives Royal Caribbean ships their 'wow' factor.
Serenade of the Seas has two sister ships which are virtually identical in design and décor: Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas. Jewel of the Seas will be the last in the series of Radiance-class vessels and will be launched in March 2004.
Royal Caribbean’s signature Centrum, located midship, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The open atrium extends from Deck 4 all the way to Deck 12 and sparkles with polished metal, a huge amount of tempered glass and low-voltage halogen lighting. There are six glass elevators in the Centrum, 2 of which offer a view of the Centrum as they raise and lower guests, while the other 4 are located on the outside offering breathtaking views of the ocean. There are 3 additional elevators located forward but none located aft on Radiance-class vessels. Speaking of glass, it is everywhere on Serenade of the Seas and it gives the interior a major “Wow!” factor.
In general, moving around this ship is surprisingly easy. The majority of public areas are located on decks 4, 5, 6, 11 and 12. There are staterooms on Decks 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10. The only thing impeding fore to aft movement is the Shops at Centrum which can become very jammed with shoppers at various times of the day.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Junior Suite offers lots of space, comfortable seating and vast amounts of storage.
Guests aboard Serenade can relax in a variety of well-appointed staterooms and suites. Our Category JS (Junior Suite) was comfortable and spacious with a large walk-in closet better suited for a 14-day cruise than our 5-night Canada/New England cruise. The marble-clad bathroom features a granite vanity with sink, full-size bathtub/shower and two mirrored medicine cabinets flanking the large mirror. The queen-size bed is comfortable with the exception of its shape which is curved on the end. This is apparently done to allow more walking space around the bed in staterooms where the bed is located next to the balcony door. At 6’ – 1” tall, I sometimes felt like my feet were hanging off the end of the bed. There are extra pillows stored in the closet and plenty of wooden hangers. The desk/entertainment unit has six storage drawers, a pull-out extension for a laptop computer and storage shelves everywhere. A full-size sofa (which makes into a full size bed), a coffee table and a nice chair with ottoman make for a roomy sitting area. A nice feature is a privacy curtain which divides the living room from the bed. The 20" color television sits on a cabinet which houses the refrigerator/mini-bar. There are two bedside tables, each with its own drawer and an ingenious reading light. The balcony is large and features two chairs, a table and a lounge chair. Royal Caribbean's balconies use sliding glass doors instead of hinged doors. You can really appreciate the sliding glass doors after having been jolted out of bed on other cruise lines when a neighbor's hinged door slams shut at 6:00am. Notwithstanding the audible talking and television from the neighboring suite, the Category JS suite was extremely comfortable and probably well worth the cost to upgrade from a balcony stateroom.
Staterooms Total: 1,055
Interior: 238
Ocean view: 817
Balcony: 577
Wheelchair Accessible: 19
All cabins are equipped with interactive television, telephone, computer jack, vanity tables with extendable work surface for laptop computers, refrigerator/mini-bar, hairdryer, 110/220 electrical outlets, convertible double/single hanging closet, and reading lights by the bed.
The interior staterooms on Serenade of the Seas seemed roomier than the one we occupied in 1997 on Grandeur of the Seas. There was a mini-sofa and loads of storage. For the budget-minded cruiser, these are quite comfortable. One step up from the interior stateroom is the standard ocean view stateroom which are basically the same size with the addition of a large picture window (a porthole on Deck 2). By far the most popular staterooms on Serenade of the Seas (and most newer ships) are the balcony staterooms. While there are a couple of variations of Balcony Staterooms, they are generally larger, and of course, feature a nice balcony. There are five categories of suite accommodations. The Junior Suite (Cat JS), the Grand Suite (Car GS), the Family Suite (Cat FS), the Owner's Suite (Cat OS) and the Royal Suite (Cat RS).
Note from Rickee: The mirrored medicine cabinet doors in the bathroom can be opened and positioned so that you can see your head from all angles, a great feature when it comes to styling your hair.
DINING
Virtually everyone agrees that food is an integral and important part of any cruise vacation. The one exception to this rule might be Rickee who often has to be reminded to eat. Remember Mikey from the old 60's cereal commercial who did not like anything? Well, that could easily be Rickee. So if Rickee likes the food it really means something. When it comes to food on Serenade of the Seas...Rickee likes.
When evaluating dining aboard a cruise ship we take several things into consideration:
Food quality & Taste
Preparation
Presentation
Variety
Service
The understated elegance of Reflections Dining Room.
The evaluation has to be balanced against reasonable expectations. For example, a meal served in a dining room that serves 1,200 meals per seating/per night cannot be expected to deliver the same quality meal that you should expect from a 5-star restaurant with only 30 tables to serve. Therefore, we evaluate dining rooms based on how they compare to other dining rooms on other cruise lines. Given that disclaimer, we found the Reflections dining room to rate very good to excellent for a ship this size. Breakfast served here was delivered fast, hot and everything was prepared to order. Unlike some other major cruise lines, Royal Caribbean still offers Eggs Benedict on the breakfast menu as well as made-to-order omelets, banana or blueberry pancakes and much, much more. Lunch in Reflections was good, but a couple of items came to the table cool to lukewarm. Nevertheless, the wait staff were friendly and very efficient. We never spent more than 40 minutes in Reflections for lunch, another big plus. Evening meals in Reflections were no less efficient and the meals were more impressive. Royal Caribbean and sister cruise line Celebrity Cruises are two cruise lines that have maintained the traditional early and late seating in the dining room, fighting the temptation to move to a 'freestyle' type of dining. "We simply cannot deliver the quality and service that our guests have come to expect from Royal Caribbean with a freestyle system," says Persaud Latchman, Serenade's Food and Beverage Manager.
The Windjammer Cafe is Royal Caribbean's signature Lido Buffet. On Vision-class vessels, the Windjammer is located a the front of the ship while Voyager-class and Radiance-class vessels place Windjammer aft of the pool area. Royal Caribbean really got it right when designing Windjammer for the Radiance-class vessels. At first glance, the sheer number of serving stations look daunting and confusing. Your first reaction might be "where do I begin?" In spite of this, the layout works very well. There are multiple serving "kiosks" each serving its own courses. One kiosk serves salads and fruits, another serves hot entrees, yet another for desserts, and so on. The layout and design reduces long lines waiting for food. That's a good thing. Instead of serving trays, which can result in tipped over glasses of water or lemonade, Royal Caribbean has implemented platter-sized plates sure to please even the most aggressive buffet aficionado. For breakfast, there was the standard scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, ham, sausage, etc. The omelet station was making omelets or other egg dishes to order. If you position yourself just right at the omelet station you can even talk yourself into fresh-off-the-griddle pancakes! For lunch, Windjammer offers a wide selection of salads, hot entrees, vegetables and a fresh pasta station. In the evening, the Windjammer transforms into a very nice dining alternative. The lighting is lowered and there are plenty of open tables. The variety and quality of food served in the evenings is surprisingly good, especially the sushi and Mongolian barbeque offerings.
For guests who want a truly unique dining experience, Serenade of the Seas offers two upscale restaurants which are open from 6:00pm till 10:00pm nightly.Chops Grille is the ship's resident steakhouse serving USDA Prime beef, veal and pork chops. Chops Grill is our new pick for Best Alternate Dining at Sea, nudging out Carnival Pride's Nouveau Supper Club (our previous pick for Best Alternate Dining). Chops Grill hits all the marks with great quality, near flawless service and presentation. The shrimp cocktail appetizer yielded 5 medium-size shrimp with a spicy sauce that had a hint of barbeque flavor. The salads were the least impressive part of the meal but were compensated for by the hearty bowls of cheese and onion soup and clam chowder. Meat is where Chops really shines. The veal chop has a tender smoky flavor that tastes like it was cooked over a hickory flame. The Prime Rib is a huge slab of tender beef cooked to perfection that can be cut with a fork, literally. I wish I could extol the virtues of Chops' desserts, but alas, there was no room left in the 36" waist pants to give it a try. There is a $20 per person service charge for dining in Chops Grill, but it is one of the best bargains on the ship. Reservations are required.
Right next door to Chops Grill is Portofino, Serenade's Italian restaurant. Portofino is no less impressive in its own right than Chops. In fact, it was a real toss up as to which should be named 'Best at Sea'. Portofino's strength lies in its Antipasti, Zuppe (soups) and Insalate (salads), where Chops relies more on its main courses to impress. The Prawn Risotto is not to be missed. In fact, our waiter, Earnest, claimed that many guests order it as an entree. On our visit, the soup of the day was Cream of Asparagus and was equally rich and creamy. The Caesar salad served in Portofino is made tableside and is better than the one served in Chops. The pasta dish was made fresh and had a delightfully rich red sauce while the Veal Medallion and Prosciutto were fork tender and delicious. As with Chops, we were totally unable to force a dessert down, but we heard from many other passengers that the desserts were truly delicious bordering on decadent. There is a $20 per person service charge for dining in Portofino and reservations are required.
Cruisers who lament the notion of 'having' to pay for these alternate dining options should perhaps rethink their attitude.
These restaurants are optional. There are plenty of other places on the ship to enjoy a meal without an additional service charge.
The value of these restaurants far exceeds the $20 per person service charge. The food quality, presentation, service and atmosphere are comparable to restaurants with meal prices in the $50 to $75 per person range.
Cruise fares are far lower today (not even adjusted for inflation). Even with dinner for two in both restaurants, the total cost of a cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas is likely to be hundreds less than it would have cost 25 years ago
The Solarium Cafe serves pizza and other snacks from 3pm to 7pm on most days and is located in the Solarium on Deck 11. The Seaview Cafe on Deck 12 is a nice place for a quick lunch or a late night snack. This restaurant serves burgers and other sandwiches, soups, salads, chicken fingers and hot wings.
Guests who wish to enjoy a cup of Cappuccino or a Mocha Latte along with a sweeping view of the ocean will want to head to Latte-Tudes on Deck 5 Centrum. Even though there is a charge for the coffee drinks served here, the quality of the 'Seattle's Best™' coffee exceeds the complimentary coffee served in Windjammer, Reflections or other dining areas. Complimentary cookies, cakes and other sweet temptations are available here to enjoy with your coffee. Coffee bars have become a popular addition to most new ships in the past few years, but none have anything as nice as Latte-Tudes. The coffee drinks are competitively priced with your local Starbucks, and I personally prefer Seattle's Best to Starbucks. The four internet computer terminals found in Latte-Tudes make this a perfect place to sip morning coffee and check email!
Of course, if all else fails, you can always pick up the phone in your stateroom and order from the complimentary room service menu! Full breakfast service is available each morning and sandwiches and snacks are available 24 hours a day. During dinner meal times, you can even select dishes from the evening's menu and have them delivered to your stateroom or suite.
BARS AND LOUNGES
“Mixed drinks at the Pool Bar and Sky bar are served in much smaller plastic glasses than in the other bars on the ship, yet they are the same price.”
When the sun goes down, the lights come up on Serenade of the Seas to reveal a ship built for fun and nightlife as much as it was for daytime activities. Guests who enjoy good music accompanied by a well-made cocktail need look no further than the Lobby Bar on Deck 4 where there is a string quartet or Jazz trio playing nearby from 4:30pm till 1:00am. Intimacy and elegance is the order of the day as you sip the bubbly (or any other drink) in the Champagne Bar on Deck 6 Centrum. The signature bar on any Royal Caribbean ship has to be the Schooner Bar (Deck 6) just aft of the Centrum. The Schooner Baris the perfect place to listen to pianist Denny Phelps or Latin Guitarist, Rico Duarte and enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail before you have dinner at Portofino or Chops Grill.
Sports enthusiasts have not been forgotten. The Pit Stop Sports Bar located aft of Casino Royale features walls lined with plasma televisions playing sports events from around the world. The de-facto late night haunt is the Vortex Disco Bar located on Deck 13 in the Viking Crown Lounge. Another section of the Viking Crown Lounge has been designated as Hollywood Odyssey, the ship's cigar bar. Of course you can also quench your thirst at the Pool Bar (Deck 11) or Sky Bar (Deck 12) on warm afternoons by the pool.
ACTIVITIES
Rickee sinks a long putt on the Fairways of Serenade.
Royal Caribbean has designed the Voyager-class and Radiance-Class ships, as well as its advertising campaign, to appeal to young adults (at any age, married or single) who lead active, energetic lives. Those looking to stay in shape after a night of partying and dancing need look no further than Deck 12 on Serenade of the Seas. For true adventure seekers, there is the 33-foot rock climbing wall which doubles as the rear panel of the ship's exhaust stack. Wanna-be hoopsters will find a basketball court (that can also be converted to a volleyball court). The golf simulator ($25 per hour) lets you play a round of golf on your choice of famous golf courses from around the world while the slightly less-challenging miniature golf course offers 9 holes of putting fun. The ShipShape Fitness Center is on Deck 12 forward and is well-equipped for stretching and toning muscles you did not even know you had. The center has a full set of free weights, Life Fitness™ circuit trainers, LifeCycles™, LifeStride™ treadmills and LifeFitness™ elliptical trainers. Royal Caribbean has spared no expense by installing the highest quality, commercial grade equipment in this facility. There are a host of ShipShape classes throughout the day for stretching, aerobics, Pilates yoga, etc. A nice locker room for changing into workout gear is on Deck 12 in the spa area with lockers, showers, steam and sauna. Well done!
Serenade of the Seas does not abandon those who may have consumed mass quantities the night before and simply need something less aggressive to pass the time. The pool on Deck 11 is one of the largest we have seen on any cruise ship and has impressive waterfall jets shooting from one end of the pool. This will be a popular hangout when Serenade does its Southern Caribbean itinerary. Deck 11 aft is where you can lay around a quiet pool for adults only in the Solarium. The Solarium has a retractable glass roof which can be closed in cooler weather (e.g. Alaska). There are two hot tubs here, a Balinese theme pool area with lush plants, sculptures of wild animals and a Balinese carved Teak gate by a waterfall. This area is very relaxing and a great place to take a swim followed by a nice nap. And did we mention, no unaccompanied kids allowed?
Other daytime activities on board include the Fine Art Auctions which are held in the Centrum on Deck 4. The auctions are conducted by Park West Galleries and there are hundreds of pieces from which to choose. Park West claims that you can purchase art here and save 40% to 80% off the land gallery prices. For whatever reason, there were lots of people at the auctions doing lots of bidding. Unfortunately, the auctioneer's 'barking' can be heard on every deck of the ship in the Centrum area which can be a little distracting for those who wish to read in the library, which is located on Deck 7 Centrum.
Casino Royale
Pampered guests will certainly make their way to the Serenade Day Spa where they offer a variety of massage treatments, facials, hair and nail treatments. Bingo fanatics will love Royal Caribbean's Snowball Jackpot Bingo, offering unquestionably the most generous payout of any cruise line. Bingo cards are available for $10 to $35 and the big final jackpot is almost always several thousand dollars. Hard core gamblers will be pleased to see that Casino Royale has everything a Vegas aficionado could want. There are 195 slot machines, including poker machines, ranging from quarter to $5. Table games include Craps, Roulette, Black Jack (21) and Caribbean Stud Poker. Casino Royale's slots accept real quarters, so there is no need to get tokens from the cashier. There is a Casino bar where you can take a break from the action and enjoy an exotic libation. Something you will only see on Royal Caribbean are self-leveling billiard tables. The tables are located between the Schooner Bar and the Safari Club on Deck 6.
If you think Royal Caribbean has forgotten about the younger cruisers, you would be wrong. The ship's Adventure Ocean program has a full-time staff of 10 that does nothing but keep the young ones occupied from sunrise to way past sunset. Activities are divided into four different age groups:
Aquanauts 3 to 5
Explorers 6 to 8
Voyagers 9 to 11
Navigators 12 to 14
Guests 15 to 17
Each age group has its own daily schedule of activities which start at 9:00am and extend until 1:00am on some evenings. For teens, there is a fully-equipped video arcade and Fuel, a teen disco and soda bar. Very cool. For the younger kiddos there is a fully-equipped daycare center with computers, games, big screen TV, and all kinds of other 'kid's stuff' to keep the little ones occupied. After hours babysitting is available for a small fee.
ENTERTAINMENT
Serenade of the Seas' Tropical Theater represents the Royal Caribbean's ongoing commitment to providing guests with top-notch entertainment. "This ship has the latest in stage and sound technology, on land or sea," says Rennie Watt, Stage and Production Manager. The Tropical Theater features advanced computer-driven lighting, sound and stage effects. But great entertainment relies on more than technology. Great talent must also be present to put on a memorable show. The Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers who put on two production shows during a 7-Day cruise, consist of four vocalists and a troupe of 10 dancers. Before a show makes it to the ship, the entertainers are hired through the company's Miami entertainment office then are shipped off to Ft. Lauderdale to train and rehearse each show at the Royal Caribbean Productions' studio.
Leading the entertainment effort on Serenade of the Seas is Allan Brooks, the ship's cruise director. Brooks has been a cruise director for only a year and a half, but you would never know it to watch him at work. Allan is as comfortable on stage as he is walking down the hall. Having served on the old Viking Sun, Majesty of the Seas and as Assistant Cruise Director on Monarch of the Seas, the young Canadian finds himself managing a staff of 80 on the cruise line's newest ship. Brooks' former life as an improvisational comedian is evident when you watch him work the room during any of the events he hosts.
The two production shows on Serenade of the Seas* are Stage to Screen and Vibeology. As a "song and dance tribute to some of the most memorable stage and movie musicals," Stage to Screen fell short of providing a memorable show. Even though the vocals are good and the dance routines complex and well-executed, the musical numbers were hardly recognizable. Vibeology is, hands-down, the better show of the two. This high-energy production allows the vocalists to show off their range and ability to harmonize better than Stage to Screen. The dancers excelled in both shows, as did the Serenade of the Seas Orchestra. Both shows featured impressive costumes, stage and lighting effects and even a few surprises.
The real star of both shows is the Tropical Theater itself, unquestionably the best theater design on any cruise ship we have seen to date. A great ship theater begins with good, comfortable seating and great sightlines. There is nothing worse than showing up at the theater and not being able to find a seat without a support structure (pole) blocking your view of the stage. The Tropical Theater has very few obstructed views and the seating is not only comfortable, but functional. One great design feature was the cup holder located in the arm of each chair which has been ingeniously designed to hold a flat bottomed glass or a stemmed wine glass. No more red wine tipping over and ruining the expensive evening gown!
The Tropical Theater is also host to Celebrity Showtime which features a variety of guest performers. It is safe to say that there is something going on in the Tropical Theater each evening to entertain and delight guests. The theater is also used during days at sea for other entertainment like the popular Love and Marriage Game Show.
*It should be noted that production shows do change over time. The life of a show varies from 12 to 18 months.
SUMMARY
To say that we were impressed with Serenade of the Seas would be an understatement. The ship and her staff deliver everything that anyone can reasonably expect from a value-driven, mass-market cruise line, and more. Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line that is using its loyalty program, Crown & Anchor Society, to give guests significant incentives to book future cruises with Royal Caribbean. Having access to the Concierge Club is reason enough for someone like myself to qualify as a Diamond member (10 or more cruises). There really is no reason not to book a cruise on this ship.
THUMBS UP/THUMBS DOWN
Maritza Moolman, Concierge
👍🏻 - Maritza Moolman, Concierge - A staff member has to be pretty special for us to include them in our review, much less include a photo! Maritza is one of those rare individuals who goes out of her way to make sure guests have a great vacation. Maritza is the ship's concierge and greets guests in the Concierge Club from sunrise to way after sunset. She is always smiling, pleasant, and more than willing to serve. It is obvious that she loves her job.
👍🏻 - Concierge Club - Reserved for suite guests in Grand, Owners and Royal Suites and Diamond members of the Crown & Anchor Society, the Concierge Club provides a quaint, quiet and comfortable area to enjoy cocktails in the evening, continental breakfast in the morning, or to access the Internet throughout the day.
👍🏻 - Allan Brooks, Cruise Director - Talented, funny and energetic. Allan Brooks does a great job of keeping guests entertained and active. Only a few cruise directors ever impress us enough to warrant a photo in a review, Allan is certainly one of the few.
👍🏻 - Chops Grille – Guess who just took over the top spot for Best Alternate Dining at Sea? The meals served in Chops Grille are delicious, cooked to order and served by a polished team of professionals. We dare you to finish the Prime Rib and have room left for dessert. Note: There is a $20 service charge for dining in Chops Grille and reservations are required.
👍🏻 - Portofino – Portofino is Serenade of the Seas’ Italian-theme restaurant. Quite simply, the food and service here are impeccable. The ambiance could be enhanced with lower light levels from above and candles on the tables. A cruise on Serenade without a visit to Portofino is a missed opportunity. Note: There is a $20 service charge for dining in Portofino and reservations are required.
👍🏻 - Tropical Theater – Yet another 'Best at Sea' award goes to Serenade of the Seas for having the best theater at sea. Great sightlines, comfortable seating, high-tech stage, lighting and sound and a cup holder designed for stemmed glassware. No more wine glasses tipping over!
👍🏻 - Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers – There is no lack of energy with this group! The 'Stage to Screen' show seemed to lack continuity and the vocal numbers were hardly recognizable, but 'Vibeology' (the second production show) made up for it with powerful vocals, impressive costumes and amazing dance routines.
👍🏻 - ShipShape™ Fitness Center – Everything you want and/or need in a fitness center. Free weights, circuit trainers, plenty of LifeFitness™ Treadmills and elliptical trainers and a whole row of LifeCycle™ recumbent bicycles. Nice locker room with keyed lockers, steam and sauna.
👍🏻 - Activities – There is no shortage of things to do aboard Serenade of the Seas. In fact, we had a hard time thinking of an activity that is not already available! The combination and variety of activities available earns RCI our BEST AT SEA award for activities!
👍🏻 - Casino Royale – 195 slot machines, along with blackjack, roulette and craps tables and Caribbean Stud Poker combine to make Casino Royale a lively and fun place to 'donate' money to the ship. However, one lady on the cruise before ours walked off with a $75,000 progressive slot jackpot!
👍🏻 - Library – Royal Caribbean’s ‘honor system’ for borrowing books is the best we have seen on any large ship. The library is open 24 hours a day and is centrally located on Deck 9 in the Centrum.
👍🏻 - Crown & Anchor Society – Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program is the best in the business, hands down. Membership in this program is free to anyone who has completed a cruise with Royal Caribbean; all that is required is registration. Crown & Anchor Society members enjoy special amenities depending on their membership level (see sidebar).
👍🏻 - Adventure Ocean – Kids will love Serenade of the Seas and the Adventure Ocean program. Guests who cruise without kids (like us) appreciate a program that keeps kids occupied during the day.
👍🏻 - Latte-Tudes – Arguably the best coffee bar at sea. Latte-Tudes serves a variety of specialty coffee drinks featuring Seattle's Best brand coffees. Complimentary pastries and cookies and Internet access make this an unbeatable location for morning coffee and email checking.
👍🏻 - Staff and Overall Service Levels - Royal Caribbean has done a great job of training its staff. Our room stewardess (Maria) would call us by name each time we saw her in the hallway, the lady working at Latte-Tudes would thank me by name each morning when I purchased coffee. Behim (pronounced 'Beam as in sunbeam'), our waiter in Chops Grill, was superb as was Earnest in Portofino. Tonya, the restaurant manager at Portofino made a point to stop by our table to see if everything was to our liking. From top to bottom, we saw nothing but professionalism and friendliness in the onboard staff.
👍🏻 - Internet Access – The Internet access on Serenade of the Seas has been very well thought-out and implemented. Gone are the 75 cents per minute charges and confusing packages where you buy 100 or 300 minutes. Royal Caribbean has instead opted for a flat 50 cents per minute rate. Expensive? Yes, but the connections on our cruise were pretty fast for a satellite connection. The best feature is that Internet terminals have been located in various lounge areas. Computers in Royal Caribbean Online on Deck 4 across from Guest Relations, the Internet Cafe on Deck 7, Latte-Tudes on Deck 5 and in the Concierge Club on Deck 10 put the Internet easily within reach.
👍🏻 - Liquor Policy – Royal Caribbean now allows you to pay a $9.50 per bottle premium if you wish to consume liquor purchased on board in your stateroom. Even though it may sound a little pricey, at least they have a policy to allow in-room consumption. With the $9.50 per bottle premium, you will probably pay about the same as you would at home, but that is still a savings over buying drinks in the lounges.
👍🏻 - Photo Gallery – You can still buy a photo for under $10! There's no 'holding hostage' of your embarkation photo either like on some other cruise lines where you are forced to buy a $20 to $25 package just to get your boarding photo. The photography staff on this ship is not intrusive and the photos are priced competitively with other ships.
👍🏻 - Embarkation – The Port of New York is not known for its efficiency. Nevertheless, Serenade's staff did an admirable job of getting us checked in and onboard quickly. The only real delay was security, which is handled by the Port Authority, not RCI.
👍🏻 - Bar Service – We found the drinks served in the lounges to be considerably better than on previous Royal Caribbean cruises. Perhaps they have had an awakening. The highball glasses are larger and the liquor portions more generous. The prices were very competitive with other cruise lines and less expensive than most hotels and restaurants on land.
👍🏻 - Gratuity Policy – Royal Caribbean offers you the option of having gratuities added to your ship board account in which case you receive vouchers which can be placed in gratuity envelopes on the last night of the cruise. This is MUCH better than the policy adopted by many cruise lines where gratuities are automatically added to your account, and you have to make a trip to the guest relations desk to have them removed.
👍🏻 - Windjammer Cafe – Finally, Royal Caribbean gets it right with the Windjammer Cafe on the Radiance-class vessels. Several serving lines means you don't stand in long lines to get food. Huge platters have replaced serving trays. Food is good for buffet fare.
👍🏻 - Cinema – Even though it is practically hidden on Deck 6, the Cinema is a great venue for watching first run movies in a comfortable, theatre-like setting.
👎🏻 - Centrum Shops – The variety of the shops and the quality of the merchandise is not the problem. It is the traffic jam that the shops create because of where they are located on Deck 5.
👎🏻 - Art Auction - The Art Auctions are held in the Centrum on Deck 4 and create a lot of noise pollution not to mention a considerable traffic jam. We would like to see these moved to the Safari Club or the Vortex disco.
👍🏻 - Overall – There is very little to find fault with here. Not only is this an incredible value, but this ship has so much to do and experience that it should appeal to just about anyone. While the ship will be a great way to see the Southern Caribbean in Winter and Spring 2004, the sweeping views of the ocean and great balcony staterooms will make this a great ship for cruising the Panama Canal, Hawaii and Alaska.
Rhine & Moselle River Cruise on Viking Danube
We spend 14 nights aboard Viking Danube sailing the Rhine and Moselle rivers. This was our first Viking River Cruises cruise!
A cruise enthusiast might be tempted to compare a river cruise to an ocean cruise. Of course, this is like trying to compare the experience of driving a Corvette to that of a Ferrari. While both are sports cars and both are very fast, the experiences are quite different. One thing is obvious: there are places that a river can take you that the ocean simply cannot. Rivers were the super highways of Europe (and most other countries) until the 1900’s. Trade and commerce were only possible because of barges that moved massive amounts of goods along the river. Towns and cities sprang up all along the rivers of the world because access to water meant access to fishing, import and export. Some of the most charming destinations in Europe are accessible by river.
Chris and Rickee with Viking Danube in the background in Basel, Switzerland.
One company that has seized an opportunity to transport interested travelers to these gems of the river is Viking River Cruises. The company operates 25 river cruise vessels making it the largest river cruise operator in Europe. Our cruise aboard Viking Danube was to begin in Basel, Switzerland and take us up the Rhine River to Amsterdam with a brief side trip up the Moselle River in Germany.
Our journey begins as many others with the dreaded flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Basel, Switzerland. Two Viking River Cruises representatives met us at the Basel airport as soon as we cleared Swiss customs, which was an incredibly easy process. Miraculously, all checked luggage arrived in spite of enduring four separate flights on three airlines. Within minutes, we were being whisked to meet the ship on Viking River Cruises’ chartered bus.
Approaching the Viking Danube docked at Basel is anything but awe-inspiring. Looking sort of like a ‘real’ cruise ship that someone stepped on and flattened, the ship is 360 feet long and only 54 feet wide (beam). Embarkation is simply walking on board and showing the receptionists your ticket and passport. There are no lines to stand in and before you know it, you have your room key. The process could not be more efficient.
The Sun Deck is expansive and offers plenty of room to relax and watch the river pass by.
There are three passenger decks serving a total of 150 guests. You board the ship on Deck 2 forward in the reception area. Go forward from reception and you are in the Viking Lounge. A stairway in reception leads down to the dining room on Deck 1. Traversing aft from reception you will find a hallway with Category B staterooms and a staircase leading up to Deck 3 where Category A staterooms are lined up. At the end of Deck 3, there is a small library and a fitness room with a sauna, whirlpool and even a tanning bed. There is a single elevator which runs from Deck 1 through Deck 3. There are a few Category C staterooms located on Deck 1. All staterooms are ‘river view’, or outside cabins. Category A and B are identical in size and configuration (A are located on Deck 3 while B are located on Deck 2) and have large windows while Category C have much smaller windows.
“Dress onboard these ships is casual. Even the formal nights will find many wearing nothing more than dress shirts and slacks.”
Accommodations are admittedly small but efficient for a 12-night journey on the Rhine. The ship builder has done a relatively good job of utilizing 154 sq. ft. of space with maximum efficiency. The window is at least 6 feet wide and 4 feet tall (Cat A & B) and offers you dramatic vistas of German landscape even while you are stretched out on your bed. The bed is a king which can be separated into 2 twins on request. Pillows and bedding are very comfortable. In fact, the mattress is as comfortable as any you will find anywhere. You might be surprised to find individual duvets. Pillows are soft down but firmer pillows are available with a call to the front desk. The room has a deep window ledge which we quickly filled with items that won’t fit in the small closet. Closet space can be tight if you bring clothes for 12 days, so pack light or plan to leave some items folded in your suitcase and stowed under the bed. The bathroom is a decent size with a shower stall, large sink and glass shelves to use for your personal toiletries. Viking River Cruises provides complimentary shampoo, soap and body lotion.
The Viking Lounge is the center of activity during sailing days and in the evenings.
The main public areas of the Viking Danube where everyone congregates are the Viking Lounge on Deck 2 and the Sun Deck on Deck 4 (topside). The Viking Lounge is large enough to hold every guest on the ship. There is a full service bar serving beer, wine and mixed drinks. Drink prices are comparable with other cruise lines and hotel bars. You will pay € 4,00* for a beer or a Scotch and water. A Coca-Cola, however, will set you back a whopping € 2,40 ($2.75 US) so you may want to pick up a few cans in ports along the way to keep in your cabin. Even at peak periods, the bar service provided on Viking Danube was efficient. Even though it is not mentioned anywhere on the menu, a special request for cheese and crackers was met with a nice platter of Brie, Pepper and Goat cheeses with crackers. No charge.
Stopping at an Internet cafe in Cologne
CruiseReport.com Tip If you plan to exchange US currency for Euros or Swiss Francs, you should shop around to get the best exchange and commission rates. Viking River Cruises will exchange money onboard, but you will pay a 10% commission. On our trip, US $200 would only get you € 165 and change. You may want to ask your travel agent if they offer currency exchange before you leave. Local ATM's in Europe offer the best exchange rates using your bank ATM card and no commission.
The Sun Deck is basically the roof of the boat. The Wheelhouse (Bridge) is located forward behind which you will find a covered seating area about 30 feet long. Behind the covered area is the rest of the boat’s roof area which is wide open and full of tables with chairs and also lounge chairs. This area never feels crowded and makes a great place to watch the castles and vineyards of Europe float by. On calm days, this is also a perfect place to sit and relax, read a good book, or even take a brief nap. There is no bar service on the Sun Deck but occasionally you will see a bar waiter cleaning up and if you request a drink, it will be delivered with a smile. Viking River Cruises seems to be fairly liberal in their liquor policy so you can probably get away with bringing aboard that bottle of German or French wine you purchased in town and enjoying it with friends.
The smoking policy on board is very friendly to non-smokers. There is no smoking allowed in any rooms. Smoking is permitted in a small area on the starboard side of the vessel outside the lobby doors. There are no ashtrays anywhere on the ship, even in the Viking Lounge!
CruiseReport.com Update Smooth Sailing – There is no need to worry about sea sickness on a river cruise. These ships offer a rock-solid ride with almost no detectable motion. Engine and mechanical noise is also minimal.
Viking River Cruises has divided its market into English and non-English speaking cruises. Therefore, everyone on board your cruise will speak English and most likely be American or Canadian. Other Viking River Cruises ships that serve the European and Asian populations are not sold in the U.S. What this policy lacks in providing ethnic diversity, it makes up for in ease of communication. Guests are therefore not required to sit through endless announcements in multiple languages. Even though the crew is primarily European, they all speak impeccable English.
The ‘typical’ guest on our sailing was American, married and probably had grand children. At 47, I felt like one of the youngest aboard. There were a handful of “30 somethings” aboard and even one couple celebrating their honeymoon! River cruises tend to attract a more mature clientele due to the lack of glitzy entertainment, casino and rigorous activities.
Marcus is your excellent host for dining aboard Viking Danube.
River cruising is all about the destinations, not the ship itself. These vessels are designed to move you down (or up) a river from one historic location to another efficiently and comfortably. The ship does not ‘get in the way’ of the destination. This type of cruise offers the opportunity to visit quaint villages located way off the beaten tourist track, something not possible for a large cruise ship.
Viking Danube offers guests an Early Riser coffee and Danish in the Viking Lounge between 6:00am and 6:30am each morning (times vary from day to day). The coffee here is from one of those instant injection machines. It is drinkable, but not as good as the coffee in the dining room. A breakfast buffet is served in the dining room from 7:00am until 9:00am. Eggs cooked to order (omelets, poached, over easy, etc.) are available upon request. Lunch is typically served from noon until 2:00pm in the dining room and each day the menu will feature a salad bar, a choice of 2 soups, 2 entrees and 2 desserts. An abbreviated lunch buffet is also served in the Viking Lounge. Dinner is served between 7:00pm and 7:30pm each evening. The dinner menu features a choice of 2 salads/appetizers, 2 soups, 2 entrees (one of which is always fish) and 2 desserts. The overall quality of the food served onboard ranges from average to good with no real standouts other than some of the dessert offerings. The pastries were excellent. Even though you won’t go hungry on a Viking River Cruise, you will probably welcome the opportunity to sample regional cuisine at one of the local restaurants when in port.
One of the best features of a Viking River Cruise is that excursions are included in the cruise fare. Virtually every port visited featured a bus tour, a walking tour, or both. In some cities there are additional offerings which are optional and do cost extra. All of the tours we attended were very well-conducted by knowledgeable local guides. The inclusion of excursions dramatically increases the value of a Viking River Cruise experience. Getting on and off of the ship is extremely easy. Just drop your room key off at the reception desk on your way out (so they know that you are off the vessel) and walk off. There are no long lines and no crowds. Since the ship usually docks right in town, you may only be minutes from local restaurants, bars, museums, parks, shops and other points of interest.
Pack umbrellas! You never know when it will rain in Europe in the summer. We ended up having to buy 3 umbrellas in port to get 2 that worked. Viking River Cruises does not make umbrellas available so remember to bring your own!
After a busy day of touring quaint villages, castles and walking through cobblestone streets guests are welcomed back aboard Viking Danube to enjoy dinner served in the main dining room. There is a single seating at 7:00pm (7:30pm on some days) but guests can sit wherever they wish and dine with whomever they wish. The dining room has tables set for 6 or 8 guests. There are no tables for 2 or 4. Service in the dining room is efficient and friendly. After dinner, guests may choose to enjoy a drink in the Viking Lounge and dance to the music of Gitomir, the ship's sole entertainer.
One of the many complimentary walking tours
Everyone will appreciate the level of service and friendliness of the staff and crew. Even though there are only 38 crew to serve 150 guests, the quality of service is extremely good. As with most small vessels, a smaller crew seems to exude the feeling of an extended family. Everyone is smiling and seems to really enjoy their job. That can only result in a good cruising experience for Viking River Cruises guests.
What Do Others Say?
Virtually everyone we visited with during our 12-day cruise gave a thumbs up to the Viking River experience. Many of our new friends have been on several Viking River cruises in the past and plan to do more in the future. The typical guests were married retired couples and have cruised on both ocean and river cruises. One guest we visited with had been on 55 cruises, 14 of which were river cruises.
Important Notice. Entertainment and Activities - You will notice that we only awarded 1 star for both entertainment and activities. These categories are judged comparatively to other cruise ships which are typically larger and offer a variety of entertainment and activity options. A Viking River Cruise focuses more on excursions than on activities and entertainment. Therefore, this rating should not be considered a 'negative' but a reflection of the entertainment and activities offered as compared to other cruise ships.
Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down
Janka
Viking River Cruises is a wonderful destination-oriented vacation product. Anyone wanting a departure from a traditional way to see Europe should consider one of these river cruises. You can visit small, quaint villages as well as a few larger cities and only have to unpack your luggage once!
👍🏻 - Janka (pronounced ‘yawn-ka’) is one of the excellent cruise staff who will accompany you on shore excursions, provide assistance at the reception desk and will invite you to her an early-morning stretching class before breakfast! P.S. she also LOVES spicy Chinese food.
👍🏻 - Cruise Manager, Yvette Storm – Yvette is a hard working Dutch-born lady who seems to be in three different places at once. Everywhere you look she is working to make everyone's trip enjoyable. Yvette also conducted a wonderful narrative of the castles as we sailed the middle Rhine.
👍🏻 - Smooth Sailing – The Viking Danube is smooth as silk as it sails up or down the Rhine. Virtually no motion at all.
👍🏻 - Mattress & Bedding – The most comfortable mattress we have ever slept on at sea (or in this case, 'river').
👍🏻 - German Brunch – One day we enjoyed an elaborate traditional German brunch on the Sun Deck with Bratwurst, Beer, Sauerkraut, Bockworst and potato salad. Wünderbar!
👍🏻 - Water & Coffee – The water served in the dining room is clean and fresh and free from chlorine. The coffee served in the dining room is also fresh-brewed and very good.
👍🏻 - Pastries – The pastry chef really outdid himself with an excellent selection of pastries at breakfast and a wonderful demonstration of Apple Strudel.
👍🏻 - Excursions – All of the ship's excursions we experienced were handled extremely well. Good, English-speaking guides, nice coaches, etc.
👍🏻 - Sun Deck – A great place to watch the scenic views of the Rhine and Moselle go by. Plenty of room and non-smoking!
👍🏻 - Liquor Policy – Enjoying a local bottle of wine purchased ashore was not a problem on our cruise. The bar staff were more than willing to uncork our wine purchase and provide an ice bucket if necessary at no charge.
👍🏻 - Smoking Policy – As non-smokers we appreciate the no smoking allowed policy in all public areas.
👎🏻 - Shower – Water in shower would intermittently go from hot to cold and would sometimes shut off altogether for up to 30 seconds before returning.
👎🏻 - Bathroom – There is a nice big sink, but there are two large glass shelves directly above the sink that you invariably would whack your head on when bending over the sink to wash your face.
👍🏻 - Overall. This is a comfortable and cost-effective way to see small, quaint villages that line the rivers of Europe. The scenery is spectacular and the mood is sedate and relaxing.
* € is the symbol representing the Euro. At the time of this review one Euro equals approx. $1.15 US.
If you have any questions about our Viking Danube cruise through the Rhine and Moselle rivers, please feel free to email us atvikingriver@cruisereport.com.
Sea Dreams Do Come True (2003)
Our first sailing with SeaDream Yacht Club was 7-nights in the Caribbean. We are hooked on small ship cruising!
Try to imagine a Captain of a luxury cruise ship arriving at the Captain’s Welcome Reception in full dress uniform wearing a Viking helmet and riding a Segway! Not exactly what you would expect, right? This is just one example of how SeaDream Yacht Club exceeds, no, redefines expectations.
At the end of a series of review cruises which included established 6-Star heavy-hitters such as Silversea, Seabourn and Radisson Seven Seas, we set out to explore the newest cruise line claiming rights to the title "Luxury Cruise Line", SeaDream Yacht Club. In the three months leading up to this cruise, Rickee (Senior Editor for CruiseReport.com) and I have been privileged to sail aboard some of the finest and most luxurious ships in the world. So when we say we are impressed with a cruise line, it means something. We are impressed with SeaDream Yacht Club!
Embarking the SeaDream II is more like stepping aboard a private yacht than checking into a floating hotel. A friendly young man will seize your carry-on luggage and escort you up the gangway to the pool deck where you will be greeted by a host of ship’s officers and crew. Checking in is just a matter of signing your cruise contract, handing over your passport and grabbing the key to your stateroom. Don’t be surprised if you have a glass of welcome aboard champagne in your hand within 3 minutes after exiting your taxi. You can forget about standing in line on a SeaDream yacht; these ships only cater to 110 guests. And with a crew of 90, it is no surprise to find service levels on board these yachts to be very high.
Yacht Club Stateroom
Some might say that the standard accommodations on board SeaDream yachts do not rise to the level of a ‘suite’. At 195 square feet, they are better described as luxurious staterooms. All are ocean view with large picture windows (portholes on Deck 2). The sofa looks too long for a room this size, but is comfortable. There is a large desk/entertainment center opposite the sofa/coffee table that is home to the refrigerator, glassware, extra large safe, desk, flat-screen LCD television/DVD player/CD player, and six large storage drawers.
A queen-size bed (some staterooms can be configured with two twin beds) topped with luxurious European-style down comforters and down pillows faces a long, narrow vanity complete with lighted makeup mirror and vanity stool. While the bathroom is arguably one of the smallest of any ship, it does feature a large, well-equipped shower stall and exquisite Turkish towels. Bvlgari amenities are provided in the form of shampoo, conditioner, bath and shower gel, soap and body lotion. Even though the closet is not a ‘walk-in’, it is large enough to hold enough clothes for a two-week cruise and is provisioned with many wooden hangers. Every stateroom comeswith complimentary bottled water, a refrigerator stocked with complimentary soft drinks, beer and tonic, personalized stationery, a telephone, and a slick LCD flat-screen television with DVD player. There are a few “suites” aboard the SeaDream yachts for those who would like more space; however, we were unable to view them.
Senior Editor, Rickee Richardson, gets a lesson from Asst. Purser, Lysbet Helsen, on how to ride a Segway.
The two SeaDream yachts, SeaDream I and II, originally entered service in 1982 as part of Sea Goddess Cruises and were christened the Sea Goddess I and Sea Goddess II. Here they established a reputation as ultra-luxury yachts for the rich and famous. They were later sold to Cunard, then to Seabourn and, in 2001, repurchased by the founder and former owner of Seabourn along with a former President of Seabourn. Thus was born SeaDream Yacht Club in September, 2001. After a complete redesign and refit in early 2002, the two ‘yachts’ have been redesigned to suit today's casual, upscale traveler. Interestingly, many of the ships’ staff have been with these yachts since they were owned by Sea Goddess. As a result, interactions between the staff appear more like a close-knit family than a group of employees.
As you might expect on a ship with only 110 guests, there are not a lot of organized on board activities or evening entertainment. The emphasis here is on relaxation, pampering service and giving you more time to enjoy each port. If you pick a cruise based on its poolside hairy chest contests or Las Vegas-style entertainment, then SeaDream Yacht Club is not for you. If, on the other hand, your idea of a vacation is relaxing with a good book on a chaise lounge while an attentive staff caters to your every whim, or exploring exotic ports that only a small vessel can reach, then a SeaDream yacht is for you.
Mornings begin with an early riser coffee and sweet roll service at 7:00 am in the Top of the Yacht Bar on Deck 6. Breakfast is at 8:00 am and is served in the Topside Restaurant on Deck 5 or, in inclement weather, in the Indoor Dining Salon. A selection of continental breakfast items is also available from room service. After breakfast, some guests will no doubt wander ashore for a scheduled tour or to explore the port-of-the-day on their own. At some ports, SeaDream lowers its marina deck (located aft) and offers a host of complimentary water sports including skiing, kayaking, banana boat rides, wave boards and even wave runners. Some ports are identified as ‘bicycle friendly’ and the ship carries 10 mountain bikes and helmets for guest use. Request a bike and you will find it ready and waiting for you at the bottom of the gangway. Perhaps the most unique and exclusive activity available to SeaDream patrons is the Segway "Human Transporter." For a nominal fee, guests can learn how to transport themselves effortlessly using these gyroscopic wonder machines. Each SeaDream yacht carries five of these unusual contraptions.
Special Note
“SeaDream is a ‘yacht company’, not a cruise line. Therefore, it may be unfair to compare ratings for items like ‘entertainment’ or ‘activities’ to cruise line ratings in these areas.”
Lunch service begins at 12:30 and is served in the Topside Restaurant. A salad bar complements a luncheon menu that changes daily. Delicious hamburgers, hot dogs and fries are mainstays on the lunch menu. Lunch items can also be delivered to your stateroom during normal lunch hours. The staff is very accommodating, so if you want to enjoy your lunch poolside, you can. After lunch, you can relax by the pool, sit in the hot tub, or relax in the sun on one of the ship’s Balinese sun beds. These beds are located on Deck 6 forward and are basically thick foam mattresses with slightly inclined backs. The Balinese beds are large enough for two people and each one has its own shade umbrella and a light in case you want to read on deck after dark. They are great for spending lazy days reading, relaxing or soaking up the sun. The ship’s library is well-stocked with books and offers a beautiful and quiet retreat from the sun.
“Do the Segway experience. This is the best $49 you will spend. You get close to an hour riding one of these amazing machines complete with personal instruction.”
Afternoon Tea service is from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Library. On our cruise, we were the only ones who enjoyed this somewhat formal service each day. Unlike any other tea services we have attended, SeaDream offers you a selection of teas from which to choose. White-gloved waiters are happy to deliver a variety of finger sandwiches and sweets including scones with clotted cream, tea cakes, macaroons, etc. A backdrop of soft classical piano music sets a relaxing ambience.
Sun lovers will enjoy the unique Balinese sun beds.
The Asian Spa and Fitness Center is a new addition to these ships and a nice one at that. The spa area includes several private massage rooms where you can enjoy a variety of treatments. There is a salon which offers manicures and pedicures and hair styling. The fitness center area is well-equipped for a ship this size. There are four treadmills, two recumbent bicycles, an elliptical trainer, a weight machine and free weights. The fitness center area is stocked with complimentary bottles of cold water to keep you refreshed during your workout and each treadmill has its own LCD television so you can watch TV or a DVD movie during your session. The Asian Spa and Fitness Center staff also conduct Yoga and Tai Chi classes each afternoon on deck.
Evenings on board the SeaDream II begin with complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served in the Main Lounge on Deck 3, or weather permitting, on Deck 6 at the Top of the Yacht Bar. Guests can enjoy a glass of Pomeroy French champagne, or the cocktail of their choosing. SeaDream has an open bar policy on board and only charges extra for certain premium liquors and wines. We found the bar service overall to be excellent and the "house" liquors and wines to be top-notch.
Rickee with Capt. Dahl at the Captain's Reception.
Dinner is served in the Indoor Dining Salon on Deck 2 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm each evening. The menu changes daily and includes a variety of soups, salads, main courses and desserts. A ‘standard’ selection of courses is available each evening including chicken breast, N.Y. strip steak, marinated lamb chops, etc. The ship’s open seating policy allows guests to dine whenever and with whomever they desire. There were plenty of tables for two on our cruise and you can even arrange to have dinner served in your stateroom or anywhere else on the ship with two hours notice. So, if you would like a private candlelit dinner by the pool, all you have to do is make the request. The food in the Indoor Dining Salon is expertly prepared under the direction of Head Chef, Robert van Rijsbergen.Elaborate presentation is not overlooked. Every dish arrives in style. The Caesar salad (available each evening by request) is delicious. Main courses are served in synchronized fashion with a team of waiters revealing the evening’s creations in front of you simultaneously with a hearty 'voila'! Every evening the Sommelier offers a complimentary red and white wine selection which changes each evening, or there is an extensive wine list from which you can order a bottle to enjoy with your meal. Wine prices were comparable to to those in restaurants on land.
After dinner, guests can enjoy piano music and dancing in the ship’s Main Lounge, or in the piano bar adjacent to the casino. The casino is small. No, the casino is tiny! There are four quarter slot machines and two blackjack tables and a couple of poker machines. Nevertheless, the slots were fun and not as stingy as some we have seen on other ships. The casino staff were very friendly and would watch as we played, rooting for us to hit big. On evenings when weather permits, there is music and dancing ‘under the stars’ at the Top of the Yacht Bar on Deck 6. Other evening activities include big screen movies shown in the Main Lounge at 10:00 pm (complete with fresh popcorn), or going ashore to enjoy some local entertainment. SeaDream is not afraid to alter its departure times to stay in port later than scheduled to allow guests to enjoy local entertainment if the opportunity arises.
Relax! This is a cruise where you can read a good book (or two), luxuriate in the spa, or enjoy time in the sun.
After an evening of dining, cocktails and stimulating conversation with fellow shipmates, you retreat to your SeaDream luxury stateroom to find a wish for sweet dreams nestled under a chocolate treat. You are invited to check out a current movie on DVD or music CD from the wide selection available at the Reception Desk (at no additional charge) for your in-room viewing or listening pleasure. The bed linens and down-filled European-style comforter are as good as you will find anywhere. Egyptian cotton sheets and pillow cases, a comfortable mattress and a very quiet stateroom combine to deliver a perfect night's sleep. Part of the reason for the comfort is the way SeaDream has designed its itineraries. By sailing to ports within close proximity of each other, the ship can maintain a slower pace at night resulting in a much smoother ride. The small size of these ships allow them to visit smaller, less visited ports-of-call. This is a nice change for those of us who have visited the Caribbean several times.
The Segway™ Human Transporter (HT) is the first of its kind—a self-balancing, personal transportation device that's designed to operate in any pedestrian environment.
“Leave your formal wear at home. SeaDream dress is typically “Yacht Casual”. Relax and enjoy!”
SeaDream Yacht Club offers guests a truly unique departure from other cruise vacations. The small, intimate ships offer a relaxing cruise experience like none other. What a SeaDream cruise lacks in onboard activities and flashy entertainment, it more than makes up for with personal service. There were times on our cruise where I would be the only one sitting by the pool enjoying a glass of champagne or at the Top of the Yacht Bar having morning coffee. I could not help but fantasize about being a rich tycoon with my own private yacht. And that is how sailing aboard SeaDream makes you feel: like you have your own private yacht.
The service levels aboard SeaDream are unmatched. Virtually every staff member aboard the ship called us by name each time we would see them. On day one, Chief Steward, Christophe Cornu, informed me that if I had any special dining requests to just let him know. I requested creamed spinach and green beans for dinner (since I don’t eat starchy vegetables). Every evening, without prompting, our waiter delivered fresh, delicious creamed spinach, green beans, asparagus and broccolito our table. I requested bottled water in the dining room the first evening, and every evening thereafter I was brought bottled water. I mentioned to Richard Jones (Activities Director) that I was interested in visiting a Thai restaurant on one of the islands and the next day he gave me the name of, and directions to, a Thai restaurant in St. Barts. Many cruise lines talk about this level of service, and some provide it to a degree, but I have never experienced this level of personal attention. In fairness to other cruise lines, it is certainly easier to provide this level of service on a ship with only 110 guests.
Everyone gets into the fun with 'caviar in the surf' at the Beach Party.
A highlight of any SeaDream Caribbean cruise is the beach party and barbeque. Believe it or not, Captain Sven-Erik Dahl himself pilots a surfboard loaded with caviar and champagne into the waist high surf. For at least fifteen minutes guests are served caviar and champagne in the water. Everybody gets into the act, with waiters diving into the water with champagne bottles, popping corks and spewing champagne. Champagne and caviar is followed by a decadent barbeque lunch of spare ribs, burgers, chicken, prime rib, hot dogs, salads and desserts. Those who can still move after the feast can join in a game of beach volleyball, or ride the ship’s banana boat, or simply lay in the sun on the beautiful private beach.
Capt. Dahl makes quite an entrance to the Captain's Welcome Aboard Reception.
SeaDream Yacht Club is an undiscovered treasure. If you prefer relaxation and pampered service in a casual environment, look no further. Leave your tuxedo and formal dress at home along with your worries and stress. SeaDream Yacht Club offers the ultimate in casual luxury with an emphasis on personal service and downright fun.
👍🏻 - Captain Sven-Erik Dahl. Unquestionably one of the most accessible and fun ship Captains on the high seas. You will see Capt. Dahl all over the ship and he is always smiling and willing to chat. Any Captain willing to stand waist deep in the ocean and serve guests caviar and champagne is tops in my book!
👍🏻 - Chief Steward, Christophe Cornu. He provides an impressive response to special requests. Just ask and you shall receive!
👍🏻 - Bartenders - Christian Pauer & Robert Ban Gent. The Pomeroy French champagne flowed freely. Glasses were never more than half empty before they were refilled. Bar drinks were excellent.
👍🏻 - Activities Director, Richard Jones. Richard has been with this ship since it was part of Sea Goddess. Richard was always available for conversation, or to fulfill special requests.
👍🏻 - Head Chef, Robert van Rijsbergen. Under his direction, SeaDream II quite possibly offers the most consistent quality food preparation in the industry. I do not recall a single slip up from the galley, nor did I hear a single complaint from any passenger regarding the food (or anything else for that matter!) Every dish had excellent quality ingredients, masterful preparation and superb presentation.
Enjoy elegant dining in the Dining Salon on a SeaDream Yacht
👍🏻 - Open Bridge Policy. You can visit the bridge on SeaDream yachts anytime to chat with the Captain and/or the bridge crew.
👍🏻 - Special Requests. Every special request we made was fulfilled. We asked for synthetic pillows to complement the down pillows and they were delivered that evening. I requested creamed spinach and green beans on day one, and they were automatically delivered to our table each evening without asking.
👍🏻 - Cocktail Hour. This is a great time to meet with other guests, form friendships and engage in conversation. The ship offers a delicious choice of hot hors d’oeuvres and canapés and complimentary champagne and liquor.
👍🏻 - Asian Spa and Fitness Center. Not bad for such a small ship! Good treadmills, a great elliptical trainer, a couple of recumbent bikes, and weights. There is room to stretch out and flat screen TV/DVD systems are everywhere! Plus, complimentary bottled water and fresh towels are always available. Tai-Chi and Yoga classes were offered on deck each afternoon. Pedicures come with a foot massage that must be experienced to be believed.
👍🏻 - Dining Under the Stars. When weather permits, the evening meal will be served at the Topside Restaurant instead ofin the Indoor Dining Salon. This was done twice on our cruise and it was a wonderful way to enjoy dinner al fresco.
👍🏻 - Announcements. There were no announcements made over the ship’s PA system during the cruise except for the information about the lifeboat drill upon embarkation and crew drills when in port. This equates to lots of peace and quiet and nothing to disturb the tranquility of the vacation. This policy also makes this a great ship for small groups who wish to conduct meetings on board since they will not be continually interrupted by announcements.
👍🏻 - Solicitations. There are no art auctions, no gold by the inch, no attempts to sell you frozen drinks by the pool. One of the hallmarks of a 6-Star cruise line is the lack of attempts to solicit money from its guests for onboard purchases.
👍🏻 - SeaDream offers a No Penalty Cancellation Policy called No Stress No Strings for 2003 sailings.In unsettling times such as the world is experiencing at present, travelers can change or postpone their SeaDream travel plans for any reason up to the day before departure and receive 100 percent travel credit of the yacht tariff including government fees, handling and service charges. This money is applied toward a future sailing on SeaDream I or II within two years of the original booking.This innovative program is offered at no cost to SeaDream guests.
👍🏻 - All Inclusive. Your SeaDream cruise fare covers all gratuities, soft drinks, bottled water, wine with lunch and dinner and all bar drinks. About the only things you will need to pay for are onboard purchases at the gift shop, spa, the casino, shore tours and premium wines and liquors.
👍🏻 - Great Value. We found some incredible rates on SeaDream vacations. You can find some Caribbean itineraries for just under $300 per day/per person and Mediterranean sailings just under $500 per day/per person. That is about half the price that some other comparable luxury cruise lines charge for similar itineraries.
👍🏻 - Problem Solving. The front desk did an admirable job of dealing with a potentially negative situation.
👍🏻 - Coffee. The coffee served throughout the ship is fresh brewed and very good. Cappuccino, Espresso and other coffee specialties are available upon request.
👍🏻 - Segway experience. In this competitive cruise market, it is nice to see a cruise line do little things to differentiate themselves from the competition. SeaDream Yacht Club is the only cruise line we know of to offer a "Segway Experience" for its guests.
A real 'Texas-Style' barbeque with pork ribs, shrimp, prime rib, burgers and hot dogs at the Beach Party.
👍🏻 - Beach Party and Barbeque. This event was unquestionably the highlight of our SeaDream Caribbean Cruise. Excellent barbeque (and we're from Texas, so we know barbeque!), great caviar and champagne in the surf and a happy crew that joins in the fun combined to make this a wonderful day .
👍🏻 - Mountain Bikes. Again, SeaDream has gone a step further than other cruise lines to offer a unique service. Complimentary use of bikes at certain ports is a real cool idea.
👍🏻 - Personal Service. Lots of cruise lines talk about greeting guests by name, but SeaDream really does it! Virtually everyone on board the ship greeted us by name as soon as we boarded and continued to do so throughout the cruise. When you get back on board the ship from being ashore, you are greeted with a chilled towel to use to freshen up. Attendants will even come by periodically and spritz you with cool water as you lounge on deck in the warm sun!
👍🏻 - Special Requests. SeaDream nailed this one too. We asked for synthetic pillows in addition to the down-filled ones and they were delivered immediately. I mentioned that I liked creamed spinach with garlic with dinner and it magically appeared each evening without prompting. I ordered bottled water for dinner the first evening and it was brought automatically at every meal thereafter. Rickee ordered a Mojito in the bar and someone fetched fresh mint from the kitchen so they could accommodate her request. We did not ask for one single thing that was not granted.
👍🏻 - Food quality. As good as, and in most cases better than, any food we have enjoyed on a cruise ship. Eggs Benedict were served HOT and fresh with wonderful Hollandaise sauce. The filet mignon was perhaps the best steak I have ever had on a ship and better than most Prime steaks on land. Everyone raved about the fresh seafood offerings. And the desserts were to die for.
👍🏻 - Internet Café. Even though there are only two computer terminals located in the Library, they were "online" most of the time and the charges were respectable:$5 for the first ten minutes and $3 for each ten minutes thereafter. The best part was that this is done on an 'honor system'. SeaDreamtrusts guests to fill out a ticket showing how long they used the Internet. Great concept.
👍🏻 - Gift Shop. It's small. OK, it's tiny. In fact, it really is more like a gift display than a shop. But SeaDream has the best selection of logo items we have seen in quite some time. Quality polo shirts by Tommy Hilfiger bear the SeaDream logo in stitching you can actually read! They also offer a selection of watches and other jewelry and a unique selection of glassware that varied in size and price, but not in quality and beauty.
👎🏻 - Dining Hours. Not a huge 'thumbs down', but we would prefer that SeaDream offer lunch and dinner 30 minutes earlier (7:00 pm to 9:30 pm instead of 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm). This would allow for an earlier start to the movie in the Main Lounge at 9:30 pm instead of 10:00 pm which is late for some guests.
👎🏻 – Water. Like most other cruise ships, the water served in the Topside Restaurant and Indoor Dining Salon has a chlorinated taste. To their credit, SeaDream will serve bottled water, at no charge, upon request.
👎🏻 – Bathroom size. The bathroom in the stateroom is extremely cramped. Nevertheless, the shower stalls are some of the largest we have seen and feature two additional shower heads for the lower part of your body. Two shelves were provided for storing personal items.
👎🏻 – Children's Programs. This is a thumbs-down if you have kids and want to take them with you, but a definite thumbs up if you are traveling alone or as a couple. This is not a cruise for families with small children. It just is not feasible for a ship this size to be able to offer programs targeted at pre-teens. This is a retreat for adults.
👎🏻 – Entertainment. This is not a negative, just a comment on the entertainment offered. Don't expect flashy shows, singers or even a band. There is a solo pianist who is quite good. The emphasis here is on relaxation, enjoying good conversation with new friends and exploring interesting ports-of-call. The upside is you leave this cruise relaxed and refreshed, not feeling as though you need a vacation just to recover from the cruise.
👍🏻 - Overall. Would we go again? In a heartbeat! Would we recommend this cruise to our friends? Absolutely! This is a great 'adult' cruise for those who are looking for a real getaway from the hustle and bustle.
If you have any questions about our SeaDream Yacht Club cruise, please feel free to email us at seadream@cruisereport.com and we will do our best to answer any questions.
Silversea Silver Whisper 14-Night Caribbean (2002)
We spend 14 nights aboard Silver Whisper in the Caribbean. Our first sailing with Silversea Cruises!
Michael and Pat M., a couple from England, look far too young to have already accumulated 100 sailing days with Silversea. Yet, after they complete their next Silversea cruise of 34 days from Auckland to Acapulco, they will have accomplished that milestone. Jean and Peter A., also from England, are longtime Seabourn patrons enjoying their first Silversea cruise. Werner and Wilma S. are cruising with their daughter and son-in-law. The four of them flew from their home in Switzerland to join the Silver Whisper for the 14-day Caribbean cruise after which they will return home. In March 2003, Werner and Wilma fly from Switzerland to meet Silver Whisper in Acapulco for a Panama Canal cruise. What could possibly be so special about the Silversea experience to attract so many people from around the world? “The staff is always smiling and happy and each time we return we get to see the same folks we became friends with from our previous Silversea cruises,” says Pat M.
“A happy crew makes for happy passengers,” says Cruise Director Ray Solaire. Ray, a 30-year cruise line veteran, spent 20 years with Cunard Line and has been with Silversea from its beginning. He demonstrates the energy of a man half his age and this energy seems to carry over to the entire crew of the Silver Whisper. This sort of attitude cannot help but contribute to a memorable cruise experience, as we were about to find out during our first Silversea experience.
Exceeding expectations becomes increasingly difficult when so much is expected to begin with. Like Rolls Royce in the auto industry, Silversea has established a brand synonymous in the cruise industry with the ultimate in luxury and is not bashful about charging the highest per diems for its product. Cruise fares on Silversea can range from $350 to over $1000 per day, per person (depending upon such factors as suite selection, cruise itinerary, early booking discounts, Venetian Society discounts, and seasonal rates.) Make no mistake, the Silversea Experience is designed from the ground up for those who expect the very best and are willing to pay to get it. But, is it really worth the high price? “Absolutely,” says Peter A., a first-time Silversea guest. “The level of service, the luxury of a smaller ship experience and the flexible dining options are well worth the price.” This sentiment is shared among many Silversea guests who return time and time again to this premium cruise line.
Senior Editor, Rickee Richardson, enjoys a tour of the bridge with Captain Angelo Carsaro
One thing you notice immediately when you book a Silversea cruise is the incredible attention to detail. Virtually nothing has been overlooked in the quest to provide the best of everything for the Silversea guest. This is evident as soon as your silver foil-stamped cruise documents arrive wrapped inside a real calfskin ticket jacket embossed with the distinctive Silversea “S” logo. That same attention to detail carries through to the onboard experience. Each suite is fully-stocked with quality Italian Bvlgari-brand bath products. Bathroom floors, walls and vanities are drenched in rich Italian marble, and beds are wrapped in the finest linens and topped with fluffy down pillows.
At 25,000 tons, the Silver Whisper is more than twice the size of the Seabourn Pride and carries as many as 388 guests with a crew complement of 300. This results in the highest space-to-guest-ratio in the industry. Launched in 2001, Silver Whisper is the newest of Silversea’s four ships. Her identical twin sister, Silver Shadow, was launched in 2000. Two smaller sister ships, the Silver Wind and Silver Cloud, each with a tonnage of just under 17,000, provide accommodations for 296 passengers. “We like the intimacy of the Silver Cloud,” says James M., a Venetian Society Member with over 115 days aboard Silversea, “but we prefer the roomier suites and the public space of the Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow.”
After checking in at Pier 29 in Ft. Lauderdale, a white-gloved Silversea staff member escorted us on board where we were immediately greeted by Cruise Director Ray Solaire. A welcoming line of sharply dressed, smiling staff members offered crystal flutes filled with chilled Moet & Chandon Brut Champagne which we graciously accepted. Another white-gloved stewardess then walked us to our suite where we were to see our home for the next 2 weeks. Our Verandah Suite (suite 502) is the forward-most suite on Deck 5. About 80% of the accommodations onboard Silver Whisper (and her sister Silver Shadow) are Verandah Suites. There are a few Vista Suites available which are the same size, but have a large picture window instead of a balcony.
The well-designed Verandah Suites measure 345 square feet, are nicely appointed and tastefully decorated. The interior of the suites reflect the same understated elegance that is found throughout Silver Whisper. The emphasis here is on quality materials, workmanship and creature comfort, not colorful, overwhelming decoration. Bathrooms are large by cruise ship standards and feature separate tub and shower stall and two sinks. The walk-in closet is large enough to hold plenty of clothes for any length voyage and still have room for an adult to get dressed with the door closed. This is a nice feature for early-risers who do not want to wake their traveling companion in the morning. The closet has intelligently been placed between the bathroom and the bedroom, serving as an effective sound barrier. The bedroom area consists of a queen-sized bed, 2 end tables and a small vanity at the foot of the bed with a well-lighted mirror. Finally, the living/dining room area features a large wall unit which has a desk, refrigerator, bar and entertainment center (Television/VCR combo). Opposite from the wall unit is a comfortable sofa, a chair and a coffee table that can be converted to a dining room table for room service. The back wall of the living room is actually a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door leading out to a teak balcony where you’ll find two lounge chairs with ottomans, and a small table just the right size for morning coffee and croissants.
Every suite has a beautiful fresh flower arrangement, fresh fruit is replenished daily or upon request, and a bottle of chilled Moet & Chandon champagne is waiting for you when you arrive. In fact, Moet & Chandon Champagne is poured throughout the ship and is included in your cruise fare, as are a nice selection of wines, all mixed drinks, soft drinks and bottled water, making the Silversea Experience an all-inclusive experience. Our suite was kept immaculate throughout the cruise by our Austrian stewardess, Martina.
“Is there something you want that’s not on the menu? Ask your waiter. I requested a Caesar salad, creamed spinach and/or green beans every evening.”
The ship itself is very well laid out with a reception area mid-ship on Deck 5 with the purser’s desk, tour desk, and the offices of the cruise consultant and hotel manager. Most of the public rooms aboard Silver Whisper are located aft on Decks 5, 6, 7 and 8 with the exception of the Mandara Spa and Observation Lounge found on Deck 10 forward. The Casino and boutiques are located mid-ship on Deck 5. This layout makes traversing the ship very quick and easy. Moving vertically is made possible by four stairways and four elevators located aft from Deck 3 thru Deck 8 and one staircase and elevator forward. The elevators are small and slow, but they get the job done. The stairs are so well-designed and easy to negotiate, we rarely saw anyone using the elevators unless required to do so because of a wheelchair. The ship is also very accommodating to wheelchairs with several ramps in front of doorways. There are even wheelchair-designated public restrooms in many areas of the ship.
The décor of the ship can best be described as understated elegance. There is a contemporary monochromatic feel to the interior spaces with walls virtually void of colorful artwork with the exception of The Bar and The Restaurant which do have a few splashes of red and orange. The furnishings throughout the public rooms are constructed of rich woods and fabrics and are very comfortable. In spite of this lack of color and panache, the ship radiates a beautiful elegance.
“Enjoy dinner in the Terrace Cafe for an intimate candlelit dinner. Reservations are limited to 50 people per evening.”
When the ship is in port, guests can walk leisurely off the ship without the hassle of long lines. Even tender operations are very efficient and smooth. Of course, you can also enjoy an organized excursion arranged through the ship's tour desk. Shore excursions are competitively priced with other cruise lines and we noticed at least one Silversea crew member accompanying every tour.
Enjoying a day at sea aboard silver whisper
Sea days aboard Silver Whisper can be enjoyed at the ship’s pool on Deck 8 where attendants will spoil you. On hot afternoons, you will be offered chilled face towels, fresh watermelon and pineapple. A cool drink is always available from the pool bar to be delivered to your lounge chair. And you can forget about having to dry your hands to sign for your drink because all of your drinks are complimentary on Silversea. If the pool is not your thing, you can relax in one of the many lounges on board to read a good book, converse with friends, or partake in one of the many activities offered by the Silver Whisper staff ranging from cooking demonstrations to trivia contests.
Silver Whisper guests who wish to connect to the Internet during their cruise may do so at the ship’s Internet café on Deck 8. Guests who have attempted to access the Internet from other cruise ships will immediately appreciate the way Silversea charges for access. Guests are charged $.75 cents per minute, but the charges are only accrued as files are being uploaded or downloaded from the net. The result is an affordable and fair way of paying for the service. “We view our Internet café as an extension of the service we offer to our guests,” says Communications and I.T. Officer Vassant Ramakrishna.
Silver Whisper Docked in Grenada
A cruise aboard a luxury ship like Silver Whisper would not be complete without a relaxing trip to the spa. All Silversea ships feature spas operated by Mandara Spa which originated in Bali. Mandara Spa offers a variety of salon treatments including facials, waxing hair and nail care. But what we were looking for was a relaxing massage, and we found it. While I was enjoying 80 minutes of “Balinese Bliss”, Rickee submitted herself to the “Massage Around the World” (see inset for descriptions). Both treatments were as good, if not better, than any we have received at sea or on land. At $160 each for 80 minutes, the treatments are a bargain. When you sail Silver Whisper, you simply owe it to yourself to indulge.
Room service is taken to a new level on Silversea
Evenings aboard Silver Whisper often begin with a visit to The Bar on Deck 5, or The Panorama Lounge on Deck 8, for pre-dinner drinks and conversation. Both venues feature canapés as well as a selection of hot hors d’oeuvres. Here you can meet and converse with some of the most interesting people in the world.
Dining aboard Silver Whisper is what you would expect from a 6-star luxury ship. Breakfast and lunch is delivered to your table in the Restaurant, while a beautiful buffet is served in the less formal Terrace Café on Deck 7. Evening meals can be enjoyed in the more formal atmosphere of the Restaurant on Deck 3, or the more casual and intimate Terrace Café which is transformed into a candlelit bistro-style restaurant on most evenings. With virtually no exceptions, everything that was delivered from the galley was prepared to order and of exceptional quality and presentation. For those times when you don’t feel like getting out, you can have room service in your suite. The living room table is converted into a dining table complete with linen tablecloth, china and silver service for a memorable “en suite” dining experience. The complete Restaurant menu is available for room service during normal dining hours and there is a 24-hour menu available for the non-dining hours.
Where Silver Whisper really shines is her staff and service. It would seem that everyone working on Silver Whisper enjoys their work and truly loves their job. We did not encounter a single employee during the 14 days who was anything less than accommodating, friendly and sincere. You cannot walk down any hallway on Silver Whisper without receiving one or more greetings from staff members.All, of course, delivered with a smile.
Making new friends is easy aboard a small ship
As we prepared to disembark Silver Whisper, we suddenly realized why so many people return time and time again. While we are sad to leave our new friends behind, we are excited at the prospect of returning in the near future. For as we leave Silver Whisper, we see a new group of passengers waiting to board. We envy them because we know they will enjoy, in the words of Ray Solaire, many “Glorious Days” aboard Silver Whisper.
The Thumbs report
👍🏻 - Master Angelo Carsaro. Here is yet another one of those attractive Italian ship captains that all men love to hate. But if you can overlook his good looks and charming accent, he is very gracious and quite accessible throughout the ship.
👍🏻 – Cruise Director Ray Solaire. An accomplished entertainer in his own right, Ray is full of energy and vigor. Not only was he with Cunard Line for 20 years, he has been with Silversea since its beginning. Make sure not to miss his show during your cruise!
👍🏻 - Enzo Mazzali, Maître d' Hôtel. Enzo seems to be in three places at once. He is always visible in the Restaurant and Terrace Café and visited our table every evening at dinner in The Restaurant. If you want something special, just ask Enzo and watch him work his magic!
👍🏻 - Wendy Mason, Bvlgari Boutique. It may seem strange to give special mention to the manager of the Bvlgari boutique, but Wendy is a centerpiece of attitude aboard Silver Whisper. In a word, she is simply radiant. She is gifted with beauty, elegance and a warm smile that helps define the Silversea Experience.
👍🏻 - Maintenance/Housekeeping. The Silver Whisper is, unquestionably, the cleanest and best-maintained ship we have sailed to date. Crewmen were seen painting the hull every day in port. Windows in the dining room and other public rooms were kept free from water spots. The ship literally sparkles it is so clean.
👍🏻 - The Terrace Cafe. This is an excellent venue for buffet breakfast and lunch and transforms itself into an intimate, candlelit bistro for casual dining most evenings. Panoramic views of the ocean and optional al fresco dining make this a beautiful dining area.
👍🏻 – The Restaurant. This is Silver Whisper’s main dining venue offering open seating dining from 7:30pm to 9:30pm each evening. We are sold on the concept of single seating which allows you to dine whenever and with whomever you wish. Apparently, so are many of the guests with whom we had the pleasure of dining. Service, food and presentation are all excellent.
👍🏻 – Room Service. Even though dinners were not served course-by-course, all deliveries were timely and food was delivered hot and delicious. The coffee table is quickly converted to a large dining room table complete with linen tablecloth, china and silver flatware.
👍🏻 – Bar Service. Drinks are made to order and served in heavy crystal glassware with ice cubes. Moët & Chandon champagne flows freely throughout the ship. There is no skimping here on liquor. The only requested drink we could not get was a Mojito which requires fresh mint. Apparently, there was no fresh mint to be found on board.
👍🏻 – Entertainment. We found the entertainment to be better than what we expected aboard a “small” ship. The Jean Ann Ryan Production Company is a spirited troupe of singers and dancers that put on some very creative shows with excellent vocals. Paul Balfour, a featured entertainer, is an accomplished harpist and vocalist with two performances. Of course, Ray Solaire’s show was quite entertaining. The Armadillo String Quartet provided wonderful concerts, as well.
👍🏻 – Coffee. Coffee was consistently good throughout the ship. "Freshly-brewed with a smile," says Armani, Silver Whisper bar waiter.
👍🏻 – The Pool Bar and Grill. Pool Bar and Grill offers excellent drinks, good burgers, all-beef hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches and a variety of salads. Table service is a great concept, but we would also like to see the addition of a walk-up order area for food. During peak periods, the wait for an order can be considerable.
👍🏻 – The Casino. Even though it is small, it can be very lively. All that is missing is a no smoking policy. It is far too cramped a space for smoking to be allowed in this area.
👍🏻 – The Observation Lounge. Located on Deck 10-forward with a clear 180 degree view of the sea, this is the perfect venue for early morning coffee and pastries.
👍🏻 – The Mandara Spa. Located on Deck 10, the spa is small and lacks personality, but the massage treatments here are second to none.
👍🏻 – Verandah Suites. Verandah suites are large, well-designed, comfortable and quiet. Bathrooms are the largest we have seen on any ship.
👍🏻 – All-inclusive. Virtually everything is included in your cruise fare - champagne, wine, mixed drinks, soft drinks and bottled water. A bottle of liquor will also be delivered for consumption in your suite if you desire. All gratuities are also included.
👍🏻 – Single-seating dining. Perhaps the single biggest advantage Silversea and other luxury lines have over "mainstream" cruise lines is the option to dine whenever and with whomever you wish.
👍🏻 – Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service. This service is exceptional and competitively priced. Items we sent out by 9:30am were returned the same afternoon!
👍🏻 – The Internet Café. This is, hands down, the best Internet Cafe I have seen on any ship. There were plenty of terminals with bright LCD flat screens AND intelligent pricing. A simple card-swipe logon procedure was all that was necessary to access the system. Silversea charges 75 cents per minute, but only charges for actual download time (the time it takes to download a web page or email). In other words, you are not charged for the time it takes to read or write an email, only the time it takes to send or receive it. This is the ONLY fair way to charge guests for Internet access.
👍🏻 – Afternoon Tea. Tea aboard Silver Whisper occurs every afternoon at 4:00pm. An excellent selection of sandwiches, desserts, and scones with clotted cream make this one of the nicest teas at sea.
👍🏻 – The Viennese Lounge. This is a superb venue for a variety of production shows and entertainment acts. It is equipped with excellent sound and lighting systems and all the latest computerized effects. The lounge features great sight lines with very few obstructed views.
👍🏻 – Bvlgari Boutique. This is a beautiful, albeit pricey, boutique offering a selection of the popular Italian designer’s jewelry, watches, handbags, and clothing items.
👍🏻 – The Library. The library is well-stocked with books and video tapes and is open 24 hours per day. The honor system is employed here so you can drop by any time, grab a book or video and simply return it when you are finished.
👍🏻 – Hospitality. Silversea is very good about dealing with special requests. I ordered Caesar salad every evening, no problem. When we requested firmer pillows for the bed, they were brought immediately. Even though Eggs Benedict did not appear on the breakfast menu for room service, we wrote in the request and we had Eggs Benedict, delivered hot and delicious.
👎🏻 – The Fitness Center. The workout room is too small, cramped and under-equipped. The treadmills are excellent Life Stride models, but the ceiling is so low that when jogging on a 6% incline, Ihit my head on the ceiling (I am 6’ 1”). There were a few recumbent cycles and a spin cycle, but no elliptical trainers.
👎🏻 – Suite Doorbells. They sound like an inexpensive buzzer instead of a nice chime and make you jump every time someone buzzes at your door.
👎🏻 – Smoking policy in Viennese Lounge. The port side of this room is designated as a smoking section. This is one area of the ship that should be designated as a completely non-smoking venue.
👎🏻 – Chlorinated water. Like just about every cruise ship, Silver Whisper is not above serving you chlorinated water at mealtime. There is a solution, however. You can request bottled water with your meals.
👎🏻 – Boutique. The store is large enough, and the prices are fair, so why the thumbs down? An incredibly poor selection of logo-branded items is the cause for this rating! The few clothing items they did have bearing the Silver Whisper name were monogrammed in the same color thread as the garment making the name impossible to read. There were no items with the distinctive Silversea “S” logo. Many others we spoke with commented on their disappointment with the lack of available logo items. The one exception was a white Gear® Jacket with blue monogram.
👎🏻 – Photos. Unfortunately, there is no ship's photographer. While I appreciate Silversea's attempt to restrict solicitations of its guests, it would be nice to have a good quality boarding photo, a picture with the Captain or even a private portrait session.
👍🏻👍🏻 – Overall. This is a 6-Star luxury cruise line that could very well be the best cruise experience in the world today. If you will settle for nothing but the very best, and can afford it, Silversea is an incredible vacation.
If you have any questions about our Silver Whisper cruise, please feel free to email us at reviews@cruisereport.com and we will do our best to answer any questions.