radisson-diamond3

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Ann Moxley
Email: jsolar@aol.com
Age: 53
Occupation: Psychologist
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Radisson-Diamond
SailingDate: February 1998
Itinerary: Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, San Juan
FoodDiningRoom: 82
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 97
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 97
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 82
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 82
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 82
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 80
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 87
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 01 Jul 1999
Time: 21:13:47
Remote Name: spider-tr074.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

My husband and I took the Radisson Diamond Total Solar Eclipse cruise in February 1998. Based on the group discount
the cost was a relative bargain for this cruise line. We sailed from Aruba visiting Bonaire and Curacao before a day at sea
and disembarkation in San Juan. Embarking and disembarking went smoothly. Because this is a small ship, no tenders are
necessary and we were able to tie up close to the main city areas.

The cabins were lovely and spacious, especially large without the balcony. The stocked bar, daily bowl of fruits, and shower
amenities were most appreciated. So was the bottled water we received daily. There was a tub in the bath but it was not
large enough to recline in, unless one were a contortionist. Storage space was ample. There was a small sofa, large stool
and dressing table in addition to the kingsize bed.

While we like the fact that tipping was already included in the price, we felt that service suffered as a result compared to
other cruises we have taken where tipping is not included. The service was not bad, mind you, just not top-notch. It was
more indifferent, especially in the dining room. We liked the open seating in the dining room because we enjoy eating by
ourselves and there were many tables for 2 particularly at the fan-tail with views of the ocean.

Probably the biggest disappointment on this cruise was the food. All previous reviews I had read rated the food on this ship
as A+. During our voyage, it definitely was not A level cuisine! It was good and more typical of a nice, but not outstanding,
restaurant. Nothing stood out. In fact, the food was not as good as what we received in First Class on American Airlines.
The decor was no more beautiful than other ships' dining rooms, contrary to some of the guide books' descriptions. We did
like that wine was included and that non-alcoholic wine was also available. The buffets were well done but, again, the food
was not outstanding. Despite our disappointment with the main dining room, Don Vito's Restaurant was fabulous! The
evening we were lucky enough to get reservations, the food was fantastic. I had one of the best filet's I have ever eaten and
all of the courses were delicious. On top of the wonderful cuisine, was the singing and jovial atmosphere. If we could have
eaten here every night we would probably always cruise this ship.

Because it is a small ship, there were fewer activities on board. Lecturers for the eclipse were aboard and included Frank
Drake of SETI and other well-known astronomers. The eclipse itself was awe-inspiring. The captain was willing to maneuver
the ship (an advantage of a small ship)to avoid cloud-cover. While we were off center-line slightly which shortened the
duration of the eclipse minimally, we saw it and the 3 visible planets easily and without clouds. For anyone who has never
viewed a total solar eclipse, I highly recommend the experience and a cruise for maneuverability. We even saw shadow
bands on the white portions of the ship.

My husband and I enjoy ballroom dancing which was available on this cruise. The Filipino band was quite good although the
dance floor was too small for the number of couples who wanted to dance. We would have like longer hours for dancing as
we do not enjoy the typical formal entertainment and shows on ships, but this is a personal preference. Piano music
accompained part of the evening meal as well.

The shore excursions that included snorkeling or scuba diving were very worthwhile. All gear was provided, although we
brought our own snorkeling gear. The staff knew the best places to go--where it was calm and the viewing the best for a
particular day. These were very good value. We took no on-shore excursions, preferring to hire a cab in Bonaire to see the
island and just walking around on our own in Curacao. I tend to do my own research ahead of time and know what I want to
see, while many people may prefer to have someone else provide that service for them. The on-board information about
each port of call was very limited.

Overall, the trip was enjoyable but not the best we've taken. I would consider another Radisson cruise if the price were right.
At the typical prices, judging by our one experience on the Diamond, Radisson cruises are not good value.

Name: Miller Macmillan
Email: miller.macmillan@sibf.org
Age: 56
Occupation: Association Manager
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Radisson-Diamond
SailingDate: 10/29/99
Itinerary: Western Mediterranean
Cabin: Standard
FoodDiningRoom: 80
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward:
ShoreExcVariety: 75
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 50
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 40
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 75
WheelchairAccess: 100
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 50
Casino: 70
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 60
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 75
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 65
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 29 Nov 1999
Time: 10:33:09
Remote Name: 209.155.105.247
Remote User:

Comments

My wife and I sailed on a repositioning cruise from Rome (Civitaveccia)to Madeira in early November. This itinerary is
wonderful and offers some ports (Malaga, Casablanca, Madeira) not often found on "standard" Mediterranean cruises.

The Radisson Diamond was, to us, a disappointment other than the ports of call. First of all, the maintenance and
cleanliness on this ship were nowhere near the standards I expect of a 6-star ship. Granted this was at the end of a busy
cruising season in the Mediterranean, and the ship is scheduled to go into drydock for 2 weeks in December, but in my
opinion, it needs an overhaul, not fine tuning. We had no hot water in our cabin for the first two days of the cruise (out of
10 days), and it was "iffy" for the next two days. Worse yet, we received no assurances of when the problem would be
fixed and no offer of any compensation (e.g., credit in the casino or ship's store) for our inconvenience. There was a leak
in the ceiling of our cabin that had obviously been there for awhile. We had to call to get it fixed. The cabin was also
showing signs of wear, with many spots on the carpet and frayed edges on the upholstered furniture. In sum, not the type
of maintenance one expects for the price we were paying ($450 per person/day).

Our other problem with this cruise was possibly not Radisson's fault, but other prospective cruisers who are not yet
"seniors" should take note. The average age of passengers on this cruise appeared to be over 70. My wife (42) and I (56)
were pretty clearly in the lower 5-10% of ages, and we had few ready companions. The ship's activities reflected this older
age group, with lectures by professional people who had been retired for over 10 years. The food, while of good quality
and well presented, also seemed bland to us, perhaps because it was intended for older folks who could then salt it to
taste or medical necessity. We had been given to understand that the food was truly exceptional on the Diamond; it was
not to us.

Finally, the shore excursions on this trip left a fair bit to be desired in terms of value. For the most part we simply did our
own thing. When we did compare the cost of using the ship's excursion against hiring our own private car, the private car
came out ahead, so we went that route on several occasions. On the two occasions where we did take the ship's
excursion, it was "OK" but not great.

In sum, the Radisson Diamond is a nice ship that needs some work and currently doesn't meet 6-star standards or justify
6-star prices. It may be more appropriate for older, retired cruisers than for active professional people.

Name: Stephen Chan
Email: shlchan@yahoo.com
Age: 51
Occupation: Art Gallery/Gift Store Owner
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Radisson-Diamond
SailingDate: 5/30/2000
Itinerary: Riviera Escapade
Cabin: 701/7B Balcony
FoodDiningRoom: 80
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 88
CabinQuietness: 92
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 92
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 92
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 70
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 70
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 88
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Jul 2000
Time: 09:58:23
Remote Name: chans.ria.army.mil
Remote User:

Comments

Sail date: 5/30/00 from Barcelona to Rome (7-night cruise)

We used Radisson’s pre-cruise hotel program and stayed for 2 nights in Barcelona prior to getting
onboard the Diamond. The hotel, Princesa Sofia, located near a subway station makes it very
convenient to explore the city independently. We practically covered the entire city during the two
days and had a great time. We had a very nice dinner at a seafood restaurant that was
recommended by the concierge. However, beware of those restaurants that do not have English
menu. We’re cheated and overcharged by the waiter at a tappa joint because we trusted him on his
suggestions.

The Radisson staff at the hotel was more interested in selling tours than providing comfort and
information. They wanted us to sign up for tours right after we checked in (exhausted after a long
flight). I had to give them the pre-cruise check-in information (number of bags and our cabin number)
three times before it finally got on the proper manifest. There was no hot lunch served (even other
less luxury cruise lines provide hot meal) while waiting for the transfer to the pier. And, there was no
announcement to board the buses for the pier even though we all congregated and waited anxiously
in the hospitality room.

The cruise departed on time and the first port of call was Port Vendres. The Radisson arranged land
excursion (Collioure and Elne and costs $45 per person) we took was a waste of money. We learnt
later the $6 local train tour around town that we didn’t take was the best tour.

The second stop at St. Tropez was quite charming. The tour (Grimaud and Port Grimaud) was not
bad but our guide was not very good nor fluent in English. She did not settle the boat fare for the
group while she had the time to do so. Instead, we wound up sitting on the bus for 10 minutes waiting
for her settle up the boat fare.

Next stop was Nice. We took the tour (Eze and Cap Ferrat) that cost $100 for both of us. The
shocker was that it cost us an extra 30 French Franc (about $5) for admission in order to get to the
top of this particular peak with the garden. Nobody expected to pay additional charge on an optional
tour. This upset quite a few people. After reporting to the Radisson tour manager, instead of giving
us credit for the admission charge, his apathetic response was for us to put our complaint on the
comment card at the end of the cruise. What happens to the 'Yes I Can' motto that Radisson so
proudly proclaimed in the brochure? We had been on many optional tours before and never once
that we had to pay additional charge for admission.

Next came Livorno which was nothing but a seaport for going to Pisa or Florence. The whole day tour
was included with the cruise. We enjoyed the tour albeit we had visited Florence before and been to
all the sights. However, the tour illustrated profoundly the limitation with land tour in conjunction with
cruising. That is, because of the short stay (usually from 8 am to 6 pm) at each port, cruisers are
limited to explore only very short distance from the pier. When it needed to take 2 hours to go from
the pier to Florence, it cut down the time for sightseeing. Good thing we had seen a lot more and had
a lot more leisure time during our previous visit (a land tour).

We arrived at Monte Carlo on June 4, 2000, the day of the Monaco Grand Prix. Due to the race, the
Palace was closed and the Changing of the Guard was cancelled. However, we saw Prince Rainier III
going to and returning from the race. People complained because the traffic was disrupted. We had
a fun time walking around and people watching (a big party but well-behaved). After dinner, we paid
(literally as it cost $8 per person for admission) a visit to the world famous Casino.

Then we arrived at Portofino, a scenic fishing village. Again, we walked around and climbed up to the
cathedral for better viewing and picture taking. It sure was a beautiful, quaint and peaceful place.
The kayaking and jet-skiing provided was a nice variation to the regular cruising. Too bad the water
was a little bit too cold for swimming.

The cruise ended at Civitavecchia and we flew home directly from Rome.

The Italian dinner at Don Vito’s Trattoria was fun and entertaining and should not be missed.

Our biggest complaints were in the meals and land tours.

The quality of cooking needs vast improvement. All the fish dishes were always overcooked and dry.
The waffles were burnt. The Canadian bacon and corn beef hash were very salty. The Thai hot and
sour soup was neither hot nor sour! Our lobster tails were just warm. The barely lukewarm
temperature was also true for a few other entrees.

The glass for a cognac that I ordered from the Windows Lounge was very filthy. It had many
detergent streak marks on it and was never rinsed. I didn’t realize the filth until I saw them under
sunlight.

There was an incident that the hot water came out quite brown from the bathroom sink faucet in our
cabin. It eventually ran clear.

The shore excursion tour book was not very informative. The continuously running video in the cabin
was of no help as the tour manager was just simply reading (repeating) the same descriptions from
the tour book. All the shore excursions were quite overpriced. The transfer from the pier to airport in
Rome was overpriced by 20 percent. We knew this because we had the same transfer six months
earlier with another cruise line and they charged $50 compared to Radisson’s $60 per person
charge.

We were requested to fill out the Guest Information Form for celebrating special occasion on board.
We did. Nothing happened and we did not hear a word from a single soul (staff or others). What’s the
purpose for asking for the information? Was it just a make the customer feel good gimmick?

Entertainment was adequate considering the extremely small stage on this small ship. However, I wish
they would fix the torn curtain at the back of the stage as soon as possible as it was very unsightly.

The Diamond sure was an unique ship (I don’t know of another ship built like it) and the 'coolest'
experience was to ride the tender underneath the ship on the way to shore.

We had great expectations because it was the second cruise we went with the Radisson Seven Seas
Cruises and we sort of knew what to expect. As food is an important part with any cruise we’re greatly
disappointed with both the quality of cooking and service. Radisson must have received the 'Six Star'
rating with other ships in the fleet and we are sure it did not earn the excellent rating with the services
provided on the Diamond. Many other previous Radisson cruisers agreed with our conclusion.
Overall, I rated this cruise experience below standard (Radisson’s); but, it was still better than a few
other cruises that we had been on. So far, we had one decent cruise on Paul Gauguin and a below
average one on the Diamond. We’ll cruise with Radisson again to make the final judgment!

For any questions regarding to this cruise or any other cruises, escorted tour packages, fine art
prints and interior decoration, feel free to write to me at: shlchan@yahoo.com.

Name: Brenda McCroskey
Email: kaimbu@earthlink.net
Age: 42
Occupation: Resort Representative
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Radisson-Diamond
SailingDate: June 7, 2000
Itinerary: Rome/Florence/Portofino/Monte Carlo/Nice
Cabin: 941? - Veranda
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 70
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 92
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 87
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff: 100
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 70
LoungeService:
TenderService: 97
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon: 95
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities:
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 85
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 40
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 12 Jul 2000
Time: 20:05:56
Remote Name: ip1.saddleback.ca.pub-ip.psi.net
Remote User:

Comments

First of all, a disclaimer. We cruised on the Radisson Diamond as an Incentive trip, so we did not pay,
the cruise was just 4 nights, and due to being a private charter, some service/activity items may have
been under the discretion of my husband's company, as opposed to Radisson's. I am sure that each
of these items had an effect on our cruise experience, but will discuss what I can.

We are deluxe cruisers and travellers and were somewhat apprehensive about the Radisson, as
opposed to SilverSea and Seabourne, which we enjoy very much. Our fears were unfounded and we
had a lovely cruise and would sail again - even if we had to pay out of our own pockets!

We flew Delta's Business/Elite LAX/JFK//NCE/JFK/LAX and were very impressed by their new service
- definitely comperable to any carrier's Business Class service and much better than any US carrier's
First Class service to Europe. Nice leg room, very comfortable, but narrow seats, good entertainment
& very friendly staff (always a pleasant surprise!) I admit to being a bit of a snob & only flying
European carriers to Europe, but was very impressed with Delta's new service.

Spent one night in Rome on our own arrangements at the Grand Palace Hotel - didn't live up to the
name, but charming lobby, very sweet Reception and Bar staff, but smallish rooms. Had dinner at the
rooftop restaurant of the Eden Hotel - incredible views & service. My dinner was wonderful, my
husband's had to be returned (mushy scampi). Civitavecchia is a long ways from Rome - we tood a
taxi to the Sheraton Parco outside of town, then were transferred from there to the ship.

Very easy boarding and our veranda stateroom was fine. Some complaints - broken mirror in
bathroom, somewhat grungy grout, really cheap toiletries that didn't work too well/smelled funny,
vacumn toilet that was loud & didn't always work, TEENY closet space (we stuffed our things in & we
were only on a 4 night cruise - feel sorry for people on longer ones!), ill-fitting chair/desk so always
sticking out), cheesy & rickety glass table with basic flowers in vase that kept knocking over & spilling
water everywhere, little not real comfortable loveseat. However, bathroom & tub, although small,
worked just fine - good shower & water pressure / heat & I managed one bath. Alot of drawers to
somewhat make up for lack of closet space, very comfortable king bed and lovely veranda with plenty
of space. Decor could have used some spicing up, but all in all (except for the teeny closets), very
comfortable & pretty well laid out.

I thought the public areas - especially around stairs also needed sprucing up - definitely new carpets,
new decor, more plants or something. Just kind of blah. The Main dining room was lovely and the
waitstaff, although not really formal or polished, they were really nice (all women!) and fun and had
great senses of humor - always a bonus! The food, although not broad in choices (could have been
a function of our private charter) was very good. Not gourmet, not 3 star restaurant (although I've
never found that on any ship), but very good, tasty, nice presentations, etc. The included wines were
not good (once again, could have been a function of the private charter), but for only about $40, we
upgraded to a very nice bottle.

Docked in Livorno for Florence - another long drive to Florence - about 1 1/2 hours, but could make
a stop in Pisa if you desired. We chartered a private car (we don't do group shore excursions) and
probably paid the most we ever had for a few hours - bargained down some, but not alot. If you have
been to Florence, which I had, but not my husband, some wonderful trips to medieval hilltop villages
& wineries in the areas would be fun.

The onboard shop was horrible, tacky, just a disappointment.

Had an Italian dinner on deck one night. I liked it, but didn't hear that same comment from alot of
others. Of course, I could live off of proscuitto, melanzane, caprese & carpacchio, so I was happy.
The staff put on a cute show.

The pool was very small and covered for first two days of cruise. The jacuzzi was also rather small &
one you climb up & into - looked like an old wedding cake. Bar staff on deck very friendly & fun -
singing & dancing along as the night wore on.

Only real complaint was the room service - always speedy, but never everything you ordered or
needed - ie. no salt & pepper with eggs, no ice water, one small fruit plate brought, not the 2
ordered, one pat of butter for two people with a Continental Breakfast. Presentation really weak, but
served with a smile. Radisson does really need to work on room service & felt like I was reliving joke
on dejanews cruise group re: room service not understanding (or vice-versa) anything you say/order.

Went to the Spa once and was impressed by size of massage, etc. rooms - not huge, but definitely
not cramped. Spa staff very nice, although very hard to get an appointment past 1st day. Salon
looked nice & staff were friendly. Really liked the gym - good equipment & great views - very short
jogging track, but I didn't complain!

Had the most fun in the Casino & I usually don't gamble. One dealer, 'Damen' was a hoot & very
popular - really made the cruise he was so much fun & all the guests loved him. We won every night
and a friend won $5,000 on a slot machine, so good news all around! Other casino staff were very
nice & helpful too.

Portofino next, which was my favorite - I had never been there before & just loved it. Yes, very
touristy & expensive, but just darling, charming, picturesque, etc etc etc. Had a wonderful lunch in
one of the little portside cafe's and will definitely go back someday!

Then to Monte Carlo, where I have been alot, so not too excited. Always fun to drool over yachts in
the harbor, though! Had a lovely company-planned grand finale evening on land at the Sporting
Club. Sailed to Nice the next morning - they have improved their port there & nicer & very close to
airport. Disembarking was confusing as we had said we wanted ride to airport to pick up our rental
car, but they had us as own arrangements, so we just hopped in a taxi & did our own thing. Spent 3
wonderful nights (own arrangements) in our favorite hotel in St. Jean Cap Ferrat, just a few minutes
from Nice, then flew home. If you visit Nice or Cap Ferrat, be sure and visit the Rothschild mansion
and gardens on top of the peninsula - just beautiful and wonderful views up and down the coast.

All in all, not a 6 star experience by any means, but still alot of fun and we would do again as paying
guests. I would always pick SilverSea over this, but of course a huge price differential that makes
Radisson attractive.

Name: Ellen Hutton
Email: evansaunt2001@yahoo.com
Age: 40
Occupation: Legal Secretary
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Radisson-Diamond
SailingDate: 1/21/01
Itinerary: Virgin Gorda/Dominica/St. Lucia/St. Barth's/St. Jo
Cabin: 827/sitting room
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 80
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 99
BeautySalon: 80
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities:
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard:
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 29 Jan 2001
Time: 14:55:59
Remote Name: 64.64.238.210
Remote User:

Comments

Let me begin by saying that this cruise was chartered by a group and it was an incentive bonus program
which gives me a bit of a different experience.

The Radisson Diamond is extremely different from one of the larger cruise ships. The service is extraordinary.
I requested coffee from room service via the card that you hang on your door to come between 8:00 a.m. and
8:30. Every day at 8:00 a.m. on the dot, our coffee arrived. The cabin was luxurious - a spacious sitting room
with picture window was lovely. 70% of the cabins have balconies, but from what I understand, the balconies
take up some of the space of the sitting room. This cruise is not for people looking for excitement or the
organized activities of a larger ship. There are no midnight buffets, very little organized activity. The pool is
quite small with a small sundeck also. However, sophisticated is the word I would use to describe the Diamond.
Top shelf liquor, glassware used even around the pool, complimentary wines with dinner, all soft drinks
complimentary and no gratuities. I never felt like I was being nickled and dimed in the least.

The food was excellent both in the beautiful Grand Dining Room and the Grill buffet. Of special note is Don
Vito's Trattoria which serves a seven course Italian meal complete with sing-a-longs. I thought this would be
incredibly corny, but it wasn't - just a lot of fun. I don't attend shows. Just not my taste.

Our itinerary was wonderful. I loved the fact that we didn't sail away until 10:00 p.m. on several nites, allowing
us to fully enjoy islands such as St. Barth's, St. John and Virgin Gorda.

This cruise is definitely not for singles, and really I would recommend it more for people over 50 who don't
expect much nightlife from a cruise

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