One of Ngaire's first (brilliant!) suggestions was that we book a 4-day Diamond trip so we could take advantage of both past-guest and onboard booking discounts. What a GREAT idea, and more than worth it! So as of today we're booked 4/18 on the Diamond -- the absolutely only available date we could go. Quite honestly we could give a rip about another Caribbean itinerary. But I've always been curious about the ship and our primary objective is every penny we can shave from the cost of this world trip!
We've cruised in everything from an 84 sqft cabin down the Amazon for 17 days to a 1400 sqft apartment on the World ... we've no doubts whatsoever about the quality of Radisson. Our confidence in their quality is a major reason we've chosen them for this huge trip. Of course we'd love to be booking a Master Suite, but that's simply not going to happen! We may have lived in Seattle for the past 30 years, but Bill Gates has yet to adopt us. I have tried ...
We're hoping to have three couples on this trip -- we met the other two couples on a 62-day circumnavigation of South America.
All of you sound like really 'normal' people, if that makes sense. Another reason we've chosen Radisson is that both Crystal and Seabourn just don't sound quite like our style. All of us like things very nicely done but not ostentatious. That's our impression of Radisson.
One of the things I'd appreciate feedback on is how formal things really are. I understand the numbers on 'x formal nights and y informal and z casual' but that really doesn't always tell the story. How formal does it feel?? For instance my perception (easily mistaken, I'll admit!) of Crystal is that on the (frequent) formal nights every single man is in a tux that was likely heavily starched AFTER he put it on. That's just not an atmosphere we find comfortable!
So I guess what I'm saying is that I'm looking for 'atmosphere' indications in general. Plus that, any insights from anyone who's been on a world cruise. And of course cabin suggestions for the Voyager!
You've all been so nice so far ... I do thank you!
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Betty
