I think I love Radisson now more than ever. We got back from a 5 night cruise from San Juan to San Juan with stops in St. Kitts, St. Barts, St. Martin and St. Thomas. We pre-cruised for 3 nights at the Ritz Carlton in San Juan. The cruise was such a great value that we were able to get my parents to take the "plunge" with us this time. They fell in love with Radisson, just as I hoped! The staff treated my mom and dad so well that I though my heart would burst with pleasure. They celebrated their 48th anniversary on the last night. We had eaten at Don Vito's the night before and went up for coffee at Alex's invitation. Jerry stopped the show and the entire restaurant sang happy anniversary to my parents. They danced at the front and Alex and Jerry kissed my mother. It was a night to remember! I know people post to ask about the staterooms, the repair of the ship, the ports, but the Diamond has Factor X, a warmth of spirit that is like no other. Incidentally, Sam said the Diamond has the occupancy rate in the fleet right now and they are reconsidering their decision to end the contract in 2006.

Nancy

Hi Nancy! Glad to hear you had a great time on the Diamond. I'm very happy to hear that the occupancy rate on the Diamond is so high. You're right - there's something about the Diamond that's magical. She has a unique personality (most ships these days have no personality whatsoever), and her crew is top-notch - even at RSSC's lofty standards.

I've never been on Song of Flower, but I suspect it's a similar "vibe." My only nit about the Diamond would be the lack of an indoor cigar club...

Nancy,
Your report is very uplifting! I bet your parents will remember their special night for a long time.

I am also very glad to here that the Diamond might be granted a reprieve! That is wonderful news.
welcome home,

Nancy, so glad your parents had such a great anniversary treat! You are right about that Factor X. Let's hope RSSC keeps the lease with the Diamond!

Nancy:

Your post made me think that we MUST plan a cruise on the Diamond. Your experience is just the kind of thing that we look for when we are cruising. And the magic is often connected with the size of the ship and number of passengers.

We also found that to be true on Seabourn where there are always less than 200 passengers.

Thank you for sharing a wonderful cruise experience!

We are so looking forward to our Diamond cruise this summer and the great reviews add to the anticipation. We, too, favor the small ships. We enjoyed the size of the Windstar and the PG. In fact, one of our favorite "cruises" of all was an on an old windjammer in the fleet off the coast of Maine cruising Penobscot Bay for a week--just like camping and I'm NOT a camper! But a week in close quarters with a group of people we had never met turned out to be terrific.
In chosing the Diamond, we are hoping for another great experience.

Great post Nancy, it is so wonderful to see something so special for our parents and if anyone can do it right the staff in Don Vitos can. Glad you had a wonderful time.

Margo - I was just thinking that the Diamond sounded more and more like Seabourn. I can't get Dad back there (Seabourn) since they have no balconies, but it may be a great way to get him to try the Diamond!

Hi All, These posts are making me think I should sail agian on the Diamond. I usually I like fairly new ships. Macy

Drop the frist I or second I, Sorry! Macy

Thanks, Nancy, for an excellent post.

We are really looking forward to sailing on the Diamond in Oct.