Having only sailed The Seabourn Sun before she left the fleet, I have no experience on the small ships.
Can someone advise as to whats good, whats bad and would I be happy after falling head over heels for Radisson.

We sailed on the Legend, and really liked her, however we missed the veranda's, I wouldn't bother spending the extra money for the french doors that open to sea breeze. We loved the size of the ship, and the food, and service.

I have been looking at some of Seabourns new Grand Voyages for 2005 and 2006, :D , might have to book one of them.
We love Radisson too, however the ships are a bit larger, but still nothing like the mass market lines...
Sandy
p.s. I am sure you'll like(love) Seabourn, and Radisson....

Tom:

We've cruised on the Sun, Legend and Sprirt. Like Sandra, the only real negative on the smaller ships is the absence of verandas. However, because the ships are so small, you are never very far from a deck chair to enjoy the sun and sea air.

The positives are the all inclusive bar, caviar without an extra charge, only 200 passengers - you really get to meet the other guests (if you want to). The crew does a wonderful job of making solo travelers welcome. Our friend that was traveling solo was invited to dine with different officers and cruise staff every evening. The entertainment is less formal, but often quite good. There's a small troupe doing shows, and often guest performers.

While they don't utilize it as often as some would like, they have a marina that lowers from the back of the ship to offer water sports while anchored in secluded bays.

Fewer dining venues,the main dining room, Veranda Cafe or in-suite dining (served course by course at dinner). There is nothing like Signatures, but I don't think you'd be disappointed with the food, it is usually very good.

The best part is never having to sign chits for drinks etc. and meeting very interesting passengers. The negatives are, no verandas (except in the large suites) and fewer activities.

Both lines do a great job of providing a upscale cruise experience.

My Seabourn experience was first on the Spirit from Bali to Singapore in 1998 and then on a Sea Goddess ship (now Seadream) to the Turquoise Coast in 2000. I'll just comment on the Spirit.

The Cruise to Indonesia/Malaysia was just an amazing itinerary with onboard lecturer/host Lawrence Blair who spent 10 years in the 60's on a journey with his brother through remote islands and exotic cultures. Their journeys are documented in a book "Ring of Fire" and also in a documentary (available on video).

The shore excursions were all included - they don't still do that - including river rafting on Bali, visiting Komodo Island & seeing a few dragons, attending a Torajaland funeral on Sulawesi where we arrived carrying a live pig, visiting an orangatan rehab center on Borneo and on and on. Just fabulous. Very port intensive and a truly unique journey.

I was most impressed that on the first morning virtually every staff member we encountered, even just passing in the halls, greeted us by name.

I agree that the absence of verandahs is about the only negative. We are booked on a December cruise to Thailand and Burma and are trying a french balcony suite - but I doubt it's worth the extra $$. Since we are past passengers it is a 2 for 1 so I'm justifying it that way ;)

Looking forward to trying Radisson on ROAR, if not before.

Leslie

Leslie: Hope you try ROAR - we are booked for #3 and #4 - Joanna

We loved our Seabourn experience. Did Greece/Turkey last year for 1/3 the normal price. Have not been able to justify the extra cost over Radisson until that deal came up. Great ship although small. More like a luxury mega-yacht. Crew was great, food was great. The crowd was different than Radisson, more demanding I think. One lady we met brought her own soup recipe and the chef made it for her and came out to her table to insure it was right. I loved never signing for a drink. We did a room with the fake balcony. I guess I would again since at least you can hang out over the ship and get some fresh air and a better 180 degree view. We put the little stools out there and kind of sat. Better than a window. They opened up the marina one day. An amazing feature. Had a really great dancing party on the top deck one night. Better than any I've had on Crystal or Radisson. Was fun for the crew since we were docked next to the Silversea and they had no activities. They were all hanging over the side watching us. Crew loved it (competition). I'd do it again but the extra cost is an issue, and I just feel so much better a fit with Radisson (although I wish they'd go all inclusive).

Welcome wineasmusic to LCT!

Masaki

Well I guess the comments from all of you plus input from my TA has convinced me to stay with Radisson. The price as a single was basically the same for the Pride vs the Voyager for late Nov 05. It will be the first time I have ever sailed the same ship twice......breaking my record after some 57 plus ships. The other option would be to sail the Mariner, but the Mexico route seems unappealing as compared to being in the Caribbean.
The one comment that passengers are demanding on Seabourn fits right into the experience I had on the Seabourn Sun....one women at my table wanted Caviar every night, but no crackers...white bread because it hurt her dentures.....comments were everywhere...this isn't the same as when the ship was Royal Viking.......and so on.
The people on Radisson just seem to be more my style I guess.
Thanks to all for the reponses.

Tom, I'm sure you'll be happy with your decision. We have often encountered a "clique" on our Seabourn cruises. That really doesn't bother us, we ignore that type of thing, but they sometimes do act entitled to more attention than most of us would expect. Guess I just wasn't to the manor born.