When you plan a cruise, as we did, 6 months ahead of time there is a great deal of anticipation as we read and reread the brochure and garner as much information as we can about the ship, the line and the ports of call.

When we received a brochure in the mail about a transatlantic crossing on the Radisson Seven Seas Voyager; we immediately decided that, based on all we read about the ship, our previous experience on the RSSC Song of Flower and our enjoyment of a similar journey last year on the Star Princess, to book the trip.

We used RSSC air transportation from Los Angels to Nice, France. The efficiency and service we were to receive on board was well illustrated when our connecting flight from Chicago to Frankfurt was delayed for 4 hours. We contacted RSSC by cell phone, told them of our problem. Within a short time they returned our call with the information that a new connecting flight had been booked and that their agent in Nice had been notified of our late arrival.

We arrived in Nice and were met by a representative of RSSC who assisted in transferring our luggage to a waiting Mercedes SUV and driving us, via a beautiful scenic route to Monte Carlo where our ship awaited us.

Check-in was very quick and our luggage arrived in our suite very promptly. We had booked an “E” guaranteed accommodation but we had been upgraded to a Horizon suite, room 878. It was magnificent with a balcony that was about 18’ x 10’. It was equipped with two chairs and a footrest, we requested two chaise lounges which arrived during the dinner hours!!

As we had been “on the road” for 25 hours we enjoyed a couple of hours rest after the muster drill and then it was time for dinner. We decided that we would try the Verandah Grill on deck 11 and were delighted with the menu, the friendly service, the beautiful buffet and the feeling of being made a very welcome guest.

We had read reports that the Horizon suites were subject to “noise and vibrations” when the ship was under way. On the overnight journey to Barcelona we did notice a slight vibration but nothing which interfered with a very restful nights rest. When the ship docked, using its guidance pods, there was some vibration but our guess is that it was felt all over the stern end of the ship. (We remember when we used to pay 25 cents at motels to have a vibrating mattress.)

Having visited Barcelona on other cruises we decided to take the ship provided shuttle bus into the city and then enjoyed the drive around on the “on/off” bus which we had used on previous visits to European cities. Many of our fellow passengers also used this method of seeing the city in the relatively short time we had there.

We elected to have dinner in the beautiful Compass Rose Restaurant and decided to ask to be seated with 4 other passengers. As on every occasion we did this we were very pleased with the “strangers” we enjoyed dinner with. We were always able to obtain a table for two any time we requested it. The majority of people we met were well traveled, successful people from varying backgrounds in the business world, the professions and the military services. The husband of one of the couples on this table had been a naval officer on a nuclear submarine. The conversation was extremely informative and it was great to share. The other couple were the ladies conducting the arts and crafts program being offered by the ship. Very talented ladies whose story of how they got involved in this fascinating way to see the world on cruise ships, was very enlightening to us. The passengers were mostly from the US and the UK with a few Asians on the first leg of the back to back cruise.

The following morning we enjoyed a room service breakfast, delivered very promptly with everything we had ordered the night before. We learnt a quick lesson on ordering: if you wanted more than one item eg. butter, you had better write it on the order!

Our next PoC was Valencia. We had opted not to take a tour as we wanted to see the city. The shuttle bus took us to the city center which we walked around and enjoyed its very Spanish ambience. Unfortunately the time we had there was very limited. We would not recommend this cruise if you want port intensive experience. If that is the case take a full Mediterranean cruise and have time to enjoy the PoC.

We enjoyed the entertainment provided by the resident ship’s company, this evening was “Songs from the Opera.” The young people did a very creditable job. Dinner was again in the Compass Rose where we learned another lesson; try not sitting in the center of the room, it is too noisy to really enjoy conversation. While we are on a little negative tone we must express our dismay that there is a section of the dining room which is a “smoking” section. Unfortunately the fumes from that section waft to a much larger area. Why on earth a line as wonderful as Radisson cannot emulate other lines which ban smoking from eating areas is beyond our comprehension.

We had decided to take a ship’s tour in Malaga to the city of Marbella and Porto Banos. We were very impressed with the beautiful city, its old town and upscale shopping area. Its marina was home to many multi million dollar yachts, shops and restaurants. The journey along the coast in a comfortable coach was very spectacular. We returned to the ship for a nice lunch on deck. At lunch time there were several venues; the Compass Rose always had a full luncheon menu with several courses offered. We always enjoyed sitting at a window there watching the sea go by while being nicely served by the very efficient and always pleasant staff. On deck there were served bar-b-que lunches with a sandwich and salad buffet and everyday a couple of favors of delicious ice-cream. In the Verandah Grill a very full buffet of roasted meats, salads, deserts pleased our palates. Again as we have observed, the service was impeccable.

On the second day on board we had made a reservation for dinner at Signatures. This gourmet French restaurant with limited seating and a fine menu made us feel very welcome and the food was, IMHO, outstanding. We do not want to go into details of what we ate but we “ummed and ahhed” throughout the meal!

We also ate at the Latitudes Asian restaurant on two occasions. The menu was very different each time, it is changed weekly. The food was different than we expected with subtle flavors rather than highly flavored dishes. The presentation and venue were again superior. The M’aitre d’ Ruby deserves special mention for her exceptional service and attention

This evening we passed the Rock of Gibraltar. The captain stopped the ship so we could have a good view of the floodlit entrance to the Mediterranean. Being a first for us it was rather exciting to view a landmark which we had, on previous visits to the area, “passed in the night.”

The cruise was advertised with a Big Band and Salute to Sinatra theme. Being of an age which is appreciative of both themes this was an added incentive for us to take this cruise. The band and the “Sinatra” look and sound alike person, did not join the ship until it arrived in Malaga. On their first night aboard they provided a rather tired performance which they apologized for. After a 24 hour journey they certainly played well enough for us but obviously were very fatigued. For the rest of the journey the fantastic music of the Nelson Riddle Orchestra under the baton of Nelson Riddle’s son Christopher Riddle and Sinatra impersonator Brian Anthony really rocked the ship. On two late nights members of the band “jammed” in the Horizon Lounge, much to the delight of the passengers. Brian Anthony, a 28 year old performer who emulated the late Frank Sinatra in presentation and matching voice was sensational.

The resident comedian, a Welshman who lives in Arkansas (that is funny to begin with) Kenny Smiles who has been with RSSC for 8 years was really funny without the usual crudeness of cruise ship comedians. He had his audience in his hands from the moment he walked on stage. Not only was he funny on stage but was most pleasant and interesting in on deck encounters. His singing voice was a reminder of his Welsh heritage and his presentation in the very soft lilting accent of Wales was very refreshing. Other entertainers included a classical guitarist in the observation lounge whose repertoire was excellent for pre-dinner and relaxing moments on board. A very talented Venezuelan classical pianist, Vanessa Perez, gave two recitals during the trip. In our opinion her talents were much underutilized. She was an exceptional pianist.

There were the usual activities on board with good enrichment speakers on a variety of subjects. One passenger who had been a Royal and star photographer for many years gave an excellent power point presentation of some of his portfolio of portraits and casual shots of many Royal Families and easily recognized movie stars who he had photographed.

Our next PoC were in Morocco. Casablanca and Agadir. In Casablanca we had a complimentary tour of the city given by our TA. We were taken to a Jewish Museum in a nice residential neighborhood which presented the 2,000+ year history of the Jewish people in Morocco. This we found very interesting and informative. We were then taken to the Great Mosque, the 2nd largest in the world. The mosque sits on the seashore and is built above the sea giving it a very dramatic appearance. We could have been escorted on a tour but declined because it meant walking barefoot for a long distance. We were happy to re-board the Voyager for lunch after seeing what was really just another big city with lots of traffic and with a culture not of our understanding.

Agadir proved to be a city of contrasts. We took a ship’s tour which took us to one or two tourist traps, an apothecary store and the usual local handicraft gift store, a scenic ride oa see the city from above with camel rides and more vendors. We later were taken to a tourist area of modern hotels, condos, stores and topless beaches! Again we were happy to get back to the ship.

The last two days of the first part of the cruise took us to Lanzarrote, a volcanic island in the Canaries. The tour we took of the northern part of the island took us through moon like landscapes dotted with beautifully kept villages and homes all painted in a brilliant white with green or blue doors. A visit to a volcanic plume, a cave with clear water and fantastic reflections, followed by a visit to a cactus garden, the chance meeting with a couple from my hometown in England, which I had left 56 years ago, and who were acquainted with our family who still live there, added another dimension to our enjoyment of the cruise.

The following day we were in Funchal, Madeira. We had looked forward to doing some shopping fro embroidery there but as it was Sunday there were no shops open! A cable car ride took us to a viewpoint above this beautiful city. We were surprised by the beauty of Funchal which is built on high mountains surrounding the bay. The mode of transportation down the streets that made the city was by baskets mounted on skis and controlled by two obviously very fit young Portuguese young men. It was a very thrilling ride!! The visit ended with a visit to sample Madeira wines in the very European city center.

After leaving Funchal, bound for Fort Lauderdale we settled down to what was described as “a summer camp on the ocean.” The weather was a little rocky and rainy the first day out but the ship handled the seas very well and we enjoyed the crossing in otherwise warm and gentle weather with lots of whatever you wanted to do aboard at your finger tips. The food remained constantly excellent as we dined our way across the Atlantic and as is obvious from this rather rater long account, we had a “ball.”

We have always said that at the end of a cruise the cruise line is happy to say goodbye and drop you at some dock or other. Not RSSC. They had representatives on the dock at Fort Lauderdale, buses to transport us to the airport accompanied by company reps, they even took care of the luggage at the airport and tipped the porters!!!

Overall, a most enjoyable, exciting and memorable experience; we cannot wait to join another Radisson Seven Seas Cruise again.

David and Betty,
Read and enjoyed every word of your report. It always amazes me how anyone remembers all that happens on a cruise. I never have time to keep a journal and the mind goes blank when I return home.

Thanks and pleased to know you loved RSSC.

David and Betty, really enjoyed reading your review. My wife and I have been contemplating doing an East to West crossing. After reading your review, I feel more confident about going for it. Thanks!

David and Betty - thanks for the comprehensive review! Some of your "lessons learned" tips (ask for the chaise longues if you have the horizon suites; same goes for specifics with room service) are very handy!

One slightly different take on the experience: we've met so many folks we really enjoy on RSSC who do a lot better if there's a smoking section in the restaurants. I am glad they can join us for a fun meal if there's a provision for the occasional cigarette. The alternative is having folks leave mid-meal for a quick smoke break & then come back. Not very workable for either the passengers or the staff. There are patches but now I am wandering into areas where I have no expertise and am simply guessing as to whether it works or not.

We're nonsmokers (both dads were diehard 2+ pack a day guys who had nasty deaths from lung cancer) but I remember how much each of them enjoyed dining out (the pre-smoking ban days). I've only smelled the leftover smoke if I'm seated close to the smoking section in Compass Rose. Was that true for you, too? If so, then for those who are very smoke-sensitive but would enjoy dinner in Compass Rose, just let the maitre d' know.

So glad you enjoyed the trip. Welcome home! Cheers, Anne

Great review, and so glad you enjoyed Kenny Smiles! He's a riot!!

Anne:

I regret I cannot agree with you re smoking in the dining room. I consider people who waft their unwanted and poisonous fumes are unsocial and selfish in this habit. Last year on the Princess we shared a table with an habitual smoker who took the opportunity between courses to go outside and have a few draws.
MOST lines do not have smoking in the dining room that is the correct thing to do. Why Radisson soes it I will never fathom. After the first night when we asked to be moved to the other side of the dining room the staff automatically guided u=s there!

David.

David & Betty, great review, thank you!! This is the first I have heard about the smoking policy on RSSC - and I admit, I'm concerned. My husband & I are non-smokers, and living in Florida, where they banned smoking where food is served, we have been spoiled. Was it adequate enough for you to sit on the other side of the restaurant?

Yes Kristin the head waiters were most accomodating once they were aware of our problem with the second hand smoke. It was only noticable in the quarter of the the restaurant immediately beside the smoking area.

It was not a problem in the ship except one or two people decided that lighting up at their discretion on the starboard side of ther ship was OK.

Do not let our complaint worry you, we too are very sensitive to smoke and are very aware when it pollutes the atmosphere.

David.

Thanks for the review, David & Betty!!

Masaki

Thanks, David, I feel better now!

Kristin, with all due respect to Betty & David IMO this complaint about smoking in Compass Rose is a non-issue. My husband quit smoking a year ago, just before we went on the World Cruise. He too was a bit concerned how he would do knowing there was a small smoking section in C.R. Well, it never was an issue whatsoever. The ventilation is so good and the dining room is so large that he never once even got a whiff. Most non-smokers don't even realize that this small smoking section exists. I'm sure you'll be fine.

David and Betty, I'm so glad you enjoyed one of our favorite ships!

I smoked until just over three years ago. I will, for the rest of my life, be grateful to my husband and children (none of whom have ever smoked) for never treating me with less than respect, love and compassion until I made my own decision to fight what is apparently a filthy and disgusting addiction. A lot of my dear friends still do smoke, and I have vowed that I will never ever treat them any differently than I was treated by those who I love, and who love me.

Sorry if that seems to be a speech made from a soap box, maybe it is at that.

Beautifully written Pam!

I again must take issue with the Compass Rose smoking situation.

When we dine in a restaurant in California and in most other educated states and many advanced foreign countries we are thankfully not subjected to ANY second hand smoke.
When we fly on practically airline in the world we again are not subjected to it. When we use popular cruise lines such as Princess and Carnival we are not subject to it in their dining rooms.

When I go on a cruise it is my choice to impair my health by overeating but if I am subjected to second hand smoke or other noxious odors which can affect my health, then I have grounds to object.

Our contention is that, however good the ventilation system is in the Compass Rose Dining room, at least a quarter of it is contaminated to a larger or lesser degree depending on the seating location, and no passenger should be subjected to that.

It is time that Radisson banned smoking in ALL restaurants. Would you be pleased to sit down to a wonderful dining experience in Signatures with someone puffing smoke across your table? If they can prohibit smoking in Signatures and Latitudes why not in Compass Rose?

David.

PS Pam: Congratulations on kicking the habit. I do not think this is a situation revolving around love and compassion. We have a very successful daughter who smokes and we do not love or treat her any differently to any of our other 3. She is very considerate of our and other family members feelings and certainly does not smoke in our presence.
D.

When on the Voyager last month, no one was smoking in the Compass Rose that I could see. We all just excused ourselves and went to the Voyager lounge or the Connoisseur club.

I prefer smoking in the Connoisseur club as even though I only smoke in designated smoking areas, I do not care for the glares of non smokers.

I would love to see a no stinky perfume area! As bad as cigarette smoke is, some of those sickening sweet older perfumes can give me headache in a second.

Karen:

"I would love to see a no stinky perfume area! As bad as cigarette smoke is, some of those sickening sweet older perfumes can give me headache in a second."

Those stinky perfumes may give you a head-ache but those stinky cigarettes can give a you a much worse complaint!!

Gosh that must be very painful for you both to have a daughter who smokes -- I have some friends who are VERY anti smoking and they have a son who smokes - he, too, is very successful and never smokes in front of them - however, he is aware of their disappointment in his inability to kick the habit - unlike you, I am sure, they constantly berate him on the issue in front of others -

For what it's worth, the Navigator this summer didn't have a smoking area in CR either, in contrast to my first two sailings on her in 2000 & 2001. I know PG had those tables right at the front section when I was there in 2002, but I think I have heard more recently that smoking is no longer allowed in L'Etoile(which may have changed again because of the French staff!)

Karen, that's because there was no smoking section on 007 cruise.

True story........(others on 007 can back me up) There was NOT a CR smoking section on the 007 but when someone heard that there was a smoking section in the very rear of CR (without realizing that there was NOT one on that particular sailing), she complained about it. One of the head waiters (I think it was Luis) was very nice, let the passenger air her feelings and after she was all done, the headwaiter spoke up and said "M'am, I'm not sure what it is you could be smelling as we have not had a smoking section on this particular sailing". It really was funny and gave us a good laugh. The power of suggestion!

My guess is that it depends on how many smokers are on a particular cruise and if there are enough they convert those back few tables. They're so isolated and it really is easy to request a table far enough away that it would not bother any non smokers. Radisson is very good at trying to accommodate everyone!

Yes as I recall there were 3 tables way back in a corner - for anyone sensitive to smoke it would be very easy to avoid it in a room the size of CR -

Aren't you talking about the WC? I remember very well there was a smoking section on my segment, but not on 007.

You're correct Olivia. There was NO smoking section in CR on 007 but there was a small one on WC.

And on VJ7 - small area - 3 tables

She said, she said.

I think one needs to be very correct on this subject Miss O!!!!!! and you know how important it is to me to be politically correct -

What does "she said, she said" mean??

Marcie, you said, (I think I did too) there were no "smoking" tables on Voyager for 007. Joanna said there were three in a small area. I do not wish to get into a cat fight with my girlfriends, so you two fight it out!

Joanna said there were three in a small area.

And on VJ7 - small area - 3 tables

Yup that's what I said -

The mule is dead!! I think it is time to stop flogging it!

David.

Hallelujah!!!!!

I read so much about smoking and cancer I decided to give up reading. LOL

I'm sorry, but I have to take issue with David and Betty re the smoking on RSSC ships. I firmly agree with Marcie that second hand smoke is not an issue in the Compass Rose dining room aboard any RSSC ship. The only place where it might be an issue is in the casinos. I am always amazed that folks who live in a smog basin like most of CA are the first and most vocal of those complaining about smoking. I guarantee you that the smog will do you in long before second hand smoke will. If you want a non-smoking ship, then go with Oceania. If RSSC changes their smoking policy, we'll stop cruising with them. 'nuff said!

Amen to that! As an ex-smoker and a smoker's spouse, I know how much smokers really enjoy it. Smokers have been beat up on enough--give them a break! I agree with Doug, if you can't stand smoking, stay home or go on a non-smoking ship. Good grief, most smokers try to be very polite and only smoke in designated areas. Non-smokers know where those areas are, just avoid them for pete's sake and quit complaining!! Now hopefully the mule is dead!!