Radisson Seven Seas is a luxury carrier in small cruise line category. As such, a small number of passengers (only 198 to 700 based on individual ship capacity) are treated to personal service by a cruise line that has been selected by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure to be “World’s Best Small Cruise Line”. Radisson Seven Seas appeals to sophisticated traveler. Based upon service, quality dining, upscale accommodations, and service, Radisson Seven Seas has earned a six-star rating. The cruise line’s special accommodations include two 700 passenger all-balcony suites ships, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, and one 490 passenger all-suites ship, Seven Seas Navigator. The Radisson Diamond is another unique ship due to its twin hull design. The Radisson Diamond carries 350 guests in luxury.

The Seven Seas Voyager and Radisson Diamond routinely cruise Mediterranean Sea, departing from or terminating at ports such as Rome, Venice, Athens, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Istanbul normally for a 7-night cruise. These cruises stop at some of most famous European cities that occur between start and end points such as Florence, Italy; Marseilles, France; St. Tropez, France; Dubrovnik, Croatia; island of Sicily; and others.

As this was our first cruise, we had been advised to choose an outside cabin which had natural light coming through 2 portholes in our cabin. (See inside or outside). Once we boarded, we were escorted to our cabin by one of many cabin stewards. Our luggage had not yet arrived so we decided to wander around ship to get our bearings. This is always well worth doing as this also helps to get a feeling for ship and its luxurious surroundings. We had also been advised that we would have to attend a lifeboat drill just after departure that was mandatory.

We wandered back to our cabin to find our luggage had arrived and proceeded to unpack. Yet again my wife managed to take most of wardrobe space, although space in cabins has increased significantly since our first cruise. The cabin also had a TV, and private facilities that were more than adequate.

The ships alarm sounded and we made our way with life jacket to our muster station, generally shown on rear of your cabin door. Once finished, we could sit back and totally relax.

The ship had lots to offer with two swimming pools, a casino with Black Jack and Roulette, a card room, show lounge which also doubled up to give advice on forthcoming ports of call and excursions available, plus a well stocked library.

A misconception of cruising is that it is solely for elderly. This is far from truth with many younger couples and even families on board. There are also clubs and meetings for single travelers.

Our first port of call was La Corunna and we arrived one and a half days after departure. We arrived early in morning which gave us whole day to explore Atlantic City. Others had taken full or half day excursion that are bookable on board. (Prices vary according to content but as a guide £25 for a half day and £45 for a full day excursion.) Our cruise took us on to a number of ports including Lisbon, Cadiz, Casablanca, Tenerife and Madeira.

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1st Cruise Holiday Tip

Once you have decided on your excursions try and book these as early as possible as many are on a limited basis and it is easy to miss out on best excursions.