The welcome glass of champagne offered upon first boarding sets the tone for a cruise on the Radisson Diamond, itself an effervescent experience. From this bubbly reception to the personal farewell from the young captain, this cruise focuses on providing guests with a comfortable, personalized and intimate time aboard ship. Being addressed by name by the staff is the rule rather than the exception, as the 350 passengers become part of the extended Diamond family for the duration of the cruise.

The appearance of the Diamond herself demonstrates that she offers something different. Resembling a gigantic catamaran, her SWATH double-hulled design allows her to be the only cruise ship at sea without its furniture bolted down. The ship handles rough seas with a sideways sliding motion that doesn’t even create the smallest ripple in a glass of water on a dining table. However, even though the water doesn’t move, you will certainly feel the sideways movement when on rough waters and on some very rough days on our sailing, the dining room was virtually empty.

Speaking of dining, the open seating allows a flexibility appreciated by passengers who prefer to dine when and with whom they wish. The dining room itself boasts a bit of art deco flair combined with a classical style. The usual menu offers a variety of options including lower calorie, vegetarian, and a special chef’s multi-course sampler. Complimentary wine flows freely throughout dinner.

While the food is definitely tasty, visually appealing and certainly not ordinary, it could benefit from just a bit more inspiration to raise it to the next level. The service in the dining room and throughout the ship is attentive without being effusive or overbearing. Only one dining option to the main room presents itself in the way of Don Vito’s Trattoria. Its small capacity requires reservations immediately upon embarkation to guarantee a space here. The lively atmosphere includes singing, audience participation and entertaining antics that complement the Italian food served here.

Usual amenities such as spa services, casino, pool and boutique are in proportion to the size of the ship. What is particularly nice is there is no waiting in lines for food service or use of pool chairs.

Staterooms are pleasant and the down comforters and pillows make sleeping a heavenly experience.

Tall passengers demonstrate their contortionist skills when fitting themselves into the low ceiling shower or mini-bathtub. A stocked refrigerator offers free drinks to guests. Only when replenishing the beer is there a charge to guests, who also receive a bottle of champagne and either two complementary bottles of standard alcohol or one bottle of premium offerings.

Public areas are attractive, with Le Club offering an intimate space for cocktails. The Constellation room, the spot for evening programs looks out to the see from a full wall of glass, however, it suffers from a musty smell.

The shore excursions range from the simple overview tour of a port to more exciting adventures like scuba diving.

The Radisson Diamond definitely illustrates that bigger is definitely not better. Many former mega ship cruisers proclaimed their new devotion to the smaller ship.

RADISSON DIAMOND STATEROOMS

70% of the staterooms feature a private balcony. The rest offer a large picture-window ocean view, and all include a spacious sitting room where you can dine in privacy. The smallest is 243 square feet while Master Suites measure from 486 to 522 sq. ft. All feature queen-size or twin beds, luxurious marble baths with full tub and shower, TV/VCR, refrigerator/mini-bar stocked with soft drinks and complimentary in-stateroom bar set-up, 24-hour room service, terry robes, hair dryer and personal safe. Butler service is offered in the Master Suite category. Adjoining suites, wheelchair accessible suites and triple suites are also available (From the Radisson Diamond web site information.)

For information about the company: http://www.rssc.com/specials/detail.jsp?offerId=152497
For information about the ship:
http://www.rssc.com/ships/ship.jsp?code=DIA
To view the staterooms:
http://www.rssc.com/ships/suites.jsp?code=DIA
For information about specials, 2 for 1 fares, etc:
http://www.rssc.com/sailings/detail.jsp?offerId=153494
To phone for information: 877 505-5370
To subscribe to the Radisson Newspaper:
http://www.rssc.com/newsletter/home.jsp

Happy Traveling