RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES TO BERMUDA
By Paula Hughes Court
The discovery upon arrival of a chilled $65 complimentary bottle of
champagne in our suite set the stage for a fantastic cruise to Bermuda on
the Radisson Seven Seas Navigator. Though 75% of all passengers board
in New York City, we boarded in Norfolk, Virginia where embarkation was a
simple ten-minute procedure of stepping out of a cab, walking straight to
the check-in desk and entering the cruise ship. We were immediately
handed flutes of champagne and escorted to our upgraded room-a large
495 sq. ft. Navigator suite complete with vases of fresh lilies, stereo
system, two televisions, vcr, fully stocked bar and balcony.
A whirlwind week followed filled with wine tastings, gourmet meals at lunch
and dinner, luscious Viennese dessert buffets in the afternoons, first class
entertainment by the energetic Peter Grey Terhune Group, and onboard
lectures by sixth generation Bermudian Lt. Col. Hollis.
RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES IS #1
Although there are many reasons why Radisson Seven Seas Cruises
consistently receives top honors, we found the best reason to be the lack of
crowds. The Radisson Navigator's high space per guest ratio of 67.3 gave
the perception of an empty ship though she was sailing at full passenger
capacity. This allowed plenty of extra space for guests to move through
hallways, public areas and restaurants without ever feeling crowded. In fact,
I never encountered another passenger in our hallway the entire seven
night cruise.
Another thing missing on Radisson is the current trend by mainstream
cruise lines to "nickel-and-dime" passengers to death. If a crew member
hands you a flute of champagne or a bottle of water, rest assured it's
complimentary. As are all tips, soft drinks, juices, specialty coffees, 24-hour
room service including entrees from the Compass Rose restaurant,
exceptional house wines at dinner, video rentals and even use of the self-
service lauderettes. Photographers are available to take photos, but they're
never aggressive or intrusive.
Along with an exciting itinerary, Radisson Seven Seas Navigator offers first-
class service in a calm, relaxing environment. On this cruise, only five
passengers were under twenty, less than ten passengers under thirty, and
the remainder made up of an interesting mix of business executives,
millionaire-next-door types and travel-savvy retirees.
THE BIG APPLE
The ship stops first in New York City, giving Norfolk passengers an
opportunity to see the sights while new passengers board the ship. The
ship offers a reasonably priced ($80) shore excursion of New York City by
coach bus. The tour passes through Harlem, Fifth Avenue, Times Square,
Rockefeller Center, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy.
Don't miss the sailaway party on the pool deck as the best view of the day
comes as the ship sails close to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on
the way out of NYC.
HAMILTON, BERMUDA
After one short sea day, the ship arrived early morning in Hamilton,
Bermuda; a clean picture-perfect town of pastel-colored buildings,
expensive yachts, shady streets and horse-drawn carriages. While the
tourist shops were only slightly above U.S. prices, the island’s hotels,
restaurants and taxis are considerably more expensive. With lunch entrees
averaging $17-$25, short taxi rides running $50, and hotels beginning at
$250 a night, a cruise can be the best way to enjoy Bermuda’s beaches,
golf courses and sights.
PINK SAND BEACHES
No trip to Bermuda is complete without a visit to one of the famous pink
sand beaches. Elbow Beach is the most popular beach in Bermuda, but is
currently undergoing renovations to repair last fall’s hurricane damage. For
now, the best beach to visit is Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda’s most famous
beach and the one seen most often in photographs. Though the sand isn’t
quite as pink as on other beaches, the rock formations, caves and
aquamarine water more than make up for this. The most economical way
to reach Horseshoe Bay is by public bus, which costs $3 per person, each
way. Like everything else in Bermuda, the public buses are clean, safe and
efficient with friendly drivers.
After two nights in Hamilton, the ship was scheduled to sail on to St.
George, the site of Bermuda’s most intriguing historical sights.
Unfortunately, high winds forced the cancellation of this leg of the itinerary.
As compensation, the ship gave everyone free transportation day-passes
and the captain took the ship on a slow, picturesque tour of Bermuda on
the way out to sea.
For more detailed information...
REVIEW OF RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES DINING
REVIEW OF RADISSON NAVIGATOR ENTERTAINMENT
FAMILY TRAVEL FUN.COM
RADISSON SEVEN SEAS NAVIGATOR BERMUDA CRUISE
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CRUISE TO BERMUDA