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 CRUISE SHIP REVIEW Index: All Ship Reviews Expedia's cruise reviews are provided by CruiseCritic.com, an award-winning cruise community, to give you objective, unbiased information to help you choose the right ship.
Overview Radisson Diamond is the largest twin-hull ship ever built and the first to use semi-submersible-craft technology. The catamaran-style design allows for such smooth sailing that it's hard to believe you're at sea. Originally marketed toward convention business, the ship still attracts a number of incentive groups and meetings, which sometimes interferes with the comfort of non-group passengers. (Sometimes public rooms and lounges are reserved for private parties.) The head-turning distinctive design includes struts attached to a pair of underwater hulls that lift the stylish ship above the water, providing incredible stability, even in rough seas. Radisson Diamond is definitely a jewel of the sea, offering superb service, food, and accommodations. She is also one of the most popular afloat, with repeat passengers who refuse to go on any other ship. And who can blame them, with the large, attractive, all-outside staterooms; open-seating meals; complimentary wines at lunch and dinner; and casually elegant atmosphere. Cabins Radisson Diamond's cabins are spacious and stunning (standard cabins cover 246 square feet), and 70 percent come with balconies. All are decorated in soft pastel fabrics, mirrors, and wood trim, with marble bathrooms with tub and shower, terry cloth bathrobes, hair dryers, and plenty of toiletries. There's also a mini-fridge stocked daily with soft drinks of your choice and a one-time liquor setup, TV/VCR, and loads of storage space. A nice touch is the good reading lamps and mirrored vanities. All have twin/queen beds. Every cabin measures 243 square feet, which includes the balcony (when there is one). Each "sitting room" cabin has a living area with sofa and chairs, and a big, wide window. There are two extravagant master suites, measuring 522 square feet each, embellished by a hand-painted Rosseau-inspired mural, king-sized bed, deluxe cabinetry, plush leather furniture, and an oversized balcony. Dining The Art Deco Grand Dining Room is indeed "grand," with floor-to-ceiling windows draped in sheer fabrics and ornate gold leaf pillars, glass, gold, copper, and brass trim. The room oozes with romance and the open seating policy allows couples to easily be alone at tables for two. The all-female waitresses are phenomenal, and so is the food. The complimentary wines are several cuts above vin ordinaires served on some of the competition. There's a fun-filled alternative dining room called Don Vito where Italian waiters serenade you at red- and white-checkered tables. You could eat here every night, if you don't mind gaining 10 pounds; each of the 10 courses is generous and mama mia delicious. Reservations are required and if you aren't quick you could miss out, so reserve a table as soon as possible. The breakfast and luncheon buffets, served in The Grill, are debatably the best at sea. The food is impeccably presented, fresh, beautiful-looking, and tasty. Since serving tables are placed in various nooks and crannies and out on deck, there are never lines. Room service always proved excellent with meals brought promptly and at the right temperature. Dinners are divine, served in courses on your private balcony. Public Rooms One of Radisson Diamond's most prevalent architectural quirks is its single deck, which actually works to passenger favor with extra space for passengers to move around. Public areas are clustered around a striking central atrium, with glass elevators that leads from Deck 6 up to Deck 10. Walls are paneled in wood and soft pastels, and oversized floral arrangements and plants are everywhere. A trio of bars and lounges set the social scene. The bi-level Windows Lounge—where lectures, afternoon tea, and evening entertainment are staged—is big and attractive, with subdued blue walls and enormous two-floor-high windows that look out to sea. Views, however, are somewhat obstructed unless you sit stage front. The Club is a fun spot where passengers gather to belt out tunes around a piano bar. Chips Casino offers players roulette, slots, and other games of chance. The library is well stocked with old and new titles and complimentary videos for cabin viewing. The ship's boutique carries rather humdrum stuff. There's 24-hour pay-for-use e-mail access and personal computers available. Entertainment Radisson Diamond's commitment to "quiet sophistication" translates into a relaxed atmosphere, where during the day passengers make their own fun (mostly by the pool or around the pull down marina) without the aid of force-fed bingo or Bridge. And they like it that way. At night, amusing cabaret-style acts and production shows are staged in the Windows Lounge, and the casino is open for play. Fitness & Recreation The rather compact fitness center sports about a dozen machines. There is often a wait list to use the popular treadmills or bikes, during which time you can go 13 times around the outdoor jogging track to complete a mile. The Diamond Spa offers the gamut of beauty treatments, from facials to pedicures. There is also a steam bath, sauna, and plunge pool. The top deck, Deck 11, is roomy and inviting with a nice sized pool, Jacuzzi, and The Splash Bar, which unlike many ships stays open after dark. The retractable marina is divine. When the ship is anchored you can walk right into the water and go swimming, snorkeling, take a banana boat ride, or water ski. Family No children's programs are available. Fellow Passengers When the ship isn't occupied by convention groups, passengers consist of savvy baby boomers, a few Gen-Xers, and senior citizens, all with a taste for the good life. Tipping Gratuities are included in the cruise fare. Clothing Dress is resort chic by day, ties and jackets on most nights, and tuxedos are most common on formal evenings.
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