There is a wide range of cabin configurations and categories (in 18 grades), including family cabins with extra beds (110 cabins can accommodate up to four persons).

Standard interior (no view) cabins and outside-view cabins are well equipped, although disappointingly small. There is much use of rich, warm limed oak or cherry wood in all cabins, which makes even the least expensive four-berth cabin seem inviting. All cabins have a decent amount of closet and drawer space, small refrigerator, television, full-length mirror, and blackout curtains (essential for North Cape cruises). Satellite television provided typically will include BBC World, although reception may not be good in all areas. Cabin soundproofing is quite poor.

A good number of cabins have been provided for passengers traveling singly. Anyone travelling singly who is sharing a cabin should note that only one personal safe is provided in most twin-bedded cabins. Although the cabins for four persons (family cabins) do have four small personal safes, there are no privacy curtains.

The standard cabin bathrooms are very compact units, and have mirror-fronted cabinets, although the lighting is quite soft. All bathrooms have a wall-mounted hairdryer. A Molton Brown “hair and body sport wash” dispenser is mounted in all bathrooms.

There are eight suites, each measuring 500 sq. ft (46 sq. meters). All have butler service (there are two butlers). Features include a separate bedroom with two lower beds convertible to a queen-sized bed, walk-in dressing area, two double closets, plenty of drawer space. The lounge area has a sofa, armchairs and table, writing desk, binoculars, umbrella, trouser press, iron and ironing board, two televisions, VCR, personal safe, hairdryer and refrigerator. The bathroom has a whirlpool bath, shower and toilet, and there is also a guest bathroom. All in all, the suites, and particularly the bathrooms, are very disappointing when compared with similar sized suites in other ships. The private balcony has two sunloungers, tables and chairs.

Other balcony cabins (called outside deluxe) measure 210 sq. ft (19 sq. meters). There is plenty of closet and drawer space. The bathrooms are somewhat disappointing, however, and have a very small, plain sink (one would expect marble or granite units in these grades).

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008