Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
332 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
121 |
| Food |
400 |
222 |
| Service |
400 |
261 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
66 |
| Cruise |
400 |
244 |
| |
This all-white contemporary ship has a short bow and squared-off stern, and yet it manages to look reasonably well balanced with its red funnel. Originally known as Nordic Empress, it was designed specifically for the short-cruise market, for which the ship is quite well suited. In March 2008 the ship was transferred from the RCI fleet to Pullmantur Cruises, to operate as Empress for Spanish-speakers.
There is a polished wood walk-around promenade deck outdoors, and a dramatic use of glass-enclosed viewing spaces that provide good contact from the upper, open decks to the sea. Although the outdoor pool is decent enough (good at night for evenings under the stars), the two swimming pools provided are very small considering the number of passengers carried when the ship is full. In other words, there’s not a lot of open deck space, and sunloungers are crammed together with little room to maneuver around them on sunny days at sea.
A nine-deck-high atrium is the focal point of the interior design, which tends to have many Scandinavian influences. Lots of crystal and brass were used to good effect to reflect light. Indeed, the clever use of lighting effects provides illuminating interiors that make it feel warm. Passenger flow is generally good, although, because two seatings and two show times are operated, some congestion is inevitable adjacent to the entrance foyer at show time. A small library was added a few years ago – a needed facility that was not included when the ship was built.
A three-level casino has a sailcloth ceiling, but it is a noisy room. The Viking Crown Lounge, aft of the funnel, is a two-level nightclub-disco for the late-night set.
Empress is a fairly smart ship with a high passenger density, and you won’t be bored – there is an adequate array of activities for all ages. In the final analysis, you may be overwhelmed by the public spaces, and underwhelmed by the size of the cabins. However, this is basically a well-run, fine-tuned, highly structured cruise product geared particularly to those seeking an action-packed cruise vacation at a moderately good price, with lots of fellow passengers to keep you company. The onboard currency is the euro.
Standing in line for embarkation, disembarkation, shore tenders and for self-serve buffet meals is an inevitable aspect of cruising aboard all large ships.
Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
