Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	342
Accommodation	200	133
Food	400	241
Service	400	261
Entertainment	100	66
Cruise	400	280

How this score is created

This is provided in five categories and nine price bands: Interior (no-view) Cabins (parallel or L-shaped bed arrangement), Outside View Cabins (parallel or L-shaped bed arrangement), Deluxe Cabins (with parallel twin beds that can be converted to a queen-sized bed), Suites and Grand Suites. You can now also book the exact cabin and location you want if you pay an extra charge of £30 per cabin (roughly US$55), which also lets you choose whether to dine at the early or late evening seating.

Most cabins are of a similar size (actually very small compared to today’s newer ships) and the insulation be­tween them is quite poor. The cabins also have mediocre closets and very little storage space, yet somehow everyone seems to manage. They are just about adequate for a one-week cruise, as you will need only a small selection of mainly casual clothes (you’ll probably have to put your shoes – and luggage – under the bed).

Most bathrooms typically contain a washbasin, toilet, and shower, with very little space for your toiletry items. Although they are reasonably cheerful, the shower enclosure is small, and has a curtain that you will probably end up dancing with. Towels are 100% cotton.

In some cabins, twin beds are fixed in a parallel mode (some are moveable and can be made into a queen-sized bed), while others may be in an L-shape. Note that in almost all cabins there is a “lip” or threshold (of about 9 inches/23 cm) at the bathroom door to step over.

You can get more space and a larger cabin if you book one of the 21 slightly more expensive deluxe-grade cabins on Promenade Deck. These have twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, set diagonally into a sleeping area adjacent to outside-view windows. There is more drawer space, more closet space, and the bathroom has a half-size tub and shower combination – bathrobes are also provided. The largest of these deluxe-grade cabins is Cabin 7000.

For even more exclusivity, you can book one of nine Suites. All are located in a private area, have fine wood paneling and trim, and come with additional space and better, more personalized service.

The additional space includes a lounge area with sofa (this converts to a double bed – making it ideal for families with children), coffee table and two chairs, a vanity desk, combination TV/VCR, an abundance of drawers, illuminated closets (with both hanging space and several shelves), excellent storage space, king-sized bed, and bathrobes. The bathroom is fully tiled, and has a full-sized enamel bathtub (rare in ships today) with shower, pink granite-look washbasin, and plenty of storage space for toiletry items. Suite occupants also get a semi-private balcony (the door of which is extremely heavy and difficult to open) with drinks table and two teak chairs. Book one of the two Grand Suites, and you’ll get even more room – plus views over the ship’s bows and a larger balcony (these can be overlooked from the open deck above), more floor space, and a walk-in closet. Missing are a bedside telephone and a bathroom telephone.

The cabin voltage is 110 volts, so British passengers will need to take a US-style adapter for any electrical appliances such as a hairdryer. Note that the accommodation deck hallways are also very narrow on some decks.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008