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

The Seven Seas Restaurant, a large room, consists of a central main section and two long, narrow wings (the Magellan Room and Galileo Room) with large, ocean-view windows. The low ceiling creates a high level of ambient noise. There are two seatings, both no-smoking. There are tables for two (but only 14), four, six or eight (window tables are for two or six). The service is average.

The cuisine is basic, no-frills food. There is plenty of it, though; indeed, it is quantity, not quality, that prevails, but do remember that it is all provided at a low cost. Presentation is a weak point, and there are no fish knives. If you enjoy going out to eat, and enjoy being adventurous with your food and eating habits – then you could be disappointed. The menus are standard and deviation is difficult. Bottled water is offered, and costs extra; the ship’s drinking water (for which there is no charge) is adequate.

There is an adequate, but limited, wine list, and the wines are almost all very young – typical of supermarket bottles. Wine prices are quite modest, as are the prices for most alcoholic beverages.

For casual, self-serve breakfasts and lunches, the Veranda Cafe is the alternative choice, although the tables and seats outdoors are of metal and plastic, and the buffets are basic and old-fashioned. The low cruise price dictates the use of plastic cups and plastic stirrers (teaspoons are unheard of). At night you can “dine” under the steel and canvas canopy, where the café becomes a pleasant, outdoors alternative to the dining room – and includes waiter service.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008