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

How this score is created

This contemporary ship (now 17 years old and the smallest in the fleet) has a short bow and squared-off stern, and yet it manages to look reasonably well balanced. Empress of the Seas (as the former Nordic Em­press) was designed specifically for the short-cruise market, for which the ship is quite well suited. The ship went through an extensive refurbishment in 2003 just before the name change to bring it into line with other ships in the RCI fleet – all of which have “of the Seas” as part of their name. In March 2008 the ship will be transferred from the RCI fleet to Pullmantur Cruises, and will then operate for Spanish-speaking passengers.

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. 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 have been used to good effect to reflect light. Indeed, the clever use of lighting effects provides illuminating interiors that make you 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 (is this ambiance?). The Viking Crown Lounge, aft of the funnel, is a two-level nightclub-disco for the late-night set.

Empress of the Seas is a fairly smart contemporary 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 will probably 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 US dollar.

Overpriced drinks are aggressively pushed as soon as passengers board the ship, and constant, loud announcements are irritating. The two swimming pools are very small considering the number of passengers carried. Standing in line for embarkation, disembarkation, shore tenders and for self-serve buffet meals is an inevitable aspect of cruising aboard all large ships.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publications 2008