This standard, large resort ship, comprising 12 passenger decks, can accommodate between 2,124 and 2,680 passengers to 1,030 crew. Attracting high levels of first time cruise passengers you will find couples, singles and families onboard. Anyone who is under 30 or over 50 and enjoys active holidays with lots of bustle and people participation games will enjoy this cruise
This ship specializes in cruises around the Caribbean. The itinerary covering the Western Caribbean leaves from Tampa in Florida and takes in Grand Cayman, Cozumel (Mexico), Belize and Roatan Island (Honduras).
This ship was built in Finland for £187.5 million and entered service in 2002. Weighing in at 88k tons it measures 292m in length and is 32m wide. Its sleeker design allows it to travel faster than most other ships in its class; it can therefore cover a 10- day cruise itinerary in just 7 days. It has an excellent stability rating. The ship is well maintained and imaginatively decorated throughout (including murals depicting figures from the ancient world). The CDC hygiene rating is 98. The onboard currency is the US dollar.
There are a total of 1,062 cabins on board, ranging from 17sq.m to 45 sq.m in size. 849 cabins have an outside view, 213 are interior view, while 750 come with private balcony. There are no single occupancy cabins available. 16 have wheelchair access and 15 lifts aid easy movement around the ship.
There are 20 individual grades of accommodation. All cabins come with twin beds that you can convert into a queen-sized bed, air conditioning, TV, telephone, hairdryer and complimentary basket of toiletries. Category 11 and 12 cabins come with priority check-in. Category 12 also come equipped with VCR, fridge, seating area, walk-in wardrobe and whirlpool.
| What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The two decks high Truffles Restaurant is the only main dining room aboard, it can seat 1,300 passengers. Breakfast is an open seating affair while lunch and dinner is served over two sittings. French master chef, Georges Blanc, has created several signature dishes for passengers to choose from.
Other dining experiences onboard include:
The Golden Fleece Supper Club: (seats 156) for more formal dining, reservations required.
Unicorn Café: Buffet counter/ rotisserie/ Asian/ deli sandwiches/ Pizzeria/ salads and
desserts. (In the evening the venue converts into Seaview Bistro- self-service dinner menu).
Late-night buffet available every night.
24-hour room service (complimentary): varied selection including ice cream and frozen yoghurt!
For glitz, glamour, big production numbers and cabaret acts head for The Follies Showlounge. For a drink accompanied by piano music try Billie’s Bar. There are a number of bars including Medusa’s Lair Dance Club, Firebird Lounge, Dream Team Bar and Satchmo’s Club where you can enjoy a drink, disco music, dancing, live music and for the really brave karaoke.
To keep you fit and healthy there are 2 outdoor swimming pools (one with retractable glass dome ceiling for use in bad weather), outdoor jogging track and 2 whirlpools. There is also a water slide and swimming pool for children only. To increase your heartbeat take an aerobics class (with instructor), or work out in the gym. If all you want to do is pamper yourself then the 4 Jacuzzis, sauna, solarium, steam room, beauty parlour and spa (covering 2 decks) are all on hand.
Holmes Library offers a quiet alternative to other more energetic public areas. Or if you prefer a gamble then Club Merlin Casino is the venue for you. You really are spoilt for choose on this vessel if retail therapy is your thing, as there is a whole street of shops onboard!
Your cruise fare includes all normal shipboard activities and services. Gratuities for dining and stateroom staff are automatically added to your onboard account (£5 per guest per day). You can however adjust this rate at any time. Please note that if you purchase a “Cruise-To Nowhere” package the company requests that gratuities of £5 per guest per day be paid prior to sailing. There is also a singles supplement charge of between 150 – 200%.
The cruise fare does not include your airfare, transfers from airport to port, shore excursions, medical services, government taxes, security and fuel surcharges or departure and arrival tax. You can purchase a “Fountain Fun Card” for unlimited soft drinks, however 15% will be automatically added at point of sale. All onboard beverages also have a 15% gratuity added.
There are self- service launderette facilities at £1 a wash, £1 for dryer load and 50p a box for soap powder and softener. The onboard ATM charges a transaction fee of £2.75. For an additional fee you can also rent out laptops, prams and radios along with snorkel and golf equipment. Internet access is available for an activation fee of £2 then 38p a minute, pay as you go rate. For cruises of 7 days or more the rate is 100 mins @ £27.50/ 250 mins @ £50, cruises less than 7 days - 30 mins @£8.25/ 60 mins @ £12. Wireless radio cards £5 a day.
Passengers are not permitted to bring alcohol onboard, except for one bottle of wine or champagne on embarkation. Corkage - £5 in dining room/ £7 in Supper Club. Alcohol purchased in onboard shop will be held until disembarkation. You must be over 21 to consume alcohol onboard and over 18 to gamble in the casino or slot machines. No under 12’s are allowed in the spa and fitness area, 12-16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
