This premium, mid-size ship, comprising 9 passenger decks, has the capacity to carry between 793 and 840 passengers to 460 crew. Mature couples and single travellers will fit in well on this cruise. There are even male dance partners available should single female passengers wish to dance the night away. A youth program catering for 5-17 year olds (divided into age groups 5-7/8-12/13-17) offers a varied schedule of activities for younger passengers.
This ship is the elite marathon runner of the maritime world specializing in long distance cruising. The company offers intriguing itineraries wherever you choose to go. Sample breathtaking Scandinavian delights in the land of the midnight sun or discover ancient Celtic Kingdoms on one of the Northern European routes (14, 16, 21, 25 and 30 day cruises are available) or try an extensive cruise around the Mediterranean. If you want to experience a longer trip at sea go for the Grand World Voyage option (100 days plus!) taking in different continents and cultures in South America, Africa or the Antarctic.
This ship was built in Finland for £62.5 million. It originally entered service in 1988 as Royal Viking Sun and after a complete overhaul (and short time as Seabourn Sun) it began life under its present name in 2002. It weighs in at just under 38k tons and measures 205m in length and 28m in width. This really is a spacious, elegant vessel with stylish levels of décor throughout. There is also a good mixture of public rooms, depending on taste, to relax in.
There are a total of 396 cabins onboard, ranging in size from 12.8sq.m to 67 sq.m. 368 cabins come with outside view, 25 are interior view, while 145 have a private balcony. 3 cabins are single person occupancy. There are 4 cabins with wheelchair access with only 4 lifts onboard.
There are15 categories of cabin to choose from. Penthouse Verandah and Deluxe Verandah Suites come with butler service, private concierge lounge, in-suite afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, free laundry and dry cleaning service along with priority given to disembarkation. Penthouse, Deluxe Verandah, Superior Verandah and Deluxe Verandah Outside rooms all come with fridge. All suites come with walk-in wardrobes, VCR, hairdryers, lockable drawers, bathrobe, tote bag, fresh fruit and turn down service.
| What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The La Fontaine Dining Room is the main onboard dining area. It is spacious and operates open seating for breakfast and lunch, however there is a two seating arrangement for dinner (you will also be assigned particular tables). Please also note that there are smoking and non-smoking areas in this venue. You will find generous ocean views and an interesting menu to choose from.
Other dining experiences onboard include:
Lido Restaurant: (seating indoor and outdoor) offers buffet meals, pizza/ salads/ ice- cream
Pinnacle Grill: (seats 48) reservations required (priority will be given to passengers occupying suite grade accommodation) plus a cover charge of £5 lunch and £10 dinner. Serves cuisine reflecting tastes from the North-western Pacific region coupled with a good wine list.
24- hour room service is also available.
For a traditional nights entertainment of music, comedy, dance and all round cabaret acts head for Queen’s Lounge, the onboard show lounge. If you prefer to enjoy a quiet drink and swap tales with your fellow sea goers then Ocean Bar is the place for you. The stunning Crow’s Nest lives up to its name with amazing panoramic ocean views to accompany any amount of pre-dinner cocktails or nightcap. If an intimate drink with friends is more your thing then head for Explorer’s Lounge. The Oak Room is where smokers can go to enjoy a pipe or cigar.
For more active passengers there are 2 outdoor swimming pools, a gymnasium, golf driving range, or for the more refined, try your hand at croquet! If you want to unwind take a dip in the 4 whirlpools or try out the Health Spa complete with sauna, steam and treatment rooms. Get lost in a good book in The Erasmus Library or take a chance on the slot machine and onboard casino. There is also a 101- seat cinema and a comprehensive programme of guest speakers
The cruise fare includes all normal shipboard services and facilities. There is also a free shuttle bus service in most ports of call to take you from pier to city centre. Gratuities are automatically added to your account at a rate of £5 per person a day, you can adjust this amount on the final day of your cruise. 15% is also added onto every bar and wine purchase. Passengers are not allowed to bring on and consume alcohol except for bottles of wine and champagne (corkage- £12.50 in restaurants and bars). Please note that US laws apply, therefore you must be over 21 to consume alcohol onboard.
The cruise fare does not include airfare and transfers (although you can purchase both through the company), international arrival and departure tax, shore excursions, laundry and dry cleaning services, charges for self-service launderette, internet access and telephone calls (please note you can use your mobile phone but you will be charged on a roaming charge tariff). If an amendment is made to your reservations after you have paid in full you will incur a minimum charge of £50 per guest.
If you purchase both cruise and air ticket (Fly Cruise Plan) transfers from airport to pier are all-inclusive. Please note the air fare price does not include local customs and departure tax, or any American surcharges such as American security fee -£1.25 per passenger/ Flight segment fee- £1.65/ Passenger facility charges - £1.50-£13.50.
