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DIARY
~ Western Caribbean "Sunshine Sojourns"~
At Sea
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Everyone
participates in the action during dinner in Don Vito's Trattoria |
Days on board Radisson Diamond take on an easy rhythm, as natural as
the ship herself, at one with the sea
and soothing to her passengers.
No one lifts an eyebrow if you doze
off in a comfortable chair, but for more active guests, the daily program lists
appealing diversions to keep everyone busy.
Games, demonstrations, lectures... food and relaxation.
A stress management lecture drew quite a few participants, but most of us
in attendance agreed that the only thing we
needed to manage our 'stress' for the rest of the day was a good book and
a comfortable lounge chair. I also found the Diamond's tiny steam room and sauna
were soothing retreats.
As the sun began to set we joined "An
Evening to Remember at Don Vito's." The creation of Hotel
Director Fabrizio Caviglione, the informal Grill restaurant is transformed every night
into a casual, festive trattoria where guests join in the singing and
taste the wines, food, and spirit of Italy. Our sampler menu included
perfectly tender fried calamari and risotto which rivaled that served
in the finest Italian restaurants. By the time we were served our
grilled veal entree, I had to look out the window to be sure we were
still at sea and not entering Venice's Grand Canal. Luigi, the charming and handsome host of Don Vito's,
pulls it all together with panache and it's a not-to-be-missed dining
event on board Radisson Diamond.
Grand Cayman
Following
our sea day, we eagerly tendered
ashore to Grand Cayman on a slightly overcast morning. The weather was
ideal as we set off with our group and tour guide for the
Wetlands Kayak Safari. I must admit that was the first time I
held a paddle in my hands and I wondered what I'd gotten
myself into as we cast off. Red mangroves lining the shore
proved to offer a fascinating look into the eco-system of the island and
the rowing wasn't terribly strenuous. After our guide explained the
delicate balance between the sea grass, mangroves, and aquatic life we
set off to explore the coastline with nothing to disturb the
tranquility except the dip and slurp of paddles.
Our final objective was a swim and
snorkel platform anchored in the
sheltered lagoon near a coral head teeming with colorful tropical
fish. Refreshments
were served to help sustain us for the trip back to the beach—water and
a "power bar"—nothing like a guide with a sense of humor. All the equipment
on the tour was first-rate and our small group managed to keep pace
and still smile and joke about our "exertions." I knew the
Diamond's steam room would loosen up my sore shoulders, or perhaps a
visit to the spa for a massage would be in order. Unfortunately, the
authorities in Grand Cayman frown upon the use of the ship's water
sports marina and motorized toys, which Captain Broomhall likes to utilize
as much as
possible. Alas, while the water was certainly calm enough, we were
unable to enjoy it.
However,
as we tendered back to our
vessel, we received a real treat before boarding—a look beneath our
ship. It was quite a sight... take a look as we entered the cool
expansive tunnel between her twin hulls for an up close tour of the
Radisson Diamond's SWATH
design (click for a photo
tour). It's not often that
passengers are able to sail under their vessels!
What could be more enchanting than a
table for two in the Grand Dining Room with a crimson sunset glowing
on the horizon? The beautiful setting and exquisite presentation are meaningless
if food isn't prepared properly and we certainly haven't had to worry
about that. The Radisson Diamond's cuisine is inspired and, best of
all, lives up to its promise.
Small ships are not generally noted for lavish entertainment, but
the Radisson Diamond hums with music all day and into the wee hours of
the night. A fast-paced
"Footloose" show by the ship's production company, followed
by dancing to good old time rock 'n roll ended our day on an upbeat
tempo.
Next -> An uncommon
"overnight" in Cozumel
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