Radisson
Seven Seas Navigator
The
"Goodnight Irene"
Cruise Diary, Part 3
Entertainment/Activities
Even though Seven Seas Navigator is a small ship at 33,000 gross tons,
she feels much larger when it comes to entertainment. Highlights of
our cruise included several high energy production shows featuring the
Peter Grey Terhune Singers & Dancers. I particularly enjoyed
"Tonight on Broadway"--a celebration of favorites from the
Great White Way. We were also impressed with the talent and showmanship of
headliner, Christiane Noll. The actress/singer's show mixed selections
from her latest recording, "A Broadway Love Story" with
everyone's favorite standards.
Two musicians we were
delighted to see were Gerry and Danilo--the Two of Diamonds, whose
music kept everyone dancing on Radisson Diamond. No dance partner? No
problem. Distinguished Gents Dr. Mo and Ronald were on hand to invite
unaccompanied ladies to take the floor (and they also gave dance
lessons throughout the week).
Between early morning
yoga, art auctions, golf lessons, Navigational Bridge and Galley
tours, dance classes, culinary demonstrations, and cut-throat sessions
of Team Trivia, were computer and photography instructions and
Enrichment Lectures. Possibly one of the most engaging I've attended
in some time was "About Bermuda" presented by Lt. Colonel
Brendan Hollis. A sixth generation Bermudian and former Commanding
Officer of the Bermuda Regiment, he was not only interesting, but he
illustrated his presentations with his own photos and memorabilia.
Another treat was The
Three Tenors, shown on the big screen poolside while we were docked in Hamilton. A full moon made the
"Almost" Live concert all the more enticing.
Carita
of Paris Spa
One of the first things I did
after boarding Seven Seas Navigator was head for the Carita Spa to
make an appointment.
I inevitably come aboard
feeling tense and somewhat stressed after the planning, packing, and
travel to port is behind us. Carita Spa and Salon offers a full menu of treatments
and services, each tailored to one's individual needs. For me, the true test of a spa is a
Swedish Massage and I knew I'd made the
right choice as my therapist gave the knots in my shoulders a
workout. I truly felt like a new woman when she was finished.
Adjacent to the spa is a
well equipped fitness center and exercise room. I peeked in on a few
classes. I don't want to appear lazy, but I wasn't ready to give up
the good feeling achieved by my massage... instead, I headed for the
sauna and steam room
Club
Mariner
I can't praise the Youth
Counselors on our cruise highly enough. Although Seven Seas Navigator
has a 67.3 space per guest ratio, one of the highest at sea, we were
somewhat concerned that the atmosphere on board would be a bit
strained with the presence of so many youngsters.
As it turned out, our
apprehension was unfounded. The Vista Lounge was more than adequate
for the Club Mariner activities and we seldom saw the children. The
ones we were aware of couldn't have been more well behaved and
courteous. When we were having dinner in Compass Rose one evening we
noticed a group of children filing out hand-in-hand behind their
counselor. We didn't even know they were seated behind us in the
restaurant!
All-In-All
We had a thoroughly relaxing
cruise to Bermuda. While docked in Hamilton and St. George's we mainly
revisited local spots we've enjoyed in the past and also took the time
for a ferry ride to the Royal Navy Dockyard to tour the Bermuda
Maritime Museum. It was well worth the trip. Since our last Bermuda
cruise, the ferry system has been upgraded with the addition of high
speed catamarans that have comfortable seating and air conditioning.
Alas, because we were there on the weekend some of the
"local" ferry routes we liked so much in the past weren't
running. Also strangely missing is Trimingham's, the quintessential
Bermuda department store that closed its doors this summer. Mel chose
one fairly active tour--the Railway Trail Biking excursion that
follows the path of the original narrow gauge Bermuda Railway. He was
duly impressed with the equipment provided as well as the guide's
running commentary about the island.
For more
sightseeing and beach information, see Bermuda
Ports of Call.
By virtue of her design
and history, Radisson Seven Seas
Navigator doesn't present the sleekest profile at sea. Her hull was
originally built to be a Russian "research" (spy!) vessel
before it was converted to a luxury cruise liner. Everything from deck
5 on up was built to Radisson's exacting specifications. The use of
warm woods accented with deco-era styling results in an intimate
atmosphere throughout public rooms. At 301 square feet, even standard
suites are generous in size and bathrooms are by far some of the
nicest on any ship. The hallmark of a Radisson cruise, though, is the
service--personalized and thoughtful.
Radisson Seven Seas
Navigator is wrapping up the Bermuda season this year and does not
have a return scheduled in the foreseeable future. Instead, she will
offer sailings in Europe and the Caribbean.
Oh yes... about that
vibration for which the Navigator is somewhat infamous. We felt it now
and then, primarily when the thrusters were in use as we left ports
and in the aft when the sea was a bit rough. In all fairness, it wasn't as
bad as I'd been led to believe, although it could be annoying.
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Seven Seas Navigator, Part
1
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Seven Seas Navigator, Part
2
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