One of the most desirable and unusual cruise ships on the seas is scheduled for retirement from the Radisson Seven Seas fleet.
The ship is the Diamond, a wonderful ship that we have had the great pleasure of sailing on several times. We will miss it.
The Diamond was built in 1992, with a unique small waterplane area twin hull design, meaning that it has two hulls, catamaran-style. The Diamond is the only cruise ship ever built with this design. The twin hulls give it great stability in rough or smooth seas for a smooth, no-seasickness cruise. Unfortunately, the same design gives the ship a slower cruising speed and less-efficient fuel consumption than competing ships, which in part led to the decision to retire it from service.
With a maximum of only 350 passengers, the Diamond is a smaller ship than many contemporary cruise ships, but it is beautiful in all respects and carefully maintained through its service years.
From the intimate, light-pierced atrium with glass elevators to the two-story “Windows” lounge and disco in the very bow of the ship, the Diamond is cozy and inviting.
Cabins are only moderate-sized compared to newer ships, but they are graciously appointed and comfortable with adequate storage and roomy bathrooms. All outdoor decks are of polished teak with brass railings and are meticulously maintained.
The main dining room is expansive with ocean views all around. Meals are skillfully prepared and served, and an alternative dining room, Don Vito’s, specializes in Italian cuisine. Several cozy lounges are scattered about the ship, there is a small casino and a spa on board, as well as an exercise room and computers with Internet connection. There is also a water sports marina that folds down from the stern that is used in all permissible ports.
The Diamond, like all Seven Seas Cruises ships, is all-inclusive, including wine at meals, a stocked bar in each cabin and a no-tipping policy. An extremely attentive crew takes care of passengers’ every need throughout the ship, the captain maintains an open bridge policy, and guests are always welcome to observe the bridge crew at work.
Cruising on the Diamond is a pleasant, “country club casual” experience with small scale but good entertainment in the evenings and well-planned shore excursions in every port visited.
Our most recent cruise was a repositioning cruise from San Juan to Fort Lauderdale with stops in St. Maarten and the Bahamas. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire ship during the several days at sea during the cruise.
The Diamond will be retired officially on June 4, 2005, and will be taken over by a new owner who plans to use it as a Hong Kong gambling ship, a depressing ending for such a delightful ship. Those who have sailed on the Diamond will remember it with wonderful memories, and those who have not will have missed a unique experience.
Bon voyage, Diamond.
Linda and Dr. Don Overend are principals in The Travel Group, a full-service travel agency.
[[In-content Ad]]
