RSSC VS WINDSTART

[markRichmond]

I hope someone who has been on both lines can compare these two. We are planning a trip from Istanbul to Athens next spring. Both lines offer this itenerary and I was wondering which ship you would prefer? We sailed on the Windsurf last summer and enjoyed it very much. Here is what we liked about the Widsurf:
Informal dining- We like to pack lite and sit by ourselves.
Small Ship- We're not into long lines.
Port intensive itenerary- We did Rome to Barcelona with a stop every day.
The water platform was fun for sailing.
Here is what we did not like:
Cabin was a little cramped.
Drinks not included.
Tipping policy unclear.

This was our only cruise so we don't have anything else to compare it to. Windstar has their 2 smaller ships doing this itenerary in may which we would prefer since it should be cooler. Radison Diamond has a date on June 18 which would warmer but still acceptable I think.

What do you folks think we should do? I'm sure we will have fun either way. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif
Mark

[Gatowoman]

Hi Mark,

Radisson's cabins should be bigger, all non alcoholic drinks are included in fare, wine at dinner at all dining venues are included in fare and all alcoholic drinks ordered in all dining rooms are included in the fare (however, if you do have a drink in any of the bars, they are very reasonably priced). There is a NO TIPPING policy on board, and they mean it.

I don't know how small the Winstart ships are (my only experience is with the RSSC Mariner) but on our recent cruise, there were no crowds, no lines, no waits at any time. The Radisson Ships are discreetly elegant, nothing loud about them. Depending on length of cruise, Radisson will have at least one formal night in the area you are cruising in.

HOpe this helps!

RSSC Mariner - Mexican Riviera - March 9 2004

[KarenS]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Depending on length of cruise, Radisson will have at least one formal night in the area you are cruising in.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Unless you are sailing in Alaska, Tahiti and many of the Caribbean sailings that are country club casual, then you will no formal nights http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[gopackgo]

Karen,

Are you saying there are no formal nights on a Radisson Alaska cruise? I thought I had read that somewhere and I want to make sure there are no formal nights. We'll be on the Mariner.

Can you just restate that so I know for sure?

Thanks,

Ginny

[Dreps]

There are absolutely no formal nights on the Mariner cruises in Alaska.

Dreps

[KarenS]

Sorry Ginny, my post wasn't very clear! Yes, there are no formal nights on the cruises I listed.

[bebop]

And...if you are doing an itinerary that has formal nights and you want to leave those clothes at home, you can always dine in suite that night. Having your meal (selected from the Compass Rose menu) served course by course in your suite is a really fun and relaxing alternative to formal night!

[gopackgo]

Thanks for clearing up the "no formal nights" on the Mariner in Alaska.

Sorry this thread got diverted to that topic. Hopefully, Mark will get more responses to his original question.

ginny

[kaysie]

Hi Marc,

I've sailed on the Windsurf, Windstar, and the Radisson Diamond. Both are excellent choices, but I prefer Windstar. Both my husband and I preferred the Windstar over the Windsurf, because of the smaller size. Tipping is not "required" on either line, but I found on all three cruises, it was not discouraged and most tipped anyway. On Radisson you do get 2 bottles of liquor in your cabin, and wine is included at dinner. On the Mediterranean Cruise, there are no "formal" nights on Windstar, but there is on Radisson. There are definitely more watersports on Windstar, and the average age was younger than on Radisson.
Cabin size on the Radisson is larger, but we found the Windstar cabins more than adequate.
Hope this helps you!
Kaye

[gymswim]

Mark:
Having sailed on RSSC and Windstar I agree with Kaysie's points for preferring Windstar.

[jhp]

Marc, having been on many private crewed charters, I happen to prefer the larger cabins of RSSC when on a cruise ship. Have not experienced Windstar, but have seen them on many of my cruises, and don't notice any balcony cabins. I like a private balcony on a cruise ship, makes it more like a private charter. I'm sure both lines would be great. Just depends on what your preferences are for both cabin and dining. Definitely no tips expected on RSSC, and no charges for wine at dinner, soft drinks, etc. Wine with dinner is free flowing on RSSC.

[markRichmond]

Thanks very much for the replies. I'm leaning toward taking the Windstar but will need to see the itineraries and firm dates before making a final choice. I would love to be able to go in early May.