Need Help with Decision

[ZAMOST]

Our group of 14 will be meeting in three weeks to make the final decision on our cruise for August or September 2005. Would be interested in any and all comments, and I recognize the options are quite varied by itinerary, cost, ship, and the inability to always please everyone. Here goes:

 

1) Windsurf Sept 2005, Lisbon to Morocco to Barcelona or reverse cruise. This is the way I am leaning, but I still don't have a sense of the luxury of the WindSurf after its remodel. I like the itinerary, but several have expressed concern about the lack of balcony, portholes only, less options of dining areas, minimal casino, risk of seasickness on smaller ship. I need the most feedback on this cruise and ship as this would be the "riskiest" choice.

 

2) Radisson Diamond August 2005, Istanbul to Istanbul thru the Black Sea. This would be a new itinerary for all, but some question as to the overall interest of the ports. Great pricing of a two for one, but this may be moot as that date in August may conflict with several couples' plans.

 

3) Radisson Diamond last week in August thru Labor Day 2005, Athens to Kusadasi to Greek Isles to Venice, also a two for one pricing. Everyone seems to like this one, but one couple just did a Greek Island cruise, so we'll see how the negotiations go.

 

4) Fallback choice if noone can agree. Radisson Navigator September 2005, New York to Montreal or reverse cruise. Pricing is good, two for one deals, but for me, if I have 1-2 weeks off from work, and spend the money on a cruise, I'd like to go somewhere far. I can always drive thru that area and see the leaves change if I want.

 

So, there you have it. Curious as to others' thoughts.

[Kathy Z]

Well, I know nothing about Windsurf so I can't help you there. We've only been on the Mariner and the Paul Gauguin. I've lived all my life in areas where the seasons change and I can watch it all from the comfort of my home, so I would vote for option 3 if I were joining your group. Did the one couple that recently did a Greek Island cruise have a great time? We loved French Polynesia so much this past August/September that we have a return cruise booked for next June. If your friends liked their first experience, they should love returning with friends to share experiences and memories with.

[jhp]

I don't know the Windsurf either, but I have looked into it and the cabins are just too small and I really enjoy having a balcony. Also must admit I have no desire to cruise in the northeast. My preference would be #3, even though I have done the Black Sea. While I really enjoyed that cruise, my personal preference would be Athens to Venice because of the varied sights you can see, the ruins as well as the beautiful islands. In my mind, there is not a "bad" cruise on RSSC, just some that I have enjoyed more than others while off the ship.

[Pincus]

My own impression is that WindSurf is a luxury sailing ship, but not a luxury cruise ship. There is a difference. That said, no other line gives that wonderful feeling of gliding almost effortlessly across the seas.

[ZAMOST]

Thanks for the initial responses thus far. Does anyone know of the final outcome of all the refurbishing, remodeling that the WindSurf underwent?

[yogagal47]

I have sailed Windstar Cruise Lines twice and Radisson once. We sailed the Windsurf two years ago from Nice-Rome.We had a wonderful time but after having sailed the Diamond this past September(venice to istanbul)I would have to say that Radisson is a more upscale cruise line. There are more activities, the food is superior and the cabins a bit more comfortable(the balconies are quite nice of course). I would look at the price and the ports-you may find a better value on Radisson with all the two for one offers. We plan to go again next year-sept. 24 diamond rome to venice.

[reggiescoobie]

We are doing an escorted Black Sea on Serenity. Athens to Rome. What do you think about that? We got a very good rate for our group of 18. August 27. How does that compare with the Radisson cruise?

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Reggie,

 

I did the Diamond Black Sea cruise this summer. It was Athens to Istanbul, 7 days. Don't know how that compares to your cruise. I know they have good rates on this same cruise next summer, 2-for-1 I think.