Radisson Diamond vs. Silver Shadow vs. Wind Surf (11/04)

[Joanandjoe]

Our cruises so far have been at the upper end of the mass market lines: Celebrity and Holland America. For our vacation this November we’re considering moving up the scale to one of three cruises: Radisson Diamond 5 days from San Juan 11/17; Wind Surf 7 days Nice to Barcelona 11/7; and Silver Shadow 6 days from Barbados 11/8. Obviously these are three very different itineraries; but they all should produce a more intimate and luxurious experience than on our four prior cruises.

 

We’re posting this on the boards for Radisson, Silversea and Windstar. CC members, you usually have strong views. Which ship is likely to produce the best experience, and for what reasons? Thanks.

 

[This message was edited by Joanandjoe on 05-07-04 at 10:54 AM.]

[markRichmond]

You are comparing apples to katchup. You would be better served deciding where you wanted to cruise (in general) first. Then figure out what line best fits.

[Joanandjoe]

Marc, one of us (Joe) wants Europe, the other (Joan) wants the Caribbean; so we decided to make our choice based on the ship. As between the two Caribbean cruises, none of the ports on either cruise holds any particular interest for us; so again, the choice would be based on the ship.

 

If the choice were based solely on itinerary, the Wind Star would be our choice by a wide margin. However, our vacation window is mid-November, and there are weather-related reasons why most ships leave Europe in late October or early November. Joan thinks that Europe will be too cold, while Joe thinks the Caribbean will be too hot!

[cwc]

Hi Joe and Joan,

 

I did a quick search on the internet and these are the price I found for all three of your cruise choice.

 

Diamond 5 nights San Juan $1261

Silversea Shadow 6 nights Barbados $1547

Wind Surf 7 nights Nice 1695$

 

If we are judging from the price point of view.

 

The Wind Surf will be more expensive because it is in Europe and the airfare alone is going to cost you more. Unless you have frequent flyer miles and plane ticket is not an issue, then go for the windsurf!

 

Lets look at the price per day factor

 

Diamond $252 + some drinks (outside of the dinning room)

Shadow $257

Surf $242 + all drinks + tips

 

So at the end the Surf is going to cost you more for per day.

 

The other issue will be the age issue.

 

Silversea generally attract more older people (retired), Radisson attracts more middle age (not retired), and Windstar attract younger people (but also some very active “older†folks).

 

Silversea will be the most formal out of the 3.

 

If mid-Nov is your travel time, why don’t you try RSSC Mariner Nov 12 instead of Diamond, IMO Mariner is a better ship to break in RSSC than Diamond.

 

Happy crusing!

[Observer]

I would go Silversea.

 

Windstar is, I believe, a significant cut below RSSC or Silversea, with very small cabins and not that much space per passenger.

 

Diamond is the oldest of the RSSC ships. The rooms are not as large as on the newer RSSC ships. I find the pool area to be crowded on the Diamond. The venue for entertainment is very inadequate. I broke into cruising on Diamond and have a warm feeling toward the ship. The the Diamond ain't the Shadow.

 

The Shadow is a splendid ship! Lovely suites, lots of space, superb service. I now travel nearly interchangably between RSSC and Silversea; and I find the passenger demographics to be very similar. I also do not believe that Silversea is any more formal than RSSC: They both have formal nights; and the proportion of those wearing dark suits rather than tuxes is (in my observation) roughly the same.

[luxlady]

I disagree slightly with Observer. I do believe SS is generally more formal, with more men wearing tuxes rather than dark suits. Part of the reason is that SS attracts more Europeans and South Americans, who tend to dress more formally even in the daytime than Americans. SS to me has a more "international" feeling as well.

 

Glenda Madrid

 

[mcavanaugh]

Having sailed all 3 (numerous times) I think I can say pick your itinerary. Without a doubt, Silversea (Silver Shadow) is the most luxurious cabins-walk in closets, marble baths,etc.) Radisson has a great mix of cruisers amd Windurf (never traveled that ship but did the others 5 times, is fun and far less formal (and luxurios).Don't let price blind you. Pick the itinerary and what is important to you. If you drink and like to frequent the lounges at nite I would vote for Silverseas with everything included.

[jhp]

I have been on the Diamond twice, and loved it, but if it strictly a factor of the Ship and not itinerary, I have to say I would go with the Shadow. I just had a trip on her in Asia. First, it is 6 days instead of 5! The Shadow is a newer ship, with larger bathroom, bigger closets, and more inside room in the balcony cabins, and there is a real "theater", unlike the Diamond. Since a balcony is a high priority with me, I have never sailed the Wind ships because I don't think they have them, at least in the standard price range.

 

Editing to say that on the Silver Shadow there is a new policy for formal nights. You may dine in the Terrace restaurant have drinks in the Observation Lounge in country club casual dress on formal nights. However, if you want to go into the other venues (Casino, Bar, Theater), you must adhere to the code for the night.

 

[This message was edited by jhp on 05-08-04 at 02:30 PM.]

[Joanandjoe]

Great input so far. FYI, the airfare on the Wind Surf cruise was $495 from ERW including transfers, or less than the airfare to Barbados. It sounds as if Silver Shadow would be the most luxurious and Wind Surf the most intersting but least luxurious, with the Diamond in between. As for the Mariner, as a working person, I simply don't like the idea of a cruise that leaves (other than from NYC) on a Wednesday: if I fly to Tampa day before I use 7 vacation days for a 7 day cruise. If the cruise were any day other than a Wednesday or Thursday, this might be a top choice.