RSSC vs. Silverseas vs. Seabourn

We are devoted fans of Radisson, having cruised on the PG, Mariner and Voyager but find ourselves looking elsewhere because we are looking for a Mediterranean itinerary in June or July or early August which Radisson doesn't have. What we loved about Radisson was the following:

1) Open seating

2) No tipping policy

3) On the PG and the Mariner in Alaska, country club casual always; on the Voyager, just one formal night in a week (and most people weren't all that formal).

Knowing that, could anyone out in cyberland tell us where they think we'd be most comfortable? In understand that Crystal is wonderful but does have fixed seating and a tipping policy.

Many thanks for your wisdom.

I can only compare RSSC to Silversea. As cabin space and cabin ambience, along with the ability to walk outside is very important, Seabourn has not been on my radar screen for these reasons.

My last two cruises have been on RSSC, one on Voyager and the other on the Mariner, and they were wonderful experiences. Everything that they focus on is excellent, including the food, the cabin, and much of the public spaces on board.

But, somehow I did not get the feeling of exclusivity that I experienced on Silversea. I came away a little empty at the conclusion of my RSSC cruises after having been on a Silversea cruise prior. Silversea is a little bit more formal, but the service and personalization of your stay is a step above the larger Radisson ships. Simply put, it is the combination of a bunch of little things that just makes the experience a little nicer on Silversea.

I hope that this is of help with your decision. Good luck and have a great time.

But, somehow I did not get the feeling of exclusivity that I experienced on Silversea. I came away a little empty at the conclusion of my RSSC cruises after having been on a Silversea cruise prior. Silversea is a little bit more formal, but the service and personalization of your stay is a step above the larger Radisson ships. Simply put, it is the combination of a bunch of little things that just makes the experience a little nicer on Silversea.

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Jroettger; exactly my feeling. After trying Radisson twice, I don't think I'll take them anymore. I finally booked Seabourn for this winter, though I'm still a little apprehensive about the balconey. I hope their service is as good as people say. Otherwise it'll be a long 28 days.

We were on the Diamond cruise from Rome to Venice on July 22 which was cancelled when RSSC did not exercise its option to buy and the owner converted it into a gambling ship to cruise off of China. We had been on the same cruise in reverse the previous July, and had the Master Suite booked for half-price. (We had gone on the Diamond twice before in the Med, the PG twice, and the Mariner to Alaska--all great cruises.)

Thus, we had to switch to the July 29 Silversea version of this cruise. I wish they spent a night in Sorrento like the Diamond did (beautiful, and they showed the "Three Tenors'" outside by the pool as we were docked that night, with the lights of Sorrento surrounding us--incredible). But instead Silversea adds Corfu to the itinerary.

I am certain that we will not be disappointed in Silversea. If we return to RSSC, it will be for a Voyager or Mariner cruise that has the right itinerary. Silversea may well become our cruiseline of choice...

As cabin space and cabin ambience, along with the ability to walk outside is very important, Seabourn has not been on my radar screen for these reasons.

I am new to Seabourn, in fact I have just booked my first 28 day Grand Voyage with them and we are very excited.

I have done comprehensive research and we concluded that Seabourn's suites' are one of the most spacious and well designed luxurious appointments at sea. We were also told that it is very easy to walk outside, in fact, you can reach open decks in a very short amount of time (compared to the mega liners). The only problem is the very small and limited amount of balconies, instead they are only "french" balconies. So, if balconies are important to you, then Seabourn may not be your choice. If you do not want a balcony, then the 277sq ft suites (all are this size or larger) have VERY LARGE 5ft picture windows!

jroettger has varying opinions to this (which is great, that's what these boards are for - opinions) I think jroettger highlights the fact that cabin choice / ship etc. is a personal decision and that people have varying opinions and ultimately choose what suits them best. But, my point is do not exclude Seabourn - they are an excellent line and are often considered the best ships in the world. They may be just right for you!

We feel that Seabourn will suit us for the following reasons:

--> open seating

--> no tipping

--> six star fine dining and service with casual options (Veranda Cafe with seating under the stars - if wanted)

--> in-suite dining with meal served course by course

--> small ship / yacht like atmosphere

--> small ship means that it can visit small ports inaccessible to larger ships, allowing for varying itineraries.

--> ultimate in luxury cruising

--> great range of itineraries

--> And of great importance to us, Seabourn is ALL INCLUSIVE. The ship is "open bar" and wines, champaigne, spirits, beers, soft drinks etc. are available throughout the ship at no extra charge!!!!! (I believe that RSSC only includes wine with dinner)

So, even though I have not yet cruised Seabourn, they do come highly recommended and have an extensive range of itineraries that may interest you. Often Seabourn has 40-60% discounts off the brochure fare bringing the prices down to VERY reasonable rates, considering that they are ALL INCLUSIVE.

However, the 'Yachts of Seabourn' are quite small cruise ships, with only 208 passengers (lucky passengers), and if this is not your thing, then maybe other luxury lines will suit you.

But, take a look at Seabourn's itineraries --> they may be just right for you.

Good luck and I hope you find exactly what you are after.

Best wishes

Many thanks to all of you for your detailed responses. I'm not sure I am any closer to a decision because it is clear that either way we go, we will be very lucky to be on board! I do have a few more questions:

1) Is there a no tipping policy on Silverseas?

2) There has been much discussion about the lack of balconies on Seabourn. Are the only balconies "French balconies?" I assume these are small and not for sitting. Since I am looking for a Mediterranean itinerary and would like a few days at sea, this would not be sufficient for us. 277 square feet is a bit too claustrophobic for us. We took a larger cabin on the PG and Penthouse suites on the Voyager and Mariner.

3. Has anyone taken any pre-cruise or post-cruise packages through these cruise lines? Were you satisfied with the arrangements? We would most likely take a pre-cruise for a few days so I don't worry about connections.

Once again, thank you!

1) There is a no tipping policy on SS

3) Pre-cruise packages are very good

Silver suite is double the size yet cost only 50% more with real balcony. SS is all inclusive just as SB. If 277 ft is too small, I'd go for the Silver suite. It's a great deal.

If you read Seabourn and Silversea's websites, you will find that for Seabourn, the standard "suite" is 277 sq.ft. with no balcony. The same sized "suites" on the upper decks have "French Balconies", i.e. (sliding?) doors which can be opened such that you can get fresh sea air and listen to the rhythm of the waves below, but there is no "balcony space" as such, just replacing the "wall with unopenable window" with this (sliding?) door (with railings outside, of course, to prevent you from falling into the sea!) Seabourne also has "double suites" which are basically two regular "suites" combined into one, with twice the space.

Silversea's standard "suites" vary, from some 245 sq.ft. interior plus some 50 sq.ft. balcony on the smaller Cloud/Wind, to 287 sq.ft. interior (I measured this literally and confirmed it) plus 58 sq.ft. balcony on the newer Shadow/Whisper. Then there are the Silver suites you mentioned, which are twice the size, at 701 sq.ft. including balcony (some 580 sq.ft. interior plus some 120 sq.ft. balcony). These Silver suites are at 60+% premium above the regular "verandah suites" on the smaller pair of ships (because there are only three of them per ship), but only 40-50% premium on the newer pair (becuase there are thirteen of them per ship and the cruise line has to sell them!)

As for drinks, tips, etc., both lines are all inclusive. Both lines have free sitting dining, and course by course room service at dinner if you so request. Some people prefer the "even smaller" Seabourn ships for intimacy (in service and atmosphere), while others prefer the better facilities on Silversea ships (real balconies, newer ships and more "modern"). Hope the above summary helps.

We are devotees of Raddison and Silversea as you are, and for the same reasons.........we prefer the refinement of all inclusive smaller ships with open seating, perfect service, etc......While Oceania is not as special, it does fit a niche in the industry- the ship size is great and furnishings lovely, service fine, food quite excellent and itineraries varied- cabins are smaller with "eh" closet space, but one can live with that.......happily there are no chimes or buzzers ruining the spell on a sea day and no dancing waiters with flying baked-alaska parades during your dinner- there is great piped in music by the pool (easy listening, FM 99 or cd 101.9 type) but only a tired pianist in the Martini lounge, so that could be greatly improved upon- everyone loves cool music and it certainly livens things up, which the ship could use. The casino is small, but people seem to win there and it was fun to hang out after dinner even if you didn't embibe!!! CC casual is definately the way to go..........give the line a try.

Wow! What wonderful, detailed responses! I will do my homework but thanks to you I will be able to make an educated decision. Of course, the itinerary will be a key factor as well.

Hi Ellen- re tipping: while there was no tipping on silversea, we did "take care of" certain people who did extra special things for us.......like our waiters who gave us beluga every night and lots of special culinary requests......... FOr Oceania, we only tipped those we wanted to and took their "suggested" price that they charged to our cabin OFF the bill.........service was excellent, however. There is no doubt that Silversea is the best for everything, even if the crowd is a little older than we are.........but people were friendly...........where do you want to go? We prefer trips 10-14 days, although when we go to Asia in '06 it will be for 3 weeks.......you need to spend that kind of time there- itinerary, btw, is fabulous- in fact we considered Silversea, which is next May, but felt that the other itinerary was more intensive:D . Good luck and have fun obsessing on the web!

Back to my Seabourn comment re: Cabin size.

There are several types of suites.

All are > 277 sq ft.

A)Window (5ft) suite: 277sq ft

B) Balcony suite - sliding door with a 1.5 ft step-out ledge with clear panneling rail. The glass door is cabin width allowing the entire cabin to be "opened" to the outside. You can stand on your "french" balcony but not sit. However, you can sit on the sofa or on a chair inside the suite and look out --> essentially the suite becomes the balcony.

C) Double Suites: 554 sq ft. This has a huge living room, 2 5ft picture windows, a dining room and 2 full size bathrooms.

D) Classic Suites: 400 sq ft.

E) Owner's Suite: 530 - 575 sq ft. These have "real" balconies that you can walk out on and sit etc...

So, if you want to spend more, then there are larger suites available on Seabourn.

Just wanted to let you know in case you find a great itinerary with Seabourn and were wondering about the accomodations.

Good Luck with your planning... I am sure anything you choose will be special! (Planning is half the fun!)

Best Wishes

Cheers

Many thanks to all of you for your caring, detailed responses. Regarding the question about our itinerary, I am intrigued with an itinerary I saw that takes you to the Black Sea and Mediterranean. I would like a few nights in Istanbul, either on the ship or pre-cruise. I know that Oceania has something like that this year but I don't see it on Silverseas. Not every destination lends itself to cruising and I don't want to spend a few hours in a port that really deserves more time. We have already spent a good deal of time on the Amalfi Coast and in several Greek islands, but not all. I wouldlike a trip from 10 days to two weeks, with at least one day at sea, if not more. We just returned from Russia and the Baltics on the Radisson Voyager and although it was extraordinary, we feel jipped because we had no time to enjoy that beautiful ship. On the Mariner in Alaska, we had at least two full days at sea, just to relax and enjoy the facilities.

Sea days are great and its a matter of "balance" to get everything in that you want to. Istanbul is fabulous, and if you can, go a few days early......we prefer the Four Seasons to the Kempinski, having been there several times, but both are special. Isn't the planning fun? ;)

We absolutely will spend a few extra days in Istanbul. I usually like to add a few days at the beginning and the end although getting off the ship is usually a letdown. Yes, the planning is half the fun. I am only home three dyas and already planning the next trip!

We were just at Ridgeway CC Ellen- is that close to where you are? Not a cruise, but it was CC casual!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Having sailed all three in 2004 (SS Mariner, Seabourn Pride and Silver Wind), the Silversea ship wins for cabin, hands down the most elegantly decorated and best condition. The Seabourn cabins though wider are very dated and were nice in the 80's when the ship was built. They are showing some wear and tear, though they are to be updated during their next drydock. The Silversea ships are perfect as they are well designed (real verandahs) and are small enough to provide a yacht like experience. Though I loved the Pride (walking outside to get to breakfast in the rain, was a bit annoying), and the 80's decore would put them second overall to Silversea (though service and food on Sebourn would get the edge over Silversea in my book). They are both fine lines, ( i am booked on both in 05 and 06). The Radisson ships felt a bit cold, possibly due to the larger size? Both Silversea and Seabourn are more "inclusive" than RSSC (drinks, tips etc)

My ranking:

1. Silversea ( i like a nice cabin, perfectly sized ship)

2. Seabourn (great food and service, ship needs help)

3. RSSC (nice if you want a big ship feel, though bland)

From the deck plans shown on the Seabourn website, it seems that Seabourn ships don't have a true (multi-storeyed) theatre as on Silversea ships (instead they have a lounge which may be kind of like the ones on Oceania ships). Is that true or not? Just curious. Thank you.

I believe the above comment is incorrect re RSSC. All tips and "house wines" with dinner ARE included on all RSSC ships, and you can order free cocktails with dinner in lieu of wine. Also, all of these lines supply a couple of bottles of complimentary liquor or wine per passenger for each suite. Also, the Mariner and particularly the Voyager basic verandah suites are just as nice as the Shadows (Voyager's are a bit larger) and those RSSC ships have all verandah suites.

I do not know of anything that Silversea provides for free that RSSC charges for. Perhaps the above poster can enlighten us?

I do not know of anything that Silversea provides for free that RSSC charges for. Perhaps the above poster can enlighten us?

Drinks in bars and lounges. As much premium bottles of liquor or champain as you need in your room if you so desire, while RSSC limit you to two, and if you want Johnny Walker they give you only one. Caviar in your suite anytime. I feel it's cheap, and I don't even drink.

I mean the RSSC. I feel a bit of nickle and dime mentality on RSSC, though not the same extent of Princess and others, of course.

To describe RSSC as having a "nickle and dime mentality" is rather harsh.

Yes they do charge for alcoholic drinks during the day,but how much alcohol does one drink during the day?One is never under pressure to order alcoholic drinks.

Pre,and post,dinner drinks at the table are free,and are NOT in lieu of wine.

Personally,we enjoyed our cruises on both the Voyager,and the Diamond,to that on the Shadow.

Yes, it is rather harsh I admit.

also as simonv indicates unless caviar is on the menu its 25 bucks a pop on rssc. on SS and seabourn its free whenever you want in dining room as well as suite.