Radisson’s Diamond in the Rough

In the two years it’s been in service, we’ve been known to take unkind swipes at the outside appearance of the Radisson Diamond, a short, wide twin-hulled cruise ship that bears a striking resemblance to the “Star Wars” robot R2D2.

But after a recent transatlantic crossing--11 days from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Lisbon, Portugal, with no ports of call--we have nothing but admiration for the ship from the inside vantage point. The food, the service, the cabins and the entertainment were all excellent.

We chose to sail on a transatlantic cruise because we wanted to see how the vessel, purportedly impervious to the sort of motion that causes seasickness, handled in the sometimes-rough Atlantic. At first, the sea was smooth, but as we got closer to Portugal it turned choppy. While there was none of the usual roll or pitch, the ship would start into a rolling motion, only to have the four non-retractable stabilizers in the pontoons correct it after one degree.

The passengers on board for the crossing--only 138 out of a capacity of 350--had booked it especially for the long, relaxing days at sea, but 11 days with no ports of call might not thrill a first-time or infrequent cruiser.

For them, the Diamond should be a dandy ship for a Panama Canal transit.

Panama Canal sailings have turned out to be so popular that the line has added six more to the two previously scheduled this winter, making eight 10-day transits between Dec. 3 and Feb. 13. Fares for the sailing are $4,295-$5,195 per person, double occupancy (higher for Christmas week), for a large outside cabin without private balcony, $5,795-$6,395 per person, double occupancy, for a large outside cabin with private balcony, and $8,495 for a luxurious master suite with private balcony. There’s an early booking discount of $600-$1,900 per person, depending on the category of accommodation, for passengers booking 120 days before sailing, and round-trip air fare from the West Coast is an additional $595 per person. Gratuities are included in the fares.

All cabins are outside rooms and are 243 square feet. Cabins without private balcony utilize that space as additional sitting area. Furnishings include handsome white leather sofas (cabins with balconies have smaller love seats), queen-size or twin beds, TV/VCR, refrigerator and mini-bar, in-room safes and marble bath with tub and overhead shower. Complimentary toiletries are also included.

The two master suites are a whopping 522 square feet and have big cushy leather sofas, a huge marble bath with Jacuzzi tub and separate stall shower, generous closet space and hand-painted wall murals in the style of Henri Rousseau.

The dining room of the Radisson Diamond, the prettiest restaurant at sea, has an expansive, high ceiling with a glass wall aft overlooking the sea. In the Grill, self-service buffets supplemented by cooked-to-order menu items are offered daily at breakfast and lunch. The glass-walled, teak-floored restaurant opens onto the pool deck, with a small swimming pool, spa and large outdoor bar.

Above this deck is a rubberized, non-skid jogging track, a spa, beauty salon, fitness center and golf putting area and driving cage.

There is a photo shop, boutique and gift shop, casino, card rooms, and a library with video and book selections.

To get a free color brochure of all upcoming Radisson Diamond sailings, ask a travel agent or call (800) 333-3333.