Cruise

by Lew Toulmin

Editor’s note: The following letter refers to the January ’05 “Cruising World” column in which Dr. Lew Toulmin wrote about a woman who, in advance of a cruise, objected to signing a document authorizing the line to put a “hold” of a certain amount on her credit card to ensure there was sufficient credit to pay for her on-board expenses.

by Patricia Arrigoni, Fairfax, CA

I often get asked which is the best ship afloat, in terms of its food. I would love to be able to give a simple answer and award a prize. However, after reviewing my experiences afloat, communicating with ITN readers and interviewing seagoing chefs, I don’t think the answer is that easy.

We took a cruise from Belize to the Barrier Reef and Guatemala and back, March 12-23, ’04, with American Canadian Caribbean Line (461 Water St., Warren, RI 02885; phone 800/556-7450 or visit www.accl-smallships.com). The cost ranged from only $2,455 to $2,985. It was for 11 nights, with the option of arriving one day early and “being there” rather than worrying about getting there in time for departure.

Having cruised on the Star Princess twice, for a month each time, I found the review of the ship in Philip Wagenaar’s August ’04 “Discerning Traveler” column a bit too glowing and one-sided. Our first journey was on her inaugural voyage in 2002 from Singapore to Los Angeles, and our second cruise was in March ’04 from Bangkok to Venice. I also have logged dozens of cruises with various other cruise lines. I offer the following observations.

Most travel agents and ship reviewers agree that there are four lines that head the top of their lists for luxury or high-quality cruise lines, namely Crystal, Radisson Seven Seas, Seabourn and Silversea. Through a seemingly chance juxtaposition of forces, my wife and I had the opportunity to sample three of these lines within a 3-month period in 2004: Silversea in October, Seabourn in November and Crystal in December.

I found the freighter travel articles in the October ’04 issue most interesting. I would like to add some comments in order that individuals contemplating going this route will have another viewpoint to consider.

Starting in 1998, my wife and I have been on four freighter trips, not counting another in February ’05 to the Southwest Pacific. Our trips have included the Caribbean, Europe and South America.

—The Cruising World is written by Lew Toulmin.

We reclined comfortably, looking up at the thousands of brilliant stars overhead. The ship swayed slightly as she drove forward at 25 knots.

I went on a 14-day cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg in August ’04. This was my first trip with Uniworld (Encino, CA; phone 800/257-2264) and I was very impressed with not only Russia itself but the spotlessly clean ship, the wonderful food, the most gracious staff and the relatively modest price of the cruise.

We lived on board the ship for three days in Moscow and had several tours of the city and surrounding area with very knowledgeable local guides.