A Visit To Seven Seas Voyager June 2003

The air-conditioned splendour of the ship made a welcome contrast to the hot English summer's day that I left on the quayside in Southampton. The six star Seven Seas Voyager was here on her first visit to the United Kingdom, in her augural season. Her first 'Northern Explorer' cruise from the UK was via Ireland (Waterford and Dublin), and Scotland (Holyhead, Glasgow, Kirkwall, Invergordon and Dundee), with disembarkation at Copenhagen on 1st July 2003.

All guests were welcomed in the Atrium Lobby, which contained the amazing 'Medusa' sculpture, designed by Finnish Stefan Lindfors. There is priceless artwork all around the ship, including the Swedish Christer Lonngren's marble 'Stone' beside the Pool, all described in extremely lyrical terms in the leaflet available on board.

The state-of-the-art Mermaid propulsion system virtually eliminates engine noise, which allows some suites to be located over the stern. I was told that the original noise problems had been resolved and I could see that passengers in these Aft suites would have spectacular views.

The Line aims to bring guests the globe's finest cuisine every time they dine. There are four single open-seating restaurants on board, including the Compass Rose Restaurant, which is the main dining room. I was a guest for lunch and enjoyed a beautifully cooked, served and presented five-course meal, on the gold-edged china. The Compass Rose Restaurant is open sitting so I was pleased to be welcomed by a couple with a similar interest in ships, dating back to Union-Castle and Shaw Savill days.

Deck 4 offers the Compass Rose Restaurant, the Constellation Theatre, the Connoisseur Club, the Voyager Lounge, the Casino and the Card Room.

Deck 5 offers the Horizon Lounge, the Signatures restaurant for a French feast, Latitudes restaurant for a themed restaurant for the American palate; Club.com for computer classes and an Internet Café; Tour Office, Reception and Concierge.

Deck 6 welcomes guests to the Judith Jackson Sea Spa and Beauty Salon, a gym and Aerobics Studio, a well-stocked Library, and various accommodation.

Decks 7,8,9 and 10 provide the utmost in quiet and privacy, with these decks reserved for suites. Accommodation is spacious, from the 356 square feet of the Deluxe Suites to the luxurious two-bedroom Master Suites of up to 1,403 square feet. Guests in Category B and above enjoy Butler service.

Deck 11 has the large pool on deck, with hot tubs, pool bar and grill. Two Grand Suites and two Master Suites are also located on this deck. The forward Observation Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling wrap around windows provides wonderful views of the sea, and I was pleased to see a large Chart displaying the position of the ship. The La Veranda Restaurant is located aft, again a delightful location.

Deck 12 is for sports and jogging, and offers good all round views

This is an obviously delightful and luxurious ship, and I am sure there will be many happy passengers on this first cruise from the United Kingdom on Seven Seas Voyager.

Review & Photographs By Ann Haynes, June 2003

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