What is RSSCL all about - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Rex · 01-06-2006, 12:16 PM

Anybody have a general description of this line?

Texashorselady · 01-06-2006, 12:50 PM

What is RSSCL? Radisson is RSSC...is that what you mean?

If you mean Radisson, here is some info from Galaxsea:

http://www.galaxsea.com/ratings.html

LUXURY CLASS - the top cruise lines for those that want the best

Radisson Seven Seas - our top rated cruise line overall. Radisson is a newcomer to the luxury cruise market segment but they have brought several new ships into the market and these stunning new ships have surpassed the old leader, Crystal. Radisson is owned by the same Scandinavian company that owns the moderate priced Radisson Hotel chain, but do not be misled by their hotel target market, Radisson Seven Seas has targeted the top of the luxury market and they are dead on-target. To gain a foothold in this established market Radisson introduced the first all-suite and all-balcony cabin ship called the Seven Seas Mariner in 2001. The Seven Seas Mariner and Voyager are the same size as Crystal Harmony/Symphony but hold 300 fewer guests. Radisson has open seating for dining, includes gratuities and more in the cruise fare plus they cost less than Crystal so they are the best value by far in the luxury market. In 2003 Radisson introduced the Seven Seas Voyager an improved version of the Mariner with 50 square feet larger cabins so the minimum increased to 351 square feet and again all cabins have private balconies. The Navigator and Paul Gauguin are great smaller ships holding only 490 and 300 guests, respectively, that also very worthwhile considering. Paul Gauguin cruises out of Tahiti year round and is the class of that market. One of the reason Radisson is such a good value is that their cabin prices are lower AND their price includes gratuities, wine with meals, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks and a complimentary bar set-up upon embarkation. The food is excellent (only surpassed by Silversea) and the service is outstanding - better than Crystal or Silversea. The high-end readers of Conde Nast Traveler who seek the best hotel, cruise and travel options worldwide have picked Radisson as the "World's Best Small-Ship Cruise Line" for 2003 (small means less than 1000 passengers). As you can see in the ratings below Ethel Blum author of the "Total Traveler Guide to Worldwide Cruising" also agrees with Conde Nast readers and us.

Rex · 01-06-2006, 01:03 PM

interesting. Never knew it was owned by Radisson Hotel..

PagodaSwan · 01-06-2006, 01:07 PM

Rex, the Radisson Group is part of Carlson, who also own other hotel chains and restaurant chains such as TGI Friday's.

http://www.carlson.com/

sue miller · 01-06-2006, 01:12 PM

Julie, how are the prices on Radisson?? I think most cruisers have a misconception of being so expensive, that they do not even consider it for a cruise!! The service, food, and perks sound wonderful, but price will be the key that gets them to book!! Also are they kid friendly?? More and more families are cruising today!!

Texashorselady · 01-06-2006, 03:12 PM

It's a luxury cruise, which means yes it costs more than most others...and no, it would not be my first choice if I wanted to entertain children.

Radisson can be relatively inexpensive if you wait for them to have a 2 for 1 special...or if you get in on one of their free airfare deals...especially if you are going overseas. They are less expensive than many of the other luxury cruise lines even to start with, and these specials make the prices more attractive. But even with the specials, they are still more expensive than most of the mass market lines.

You could compare cruising with Radisson to going to the finest six star fine restaurant you've ever been to in your life. You might do it once in a while for a special occasion, if you can afford it. And while you're there, you just know right away by the service, food and atmosphere that this ain't McDonald's! But still, some people won't like it...some people are always comfortable with whatever they are used to...some people will think the increase in cost is not worth it...and the kids would probably rather have a Happy Meal anyway!

isujim · 01-06-2006, 03:48 PM

While all of this sounds very nice.........I really don't need a 6 star restaurant. While I'm sure this is a great experience, I would rather cruise twice a year for the same money.......

Rex · 01-06-2006, 03:50 PM

Well Jim everybody has their own opinion. I guess it's kinda like buying a Mercedes or having a regular car with a jeep for the weekends.

isujim · 01-06-2006, 03:53 PM

I agree Rex..........and didn't want to imply it isn't nice..........if somebody wants to give me a Mercedes, I'll take it..........but for me, I like Fords.........and have two brand new ones in my garage.........

PagodaSwan · 01-06-2006, 03:57 PM

One man's meat, is another man's poison.

Its why there are so many cruise lines to choose from, both top level and the lower budget ones. I like the fact that there is so much choice and so many variations in cruising, once you find the one you are happy with then you can stick with it and, of course, benefit from being a loyal customer.