Conference abbott::cruise_travel

    My vote would be RCCL's Nordic Prince.  I went on it for my first
    cruise in August of last year.  We had been advised to take this
    one due to the varied age of passengers (our 5-party group ranged
    in age from 11-61).  We had a blast.
    
    It is my understanding that the Royal Viking line attracts a generally
    older clientele.
    
    We needed a particular room configuration - connecting rooms with
    one that would sleep 2 and the other 3.  So, we looked at the layout
    in their brochure, and booked exactly the two cabins that we wanted.
    So, the answer is, yes, you can ask specifically for a room that
    you want - either a category, or an exact cabin number.
    
    Jean B.

    My vote would be for Royal Viking.  They tend to cater to a crowd that
    is looking for sophistication in dining, entertainment, and onboard
    amenities and are willing to pay for these things.  If these are the
    things that are important to you, go for it.  If these things are not
    as important than don't shell out extra bucks for nothing, certainly
    the Nordic Prince is a first class ship in her category.

    Besides, a good portion of your time will be spent on the island of
    Bermuda anyway, so either ship will get you there in comfort.
    
    Each person's tastes are different.  Good thing for us so we're not all
    booking the same ship at the same time! There is no right or wrong choice
    here.  Both ships you are looking at offer an excellent cruising
    experience and no matter which one you choose you will have a fantastic
    time.

    Let us know of your first time cruise experience when you return!
    
    Bon Voyage!
    

    Thanks for your helpful comments. This whole thing was my husband's
    idea and we're both very excited. Here's another twist -- my husband
    doesn't really like to get too dressed up on vacation. However, he's
    flexible and will compromise. Do we have to bring gowns and fancy
    clothes for the evenings?
    
    Thanks again...
    
    Darlene

    Darlene,
    
    I went on a cruise for the Digital Excellence Awards (which may mean it
    was a less-formal crowd, since the only people there were DEC people
    and their SOs, but) on a fairly fancy ship 8^), and I think evening
    wear can be as dressy as you want. There are some nights that are more
    formal than others (we had 2 or 3 formal nights, and 2 semi-formal,
    I think), but even for the formal nights there were differences in 
    degree. Some men wore tuxes, and some wore suits. Some women wore
    formal gowns, and some just really nice street-length dresses. Don't go
    out and buy a new wardrobe, but if you want to, you can really dress
    up!!
    
    Hope this helps, and I think there are some other notes in here on this
    topic that may help,
    
    Brenda

    I'd recommend Royal Viking also. They have single seating dining which
    means you can eat more leisurely - no need to rush. Also, a poll of the
    readers of Conde Nast Traveler voted RVL the world's number one cruise
    line in every single category. Its worth the few extra bucks.
    

                      <ANOTHER VOTE FOR ROYAL VIKING>
    
    I WILL LEAVING FOR A CRUISE ON ROYAL VIKING SEA TWO WEEKS FROM SATURDAY
    THIS WILL BE THE SECOND CRUISE ON THE R.V. SEA.
    THE ROYAL VIKING STAR IN PRICED CLOSE TO THE NORDIC PRINCE, BUT
    THE SERVICE IS MUCH BETTER, THE SHIP IS LARGER, AND CARRIES FEWER 
    PASSENGERS. I WOULD RECOMMEND ROYAL VIKING ALL THE WAY.

    Can someone tell me which line the ship Royal Viking
    is on?  Also  how much more is it and does it only sail
    on Saturdays?  We need a cruise leaving on a Sunday.
    
    thanks

>    Can someone tell me which line the ship Royal Viking
>    is on?  
    
	Royal Viking *IS* the line...!

						-- Nina

    
    Of the past five years, the top cruise line award has gone to RCCL.
    of those five, three went to the Nordic Prince. My wife and I went
    on the Prince 18 months ago.  We planed to go again in November,
    but when Capt'n Joe came up with the SoS cruise we opted to try out
    the SoS.  MY wife STILL talks on occasion about the waiter we had
    on the Prince. She loved the cruise and the ship.
    
    Good luck on whatever your choice.
    
    George C.
    

    RCCL is my favorite line also.  However, from folks I've met who've
    sailed on Royal Viking ships (especially those that sail Europe), it
    is a whole other adventure.  Soooo if the prices were about the same
    (cause usually they are not as Royal Viking tends to run much higher),
    I'd definitely try the Royal Viking ship to see the difference in 
    luxury for myself.
    
    Ro
    

    Has anyone cruised to Bermuda on the Westward? Experiences?
    
    Loraine

    The Westward doesn't even come into existance until April 20th.