We are debating between the Barcelona to Lisbon on the ren. and the rssc (navigator). Both are for end of August,2001. Which did you like better. How is the weather, service, stuffiness factor. Are there formal nights? <BR> <BR>HELP! <BR> <BR>MICHELE

Michelle: We did the Barcelona-Lisbon trip on Renaissance in February of last year so I can't jelp with your weather question. We have not been on RSSC either, but they look like a pretty good line. Stuffiness is not an issue on Renaissance. It doesn't exist. While the ships, service, and ambiance are upscale, there are no formal nights. The only times I wore a sport coat were when we went out to dinner in Barcelona and Lisbon. We had extra nights in both cities which allowed us to do extra things.

<BR>Hi Michelle, <BR> <BR>I have recently started sailing Ren again after a few "not" years. They are a bare-bones cruise line but are a good value for the money. You will not experience any stuffiness. <BR> <BR>My most recent sailing on Radission was the Paul Gaugin to Tahiti and let me tell you, it was extremely wonderful. The sports deck alone is worth the price of the cruise. Everything was first class. It was my 4th Radission cruise. and I have nothing but praise. <BR> <BR>Both ships are great fun. I guess it will depend on your budget. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR>

August is quite warm in the Mediterranean -- hot and sunny days. It'll make your photos look gorgeous. I have not been on Renaissance, but a friend of mine who went on the Greek Isles cruise (10 days on the ship with 2-night pre- and post-cruise hotels) wound up with a bill for $2600 at the end of his cruise. that was for all the soft drinks, bottled water, wine with dinner, shore excursions, gratuities and who knows what. If he had gone on Radisson, it wouldn't have been so high, because water, soft drinks and wine are complimentary, and there is no tipping -- NONE. I was onb the Radisson Diamond in the Baltic and it was one of the best cruising experience of my life. Then we went on the Paul Gauguin last August. Ditto. <BR>"You pays your money and you takes your choice."

Thanks to you all! <BR> <BR>Michele

We just returned from a cruise to Indonesia on the Radisson "Song of Flower"...our 2nd time on this ship. It is the greatest...Radisson is one of the finest cruise lines. We love small <BR>ships...Song of Flower about 170. <BR>Try it you'll like it

ONE WORD__RADISSON RADISSON RADISSON---anmd make sure you get room w/balcony

We were on the rssc diamond late may early june of last year from Barcelona to Rome it was fantastic weather was very warm. Radisson is the best. We just came back from a Panama Canal trip on the Navigator the suite with balcony food and service could not have been better. We are just sold on Radisson and are looking into a trip on their newest ship (the Mariner) this summer to Alaska. We have so pleased with rssc that we are reluctant to risk another line.