Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2017 (Berlitz Cruise Guide) (2016)
Albatros
★★★
Berlitz’s Ratings
Ship: 310 out of 500
Accommodation: 128 out of 200
Food: 211 out of 400
Service: 237 out of 400
Entertainment: 60 out of 100
Cruise: 251 out of 400
Overall Score: 1197 out of 2000
Albatros Statistics
Size: Mid-size Ship
Tonnage: 28,078
Lifestyle: Standard
Cruise Line: Phoenix Reisen
Former Names: Crown, Norwegian Star I, Royal Odyssey, Royal Viking Sea
IMO Number: 5347245
Builder: Wartsila (Finland)
Original Cost: $22.5 million
Entered Service: Nov 1973/Apr 2004
Registry: Bahamas
Length (ft/m): 674.2/205.5
Beam (ft/m): 82.0/25.0
Draft (ft/m): 23.9/7.3
Propulsion/Propellers: diesel (15,840 kW)/2
Passenger Decks: 8
Total Crew: 340
Passengers (lower beds): 862
Passenger Space Ratio (lower beds): 32.5
Passenger/Crew Ratio (lower beds): 2.5
Cabins (total): 449
Size Range (sq ft/m): 123.7- 679.2/11.8-63.1
Cabins (for one person): 12
Cabins (with private balcony): 15
Cabins (wheelchair accessible): 0
Wheelchair accessibility: Fair
Cabin Current: 110 and 220 volts
Elevators: 5
Casino (gaming tables): No
Slot Machines: No
Swimming Pools: 1
Hot Tubs (on deck): 1
Self-Service Launderette: Yes
Dedicated Cinema/Seats: Yes/156
Library: Yes
Onboard currency: Euros
This ship is good for low-price, no-frills cruising
Overview. Albatros appeals to mature German-speaking adults and families seeking a low-budget, good-value vacation in a comfortable (but not new) ship.
The Ship. Albatros, built for long-distance cruising for the long-defunct Royal Viking Line, was refurbished in 2004 prior to replacing Phoenix Reisen’s much loved but outdated Albatros. There is plenty of open deck and sunbathing space, although the popular aft pool area can become crowded.
The ship has a good array of public rooms, including several lounges and bars, most of which are sort of old-world elegant, and have high, indented ceilings. The Observation Lounge is a particularly pleasant place to spend time. Wide stairways and foyers give a sense of space, even when the ship is full. The atmosphere is very casual, as is the dress code. A low 7 percent gratuity is added to bar accounts, and drink prices are very reasonable.
The Phoenix cruise staff is always bright, bubby and friendly, and the shore excursion team is knowledgeable and helpful.
Accommodation. There are more than 20 price grades, from expansive suites with private balcony to standard outside-view cabins and small interior cabins. A Captain’s Suite is located at the front, directly under the navigation bridge, with fine forward-facing views. Nine other Penthouse Suites include a private balcony (with separate bedroom and living area). Most other cabins have an outside view and are quite well appointed, and there is a good amount of storage space; however, some bathrooms in the lower categories have awkward access. All cabins have a TV, bathrobe, and personal safe. Suites and ‘comfort cabins’ also have a minibar. Occupants of eight (mostly suite) accommodation grades receive ‘Phoenix VIP’ service.
Dining. There are two dining rooms (Mowe and Pelikan); both have high ceilings, and are spacious. Dining is in one seating at assigned tables for two, four, six, or eight. Breakfast and lunch can be taken in the dining room or outdoors in a self-service buffet. Mid-morning bouillon is a Phoenix seagoing tradition, as is a Captain’s Dinner (formal night), and a Buffet Magnifique.
The service is friendly and attentive, although there is little finesse, and the food itself is acceptable, nothing more (not as good as Amadea or Artania). Table wines are included for lunch and dinner, although the quality is not good. Slightly better quality wines can be purchased.
Entertainment. The Pacific Lounge is the ship’s showlounge. It seats about 500, but several pillars obstruct the sight lines for some. Small-scale production shows are presented by a small team of resident singers/dancers.
Spa/Fitness. There are a gymnasium and sauna, two steam rooms, body treatment rooms, and a beauty salon.