Douglas Ward
This small ship is for port-intensive cruising for German speakers
The Ship. Hamburg has an ice-strengthened hull, useful for cold-weather cruise areas. While it’s a comfortable, trendy ship, the swimming pool is small – it’s really a ‘plunge’ pool – as is the open deck space, and there is no walk-around promenade deck outdoors.
The delightful Palm Garden doubles as an observation lounge and has four Internet-connect computers. Shipwide Wi-Fi is also available. The fit and finish of the interiors is a little utilitarian – the mottled gray walls are somewhat cold, but a contrast to the splashes of color found in carpeting and other decorative touches.
This ship will appeal to youthful-minded German-speaking couples and solo travelers seeking good value for money on a first cruise, aboard a ship with contemporary, comfortable, and unpretentious surroundings, and good itineraries, at a very modest price.
Accommodation. The standard cabins are really small. All but 10 cabins have lower berths. Except for two forward-facing suites, there are only two balcony cabins, and no room service except for accommodation designated as suites. There are several single-occupancy cabins. Note that 16 cabins on Deck 4 have lifeboat-obstructed views. The cabin decor is bright and upbeat, and there’s a good amount of closet and shelf space. All cabins have a mini-bar/refrigerator, flat-screen TV, personal safe, and hairdryer.
There are eight suites, each at least double the size of a standard cabin and each with a curtained partition between its lounge and sleeping areas. Two suites at the bows each have a narrow private verandah, a bedroom and lounge area separated by a curtain, two TV sets, and an excellent amount of storage space.
Dining. There’s one large main dining room, at the stern, with large ocean-view windows on three sides. All passengers can be seated in a single seating, at assigned tables, although breakfast is open seating. There are just two tables for two, but other tables can accommodate up to 16. The unstuffy cuisine is good, though the choice is small. Themed dinners make dining a treat. Breakfast and lunch can also be taken in the bright, but casual, setting of the self-serve Palm Garden, which doubles as a comfortable observation lounge. Light dinners can also be taken there; a small dance floor adds another dimension.
Entertainment. The showlounge is a single-level H-shaped room, with banquette and individual seating in tub chairs, and a bar, which is located at the back of the room. Because the apron stage is in the center of the room, the sight lines from many seats aren’t good.
Spa/Fitness. A fitness room is located forward on the uppermost deck of the ship. There’s a sauna on the lowest passenger deck, next to the beauty salon. Massage and facial treatments are available.