Discovery World Cruises: refined cruising on inventive itineraries at affordable fares

Cruise Travel, Nov-Dec, 2004 by Theodore W. Scull

For dining, the Seven Continents Restaurant handles passengers during two seatings (6:30 and 8:30 p.m.) at assigned round and banquette tables for four to eight (a few tables for two are available). Situated low down in the ship for stability, the dining room does not offer much of a view. The sprawling space, partly divided by low partitions and slightly raised at the sides, has a ceiling ribbed by a series of horizontal concave arcs giving the room a bit of height. The food is good international fare, well prepared and varied, and the polite Filipino service is of a high standard. Evening dress may be formal, informal (men in jacket with or without a tie), or smart casual (a collared shirt and slacks on the men). A sloppy appearance does not exist on this ship.

Dinner menus include three appetizers, two soups, five entrees (one of which is vegetarian), three desserts, and a generous cheese selection. Notable items on my cruise were the cioppino, a California-style fish soup served with garlic bread, most of the more spicy soups such as West Indian bean, fresh swordfish, blackened mahi mahi, key lime pie, and chestnut mousse cake. Dinner wines are very fairly priced, starting at $16.

The 80-seat Yacht Club, a high up observation venue, serves as the alternative restaurant on most nights, offering varied Asian, East Meets West, Italian, and South Pacific menus, often geared to the cruising region. Reservations are required, not usually a problem, and there is no extra charge. If you dine early, you will get a sweeping view of the sea ahead.

Aft on the same deck, the Lido Buffet serves breakfast and lunch in an open setting, under cover of the lido deck overhang, or indoors in the Yacht Club. A sliding glass roof may be rolled out if the weather takes a sudden turn. Breakfast offers freshly cooked eggs and an omelet station. At lunch the pasta station serves a daily special; occasional elaborate barbecues include chicken, lamb chops, steaks, grilled fish, sausages, and hamburgers. In fine weather, outdoor evening barbecues are held here.

The days at sea are a delight, with plenty of places to roost. The-passenger mix from the English-speaking worlds of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres makes for a rich social life with no language problems.

Discovery owner Gerry Herrod has recreated his original Orient Lines' concept with this newly refitted ship, providing a comfortable, well-run, moderately-priced, destination-driven cruise with a team of specialty lecturers geared to the still curious, mostly older passengers.

For more information contact your travel agent or Discovery World Cruises (Cruise Travel Magazine), 1800 SE 10th Ave./Suite 205, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316; or log on to www.discoveryworldcruises.com.