SSVacation

Radiance. Beautiful, easy to navigate, mid-sized, fantastic concierge lounge location with floor to ceiling glass on one side!

 

^^^^Radiance^^^^

Are you sure? Since when did Brilliance sail out of Cape Liberty?

 

Anyway, to answer the original query, it will always be safe. Whether or not you hit rough seas depends on if there is a hurricane in the area. No way to predict that now. We've sailed to Bermuda a number of times from Bayonne - prefer September but have gone as early as late May (too cold to swim but a sunburn is achievable) to early November. I think that was the sailing we caught the tail of a hurricane on the last night heading home so it was a bit rough but not awful.

 

I can confirm that cruise on the Brilliance as I was on it as well, it was a repositioning.

 

Have cruised out of Bayonne a few times in October and November and always have had good weather and seas, Bermuda is very nice this time of year!

[quote name='Attapooch']Grand Suites and above for us for a couple of reasons:

1.) The wife likes the bigger cabins.
2.) Access to the concierge lounge.
3.) The double C&A sea points.
4.) All the other perks of having the gold card like the reserved chairs on the pool deck, dedicated check-in line, etc.

It's all those little things that add up to make the extra cost worthwhile.[/QUOTE]

I agree with you 100%

If you frequent the bars try to find Aileen, she is terrific, we saw her on our last three cruises on the Brilliance. 2012, 2013. Outstanding Service! We even had the privilege of her service in the CL on two of those cruises.

thanks everyone for the help.

We have decided on the Brilliance. The dates worked plus the Tampa port is closer to the airport.

 

Very good choice!

Unfortunately, this can be flipped the other way too. I (and others I know) have experienced it where the suite concierge completely ignored (and in your words) looked down on those in suites and focused all his attention solely on the D+ and Pinnacle guests in the CL.

 

As far as I am concerned, it shouldn't matter what cabin you have or what level you are, everyone should be treated the same... Shame we don't live in an ideal world!

 

I can confirm that fact, as diamond plus and always in a GS or higher, we have had a couple not so good experiences in the CL, luckily most have been excellent, but some have not, it all depends on the experience and professionalism of the Concierge!

The gym is a good size with more than adequate equipment, I don't remember if there was a rowing machine.

There are a few water coolers around as well.

Outstanding level of service, ship design, itinerary.

 

I couldn't have said it better!

Have averaged about 3 a year, up to 5 this year and 4 already booked for 2015.

Lucky to have. 2 ports within driving distance, cuts down the cost significantly without airfare.

 

Exactly - DH is very smart!

Tip #1 - Have a great time!

Never NOT had a great time!

Alas, there is no cure for an addiction to cruising. The only way to control it is to have regular cruises. No binge cruising allowed. We've had our cruise for this year a little earlier, DW found that daggum BOGO and booked for January 2015, I had her book an Alaskan cruise tour for June 2015, then she found a cruise for January 2016 and booked it. No binges, only controlled cruising.

 

Phil

 

Binges are fun!

You should be fine, I have done it a dozen or so times arriving in SJU at 1:00 never had a problem.

[quote name='MichaelCMTX']Would be nice if some of the lessons learned on the Quantum and Oasis ships could be translated to something more Radiance-sized. There are many markets for which a ship carrying 4000+ people simply isn't going to be practical.[/QUOTE]


Agree 100%, we can only hope!

I would definitely consider it!

Mudslide with a floater!

Jewel

 

St Maarten

We were just on the Grandeur last week, wifi was good wherever we were, even in our cabin, yes wifi was much better than on the Explorer.

Please come back and tell us?! I have B2B in May. Will be more of a problem with getting a chair at the pool until the damage is repaired.

 

Not a big deal, small areas were roped off, it was being repaired during our cruise, should be all done I would think by the time of your cruise.

We just returned yesterday from a cruise on the Grandeur, we mostly cruise Voyager and Radiance class ships for more bells and whistles, this time we wanted to just kick back and relax and actually booked the trip a week before, we had a great time, the crew was great!

There were some minor issues with the ship, but we never had a sewer smell or any issues that prevented us from having a good time.

The port is great and much better than Bayonne, getting in and parking is a breeze, and your on the ship before you know it.

Food was good, shows were good, especially the arial show!

The ship is smaller and good for a nice relaxing vacation.

Give it a try and have a great time!

I also, will be on the Grandeur this Saturday. I am not worried at all.

 

Neither am I, just bummed we have to wait to board later, was looking forward to getting aboard and getting the trip started early :cool:

If you are sailing the Grandeur tomorrow out of Baltimore check your email. Boarding delayed until 2pm due to enhanced sanitizing. I think we all know what that means.

Be interesting to see it in person, we sail next week on the 5th, hope it's just a small area off limits and not a big area of the 2 decks.

Thanks for quick reply. One more question should I prebook for our party of six, or wait until we board. If I prebook then I have to pay for all six now, will they then refund us for two dinners. Sorry for all the questions.

 

If you can prebook it's not a bad idea for a large party. They will not charge you until the end of the meal.