**NEW**RADIANCE REVIEW ALASKA

[aloveforwander]

May 29-June 5th Radiance

 

Wow…We so looked forward to this trip…and it was everything we thought and more. Conclusion- we must come back!...and will! Way too many great things to see and do. Will break up into sections for easier reading…

 

PRE-CRUISE

 

We arrived a day early- HIGHLY RECOMMEND- flew into Seattle and rented car through Hertz One way- awesome!! Drove through border around 3:30- and 14 minutes flat we were Canada bound!! (Did use alternate route- but friends said same on I-5/ 99 border later in day) Now mind you, this was Memorial weekend and Friday at that- go figure!! HERTZ We found very easy to pick up right in airport and drop off day of cruise easy and trouble free. NOTE- they did shuttle to Ballantyne Pier Free of Charge- as well as Shuttle waiting there as we got off, day coming back, again FREE. Stayed at Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center. Beautiful Clean hotel and we did have view of Bay from afar. We were also on North tower 22nd floor. So worth the money. I give it 5*’s.

 

EMBARKATION

 

Very quick for us. Note to Diamond and Platinum members- Although no lounge on embarkation day, there was a separate line for us- which “skips†everyone else. Very helpful especially in early afternoon when line goes in loops. Keep in mind, departing from Canada en route to USA- so must go through customs here as well, which is time consuming if a long line- again, a breeze for us- since in “skipper†club. Also, friends of ours from OK arrived early (before noon) - they too said no regular line. So, arrive early if possible.

 

RADIANCE IN GENERAL

 

Plenty of reviews out there on ship- so I will only highlight items that are just helpful hints and must say items! This ship is stunning and breathtaking- lots of wood and can’t imagine anyone not liking. You do feel a lot more open space and part of “nature†with all the glass- which is something the Voyager class lacks (although love that class too). If I were to pick- like the Radiance class more. Felt more personal. STAFF- SUPERB! Best collection of crew we have ever encountered. The captain was extremely friendly and was easily sighted at MANY functions. He has a great talent for singing and a wealth of Knowledge. The cruise director, Gordon, quite an awesome spectacle. One of the best we have met to date and multi talented as well. He can sing, great funny comments, and very real. We found him to be very special, outgoing, and great entertainment! Willy- from Crown and Anchor lounge (Platinum and Diamond only) was excellent, and was willing to meet us even on off hours to supply us with bottled water and other items we may have needed throughout our cruise. We tipped him well! Kudos! Finally- Rossidtta from Hungary- dining room bartender- was superb! Wealth of drink knowledge, friendly, funny, and of excellent character! Worked the room very hard- and sold more drinks than we could count. Obviously, other passengers loved her!

 

MENU

 

New menu, like everyone said, which we found to be excellent, except Monday night, which was a bit limited. We did Chops on Tuesday night, and wished had done on Monday night instead. Awesome desserts. Favorite- a banana liquored dessert on last day- TRUST ME- SUPERB!!! Crème Brule close 2nd! Must try this banana thing which our waiter suggested- Glad he did!!

 

CHOPS GRILLE

 

LOVEDDDDDD! It was awesome and we had seaside table as we left Skagway on a narrow passage! As we dined, we passed cascades, eagles, snow covered mountains and beautiful greenery! All what seemed yards away as we dined! The steak choices were “buttery soft†and tender. SINFUL! Taste and delivery to perfection! We had dined at “Portofinos†before and enjoyed “Chops†soooo much more! However, on Wednesday eve, “Portofinos†hosts a “Murder Mystery Night Dinner†for $50-55 per person. It sells out every cruise according to staff and per fellow cruisers- every bit worth it. We did not try.

 

ADVENTURE OCEAN

 

Our 5 year old is a veteran at this…and he had a blast. Can’t possibly be bored- nothing “been there, done that†for him. The staff superb- and to our surprise “Monster Matt†from a previous Sovereign cruise was here as well. He recognized us!! Yeah…They have a point system for participation (1 point per session) Also, there are family activities. We did scavenger hunt and a question and answer one (kind off Newlywed game). We won this one!!! For each participant in family- extra point. Points are collected for RCCL Logo prices at end of cruise. Nicholas ended up with 2 -10 CD holders, one backpack with detachable lunch sac, one T-shirt, one lanyard, and 3 key chains!!! Needless to say- he enjoyed it!!!

 

MEET AND MINGLE

 

Glad to say MOST folks from our group made it. They had appetizers available and drinks. The hostesses handed out raffle tixs- and I won the AQUA MOUSE!! Just what I had wanted! Looks real good on my desk, if I may add! They had 2 other prizes. All in all- it was great to put faces with names. This one is a keeper! Thanks Cruise Critic and RCCL.

 

JUNEAU

 

Went on whale watch tour with Capt. Larry. WHALE WATCH CAPT. LARRY'S although, we did not see LOTS of activity and no Orca (killer whales), I feel it was worth the money. Due to the sports setting on my digital, I was able to capture great photos! For most part, small baby whale activity. Quite busy for a while- then the mommy surfaced. Also, we saw some seals and eagles. That is about it. Light snacks (crackers, smoked salmon, sausage, cheese, juices) were included. Nice touch. Then, they were nice enough to take us past Mendenhall Glacier for some great photos. DO MOST OF YOUR SHOPPING HERE AND IN SKAGWAY. Alaska T-shirt Company has excellent merchandise and GREAT prices for small gifts home. Nothing but beautiful weather- NO RAIN.

 

SKAGWAY

 

We had booked Whitepass Railroad through RCCL. Again, perfect weather (although a bit windy in morning) with total visibility!! This must have been the most beautiful perfect day for this. The scenery was gorgeous. Every penny worth. We even bought their DVD while on board. We even got to see the ships CLEARLY as we went up mountain- something that was a bit cloudy weeks prior. Great pictures! Best visibility on left of train with complete narration on way up. Everyone switches seats with opposite neighbor, but only limited narration on way down. Try to get these seats on way up. The town we loved! How pretty and small. Bought my Russian cap here!! (only $12- store recommended by ship) It had matching jacket- but would never use in Florida. I did check other stores- nothing cheaper, so go here!! Don’t remember name- but it is on guide map and shopping talk.

BTW, we had friends that drove all the way to Carcross and Emerald Lake. They did meet “YUKON†and said was absolutely a beautiful drive. We may do this next time!! Apparently so worth the rental!

 

HUBBARD GLACIER

 

Still very early in season. This day was coldest, but managed without gloves (although had them). Again, no downpours- just a light “mist†during BBQ and as we left. How lucky can we be??? Perfect so far! Anyhow, due to much ice in water- we were able to get as close as 4.2 miles, according to Captain. I will take that any day! Remember that mist? Well, it created enough condensation as we were leaving that Celebrity ship that went in behind us did not get to see Hubbard AT ALL. (According to Capt. Notes) So sad…We were able to see Hubbard CLEARLY, although a bit distant- and again, with great digital zooming technology- EXCELLENT pics!! Capt. Said that later in season have gotten as close as ½ a mile from. WOW!! BTW, had Indian family board while at Hubbard and they spoke on typical life for a tribe in area, etc. very interesting. You could only hear from your cabin TV, though. So, if you have an interior cabin, guess you have to pick- see glacier or listen in

 

KETCHIKAN

 

Our favorite port EVER!!!!! Save the best for last! The highlight of our trip was here. We chartered a floatplane with Southeast Aviation. What a professional, efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable group!!! Would do it again in a heartbeat- and only with them! We booked from home at FLOAT PLANE SOUTHEAST AVIATION. Kos (owner) emailed me right away- gave us an early booking discount, and stayed in touch up to time we left. They only charged ½ at booking and balance week you leave. Their integrity is to speak of- they have a high demand- so book NOW! I can see why! They modestly promise and OVERDELIVER. I researched many web sites which over promised in so many ways- although I did not fly with others- this always makes me skeptical. There was something about Kos- as if I knew him that made me believe- Glad I did! I know Kos and I will know each other for life. His wife picked us up right away at pier and drove us into town to their site. They introduced us to others and asked about us as a family, etc. met their dog, and by the way, wife had told us they would drop us off where we wanted on way back (pier or Creek Street) no extra charge! So neat! Anyhow, due to AGAIN- perfect weather (Sunny, not 1 cloud, and about 69-70 degrees here)- we were able to land in Misty Fjords and take off again from there. It was phenomenal! Pilot rowed the plane (yes rowed!) up to a small sand spot in middle of nowhere and allowed us to get off and take photos and take in the scenery for about 20-25 minutes! Just imagine- cascade next to us, the smell of nature and the purest water ever seen! On way back our pilot pointed out mountain goats and of course, many eagles. We were born again this day! Our pilot was Jimmy, who is also a pilot with Alaska Airlines. Between all of them the years of flying experience is UNBELIEVABLE. We felt safe the whole time and our 5 year old CAN’T STOP talking about this flight! Pls. say hello to Kos, wife, and the rest of the gang for us- we miss them already!!

 

POOLS

 

There was always a brave few in outdoors pool- especially on last day where weather was in high 60’s! The pool in Solarium was very well used. They had kid’s times between 12-2pm and 4-6pm. Our son enjoyed this perk twice during our cruise. The weather was so pristine that many other kids even were on outside kid’s pool and slide during our cruise. Burrr….

 

DEBARKATION

 

Okay- here is the stinker. IT IS FOR THE BIRDS. Keep in mind, you are in a warehouse and you feel like you are. No guidance, no lines, no directions, free for all, and bless you if you can figure out which way the line goes- and on top of that, CUSTOMS again! Bring with you no expectations, lots of patience, comfy shoes and clothes, and a well fed tummy! Hated every minute of debarkation as have never before. This was definitely the most disorganized debarkation we had ever experienced. No DIAMOND perks. NONE! We kept seeing people that got off ship after us, leaving before us. Could not figure it out. We were so frustrated. Enough of that…Although a shame! I think we concluded that we would not sail again out of this port, which may rule out RCCL in future Note- Hertz had a shuttle right there and waiting for us- what a relief…

 

SEATTLE

 

Woohoooo!!! Loved. Wished had spent more time here. We went to Pike’s market and shopped, dined, and strolled through. My oh my- flowers, jewelry!! Bakeries, cheese…Yeeeezzzz….Must go back. Got to go Pike’s market if in Seattle. Did not get to go to Space Needle or museum below- it was raining! (Of course- it wouldn’t be Seattle if it didn’t)!!

 

THAT’S ALL…HOPE I COVERED ALL INTERESTS. IF ANY QUESTIONS- PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POST. I WILL TRY MY BEST TO ANSWER!! BON VOYAGE

 

*Fantasy 11/97;12/00;12/01

*MS Destiny 7/98;9/00

*Sov. of the Seas 9/98;9/99;5/00;1/04

*Majesty of the Seas 3/01;5/02

*Fascination 5/01

*Celebrity Millenium 1/02

*Navigator of Seas 11/02

*Grandeur of the Seas 5/03

*Explorer of Seas 9/03

*Disney Wonder 11/03

*Radiance of the Seas 5/04

*Jewel of the Seas 1/05

 

GOTTA LUV CRUZIN'

Jewel of the Seas

[sailor moon]

Great review! I am glad your weather was perfect. We go the first cruise next May and will take what we can get weather-wise Sounds like your tours were great.

 

JB

Sun Viking 8/83,Premier 8/86

Disney 8/01, Rhapsody 8/03, Monarch 12/03, Splendour 4/04,

 

UPCOMING CRUISES:

Mariner of the Seas 9/19/04

Rhapsody of the Seas 11/04

Radiance of the Seas 5/05 - Alaska

 

[Sonshiner]

Wow! Thanks for the great information. What kind of charges did you have from Hertz for the one way drop off?

 

<MARQUEE> Counting down the days until our Alaskan cruise on the Vision - 8/20/04! </MARQUEE>

 

 

 

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine..."

 

 

[fajitapita]

Thanks for the great review... I'm looking forward to our cruise on the Serenade. What was the BBQ you had on the day of Hubbard Glacier? Glad you had a great trip...

 

***Nancy***

 

Song of Norway 12/79

Tropicale 12/84

Explorer of the Seas 8/3/02

Mariner of the Seas 1/4/04

 

Serenading to Alaska for our 10th anniversary!

Roll call for Serenade 8/1/04 click here

Time until our next cruise

[justcruzin85374]

Thanks for your review, 2 of my favorite things in cruising are Alaska and the Radiance!

Glad you had a good cruise, thanks for posting.

 

 

***

 

Soveriegn 92

Majesty 95

Granduer 97

Rhapsody 00

Vision 02

Radiance 03

Brilliance 04

 

 

[aloveforwander]

Sailor moon!- hey, I guess it is getting closer for you...You will love it! Glad to hear from you again!

 

Sonshiner- one way rental was $52 incl. taxes on way up, and $47 all inclusive on way down. Up- we had a new leather interior Impala and down- we had a Buick Regal. Upgrades seem pretty automatic with Hertz. Very little avail. in Economy and that is what we booked.

 

Fajita Pita- the ship had a poolside BBQ with ribs, burgers, hot dogs, and chicken with trimmings...They had it all set up outside with huge BBQ pits...It was really neat. They also had a "glacier" sale outside with pretty good prices. Lots of logo at 1/2 off.

 

Which reminds me- I always bring a coffee mug with me on cruises. This time I forgot and went crazy looking for one in Vancouver ($19 if I may add) Anyhow, don't pack one- HOLD OFF- RCCL sells beautiful Starbucks quality ones with engraved metal plate for only $8.95. They have in red, green, blue, and silver colors. They do refills with gourmet coffees for lesser price. You can find at "lattetudes". After that, you will see them everywhere!

 

*Fantasy 11/97;12/00;12/01

*MS Destiny 7/98;9/00

*Sov. of the Seas 9/98;9/99;5/00;1/04

*Majesty of the Seas 3/01;5/02

*Fascination 5/01

*Celebrity Millenium 1/02

*Navigator of Seas 11/02

*Grandeur of the Seas 5/03

*Explorer of Seas 9/03

*Disney Wonder 11/03

*Radiance of the Seas 5/04

*Jewel of the Seas 1/05

 

GOTTA LUV CRUZIN'

Jewel of the Seas

[pelletib]

We were on the week after you (June 5th-12th). What a spectacular ship. Captain Kent Ringborn is the best! He got us within 1/2 mile of Hubbard Glacier's face. We did pretty much the same tours, except in Ketchikan, DH and other traveling companion fished and myself and traveling pals wife and i did the Saxman tour and shopped like demons . The crew is awesome. We had Dimitar and Iryna in the dining room for second seating and the teamwork is fabulous. I am ready to go back. Captain Kent and his crew are 5***** and the ship is indeed a beautifil lady. Oh and Captain Kent sings. Pretty good voice.

 

Radiance of the Seas- 6/5/2004 *** Elation 11/2002

 

[Sonshiner]

LovECruiseS

 

Thanks for the Hertz info. That's not bad at all. It's definitely cheaper than the extra leg by air or the train.

 

<MARQUEE> Counting down the days until our Alaskan cruise on the Vision - 8/20/04! </MARQUEE>

 

 

 

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine..."

 

 

[dam1050]

Thanks for posting your enjoyable review. I also just love the Radiance -- have been on a couple of long haul's on her, Vancouver to Hawaii, and am doing it again in September.

 

Although I love Alaska and have sailed there 4 times, I haven't been on RCI to date to Alaska.

 

Ballantyne pier does leave a lot to be desired at the best of times. I hope you won't give up on Vancouver, or stop sailing from here just because of that ! I would think as more and more cruises depart from Seattle and San Francisco for Alaskan itineraries that eventually RCI will move it's ships to Canada Place from Ballantyne as well.

 

All the other cruise lines sail out of Canada Place which is much more "passenger friendly" and organized (as well as being in a much better location in town)

 

Dave

 

http://community.webshots.com/user/davemaclean

 

Radiance of the Seas - Vancouver to Hawaii

 

[Folgy]

OH CRAP!!

I am leaving from Ballantyne pier for my Alaskan cruise .

 

I have always departed from Canada Place with RCCL before.

 

Alaska (my BIG 50)Serenade of the Seas

 

[natesfirewife]

LovECruiseS - I'm glad you had a great time, it brings back so many happy thoughts for me!! We got within 1/16th of a mile to the Hubbard Glacier but by the time we had gotten there the fog had rolled in and we couldn't see it. Although we could hear it and it was awesome. I have pictures of it before the fog rolled in, hopefully we'll have better luck next year.

 

We took the Radiance last summer and thought she was absolutely wonderful. I am putting together a CC Group Cruise on her sister ship the Serenade for next year, 08/07/05, if anyone is interested please sign up on the link in my signature and I will get the pricing details to you next week. We are waiting for Laura Sterling to return from vacation so she can forward the pricing to me. There was a price drop yesterday so that is always a bonus!!

 

Misty

 

 

Group Cruise Info for the Serenade - Alaska - 08/07/05 - Come and Join the fun!!. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=408097554&m=877100712

 

Roll Call for the Grandeur 12/18/04. Come join us in New Orleans for the Christmas Season!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=1683059817&m=389105961&r=699105961#699105961

Serenade of the Seas / Alaska / 08-07-05

Grandeur of the Seas / W. Caribbean / 12-18-04

Vision of the Seas / Mexico / 04-04-04

Radiance of the Seas /Alaska /07-05-03

[aloveforwander]

CLICK ON LINK BELOW...

http://community.webshots.com/user/lovecruises

 

ENJOY!!!