Radiance of the Seas- WOW!

[clemsongal]

Just got back from the July 8 sailing.....what a great ship! Now I know what all you people were raving about! Had perfect weather......no rain, cold at Hubbard glacier but that was about it.....every day was beautiful! One woman had sailed on the Radiance 28 times!

 

Favorite part was the train to Denali after the cruise and the whale watching.....don't book that excursion through the ship! Go on tripadvisor.com and read the review for Capt. Jack's Adventure in Alaska! We saw so many whales, and there were only 8 of us; Capt. Jack is a retired Coast Guard captain and he was terrific!

[la_croisiere_s'amuse]

Just got back from the July 8 sailing.....what a great ship! Now I know what all you people were raving about!

 

Huzzah! I'm glad you enjoyed your experience, I really think every cruiser should do Alaska at least once. :)

[Oscar_the_Grouch's_Sis]

Could you write a little more of a review ... I would really appreciate it! (will be sailing soon :D)

[PH8]

Alaska is so magnificent,isnt it??

[Rockfordcruiser]

Alaska is so magnificent,isnt it??

 

20 days....I'll let ya know...:D

[PH8]

20 days....I'll let ya know...:D

Oh I already know it is........have fun on your cruise......hope you dont run into any "blizzards";););)

[ejeffo]

I agree with you on all counts! I just got back from Alaska too, but I went on the Carnival Spirit. It is a nice ship, but she or her staff don't hold a candle to the Radiance. Looking forward to my return to RCI ships.

 

Alaska was fantastic!

[music]

I checked his web site, there is no info on cost. Did you email him for the info?

[Bridge Maven]

Just got back from the July 8 sailing.....what a great ship! Now I know what all you people were raving about! Had perfect weather......no rain, cold at Hubbard glacier but that was about it.....every day was beautiful! One woman had sailed on the Radiance 28 times!

 

Favorite part was the train to Denali after the cruise and the whale watching.....don't book that excursion through the ship! Go on tripadvisor.com and read the review for Capt. Jack's Adventure in Alaska! We saw so many whales, and there were only 8 of us; Capt. Jack is a retired Coast Guard captain and he was terrific!

 

clemsongal, what is wrong with "that excursion through the ship". We booked our whale watching boat tour in Icy Strait Point through the cruise line and it was incredible. I have so many great photos of whales that I took during that shore excursion!

[RenieRaider]

I have to wait a YEAR to get on her! This is one of my favorite Class of ship.

 

Clemsongal~

How was the Movies under the Stars? What was playing? Did they serve popcorn?

The Park Cafe..... is it really in the Solarium? Was it warm in there?

Did they take the Indoor Movie Cinema out? I liked that.

Is there still a sports bar outside the Casino?

Formal Night. Wre most people dressed formal (dressy) in the Main Dining Room?

Who was the Cruise Director? Any good headliners?

One more question... any luck in the Casino. ;-)

[Bridge Maven]

I have to wait a YEAR to get on her! This is one of my favorite Class of ship.

 

Clemsongal~

How was the Movies under the Stars? What was playing? Did they serve popcorn?

The Park Cafe..... is it really in the Solarium? Was it warm in there?

Did they take the Indoor Movie Cinema out? I liked that.

Is there still a sports bar outside the Casino?

Formal Night. Wre most people dressed formal (dressy) in the Main Dining Room?

Who was the Cruise Director? Any good headliners?

One more question... any luck in the Casino. ;-)

 

RenieRaider, I can answer your questions.

 

No popcorn

They showed movies in both places

The Park Cafe was very comfortable

Most men wore suits or sports jackets

Most women wore dressy pants and tops

Cruise Director was Keith

Entertainment was good, but no one famous

[cruisecrasy]

Clemsongal

 

I wld really appreciate knowing what the floor was like in the Dog House area just outside the Windjammer - solid flooring or carpet?

Am considering booking an OS below there and am concerned esp about the carts on a hard floor late eve & early mornings.

 

Was there anything done to the Windjammer area also?

 

Didd u happen to view the new 2 bedroom Family Suite where the Concierge Lounge used to be on Deck 10 beside the elevator or view the new CL on Deck 11 or 12? and the Diamonds+ Lounge also?

 

How loud was the Movie Under The Stars in your opinion? Concerned cause already paid for a GS in the vicinity but 1 deck below - if the screen is located center of the ship by elevator area on the pool deck and since they installed a huge movie screen there I presume thats where it is? :)

 

Thanks in advance for any information :)

[CoronaCRZR]

I'm pretty sure the floor in the dog house was tiled, not sure about how that sounds one floor below it.

 

The windjammer area was untouched, other than Izumis & Rita's Cantina taking up space in the upper part of it.

 

I did go into the new CL as I stayed in a GS (1534). The CL is really nice and in my opinion the best CL I have seen on any RCI ship. They even have an outside seating area. Also Juan was an excellent concierge, with Beresford being an even better bartender.

 

I also checked out the Diamond lounge, but was less impressed with that venue mainly due to the fact that the walls they put up are much like tall office space dividers, and the room is shared with the Starquest lounge, so you can hear the music and talking from there inside the DL.

 

I found the sound of the outside screen rather loud. I was there only during the day eating some food from the WJ and they played a couple of movies, and very few people were paying attention.I found it to be annoying having to listen to movie dialog while trying to have a conversation with a friend. Yes it is located near the center of the ship, but you will not hear any sound once you enter the ship.

 

 

Ted

[Pichu21]

Alaska! Pheeww! That's on my bucket list. Hopefully in the next few years! :D But living in Florida, the "Getting There" part has become a bit of a road block.:(

[chuckiesgirl]

I'm pretty sure the floor in the dog house was tiled, not sure about how that sounds one floor below it.

 

The windjammer area was untouched, other than Izumis & Rita's Cantina taking up space in the upper part of it.

 

I did go into the new CL as I stayed in a GS (1534). The CL is really nice and in my opinion the best CL I have seen on any RCI ship. They even have an outside seating area. Also Juan was an excellent concierge, with Beresford being an even better bartender.

 

I also checked out the Diamond lounge, but was less impressed with that venue mainly due to the fact that the walls they put up are much like tall office space dividers, and the room is shared with the Starquest lounge, so you can hear the music and talking from there inside the DL.

 

I found the sound of the outside screen rather loud. I was there only during the day eating some food from the WJ and they played a couple of movies, and very few people were paying attention.I found it to be annoying having to listen to movie dialog while trying to have a conversation with a friend. Yes it is located near the center of the ship, but you will not hear any sound once you enter the ship.

 

 

Ted

 

I tried to find you in the CL with no luck! I feel the same way about the DL felt like we were in a cubical... its a shame because we love Reyno. Juan and Beresford were the best! Truly a trip of a lifetime! Capt. Sindre is amazing. If you come back complaining about this trip god bless you.... Glad you had a great time!

[cruisecrasy]

I'm pretty sure the floor in the dog house was tiled, not sure about how that sounds one floor below it.

 

The windjammer area was untouched, other than Izumis & Rita's Cantina taking up space in the upper part of it.

 

I did go into the new CL as I stayed in a GS (1534). The CL is really nice and in my opinion the best CL I have seen on any RCI ship. They even have an outside seating area. Also Juan was an excellent concierge, with Beresford being an even better bartender.

 

I also checked out the Diamond lounge, but was less impressed with that venue mainly due to the fact that the walls they put up are much like tall office space dividers, and the room is shared with the Starquest lounge, so you can hear the music and talking from there inside the DL.

 

I found the sound of the outside screen rather loud. I was there only during the day eating some food from the WJ and they played a couple of movies, and very few people were paying attention.I found it to be annoying having to listen to movie dialog while trying to have a conversation with a friend. Yes it is located near the center of the ship, but you will not hear any sound once you enter the ship.

 

Ted

 

Most grateful for all this info - just what I was hoping for.

May I beg your indulgence and ask a couple more questions please -

Wld like to know about your dining experiences - in the MDR, Windjammer and the specialty restaurants - especially Giovannis Table, Chops & the Samba Grill..

Have heard 'bad' things about Ritas Cantina food (except for a lunch of chips/salsa & frozen Margaritas and the buffet thing they have there twice per cruise?

Still serving drinks in the CL early evening?

What was the breakfast like & the coffee in the CL? Any fresh squeezed OJ available or are they charging for that now? Still have the French Press available in the GSs like I had a couple of yrs ago?

 

Glad u had a good time on your cruise and enjoyed the new CL...I sure am looking forward to our trip in Sept to Hawaii out of Vancouver, Canada.

Ahhh how slow the hrs go when one is waiting...:D

 

Many, many thanks in advance for any more info u care to share with me and dozens of others of course :D and have great future cruisin'! :)

[rascalious]

Leaving tomorrow for a 12 night Cruisetour! Radiance here we come!

[mommabean]

I'm pretty sure the floor in the dog house was tiled, not sure about how that sounds one floor below it.

 

The windjammer area was untouched, other than Izumis & Rita's Cantina taking up space in the upper part of it.

 

I did go into the new CL as I stayed in a GS (1534). The CL is really nice and in my opinion the best CL I have seen on any RCI ship. They even have an outside seating area. Also Juan was an excellent concierge, with Beresford being an even better bartender.

 

I also checked out the Diamond lounge, but was less impressed with that venue mainly due to the fact that the walls they put up are much like tall office space dividers, and the room is shared with the Starquest lounge, so you can hear the music and talking from there inside the DL.

 

I found the sound of the outside screen rather loud. I was there only during the day eating some food from the WJ and they played a couple of movies, and very few people were paying attention.I found it to be annoying having to listen to movie dialog while trying to have a conversation with a friend. Yes it is located near the center of the ship, but you will not hear any sound once you enter the ship.

 

 

Ted

 

Thanks for this info. I had been wondering where Beresford ended up. I never dreamed he'd get to keep his bar and would be in the new CL. I assumed bartenders would be rotated through that lounge. Or is this not his permanent assignment? Tell me he's staying. It will be great to have Beresford and Juan Diego in the same room.

 

Gina

[CoronaCRZR]

I tried to find you in the CL with no luck! I feel the same way about the DL felt like we were in a cubical... its a shame because we love Reyno. Juan and Beresford were the best! Truly a trip of a lifetime! Capt. Sindre is amazing. If you come back complaining about this trip god bless you.... Glad you had a great time!

 

 

Kristin,

yes I am sorry we missed each other as well.

we were in the CL almost each nite, and I'm sure you were there as well.

This was a great cruise on a great ship. Defenitely will do this one again.

 

Ted

[Bridge Maven]

Leaving tomorrow for a 12 night Cruisetour! Radiance here we come!

 

Have a wonderful vacation! Which land tour are you taking? We took the one that included Anchorage, Denali, Talkeetna, and Alyska.

[rascalious]

Have a wonderful vacation! Which land tour are you taking? We took the one that included Anchorage, Denali, Talkeetna, and Alyska.

Number 12 (pre-cruise 5 night land tour) Anchorage, Talkeetna, 2 nights Denali, Fairbanks, back to Anchorage and on to Seward for the cruise.

[CoronaCRZR]

Most grateful for all this info - just what I was hoping for.

May I beg your indulgence and ask a couple more questions please -

Wld like to know about your dining experiences - in the MDR, Windjammer and the specialty restaurants - especially Giovannis Table, Chops & the Samba Grill..

Have heard 'bad' things about Ritas Cantina food (except for a lunch of chips/salsa & frozen Margaritas and the buffet thing they have there twice per cruise?

Still serving drinks in the CL early evening?

What was the breakfast like & the coffee in the CL? Any fresh squeezed OJ available or are they charging for that now? Still have the French Press available in the GSs like I had a couple of yrs ago?

 

Glad u had a good time on your cruise and enjoyed the new CL...I sure am looking forward to our trip in Sept to Hawaii out of Vancouver, Canada.

Ahhh how slow the hrs go when one is waiting...:D

 

Many, many thanks in advance for any more info u care to share with me and dozens of others of course :D and have great future cruisin'! :)

 

 

Well the MDR is what it is, unfortunately they do not seem to change the menu ever, and eventhough I have nothing bad to say about the quality and or service of the food, I personally would have like to see some different menu items. But again the food was fine and the Cascade dining room is a very nice setting.

 

As far as the other venues, we tried Giovanni's table, Chops & Samba grill.

 

Giovanni's we visited by doing the mystery theater, and the menu during this event was fixed and offered a couple of dishes. I took the filet (I am a steak/meat lover) and it was excellent.

 

Samba grill was a bit disappointing to us. First of all the venue is on Deck 12 towards the back of the boat and the only way to get there is to cross over outside, which ruins anybody's hair to the point they look like they just woke up, and there are no bathrooms inside.

The room itself is very nicely set up and cozy, with windows giving you a beautiful view of the scenery passing by.

The food: We found the salad bar quite nice and had a large selection of quality items to choose from. In Samba grill, the highlite is the 6 meats being offered during your dinner served tableside on a skewer.

This is where I have a slight problem.... all the meats were pretty dry for us and seem to have been overcooked.

I think the problem is that they cut you off a piece of a large chunk of meat, then return that back into the oven to be served to the next guest.

I am only assuming this, but I spoke to other people who had the same experience. So for us this was not what I expected, but the service was beyond great.

 

Been to Chops many times before, and again this was a great dinning option, great starters, main courses and desserts. A place to go eat !!

 

Windjammer for us always has great selections and the food again this time was great.

I did not try the dog house, but I heard the dogs were fine. Some people would have loved to see chili as a topping but was not there.

 

Did not try Rita's Cantina, nor Izumis

 

Yes they still serve drinks in the CL each nite from 5 till 8PM.

Juan Diego is a GREAT concierge, and Beresford will make you a wonderful drink with a smile. (boy I miss him....).

I have tried many CL's on other ships, but this one was the best in service and ambience.

We never went to the CL in the morning as we had breakfast delivered to the room each day to enjoy on our balcony.

 

Did not see a french press in the GS (perhaps that's only in the OS).

We had a regular coffee machine, but did not use it.

 

I'm sure you will have a fabulous trip.... enjoy

 

Ted

[CoronaCRZR]

Thanks for this info. I had been wondering where Beresford ended up. I never dreamed he'd get to keep his bar and would be in the new CL. I assumed bartenders would be rotated through that lounge. Or is this not his permanent assignment? Tell me he's staying. It will be great to have Beresford and Juan Diego in the same room.

 

Gina

 

 

Gina,

 

I talked with Beresford & Juan, and they are both staying on to go off to Australia.

I think Juan, will have a vacation coming up, but will return to Radiance prior to Australia

 

Ted

[Bridge Maven]

Number 12 (pre-cruise 5 night land tour) Anchorage, Talkeetna, 2 nights Denali, Fairbanks, back to Anchorage and on to Seward for the cruise.

 

 

That is a nice itinerary. We, also, took ours pre cruise and are glad we did because the land portion is somewhat exhausting, but then you get to relax on the cruise :)

[mommabean]

Gina,

 

I talked with Beresford & Juan, and they are both staying on to go off to Australia.

I think Juan, will have a vacation coming up, but will return to Radiance prior to Australia

 

Ted

 

I didn't realize it is so late in the month already. I knew Juan Diego would be gone for a month from around now until the end of August. I can't ever remember exact dates though.

 

I just assumed the bartenders would rotate through the concierge lounge as they have in the past. Are you saying that Beresford is in the concierge lounge permanently? (when he's on the ship. :) )

 

Gina