Radiance of the Seas.....Past - Present - Future (Continued)

[avalon007]

Hi non smoking Radiance lovers,

 

I was just reading in another thread that said on Radiance class ships the smoke smell from the casino can be smelt in the cinema, has anyone who is a non smoker found this to be the case?

 

Being Australian we are not used to smoking inside on cruise ships & RCCL respects our countries smoking policy whilst sailing out of Australia with designated outdoor areas only for smoking.

 

So, you can imagine my concern after booking our 3 almost B2B cruises for later this year to then discover that out of US ports RCCL allow smoking indoors. :(

 

I am a non smoker with a really over sensitive sinus problem (read clogged sinus from exposure to a variety of pollutants including cigarette smoke = vertigo = head spins & sometimes vomiting, even hospitalised once!)

 

I take tablets to help, but better to avoid happening at all if I can.

 

So I avoid smoking areas like the plague, and I have asked before about if smoke drift into non smoking areas is noticeable on Radiance & have been abused by some for daring to suggest this could happen.

 

So could any smoke sensitive non smokers who have been on Radiance many times give me a true account of wether or not they think this will be a problem? We will be on board for a total of 39 days.

 

Also, one of the cruises is out of Vancouver to Hawaii - any different on board smoking policy for that one?

 

I know that on Radiance I have to go through the casino at times to access parts of the ship, but if it's really bad in there I will go to another deck to bypass it.

 

Also, does the English pub get affected by the casino smoke - is there smoking allowed in the pub??

 

Thanks, appreciate any info.

[mommabean]

I've been in Radiance about 20 times. I don't go in the cinema often but I have a few times. I never noticed smoke since the pub is a large break between the areas. I don't remember noticing smoke in the pub but it was usually under utilized when I passed by so smoking may be allowed.

 

My nose tends to totally shut down when smoke gets heavy or maybe it's just certain tobacco. Sometimes I have no issue.

 

It will be easy for you to go forward in another floor and use the forward stairs to get to the cinema bypassing both the casino and the pub. I don't think you'll have a problem.

 

I admit to enjoying the mostly smoke free policies in Australia while on board. I wish they would apply this policy to all of the ships in all countries. You will have US policies in place all the way to Hawaii. Aussie policies and prices and Vegemite :) kick in between Hawaii and Sydney.

[avalon007]

I've been in Radiance about 20 times. I don't go in the cinema often but I have a few times. I never noticed smoke since the pub is a large break between the areas. I don't remember noticing smoke in the pub but it was usually under utilized when I passed by so smoking may be allowed.

 

My nose tends to totally shut down when smoke gets heavy or maybe it's just certain tobacco. Sometimes I have no issue.

 

It will be easy for you to go forward in another floor and use the forward stairs to get to the cinema bypassing both the casino and the pub. I don't think you'll have a problem.

 

I admit to enjoying the mostly smoke free policies in Australia while on board. I wish they would apply this policy to all of the ships in all countries. You will have US policies in place all the way to Hawaii. Aussie policies and prices and Vegemite :) kick in between Hawaii and Sydney.

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

Are you saying that on the repositioning cruise back to Sydney they will cease smoking indoors? I hope so, that would be great for me.

 

Coming from Singapore to Sydney Voyager didn't cease indoor smoking until the first cruise out of Sydney, so I had assumed the same would occur on the Hawaii to Sydney cruise?

 

Whereas the opposite Sydney to Hawaii does have the Australian smoking policies in place I believe.

[mommabean]

I can't be sure. But on the reverse Sydney to Hawaii cruise they operate under Australia policies right down to the menu. I am assuming from Hawaii to Sydney it would be the same since I know most prices go up as soon as they leave Hawaii to go to Sydney. The laundry bag price goes down.

[avalon007]

I can't be sure. But on the reverse Sydney to Hawaii cruise they operate under Australia policies right down to the menu. I am assuming from Hawaii to Sydney it would be the same since I know most prices go up as soon as they leave Hawaii to go to Sydney. The laundry bag price goes down.

 

 

Ok, Thanks.

 

I hope you are correct about the smoking policy - fingers crossed!:)

 

Not so good about the price hike, but we find we pay more over here for our cruises, so no surprise!

 

Although why the laundry price drops I have no idea?

[CVU]

Hawaii to Sydney was non smoking inside when we did it on the Radiance. It was wonderful.......now if the balcony could only be included too?:rolleyes:

Prices went up, we were told on the last night before leaving Hawaii B2B to buy what we wanted before the increase in price.

The menu was changed to some interesting selections.....it was the alternative side for us mostly after that.:D

 

The smoke free cruise was the best, not enough to go to Celebrity yet but it was good. Having 2 nights in the Casino- smoke free- out of 11 nights this month, doesn't seem fair to me.:confused:

[avalon007]

Hawaii to Sydney was non smoking inside when we did it on the Radiance. It was wonderful.......now if the balcony could only be included too?:rolleyes:

Prices went up, we were told on the last night before leaving Hawaii B2B to buy what we wanted before the increase in price.

The menu was changed to some interesting selections.....it was the alternative side for us mostly after that.:D

 

The smoke free cruise was the best, not enough to go to Celebrity yet but it was good. Having 2 nights in the Casino- smoke free- out of 11 nights this month, doesn't seem fair to me.:confused:

 

Hi,

 

Thanks for your reply. Good news regards the non smoking inside.

 

When did you do your Hawaii to Sydney cruise?

 

Can you explain further what went up in price exactly - ships shop products, drinks, bingo?

 

What changed on the menu that was so different? We haven't found the menu very 'Australian' on our cruises actually, even out of Australia.

I thought they had a set menu for the most part unless cruising to Asia where I have heard there is a lot of Chinese style dishes.

 

All very interesting to hear about these changes.:)

[Highlander]

Hi Dayle (CVU),

We have Honolulu to Sydney booked for September on the Radiance.

I was wondering when you did that trip in 2011 did you carry currency for the different areas (South Pacific & NZ) or were you able to use US Dollars and/or credit card.

In Sydney we are there for 4 days so we will get AUS $.

Say hi to Brian from Caroline & me

Cheers,

[mommabean]

Hi,

 

Thanks for your reply. Good news regards the non smoking inside.

 

When did you do your Hawaii to Sydney cruise?

 

Can you explain further what went up in price exactly - ships shop products, drinks, bingo?

 

What changed on the menu that was so different? We haven't found the menu very 'Australian' on our cruises actually, even out of Australia.

I thought they had a set menu for the most part unless cruising to Asia where I have heard there is a lot of Chinese style dishes.

 

All very interesting to hear about these changes.:)

 

Bijioux Turner items go up to $12 from $10. That should be no issue for Aussies since the same items are $20 in Australia at ever Bijioux Turner shop I saw there.

 

8x10 pictures go from $19.95 in the USA up to $24.95 in Australia.

 

Bag of laundry goes from $25 in the USA to $15 in Australia.

 

There is better cheese in Australia. There are Prawns on the menu. We eat Shrimp. :p Same thing, different name. Contrary to what Aussies thing, shrimp are not smaller than prawns. They come in all sizes. The ship gets what they can. Just a few menu items are different and some may be different by name only. And of course there is Vegemite available in individual serving packs.

 

Someone else may remember the details about the menu. I know a few desserts have been a little different, too.

 

The drink prices might be different only because the 15% gratuity is built into the price so as to not offend the Aussies. In the states, the 15% is added onto the bill after the price of the drink. I don't remember the price but it's less than drinks in most places in Australia. And they are free pours, not measured. I heard many Aussies ask to have less alcohol added to their drinks. But they may have been the ones with the unlimited alcohol package.

 

Gina

Edited May 27, 2013 by mommabean

[Linda41]

Hi,

 

 

What changed on the menu that was so different? We haven't found the menu very 'Australian' on our cruises actually, even out of Australia.

I thought they had a set menu for the most part unless cruising to Asia where I have heard there is a lot of Chinese style dishes.

 

All very interesting to hear about these changes.:)

 

On this cruise our menu included kangaroo, crocodile, and octupus! These choices were not chosen by many and the alternative menu was pretty much what everyone at our table had for the B2B2B--CVU (Dayle and Brian), 3 different Australian couples, and my DH and myself. The Aussies said "this is NOT what we eat!" when they saw the menu.

 

Don't know what the menu will have now, will be interesting to see! We all complained about it during the cruise.

 

Linda (and C. D.)

[avalon007]

Hi Dayle (CVU),

We have Honolulu to Sydney booked for September on the Radiance.

I was wondering when you did that trip in 2011 did you carry currency for the different areas (South Pacific & NZ) or were you able to use US Dollars and/or credit card.

In Sydney we are there for 4 days so we will get AUS $.

Say hi to Brian from Caroline & me

Cheers,

 

 

Hi George,

 

We are on the same cruise as you & I can answer that as I have sailed both the South Pacific & NZ, you can purchase local currency on the ship at terrible exchange rates, or you can exchange onshore at money changers or banks.

 

The cruise only visits Tahiti & NZ so only 2 currencies to deal with. You will need some French Pacific Francs for Tahiti although they often accept US dollars in tourist places or use your credit card. Smaller markets etc will need cash.

 

NZ dollars, you won't need a lot of cash for incidentals as we are only doing 2 stops, Wellington which I have been to before earlier this year & it can be quite inexpensive to spend the day (cable car $6NZ pp, botanic gardens & Te Papa museum are free) & Picton which is not from my understanding a place to spend much as it's more about outdoor walks etc than shopping.

 

If you pre book private tours or do ships tours then you will have even less need for lots of cash.

 

I recall a tour to some of some of the Lord of the Rings movie sites from Wellington if that interests you.

 

We will probably take about $200 NZ max with us.

 

Hope that is helpful.:)

[avalon007]

Bijioux Turner items go up to $12 from $10. That should be no issue for Aussies since the same items are $20 in Australia at ever Bijioux Turner shop I saw there.

 

8x10 pictures go from $19.95 in the USA up to $24.95 in Australia.

 

Bag of laundry goes from $25 in the USA to $15 in Australia.

 

There is better cheese in Australia. There are Prawns on the menu. We eat Shrimp. :p Same thing, different name. Contrary to what Aussies thing, shrimp are not smaller than prawns. They come in all sizes. The ship gets what they can. Just a few menu items are different and some may be different by name only. And of course there is Vegemite available in individual serving packs.

 

Someone else may remember the details about the menu. I know a few desserts have been a little different, too.

 

The drink prices might be different only because the 15% gratuity is built into the price so as to not offend the Aussies. In the states, the 15% is added onto the bill after the price of the drink. I don't remember the price but it's less than drinks in most places in Australia. And they are free pours, not measured. I heard many Aussies ask to have less alcohol added to their drinks. But they may have been the ones with the unlimited alcohol package.

 

Gina

 

 

Thanks for the run down.

 

Maybe because the Aussie dollar was higher at the time they put prices up? But it has dropped a little now, so will be interesting to see.

 

The drinks gratuity built in is all good, same price in the end & yes we Aussies like to know the price up front- I got a surprise in the US when I found the ticket price wasn't the actual price!:)

 

I also found the drinks a bit strong- I had to ask once to have it watered down, so can't say RCCL are stingy on alcohol.

 

I don't like prawns/shrimp, yes they come in all shapes & sizes regardless of the name I agree.

[avalon007]

On this cruise our menu included kangaroo, crocodile, and octupus! These choices were not chosen by many and the alternative menu was pretty much what everyone at our table had for the B2B2B--CVU (Dayle and Brian), 3 different Australian couples, and my DH and myself. The Aussies said "this is NOT what we eat!" when they saw the menu.

 

Don't know what the menu will have now, will be interesting to see! We all complained about it during the cruise.

 

Linda (and C. D.)

 

 

Hi,

 

In Australia they do have Kangaroo at some supermarkets, but in general it isn't a normal part of our diet, neither is crocodile, more a speciality restaurant type of dish unless you are going to a tourist spot in the Northern Territory or outback etc.

 

I guess all nationalities get sterotyped incorrectly at some stage, sort of like saying all Americans eat McDonalds, or that Raccoon is a common dish, or some of those other odd things they eat on that 'Duck Commander' show is normal!:D

 

Octopus - small whole ones are common at seafood restaurants in Australia, but more likely to be what we call calamari, which is the rings of octopus body only often crumbed like big onion rings.

 

On our NZ cruise earlier this year I think they offered Kangaroo once, but in general it was the usual steak, fish & chicken like on most western menus.

 

Will be fun to see the differences between our Alaskan, Hawaiian & Repositioning cruises.

[mommabean]

Thanks for the run down.

 

Maybe because the Aussie dollar was higher at the time they put prices up? But it has dropped a little now, so will be interesting to see.

 

The drinks gratuity built in is all good, same price in the end & yes we Aussies like to know the price up front- I got a surprise in the US when I found the ticket price wasn't the actual price!:)

 

I also found the drinks a bit strong- I had to ask once to have it watered down, so can't say RCCL are stingy on alcohol.

 

I don't like prawns/shrimp, yes they come in all shapes & sizes regardless of the name I agree.

 

 

I think because Aussie wages are about twice the US wages and the prices in restaurants and shops on land are also twice as high in Australia, RCI raises prices just a little to increase the profit margin. To us, it's a fortune to cruise in Australia compared to most US cruises but we continue to do it anyway and to pay 2 to 3 times more for hotels in Australia, too, just because we love the country.

 

It figures the exchange rate has just begun to switch now that we have no more trips planned down under. But really, we'd have to get $2 Aussie for $1 USA for the cost of most things to be equal. I took pictures of prices in Coles in March and asked prices of Clinique makeup in a dept. store while there this spring...your autumn. WOW!!!! And there are no $5 footlongs at Subway down under.

 

I think many Americans are like us, we want to know exactly how much the government is getting in taxes each time we buy something. Although I admit liking knowing that nothing will be added to that $350 a night hotel room in Sydney. :) But adding another 15% onto the cost of a $150 a night (or less) hotel room in the USA is still preferred by me.

 

For anyone who's stayed at the Embassy Suites in Fort Lauderdale pre-cruise, we got that room for $113 a night (plus taxes) before our Oasis cruise last week. Free breakfast, free happy hour, no free wifi. We had to pay $200 a night for that place in the 80s during trade shows. So this felt like a real bargain, especially considering the prices they are still charging for Oasis.

 

By the way, I've always wondered, do your cruise prices include the taxes in the quote? Most of our taxes are added on after the quoted price. I noticed that popular German cruise site quotes prices inclusive of taxes.

 

Gina

[avalon007]

I think because Aussie wages are about twice the US wages and the prices in restaurants and shops on land are also twice as high in Australia, RCI raises prices just a little to increase the profit margin. To us, it's a fortune to cruise in Australia compared to most US cruises but we continue to do it anyway and to pay 2 to 3 times more for hotels in Australia, too, just because we love the country.

 

It figures the exchange rate has just begun to switch now that we have no more trips planned down under. But really, we'd have to get $2 Aussie for $1 USA for the cost of most things to be equal. I took pictures of prices in Coles in March and asked prices of Clinique makeup in a dept. store while there this spring...your autumn. WOW!!!! And there are no $5 footlongs at Subway down under.

 

I think many Americans are like us, we want to know exactly how much the government is getting in taxes each time we buy something. Although I admit liking knowing that nothing will be added to that $350 a night hotel room in Sydney. :) But adding another 15% onto the cost of a $150 a night (or less) hotel room in the USA is still preferred by me.

 

For anyone who's stayed at the Embassy Suites in Fort Lauderdale pre-cruise, we got that room for $113 a night (plus taxes) before our Oasis cruise last week. Free breakfast, free happy hour, no free wifi. We had to pay $200 a night for that place in the 80s during trade shows. So this felt like a real bargain, especially considering the prices they are still charging for Oasis.

 

By the way, I've always wondered, do your cruise prices include the taxes in the quote? Most of our taxes are added on after the quoted price. I noticed that popular German cruise site quotes prices inclusive of taxes.

 

Gina

 

 

Yes, I think it's mostly RCCL just trying to make a few extra dollars & they think us Aussies won't notice, but there is always complaints on the Aust/NZ board about how the cruise lines are charging us too much.

 

Yes, our cruise prices include taxes but not gratuities of course.

 

Sydney is not a good price test as it's the most expensive city in Australia, if you get out of the cities prices are much better. However prices here will always be higher than the US, because of our higher wages as you mentioned, so for us it's all relative, but also because we live in a massive country the size approx of the US, yet we only have about 25 million people to pay for all the infrastructure etc whereas you have over 300 million.

 

When we import something like Clinique, we don't need the massive amounts they would in the US, so most likely don't get as a good a price. We just don't have the numbers to allow business to make a profit selling a lot of something cheap, if you sell less of something you have to charge more to make the same profit. So I guess Australia just doesn't buy enough in bulk compared to the US.

 

Also, our government does not subsidise things like fuel, food, farmers etc in the same way the US government does, so our prices are actually real in that they are not artificially deflated. We do get better government subsidised health care I believe than in the US, so that's a bonus.

 

I think the latest price for a foot long Subway sub is $7.:)

[CVU]

Hi Dayle (CVU),

We have Honolulu to Sydney booked for September on the Radiance.

I was wondering when you did that trip in 2011 did you carry currency for the different areas (South Pacific & NZ) or were you able to use US Dollars and/or credit card.

In Sydney we are there for 4 days so we will get AUS $.

Say hi to Brian from Caroline & me

Cheers,

Hi George & Caroline!!

I think you got the currency questions answered.

 

We did the first Radiance cruise to AU Sept. 2011 leaving from Vancouver for 63 nights. We met Linda/CD on that cruise and did not enjoy the menu very much for dinner! Lots of alternative choices and complaints about the menu.

 

Radiance ran out of food all the time too. That was frustrating!! Skim milk, cereals, yogurt etc. even a certain Beer for the Aussies!!!:eek:

 

Radiance just ran out of yogurt with fruit, about 3 days before we arrived in Vancouver!!! :eek: Also, No vanilla ice cream in the machine for the cones!

Someone can't count when ordering or something. :confused: They ran out of a few other things too and we only left Hawaii for an 11 nt cruise..........

Edited May 27, 2013 by CVU

[CptSticky]

On Radiance right now. They are still calling them prawns. Really just medium size shrimp. Guess it's all just a marketing name.

[truffles2]

For anyone who's stayed at the Embassy Suites in Fort Lauderdale pre-cruise, we got that room for $113 a night (plus taxes) before our Oasis cruise last week. Free breakfast, free happy hour, no free wifi. We had to pay $200 a night for that place in the 80s during trade shows. So this felt like a real bargain, especially considering the prices they are still charging for Oasis.

 

Gina

 

 

Gina,

Did you book directly with Embassy Suites or did you do a bidding thing? or was it just the rate for this time of year? We usually have to pay about $200 there, so that is a real steal. Don't like the way they have changed the happy hour tho so we may look elsewhere next time.

Thanks in advance for info.

Barb

[travelgoddess1]

Gina,

Did you book directly with Embassy Suites or did you do a bidding thing? or was it just the rate for this time of year? We usually have to pay about $200 there, so that is a real steal. Don't like the way they have changed the happy hour tho so we may look elsewhere next time.

Thanks in advance for info.

Barb

 

Barb, how has it changed? We were there in March and didn't notice any difference. We also pay a out what you mentioned, although it was a bit more in March, because of spring break.

[truffles2]

Karen,

The last two or three times we have stayed there the "cocktail event" has been in the area by the bar. There is not much in the way of seating there--especially for the size crowd it draws. When we first started staying there, the event was held in the big open area with all the tables and chairs--where they serve the breakfast. Liked it much better there. Also, they would have several drink stations ....wine station plus several bartenders. It was quick and easy and pleasant vs standing in line and then searching for a place to sit.

Barb

[Highlander]

We got 3 rooms at the Embassy Suites for $60 + tax ($70 total each)

for a post cruise stay Mar 10th after being on the Allure, however one of our friends

had to pay $75 + tax for the next night. Both of these were done through Priceline.

Cheers,

[travelgoddess1]

Karen,

The last two or three times we have stayed there the "cocktail event" has been in the area by the bar. There is not much in the way of seating there--especially for the size crowd it draws. When we first started staying there, the event was held in the big open area with all the tables and chairs--where they serve the breakfast. Liked it much better there. Also, they would have several drink stations ....wine station plus several bartenders. It was quick and easy and pleasant vs standing in line and then searching for a place to sit.

Barb

 

We got 3 rooms at the Embassy Suites for $60 + tax ($70 total each)

for a post cruise stay Mar 10th after being on the Allure, however one of our friends

had to pay $75 + tax for the next night. Both of these were done through Priceline.

Cheers,

 

George, thanks for this information. I did notice a change of venue, but it wasn't crowded when we were there.

 

Did you have to blind bid on Priceline, or was that their listed price at the time?

Edited May 27, 2013 by travelgoddess1

[Highlander]

Hi Julie & Peter (Avalon007), Dayle & Brian (CVU),

 

Thanks for the information.

We have arranged excursions for Bora Bora, Papeete

& Moorea as well as Picton so I will probably just use

my C/C there for miscellaneous stuff.

Not sure what we are doing in Wellington yet so I might have

to go to the bank or exchange centre if I need local money.

Cheers,

Edited May 27, 2013 by Highlander

[Highlander]

Hi Karen,

 

Yes, we had to blind bid so I tried over a number of days for a 3 1/2 star

in Fort Lauderdale area and finally that one came up.

Even the clerk at check-in commented on the great price.

In the evening we got there early and had a table outside for the 6 of us.

There was a line-up for drinks at the bar though. Even if you had to pay $100

it still a great price especially with full breakfast and cocktail hour in the evening.

Cheers,

Edited May 27, 2013 by Highlander

[travelgoddess1]

Hi Karen,

 

Yes, we had to blind bid so I tried over a number of days for a 3 1/2 star

in Fort Lauderdale area and finally that one came up.

Even the clerk at check-in commented on the great price.

In the evening we got there early and had a table outside for the 6 of us.

There was a line-up for drinks at the bar though. Even if you had to pay $100

it still a great price especially with full breakfast and cocktail hour in the evening.

Cheers,

 

Yes, George, I agree! Congratulations on getting a good price. ES is a good, solid property everywhere we've stayed. :)