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

[mommabean]

 

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

 

The best we could do was $8 but that was by the cruise port in Sydney. We didn't look in Melbourne or Gold Coast. The bargain food in Melbourne as well as at the train stations in Sydney were the Japanese sushi rolls. It's funny how they don't cut them up. It gives them a whole different taste.

 

Clinique and bottles of booze on the ship should still seem like a real bargain to the Aussies. I never saw people shop on board like I did in Australia. One woman was telling me how great the prices were on these little magnetic clasp bracelets - I think they were $12 so maybe they came for the normally $10 store on board. I asked her if she bought one. She said no....."I bought 7 of them. They make great Christmas gifts." No wonder RCI is sending so many ships over there. :)

 

I do know many people in Australia book through US travel agencies in US dollars at our prices. I'm not sure why everyone doesn't do it this way since it can obviously be done easily enough.

 

Gina

[mommabean]

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

 

Do they have the new large page format menu yet? A whole lot of things will be different at that point. Maybe they are so close to changing, if they haven't done so yet, that there was no reason to switch out the menu back to the US version and then switch again to the new menu.

 

Gina

[Cruising Fool]

Have been on Radiance and I am highly allergic to cigarette smoke also. I do have to warn you... that you can smell the smoke (at times) coming from the casino... almost anywhere in the Centrum. I have walked from our room on Deck 10 (casino is on Deck 6) and when I got to the centrum on Deck 10 I could even smell the cigarette smoke. Again, this does not happen all the time... but it will happen when the casino is busy. Best of luck to you. (I agree - I loved it when the Radiance was in Australia. NO SMOKING inside!)

[mommabean]

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, We booked direct with Embassy Suites through their website. We booked initially at just over $200 a night. I check prices regularly (who'd have guessed ;)) and one day the senior price was just that, $113 plus taxes of course. I rebooked and then canceled the over $200 senior price.

 

How have they changed Happy Hour? It was in the bar but we had it once in the bar there well over a decade ago. There were plenty of crunchy, munchy options and salsa. The worst Happy Hour we ever had at an Embassy Suites was in Anchorage. They give you 2 coupons per person and you have to show your ID each night no matter how old you are. You can't carry a drink back to your room. A bar server has to carry it there for you. :eek: There is no valid reason for that since you could still give the drink away after they leave - if that is even what they are worried about.

 

Gina

[mommabean]

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

 

When we've had it in the bar, I always thought it was because there was less demand. In our case, they had to be underbooked at the price we paid. I think happy hour goes back and forth. Maybe it depends on if everyone scheduled comes in to work? Over the years it has gone back and forth so it seems there is no way to predict where it will be from time to time. We had plenty of seating, inside and out.

 

Gina

[dllyon]

Do they still have the thermal suite on Radiance and how much does it cost to use for a week.

 

Thanks

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

We also stayed at the ES in FLL as others said, the bar area was jammed and not many places to sit, munchies were popcorn, chips n salsa and snack mix....we paid $550.00 for 2 nights for their transportation pkg. This was April 4 and 5....prime spring break!

 

I think there has to be better choices in FLL.

 

***

Edited May 27, 2013 by Arizona Cruz Chic

[mommabean]

Do they still have the thermal suite on Radiance and how much does it cost to use for a week.

 

Thanks

 

They have it but I have no idea of pricing.

 

Gina

[mommabean]

We also stayed at the ES in FLL as others said, the bar area was jammed and not many places to sit, munchies were popcorn, chips n salsa and snack mix....we paid $550.00 for 2 nights for their transportation pkg. This was April 4 and 5....prime spring break!

 

I think there has to be better choices in FLL.

 

***

 

I've stayed at the Holiday Inn Express that is just a little closer to the cruise port. It was an excellent stay and cheaper than the ES. They did a nice job with breakfast, they were very welcoming and hospitable, parking was free which is nice for those driving in, and wifi is free. It has the same easy access to plenty of places to eat. I wouldn't hesitate to save money by staying there.

 

Gina

[CptSticky]

Do they have the new large page format menu yet? A whole lot of things will be different at that point. Maybe they are so close to changing, if they haven't done so yet, that there was no reason to switch out the menu back to the US version and then switch again to the new menu.

 

Gina

Still the old menu.

[mommabean]

Still the old menu.

 

Has anyone said when they expect to change?

 

Gina

[truffles2]

I've stayed at the Holiday Inn Express that is just a little closer to the cruise port. It was an excellent stay and cheaper than the ES. They did a nice job with breakfast, they were very welcoming and hospitable, parking was free which is nice for those driving in, and wifi is free. It has the same easy access to plenty of places to eat. I wouldn't hesitate to save money by staying there.

 

Gina

 

Before Embassy we were staying at the Hyatt. There is nothing around the Hyatt (no shopping, restaurants) and we thought their restaurant in house was pretty pricey for what you got. Embassy is also really getting bad about rooms not being ready. gripe, gripe, gripe:D

[CVU]

Has anyone said when they expect to change?

 

Gina

We got off a week ago and thought the Head Waiter had said very soon.....we thought by that we had just missed the new menu? I guess they are still not ready.

We were not as impressed with the food this cruise, which is usually OK. A few cuts of meat were not very good.

If I don't cook it, it is fine with me!!!:D Hopefully they improve with the new menu.

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

I've stayed at the Holiday Inn Express that is just a little closer to the cruise port. It was an excellent stay and cheaper than the ES. They did a nice job with breakfast, they were very welcoming and hospitable, parking was free which is nice for those driving in, and wifi is free. It has the same easy access to plenty of places to eat. I wouldn't hesitate to save money by staying there.

 

Gina

 

Thanks Gina, I made a note for my FLL file.

 

The best thing about staying at the ES was there was a Ross Dress for Less store just caddy corner of the hotel. We needed a new suitcase, the handle broke on ours, it was a life saver.

 

***

[travelgoddess1]

I believe the new menus will be on RD beginning May 31.

[BecciBoo]

Anybody have a photo of the peekaboo glass floor window in the Crown and Anchor lounge they can post....I know I've seen it and I thought it was here but cannot find it. Someone on our roll call mentioned it and wanted to know if it was still there after dry dock.

[avalon007]

I recall reading on a post somewhere about a sort of 'hidden' space you could sit & read etc between I think the solarium & the spa on Radiance, anyone know what/where this is?

[avalon007]

Have been on Radiance and I am highly allergic to cigarette smoke also. I do have to warn you... that you can smell the smoke (at times) coming from the casino... almost anywhere in the Centrum. I have walked from our room on Deck 10 (casino is on Deck 6) and when I got to the centrum on Deck 10 I could even smell the cigarette smoke. Again, this does not happen all the time... but it will happen when the casino is busy. Best of luck to you. (I agree - I loved it when the Radiance was in Australia. NO SMOKING inside!)

 

 

Thanks, I figured this may be the case for those of us that notice such things. I will have to just do my best to avoid such spots.

 

Did you notice the smoke on deck 4 centrum or only above deck 6?

 

Did you notice the smoke at all in the pub or in the colony club where I believe there is a smoking 'area'?

 

I have been told on other threads that once Radiance leaves Hawaii for her repositioning back to Sydney that they apply Australian smoking rules?? That would make sense as it would give them 17 days to 'air out' the ship so the inside smoke smell dissipates by the time she arrives in Aus.

 

Fingers crossed this is correct as that means only 7 days in Alaska & 10 in Hawaii that I will have to avoid the smokey areas, with a week in Canada in between to give my sinuses a rest.

[CptSticky]

Thanks, I figured this may be the case for those of us that notice such things. I will have to just do my best to avoid such spots.

 

Did you notice the smoke on deck 4 centrum or only above deck 6?

 

Did you notice the smoke at all in the pub or in the colony club where I believe there is a smoking 'area'?

 

I have been told on other threads that once Radiance leaves Hawaii for her repositioning back to Sydney that they apply Australian smoking rules?? That would make sense as it would give them 17 days to 'air out' the ship so the inside smoke smell dissipates by the time she arrives in Aus.

 

Fingers crossed this is correct as that means only 7 days in Alaska & 10 in Hawaii that I will have to avoid the smokey areas, with a week in Canada in between to give my sinuses a rest.

OK, I'll bite. What are Australia smoking rules and how would they affect Radiance?

[avalon007]

OK, I'll bite. What are Australia smoking rules and how would they affect Radiance?

 

 

Hi Cpt Sticky,

 

In Australia you are not allowed in most states to smoke indoors in public places (pubs, restaurants, shops etc) or at places outdoors where people congregate for services like children' playgrounds, train stations or bus stops.

 

So whilst in Australia all RCCL ships apply our smoking laws & ban all smoking indoors on their ships, smoking is still allowed on balconies & outdoors on the starboard side as per normal.

[CptSticky]

Hi Cpt Sticky,

 

In Australia you are not allowed in most states to smoke indoors in public places (pubs, restaurants, shops etc) or at places outdoors where people congregate for services like children' playgrounds, train stations or bus stops.

 

So whilst in Australia all RCCL ships apply our smoking laws & ban all smoking indoors on their ships, smoking is still allowed on balconies & outdoors on the starboard side as per normal.

So I guess that this encludes the casino. Oh boy, this could be very bad. I hate the smoke, so that tends to keep me out of the casino. Now I have to be a good boy all by myself or else go broke! Also means that I'll probably have trouble using my balcony.

[avalon007]

So I guess that this encludes the casino. Oh boy, this could be very bad. I hate the smoke, so that tends to keep me out of the casino. Now I have to be a good boy all by myself or else go broke! Also means that I'll probably have trouble using my balcony.

 

 

Yes, it includes the casino.

 

Balcony is hit or miss for smoke I found, last Radiance cruise it was great but my Voyager hump balcony was a smoke trap as it's a more enclosed style of construction.

[Cruising Fool]

Thanks, I figured this may be the case for those of us that notice such things. I will have to just do my best to avoid such spots.

 

Did you notice the smoke on deck 4 centrum or only above deck 6?

 

Did you notice the smoke at all in the pub or in the colony club where I believe there is a smoking 'area'?

 

I have been told on other threads that once Radiance leaves Hawaii for her repositioning back to Sydney that they apply Australian smoking rules?? That would make sense as it would give them 17 days to 'air out' the ship so the inside smoke smell dissipates by the time she arrives in Aus.

 

Fingers crossed this is correct as that means only 7 days in Alaska & 10 in Hawaii that I will have to avoid the smokey areas, with a week in Canada in between to give my sinuses a rest.

 

Yes I hope you are right, that once they leave Hawaii and head to Australia, they will stop the indoor smoking. I love Australia's non-smoking rules! (Of course this is from someone who does become ill due to smoking.)

 

I wish I could have been more specific about the areas of non-smoking onboard the Radiance and which areas were worse and/or better. Unfortunately, I had another issue on this past cruise - chemicals. Last year when we were onboard Radiance I didn't have too much problems with chemicals, but this year they have changed what they are using and are now using some type of "Febreeze" type product. Not necessarily the name brand, but something of the sort. Out of our 11 day cruise, I felt good 2 days, and forced myself out of the room 4 of the 11 days. (My cabin was my sanctuary. My husband went and got me food.) I even had them put a fan outside my room to keep the smell of the chemicals and fragrance away from my room. (I always have had problems with perfume and have had issues with formal night - but this was the worse I have ever been in all of our cruising.) I can only hope for your sake that the smoke will not bother you. I would not wish my experience on anyone else. (And this is coming from someone who loves Royal Caribbean.)

 

Best of luck to you. The Radiance and crew are great. (I just wish corporate would get rid of those gosh darn harsh chemicals.)

[East Bay Skiers]

Still the old menu.

 

Has anyone said when they expect to change?

 

Gina

 

Hi All!

 

We just returned from our cruise tour in Alaska. Our Radiance cruise started May 31st and, yes, we had the new menus. I am having dental issues right now, so nothing tastes great to me... DH said food was OK. We are not as impressed with the new menus as some people are. (We've already had them several times on other ships).

 

The cruise was fantastic and the views awesome! Even though I froze most of the time (FL gal here) and I could not enjoy the beautiful corner aft balcony as much as I would have like, it was so beautiful!!!! ...... (our first time to Alaska).... The land tour was exhausting but we also enjoyed it tremendously.

[avalon007]

Yes I hope you are right, that once they leave Hawaii and head to Australia, they will stop the indoor smoking. I love Australia's non-smoking rules! (Of course this is from someone who does become ill due to smoking.)

 

I wish I could have been more specific about the areas of non-smoking onboard the Radiance and which areas were worse and/or better. Unfortunately, I had another issue on this past cruise - chemicals. Last year when we were onboard Radiance I didn't have too much problems with chemicals, but this year they have changed what they are using and are now using some type of "Febreeze" type product. Not necessarily the name brand, but something of the sort. Out of our 11 day cruise, I felt good 2 days, and forced myself out of the room 4 of the 11 days. (My cabin was my sanctuary. My husband went and got me food.) I even had them put a fan outside my room to keep the smell of the chemicals and fragrance away from my room. (I always have had problems with perfume and have had issues with formal night - but this was the worse I have ever been in all of our cruising.) I can only hope for your sake that the smoke will not bother you. I would not wish my experience on anyone else. (And this is coming from someone who loves Royal Caribbean.)

 

Best of luck to you. The Radiance and crew are great. (I just wish corporate would get rid of those gosh darn harsh chemicals.)

 

 

I understand your dilemma, people often think you are making it up as they can't 'see' the physical signs of how you feel. Sometimes certain fragrances block my sinuses instantly, but it's only if it leads to vertigo that I then have a problem that would stop me doing anything, the vertigo luckily is not severe enough to stop me most of the time, but when it is I find it often comes on me when I first wake up, so no time to take preventative measures, just head spins & nausea.:(

Funny enough I don't get sea sick, but bad vertigo sort of feels like that I would imagine.

 

But most of the time it's like having what feels like a constant head cold & that isn't exactly fun! I never travel without my stematil & sinus tablets.

 

I had this problem a bit in my 20's, then it sort of cleared for years & it has returned in my 40's.

 

I have always had a problem with a perfume called 'White Linen', someone gave it to me as a gift for my 21st birthday many years ago & I couldn't wear it & still to this day it irritates my nose if I sit near someone who has it on.

 

It odd what affects me, it's not always the strongest smells, cigar or pipe smoke for instance don't affect me to the same extent as cigarette smoke. We don't use any of those room sprays or fabric sprays, surface sprays etc in our house, the idea of those automatic air fresheners that pump out a mist every few minutes horrifies me, both for the potential irritant & the chemicals people seem happy to breath in??

 

At least the ocean air & especially swimming in sea water always helps my nose to drain, so you see I have to cruise for medicinal purposes!!:D