Radiance/Alaska Questions

[FLfamilyof4]

We've been on several Caribbean cruises and feel the time may be right for an Alaskan cruise. We are myself, DH, DD-13 at cruise time and DS-12 at cruise time in June 06. DD & DS like cruises as well as and the interaction with other kids--especially now that they are at that age when parents just aren't cool (unless they need or want something, LOL!) I have researched the boards here as to not duplicate too much. Would really appreciate your input and expertise!

 

Will DD & DS enjoy this cruise or will there not be many kids their age to socialize with? What about if we also do the land portion? (not sure which itinerary just yet)

 

Am I correct that the preferred side of the ship for balcony/suites would be port for southbound and starboard for northbound for viewing the glacier and coastline from our room if we choose?

 

Still undecided about cabin category but no lower than D1. Is concierge worth it and why?

 

Which suite is better Grand or Owners? One is larger and the other has larger balcony?! Can't decide?

 

Or should we spring for Royal Family Suite? Cabin 8668 is available... Has anyone stayed there? What is the balcony like?

 

Would you recommend purchasing airfare on our own or through RCI and why?

 

Any other helpful hints, suggestions, etc. are greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks so very much in advance for your time.

[barbyma]

I can only answer a few of your questions.

 

Your kids will have a great time. We saw many kids of various ages, but not so many that they were out of control. The younger teens really seemed to have "bonded" during the trip.

 

I don't know what your kids' interests are, but my younger ones enjoyed the musher's camp & whale-watching.

 

If you can, I'd recommend booking at least a JS. We loved our E1, but our kids were only 4 & 7. IMO even a D1 would be too small for bigger kids to share with parents. But whatever you do, don't go for the Family Oceanview; you really need a balcony in Alaska! As far as which side, they do a pretty good job of ensuring that both sides get views of the glaciers and such, but do try to book on whichever is the land-facing side.

 

Barb

[Mr_Cruise]

We've been on several Caribbean cruises and feel the time may be right for an Alaskan cruise. We are myself, DH, DD-13 at cruise time and DS-12 at cruise time in June 06. DD & DS like cruises as well as and the interaction with other kids--especially now that they are at that age when parents just aren't cool (unless they need or want something, LOL!) I have researched the boards here as to not duplicate too much. Would really appreciate your input and expertise!

I'm an agent for an online agency specializing in Alaskan cruises. I declare this so that you are aware that my opinions may be biased, but they are well informed.

Will DD & DS enjoy this cruise or will there not be many kids their age to socialize with? What about if we also do the land portion? (not sure which itinerary just yet)

On my last Alaskan cruise 1/3 of the passengers (Diamond Princess) were 17 years of age or under. There's plenty to keep them interested, a lot of others in their age group, and the Radiance' design lends itself much better to the active youth on board. (rock climbing wall etc.).

 

If it's within your means, do the cruisetour. RCI and CEL have great cruisetours. The land portion is 100% escorted, so you have the same driver and tour conductor throughout the duration. The properties utilized are some of the best in the state, especially the Alyeska Prince. Their glass domed train cars are far and above the nicest, and their coaches are also far superior to other lines. Select a land tour option that includes the full Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali, not the partial Natural History Tour. Also maximize the amount of time spent on rail transfers as opposed to coach, and time in the park areas as opposed to urban.

Am I correct that the preferred side of the ship for balcony/suites would be port for southbound and starboard for northbound for viewing the glacier and coastline from our room if we choose?

Myth. The majority of the route is within the inside passage, the ship travels through passages amongst numerous islands and the view is spectacular both sides. While cruising the glacier areas, it will literrally cruise around in circles giving every passenger optimal opportunity for taking in the best view from the comfort of their accommodations.

Still undecided about cabin category but no lower than D1. Is concierge worth it and why?

Personal preference. That's your call, I never use it but that's just me.

Which suite is better Grand or Owners? One is larger and the other has larger balcony?! Can't decide?

Either are fine, ... depends though, in cooler weather will you be just as apt to sit out on the balcony as you were in other more exotic destinations? If not, pick the one with more space inside.

Or should we spring for Royal Family Suite? Cabin 8668 is available... Has anyone stayed there? What is the balcony like?

As you can see by the deck plan, it has a coveted aft view. I personally prefer this to mid-ship. ...then there are those that must have the most midship for easiest access to all areas on board as well as the smoothest ride. I don't mind the walk when I get a view like that.

Would you recommend purchasing airfare on our own or through RCI and why?

It's usually better priced through the cruise lines for a directional Alaskan cruise. Otherwise you are essentially booking two one way flights. Accepting RCI's air program gives you peace of mind, it's fairly seamless and you don't have to worry about anything. I advise to only book your own flights for a directional Alaskan cruise if you can get them free with points. The downside is not knowing the itinerary until close to sailing, unless a deviation is made and paid for.

Any other helpful hints, suggestions, etc. are greatly appreciated!

Book with me! ...Just kidding. I don't/won't use these boards to secure clients, only to read and post like every other respectable TA.

Thanks so very much in advance for your time.

You're welcome.

[FLfamilyof4]

Wow, thanks barbyma and Mr Cruise (is that you, Tom?). Lots of great info all ready! I know there are lots of experienced Alaskan cruisers roaming these parts...anyone else want to chime in? Thanks!

[FLfamilyof4]

Bump

[franma]

Have you checked Ports of Call board for Alaska? Lots of info. there. Some conflicting and confusing, but you can learn a lot. I did and we're starting to plan ours for next June.

[karenkr]

My husband and I sailed the inside passage on the Radiance for our 25th wedding anniversary 4 years ago. With all the glass, it was the perfect ship to see Alaska.

 

We told each other several times that we wish we had brought our kids. I was really surprised to see so many children of all ages on board. The only excursions we took were the whale watching and the White Pass railroad, again we saw children of all ages, all looking like they were having a great time.

 

Next year for our 3oth anniversary, we are headed for Alaska again. This time with kids on the Serenade. Can't hardly wait!

[bettyvon]

Sorry if this is a repeat post, I don't think my last reply posted....

 

We were on the Radiance last July with our kids, ages 9 & 14. After several warm-weather tropical cruises, the kids were definitely NOT excited about an Alaskan cruise. It turned out to be a fantastic vacation for them! There were plenty of other kids for them to meet, they thought the scenery was beautiful and the glaciers awesome. We did a helicopter glacier tour which they still talk about. They just have to realize that if they spend time on deck or opt to go swimming, it can be chilly!

 

We were in an owner's suite, great to have the extra room to move around in. We find that we spend down-time in the afternoons hanging out and relaxing in the room, so we like the extra square footage. I think you can only book 5 or more to a family suite, but check with RCI.

 

Enjoy.

[obxlover]

We did our first Alaska cruise on Radiance on June 25th. My kids are older, 18 and 15 and they were not thrilled about going somewhere cold. We have been on 5 previous cruises all to the Caribbean. BUT they ended up having a great time!! They are glad they went, the scenery alone is breathtaking. In the afternoons we spent time on our balcony with our binoculars. My kids are not into nature, but they loved what they saw. We ended up getting a balcony (D1) and the kids were across the hall in an inside cabin. It worked perfect. We also went fishing in Ketchikan with Ken from Northern Lights Charters. http://www.ketchikanfishing.net/index.html

It was one of our highlights, each one of us caught a huge salmon (we had them processed and delivered home). It was the best time. I hope to go back one day!

[FLfamilyof4]

Thank you all for the personal testimonials!

DD and DS are interested in Alaska and nature (animals, glaciers) so that will help them have an enjoyable experience. We get to have warm weather and swim in our own pool almost year round so a break from the heat and high humidity of June in Florida will be welcome.

I've read about several families booking a balcony and an inside across the hall for the kids to sleep in. Did you feel strange at all about your kids being across the hall? It's not exactly like they are just in their own room at home. It's a great suggestion.

We like the extra space of a suite to lounge around in too during down-time. According to a RCI rep, it is indeed true that a minimum of 5 must be in the RFS. However, some glitch on their website allowed me to put a courtesy hold on it with only 4 guests. Maybe that's a sign?!