First time cruiser - leaving in 10 days, am I forgetting anything/what else should I know?

[GCS2000]

First timers here and getting ready to leave for Alaska in 10 days (fly out in 8).  Really can't wait to get on this vacation.  I have spent a lot of time on this forum and others researching and making sure we are prepared for the trip as we just want to be able to relax and have a great time and not worry about things.

 

- Cruise has been booked for over a year and paid off early.  In a Jr. Suite on Radiance.  Cabin is under Izumi.  Would love to Royal Up but an extra 1k for Grand Suite just doesn't seem worth it.

- We have already bought the refreshment package (we are not drinkers) and voom surf and stream for 2 devices.

- Excursions are all booked directly and not through Royal, all plans/meeting points/times etc have been verified as of today

- We are fully checked in, luggage tags printed, documents uploaded, have print outs of everything as well (will do the same for the test results) and have emed tests at home ready to take on video call on 9/14 (we disembark in Canada so still have to do this)

- We are flying out to Anchorage 2 days prior to the cruise to avoid any airline related issues (hopefully none) and have a shuttle scheduled for cruise day to go from there to Seward.  We have a late check in time due to the shuttle service timing but still there several hours before departure (about 4-5 hours before) so we should be good there.

 

I am just following through on things we should or shouldn't do once we get there/on the trip.  Please feel free to comment or add on with suggestions for us since this is all new.

 

First day things (as I have read elsewhere)

Once we arrive at port and check in with our paper documents (back up will be on our phones) we should then take care of doing the muster and safety drills first.

 

After that I assume we should get on the ships wifi so we can look at shows etc and book reservations for those as we see fit.  We are not doing any specialty restaurants and have a fixed dining time of 7:45pm each night (all that was available when we booked, no other choice) so nothing to book there.

 

As I understand things once on board and away from port we should turn on airplane mode and turn wifi back on for our phones.  We have a Verizon and live in the US and as I have verified we do not have domestic roaming fees with our VZW plan and do not need a travel plan either.  Anything else we should do here?

 

We should also avoid guest services at all costs on the first day and maybe the second since they will be flooded with people.  Shouldn't need them unless we have a real problem of course.

 

Additionally we plan to hit the MDR right away to find out where our table will be as to avoid standing in line to be escorted (yes I read the whole big post on this topic and while it may seem to upset some passengers i.e. bypassing the line it seems to make a lot of sense to know where you are sitting and avoid unnecessary delays for meals)

 

Post first day - sit back relax and enjoy the next 7 days.  Most importantly have fun!!

- Are there any must see shows or things to do on Radiance (and yes I know this is a smaller ship with less activities than the other ships but this was the cruise that fit our schedule best)

 

2 days before cruise ends we will need to complete the ArriveCAN form.  I have already installed the app and set up an account with them.  I put in as much info as the system would allow me to at this point.  The rest needs to be done as we get closer to Canada on the app.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this and comment if you like.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Wrunkles]

Have a great time!!  Sounds like you are all ready!  RC will send you a survey at the end.  We always like to keep a note on our phone of things we want to include...any names of people that we came in contact with that we want to acknowledge or any other suggestion/positive remarks about the sailing.  This way we don't forget anything.  

[Kellie in Texas]

I didn't see this in your post but make sure you keep with you -- in other words, not in a bag that's being checked with a porter -- your passport and other important documents, medications, and any valuables (like fancy camera, etc.) You will not get your checked bags until later in the day or early evening.

[Airbear232]

1 hour ago, GCS2000 said:

First timers here and getting ready to leave for Alaska in 10 days (fly out in 8).  Really can't wait to get on this vacation.  I have spent a lot of time on this forum and others researching and making sure we are prepared for the trip as we just want to be able to relax and have a great time and not worry about things.

 

- Cruise has been booked for over a year and paid off early.  In a Jr. Suite on Radiance.  Cabin is under Izumi.  Would love to Royal Up but an extra 1k for Grand Suite just doesn't seem worth it.

- We have already bought the refreshment package (we are not drinkers) and voom surf and stream for 2 devices.

- Excursions are all booked directly and not through Royal, all plans/meeting points/times etc have been verified as of today

- We are fully checked in, luggage tags printed, documents uploaded, have print outs of everything as well (will do the same for the test results) and have emed tests at home ready to take on video call on 9/14 (we disembark in Canada so still have to do this)

- We are flying out to Anchorage 2 days prior to the cruise to avoid any airline related issues (hopefully none) and have a shuttle scheduled for cruise day to go from there to Seward.  We have a late check in time due to the shuttle service timing but still there several hours before departure (about 4-5 hours before) so we should be good there.

 

I am just following through on things we should or shouldn't do once we get there/on the trip.  Please feel free to comment or add on with suggestions for us since this is all new.

 

First day things (as I have read elsewhere)

Once we arrive at port and check in with our paper documents (back up will be on our phones) we should then take care of doing the muster and safety drills first.

 

After that I assume we should get on the ships wifi so we can look at shows etc and book reservations for those as we see fit.  We are not doing any specialty restaurants and have a fixed dining time of 7:45pm each night (all that was available when we booked, no other choice) so nothing to book there.

 

As I understand things once on board and away from port we should turn on airplane mode and turn wifi back on for our phones.  We have a Verizon and live in the US and as I have verified we do not have domestic roaming fees with our VZW plan and do not need a travel plan either.  Anything else we should do here?

 

We should also avoid guest services at all costs on the first day and maybe the second since they will be flooded with people.  Shouldn't need them unless we have a real problem of course.

 

Additionally we plan to hit the MDR right away to find out where our table will be as to avoid standing in line to be escorted (yes I read the whole big post on this topic and while it may seem to upset some passengers i.e. bypassing the line it seems to make a lot of sense to know where you are sitting and avoid unnecessary delays for meals)

 

Post first day - sit back relax and enjoy the next 7 days.  Most importantly have fun!!

- Are there any must see shows or things to do on Radiance (and yes I know this is a smaller ship with less activities than the other ships but this was the cruise that fit our schedule best)

 

2 days before cruise ends we will need to complete the ArriveCAN form.  I have already installed the app and set up an account with them.  I put in as much info as the system would allow me to at this point.  The rest needs to be done as we get closer to Canada on the app.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this and comment if you like.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You’re better prepared than most!  Have a great trip!

[GCS2000]

9 minutes ago, Kellie in Texas said:

I didn't see this in your post but make sure you keep with you -- in other words, not in a bag that's being checked with a porter -- your passport and other important documents, medications, and any valuables (like fancy camera, etc.) You will not get your checked bags until later in the day or early evening.

 

Thanks for this.  We will each have a small backpack with those important items in it that stays with us at all times.

 

[Jerseygirl1416]

Sounds like you’ve done a great job planning. Have a wonderful cruise!  Bon Voyage 🛳

[CFLRetired]

Have a great time.

[rudeney]

2 hours ago, GCS2000 said:

2 days before cruise ends we will need to complete the ArriveCAN form.  I have already installed the app and set up an account with them.  I put in as much info as the system would allow me to at this point.  The rest needs to be done as we get closer to Canada on the app.

 

 

So with ArriveCAN, you setup an account and added profiles for both (or all ) of you?  And you scanned in your COVID vaccine cards and your passports (or DL+BC)?  Yep, that's all you can for now.  Sometime between 3 days before boarding and right before boarding, you need to complete ArriveCAN with you prot ino (it will be the first Canadian port you enter - they have a lookup tool in app) and answer all the questions.  Have that and you negative COVID test taken 2 days before boarding ready at the terminal and you're good to go. 

 

Note that no one may ever ask for your ArriveCAN QR code, but I would print it out on hardcopy "just in case" you are asked or God forbid your phone (or the app) breaks.  I actually do this with my Set-Sail Pass, too.  I have a fear of being "that guy" holding up the line because my phone died!

[George C]

Congratulations, I think this is a good ship for a first cruise, I would consider at least one specialty restaurant, or if there is a deal all 3. I agree other than a nicer cabin grand suite doesn’t buy you much I this class because you are not a drinker . 

[GCS2000]

1 hour ago, George C said:

Congratulations, I think this is a good ship for a first cruise, I would consider at least one specialty restaurant, or if there is a deal all 3. I agree other than a nicer cabin grand suite doesn’t buy you much I this class because you are not a drinker . 

 

We have thought about the 3 night package but there really hasn't been a deal on it.  And looking over the menus I am not enamored with the offerings (everyone seems to love Izumi but we don't do sushi unfortunately).  Samba grill seemed good but we have Texas De Brazil locally and runs the same price (or less).  We may do it anyway just have to think it over more I guess.

[Montanagirlalways]

not sure how to describe this - but take an extra hotel key card or some expired or not important card (not your ccharge card) to keep in the electric box by the door. That shuts the power off and on in your room. 

[reallyitsmema]

34 minutes ago, Montanagirlalways said:

not sure how to describe this - but take an extra hotel key card or some expired or not important card (not your ccharge card) to keep in the electric box by the door. That shuts the power off and on in your room. 

 

Radiance does not have a master switch at the door that needs a card in the slot.  That is only on newer ships.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

bring all of your meds with you, in case you get stuck somewhere. Bring all the cold meds with you, and ibuprofen+vitamins+zinc+cough meds+diarrhea meds in case you get covid.

[jcc1025]

We were on the Radiance shake out cruise in April out of LA and sailed on her in 2001 to Alaska, One of our favorite clases and tours. With all the windows and beautifal Alaska views you are in for an amazing trip. Don't forget charges for phones, something we have done before. Not sure what your excursion picks are, but Whale watching in Alaske is unbelivalbe. Radiance is a smaller ship but one of our favorites, You are way ahead of almost everyone in your planning. Have a great cruise and post back with your experiences. 

[BirdTravels]

Have a wonderful cruise. Alaska is beautiful and one of our favorite cruise destinations (we were on the Quantum in June). Make sure to bring a pair of binoculars to check out the whales and dolphin from your balcony. 

Edited September 7, 2022 by BirdTravels

[DaKahuna]

On Quantum last week and this we were given a form to complete for customs declaration for Canada.  On the first week, we also had to fill out a piece of paper that our stateroom attendant left one night in our room that asked for the code from our our ArriveCAN application.  

 

We received the customs declaration for our second leg but were not asked for the code from our ArriveCAN application. 

 

 

[Kathscof]

You do ArriveCAN before you start the cruise, they sometimes ask for it (the ArriveCAN says to have it completed before you start the cruise).  You don’t need to book shows on Radiance, or at least you didn’t in May.  The internet is tricky for iPhones sometimes, turning off the “private address” (?) tab on the WiFi info page should make it work.  Don’t miss the egg drop on the last day and the captain’s corner!  The pub is really fun, and the Colony Club is good for a band, I hope you have a good pub singer and band!  In May the Solarium pool wasn’t heated (so weird) and the outdoor pool was, to the point of it feeling like lukewarm bath water.....just a warning.  So weird.  The Solarium food place (forget the name? Park Cafe I guess?) was awesome for late night food and grabbing a hot tea before bed, hope you are near the forward elevators! The singers and dancers are fun, don’t expect broadway level though.  I called 6 the party deck because it had the pub, casino, theater, schooner bar, and colony club.....we liked all that 🙂 we got hot dogs to keep us company during the glacier time......very nice.  

 

I am going back back with my parents next year on Radiance! It’s so nice! Enjoy!

[JerseyGem]

Enjoy your first cruise- hopefully the "cruise bug" will bite and you'll take many more.  Before I cruise on a new (to me) ship, I look over (even study) the deck plans so I won't be so disoriented once I board.    For Alaska itself, pack a pair of gloves and a warm hat.  When you approach a glacier, the air temp will drop.   We were one of the few who could stay out on the open decks for the whole visit.  Others (shorts and flip-flops) were too cold.  

 

Have fun!

[LindaD22]

On Radiance, go up to the helipad during the time at Hubbard Glacier. Bring binoculars! You’ll get great views there. The window seating at Cafe Promenade is excellent for viewing the scenery. No reservations needed for shows, which are not spectacular but entertaining enough. Honestly, we were so active and busy on our Alaskan cruise this past June (on Radiance) that we went to bed early most nights! I found rain pants, rain jacket and a baseball hat to be very useful in feeling comfortable during periods of rain. There was an onboard talk given by a Canadian Royal Mountie that we found interesting. You will have a great time!

[loman]

17 hours ago, rudeney said:

 

So with ArriveCAN, you setup an account and added profiles for both (or all ) of you?  And you scanned in your COVID vaccine cards and your passports (or DL+BC)?  Yep, that's all you can for now.  Sometime between 3 days before boarding and right before boarding, you need to complete ArriveCAN with you prot ino (it will be the first Canadian port you enter - they have a lookup tool in app) and answer all the questions.  Have that and you negative COVID test taken 2 days before boarding ready at the terminal and you're good to go. 

 

Note that no one may ever ask for your ArriveCAN QR code, but I would print it out on hardcopy "just in case" you are asked or God forbid your phone (or the app) breaks.  I actually do this with my Set-Sail Pass, too.  I have a fear of being "that guy" holding up the line because my phone died!

Yep, i print the few important docs also , just in case the phone craps out.

 

[GCS2000]

Thank you everyone this is great info for sure!

 

We will be pretty busy on our cruise as well since we have stops at 5 ports.  We are only going to do excursions at Juneau, ISP, Skagway, and Ketchikan.  We will just stay on the ship for the Haines visit.  Fortunately we have to "at sea" days to relax which will be nice.  After we are done with the cruise we are heading to Seattle for a couple days to take in a Seahawks beat down ahem I mean game (the wife is a Seahawks fan but knows they are in for some pain this year).  After the game we will fly home and need a vacation from our vacation, lol.

 

 

[Kathscof]

7 hours ago, GCS2000 said:

Thank you everyone this is great info for sure!

 

We will be pretty busy on our cruise as well since we have stops at 5 ports.  We are only going to do excursions at Juneau, ISP, Skagway, and Ketchikan.  We will just stay on the ship for the Haines visit.  Fortunately we have to "at sea" days to relax which will be nice.  After we are done with the cruise we are heading to Seattle for a couple days to take in a Seahawks beat down ahem I mean game (the wife is a Seahawks fan but knows they are in for some pain this year).  After the game we will fly home and need a vacation from our vacation, lol.

 

 

 

Haines wasn’t too exciting if you didn’t have a tour booked (unless you liked breweries maybe?)....but the tiny gift shop in a cottage straight off the dock and to the right had delightful gifts and treats! I got some rose jelly and some rhubarb chocolates there as well as a few art postcards I had been collecting.....

[Kathscof]

11 hours ago, LindaD22 said:

On Radiance, go up to the helipad during the time at Hubbard Glacier. Bring binoculars! You’ll get great views there. The window seating at Cafe Promenade is excellent for viewing the scenery. No reservations needed for shows, which are not spectacular but entertaining enough. Honestly, we were so active and busy on our Alaskan cruise this past June (on Radiance) that we went to bed early most nights! I found rain pants, rain jacket and a baseball hat to be very useful in feeling comfortable during periods of rain. There was an onboard talk given by a Canadian Royal Mountie that we found interesting. You will have a great time!

Definitely a great place, but it was super crowded, so we went up outside and above the spa/fitness center and we found a spot easily! It’s lesser known because you ave to go outside and up some stairs to a random area that I don’t know the use for....

[LeeW]

Just got back from B2B on Radiance.  Couple of comments:

 

There are no show reservations - just show up 20-30 before a show.  That said, mostly they were singers and bands (and Tango dance show).  Lots of entertainment is in the Centrum, so you can see it from several levels.

 

Internet is poor at best on Radiance in Alaska.  Lots of outages.  Higher level doesn't help but may be too late for you to change.  Ask onboard.

 

Guest services is seldom busy.  They have a screener that handles a lot of routine stuff like punching cruise cards for lanyard use.

 

Adult pool is moderately warm.  Open to kids 8-10 and 12-2.  Our cruises were mostly cloudy and rainy, so needed an extra towel or jeans jacket in that area on all but one day.  We wore shorts/T shirts every day.  Kind of chilly going back to the Windjammer. 

 

The pool was closed last two days going up and first day coming back since all the water sloshed out.  They said they couldn't empty the pool with that much motion but the deck staff tried using towel dams and squeegees to keep back the water.  Our flip flops tried to float away.  Pictures post sideways - sorry.

 

Northbound we missed Hubbard.  Southbound didn't look promising but finally made it there.  The Explorer boat got a lot closer but at $350pp we didn't buy it (and have been to glaciers many times).

 

If sky is clear you may see the aurora.  No announcements about this but were out around 11 several nights.

[GWP-OKC]

Didn't see it mention anywhere- we bring a couple rolls of our own TP.  The cruise ships buy the cheapest they can get, very similar to 20 grit sandpaper.  NOT Charman or Northern