Happy Birthday Radiance of the Seas!

[tahqa]

Radiance of the Seas made her maiden voyage 9 years ago today, March 10, 2001! She is the flagship of the Radiance class ships and was built in Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

 

Among her "firsts" were:

- First Royal Caribbean ship with a gas-turbine engine

- First cruise ship with gyroscopically stabilized pool tables

 

She was also the largest passenger vessel ever built in Germany (the other Radiance class vessels share this distinction :) ).

 

Maiden Voyage: March 10, 2001

Passenger Capacity: 2,501

Godmother: Margot Pritzker

Gross Tonnage: 90,090

Length: 962'

Beam: 105.6'

Draft: 26.7'

Cruising Speed: 25 knots

 

Mrs. Pritzker is currently an active member of the Asian Art Committee at the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Women's Board of Trustees at Northwestern University, as well as Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School. Her endeavors in the field of art history have taken her throughout Asia. Her exhaustive study of this region and its artifacts has developed into one of the most acclaimed Asian art collections in the United States. Mrs. Pritzker's other interests include studying the Judaic text and gardening. Wife of Thomas J. Pritzker, chairman of the Hyatt Corporation and a member of Royal Caribbean's Board of Directors, Mrs. Pritzker joins a distinguished group of godmothers for Royal Caribbean International's fleet.

“It is fitting that Mrs. Pritzker is godmother for a ship with an extraordinary art collection, including paintings, sculptures and other art forms from more than 100 artists from around the world,” said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

 

[Kugel]

We were on her third voyage she went to Alaska. My grandaughter was 10 months old.

[Cruise_Couple]

Our first cruise was on Radiance in Alaska! She is still our absolute favorite!!! We had Captain Bill Wright. What an amazing cruise! (and we got the 7 day Alaska cruise INCLUDING airfare from Hartford, CT for only $900!!! That didn't hurt our perception either!:D)

[tahqa]

I am so hoping to get on Radiance some day! Maybe Alaska 2011 or Australia 2011! :)

[Bette And Bill]

The Radiance has got to be my favoirte ship. We have sailed on her three times already and have another one booked when she comes to Tampa.

[cruisenfever]

You beat me to it. Yes, Happy Birthday to a wonderful ship.

[silentbob007]

I'll give her a pat and say happy birthday when I get on her on Friday.