Radiance of theSeas-January

[brewcrew]

We are possibly (very close) to booking a cruise in January on the Radiance. If you have sailed on this ship, was it a nice one? It has been a long time since we have cruised RCCL. Is smoking allowed in the casino? WE will be traveling with our 4 children (16, 14, 13, 10). Any helpful inforatiuon will be appreciated. Thanks!

[cb at sea]

Radiance class ships are gorgeous! You'll have a wonderful time. Smoking was allowed in the casino on most nights....they may be making it non-smoking on formal evenings now....

Do try the Seaview Cafe...up a deck from the pool level...it's really good, with some outdoor seating...

Also, the WJ has outdoor seating, too...which I wish ALL ships would do! Very nice in warm weather!

[brewcrew]

Do you have to pay at the Seaview? Or is that included in the price? I know you have to pay at Chops and Portofino. Did you use the kids program? How are the staterooms and where about were you on the ship? Thanks!

[cruisenfever]

We are possibly (very close) to booking a cruise in January on the Radiance. If you have sailed on this ship, was it a nice one? It has been a long time since we have cruised RCCL. Is smoking allowed in the casino? WE will be traveling with our 4 children (16, 14, 13, 10). Any helpful inforatiuon will be appreciated. Thanks!

If you have a few free minutes you might want to check out Radiance of the Seas.....Past - Present - Future (1 2 3 ... Last Page)

 

This is a thread I started about our most favorite ship. We've cruised on her 12 times with three more cruises booked for September of 2011.

 

I think you will really enjoy the ship, staff and crew......they are awesome.

 

Smoking is allowed in the casino, but not on formal nights. They also have a designated non-smoking area.

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

We have been on the Radiance 6 times, that should tell you something! :)

 

Seaview Café is free, you pay only for soft drinks (coke) or shakes. Iced tea, coffee is free. It has limited hours so go by each days compass for open hours....the onion rings are so yummmmmmy!

 

Smoking is allowed in the casino. The formal nights will be non smoking after 7 pm.

 

No kids so can't comment on Ocean Adventure.

 

We are balcony snobs :D usually a D category for us. We also love the JS and book that whenever we can.

 

You'll love the Radiance, the layout and its friendly crew. You won't be dissapointed.

 

***

[cruisenfever]

Do you have to pay at the Seaview? Or is that included in the price? I know you have to pay at Chops and Portofino. Did you use the kids program? How are the staterooms and where about were you on the ship? Thanks!

You do not have to pay extra for the food that is served at the SeaView Cafe. The only thing that would be extra is soda/beer/wine or an alcoholic drink.

 

Make sure you try the onion rings and the Cuban sandwich. Yum

[ryano]

thanks for making the thread OP...........I will be keeping an eye out on this one as I am gonna be on her in February!

 

The pics I have seen are just incredible and everyone seems to rave about this particular class of ships!

 

Im so excited.

[Brerpossum]

Beautiful ship -- you will enjoy.

[brewcrew]

Thank you all for your help. Can we buy a drink card for the sodas? Only one person in our group drinks soda but i think a card (from what I've heard) is the way to go. I think we will book it this weekend!:)

[bajathree]

I don't think you are going to see a great many kids on this ship in Jan....my kids happen to be off the first week of Jan and I was looking at Radiance as she is right out of my home-port....however I opted for Liberty out of MIA instead .....prices are very very attractive on Liberty and I don't even have to ask the kids which they prefer. With that many kids tagging along you may want to consider the options of another ship with a bit more to occupy them;)

[brewcrew]

I noticed that there is still quite a bit of availability on the Radiance. ANy one else have any comments on the amount of kids on radiance in January?

[cruisenfever]

I noticed that there is still quite a bit of availability on the Radiance. ANy one else have any comments on the amount of kids on radiance in January?

It all depends on when school districts set their Christmas vacation schedule since both Christmas and New Year's fall on a Saturday,

[Silque1964]

We'll be on Radiance in early December (our first GS!), so I'll be following this thread as well. I've heard nothing but good things about her! I'm so excited!

[bajathree]

I noticed that there is still quite a bit of availability on the Radiance. ANy one else have any comments on the amount of kids on radiance in January?

 

From when I was following the roll call for the first week in Jan it looked like almost none. Tampa goes back to school right after New Years as well as almost every school in the surrounding area....EXCEPT for 1 adjoining county that has the entire week after NY's off. Seems like this ship attracts more of a non-kid crowd to me...at least if it's not spring break or school holidays.

[brewcrew]

We live in the Orlando area and our kids don't go back until January 10th. Our other option is to do a 7 day on Liberty or Freedom but they pretty much only have rooms on the third deck. They both have the Family oceanview suite available but I like having two rooms because WHO wants to share a bathroom with 2 teenagers!!! I am on vacation!:D

[deej696]

Can't wait for our cruise on the Radiance in December. My dad has been on her twice and loves it, I'm sure we'll be the same!

[hcat]

we enjoyed Radiance very much this April to Mex Riviera--

 

However: there are some leaks & sewage problems throughout the ship randomly it seems... so it's the luck of the draw... we did not have a leak but the cabins adjacent did & had the blower for a number of days in the hallway...our toilet had an awful stench for the enitre 10 days--(it wasn't us)

 

we would not choose her again til all the pipes are replaced unless no other ship was available for the time or itin we desired...I know others will disagree but it was really "stinky..." & nothing could be done...it's a shame b./c the ship is great in all other ways!

[bajathree]

We live in the Orlando area and our kids don't go back until January 10th. Our other option is to do a 7 day on Liberty or Freedom but they pretty much only have rooms on the third deck. They both have the Family oceanview suite available but I like having two rooms because WHO wants to share a bathroom with 2 teenagers!!! I am on vacation!:D

 

brewcrew...our kids don't go back till the 10th either...we are going on Liberty....I have some info on that sailing if you like.....why don't you stop by our roll call....there are lots of kids already on this sailing.

[brewcrew]

Thanks bajathree. We have already received a quote for the family oceanview room but will see what is available for two side by side rooms.

[trvlcarib]

Does the Radiance have free drinks nightly for Diamond members as they do on Enchanment?

[Aussie One]

looks like we will be joining Patti and Jim, 2011 Honalulu to Perth Australia Radiance. but having problems choosing a cabin and what deck, large outside, small balcony. some say deck seven has life boats others say location location but what location ? I looked at Pattis thread on Radiance but its bigger than Ben Hurr please give advice on cabins and deck its a 34 day cruise so no obstructions wanted have a g/day Grumphy

[MrsB05]

DH and I recently sailed on Enchantment (5.20.10 out of Norfolk) and are seriously considering booking a cruise on Radiance 1.17.11. Seems like she's a lovely ship; different from Enchantment; larger, but not HUGE.

 

Wondering what to expect weather wise in January? Also, which JS are the best and any pictures of same?

 

Thanks!

[mommabean]

Does the Radiance have free drinks nightly for Diamond members as they do on Enchanment?

 

Yes, they do. Normally it's in Hollywood Odyssey unless there are so many Ds on board that they have to move it over to Starquest.

 

Gina

[mommabean]

DH and I recently sailed on Enchantment (5.20.10 out of Norfolk) and are seriously considering booking a cruise on Radiance 1.17.11. Seems like she's a lovely ship; different from Enchantment; larger, but not HUGE.

 

Wondering what to expect weather wise in January? Also, which JS are the best and any pictures of same?

 

Thanks!

 

The weather will be wonderful in January. Bring a jacket and long pants just in case but bring your bathing suit, too. We had an especially cold winter last year but normally the cold doesn't last long after a cold front comes through before it warms up again quickly. It shouldn't be too hot. And normally the cold fronts don't make it all the way to Cozumel. It could get cool there sometimes...but not likely. You need something to stay warm only for the just in case scenario.

 

Gina

[cruisenfever]

Does the Radiance have free drinks nightly for Diamond members as they do on Enchanment?

Yes, between the hours of 5-8:30 on Deck 13 in one of of the lounges. You will be offered complimentary wine, champagne and soft drinks and any other choice of drink will be 25% off the price.