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

[cruisenfever]

In a bad way three and a half hours waiting to get off at Airlie beach then and hour and a half to get back on leaving us with an hour on shore, no seating or drinks, if it had been a really hot day like it some times can be they would have had people fainting in line.

 

In Port Douglas it took us five hours to get off the ship and in Geraldton three hours they just havnt done there home work for this trip lots of unhappy passengers

We were on this cruise with you and you may have noticed that the ship did not use their tenders, but made arrangements to have 2 large catamarans that held 350+ available to transport the folks from the ship. Had these catamarans not been available, these two ports would have been canceled due to the safety of passengers at risk when using ship tenders. Unfortunately they tried to get additional catamarans from the port but they were not available. Tendering would not have taken as long as it did, even with those huge catamarans, had the sea conditions been calmer and the securing of those vessels not taken as long as it did. We watched from our balcony, and the crew including the Staff Captain got drenched standing on the loading dock. In all fairness to them, they did all that they could.

 

Since we did not have "hot" weather in Airlie Beach, it is unfair to comment on what the ship might have done. Having been on Radiance 15 times and visiting ports that have been extremely warm, the ship has always provided water when waiting for tenders. RCI has no control on what seating arrangements are available at any tender port. That is a complaint that you would have to address to the port itself.

 

If you had been sailing on any ship in the Caribbean with a stop at Coco Cay and weather conditions were the same as what we experience, the Captain would have immediately canceled the port and made it a sea day.

 

They did their homework as Rhapsody did this same itinerary last year and is a smaller ship. Unfortunately, unless you have an "in" with Mother Nature, there is no controlling weather systems.

to get tender tickets to get off in Bali the queue the day before went from the colony club around the centrum right through the casino some passengers queued for two hours this was the most disorganised ship i have ever been on 80% of passengers that went on the barrier reef trip where sea sick as for the cruise director and guest relations they disapeared saying they could not speak english

Having been on this cruise, the announced/published time to get tender tickets was to begin at 2PM in the Colony Club. Having had lunch in Giovanni's that afternoon, the queue began to actually form before noon.

 

The shore excursion policy on any RCI ship is that you can cancel any excursion up to 24 hours prior to departure for a full refund unless someone becomes ill suddenly.

 

The folks that had signed up for the Great Barrier Reef excursion were notified the day prior to the excursion about the unfavorable weather conditions that were predicted and were given up to 5PM that evening to cancel and receive a full refund. If they still wanted to go on the excursion, they were informed to take good "seasick" medication.

[mommabean]

It's nice to hear the rest of the story. Thanks!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cruisenfever]

It's nice to hear the rest of the story. Thanks!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You're welcome.........there is always 2 sides to every story.;)

 

Here is a response back to Linda on the D/D+ thread when she asked about our trip.

 

We had a wonderful time and saying goodbye did bring a few tears along with lots of hugs. I plan on writing a review but I might not have it completed until after Christmas. The Radiance is more beautiful than ever but there are a few issues with two of the new dining venues that must be addressed.

 

Rita's needs to have some sort of sliding door/divider to protect those eating there on days/evenings when it is cold and windy. When the sliding glass doors open up from the WJ, it creates a wind tunnel that makes the basket of chips on tables change locations.

 

They also have to protect the walkway to Samba when using the stairway at the back of the ship. Sometimes when the weather is windy/rainy they meet guests outside of Rita's and take them up by way of the crew elevator.

 

They are also rethinking how they can return a permanent coffee station once again outside the WJ when the Board Walk House is. These are things that Clunis, the HD, mentioned at out Top Tier Luncheon on both the first and second cruises.

 

Steven Newall was the Concierge in the new DL for the first two cruises then went home on vacation and was replaced by Chris Whiting from Guest Relations. Both Steven and Chris were wonderful. The new DL is absolutely gorgeous with a spectacular view and that is where we spent all of our time. In fact there were many D+ folks that preferred the DL to the CL.

 

The only plants that were replaced with artificial plants were those that were positioned outside on all exposed decks. Any interior live plant that was there before they arrived into Australia remained intact.

 

I am happy to report that the only plumbing problem that anyone encountered was the occasional non-flushing toilet which was addressed immediately. We probably had it happen to us 8 times during our three cruises.

 

Anyone doing an upcoming trip to Australia/NZ, be advised that even though they prohibit taking off certain food products when visiting ports in these countries..........as long as those items are packages and sealed and you declare them, there is no problem taking them off the ship. We had all of our packaged items from our 3 welcome aboard baskets, Cadbury chocolates from the factory in Dunedin and Tim Tams (cookies from Australia) and we had no problem taking them home.

Edited November 19, 2011 by cruisenfever

[CVU]

Welcome Home Patti!!

 

We had a good flight non stop 14 hr. but rather bumpy at times, like being in our AFT on the rough sea days! We both didn't sleep, so we are hanging in to get back to normal. Repeating our Saturday again.........

 

I was able to take off granola bars from CA and Protein bars from the US. At one port they read the ingredients very carefully but we were allowed to go ashore with them.

 

Sleep well........we went from 25C this AM in Sydney to -1C and fog at the Vancouver airport at 7 AM. Sunny out and chilly so not all that bad here.

[sbalax]

It's good to see you back and to hear at least a little about the cruise we missed! It was truly disappointing to miss HNL-SYD but we made the only decision we could that morning in Honolulu. The two ship's doctors were clear that they STRONGLY felt we should not continue with the infection looking as it did.

 

The good news is that the infection is a thing of the past. I was lucky that it was "just" staph A and not one of the more exotic things that are out there.

 

I'm still having trouble with the knee, though. We tried physical therapy but that wasn't getting results. I'm to have an MRI on the 29th. The orthopedic guy now suspects possible damage to the meniscus or a tear in the hamstring.

 

I got a form letter yesterday from RCI acknowledging receipt of my request for compensation (That was exactly four weeks after they received it!) and they say it will be four to six weeks before a decision is made but that "they highly value me as a Diamond member." I think I would have gotten better results if the letter had been on my attorney's letterhead.

 

Hopefully we will hear more from you and will be looking forward to the reviews. Mine is already posted.

 

Right now our only booked cruise is a TA on Celebrity Constellation in May, 2012. I'm sure we'll fit something else in there when we get the knee situation resolved.

 

Frank in sunny and cool SBA

[CVU]

Hi Frank and Norm.

Glad you got the infection checked and now to get the knee back working again. It was a sad day to see you going off early. Hope you get the compensation you are seeking.

 

We had a great cruise. The crew were super and we became a big family by the end of 63 days!!! We got colds etc. but no norovirus in our cabin. We have some pounds now to lose, tomorrow will be the reality when we see how much?

 

We are still in jet lag and trying to stay up as long as we can to back to normal. Just got home this AM from Sydney. Left 25C for a foggy -1C at YVR. Sunny and crisp downtown though, a perfect wintery day.

 

We booked a few more to add to our TA round trip next year........

 

Dayle

[Hampshire Rose]

Hi everyone

 

Nice to see that you have all had a brilliant time cruising to and from Sydney.

 

We are going on the top end cruise in February and wonder if someone could let us know the daily dress code for this cruise please and any other information that you think would be useful.

 

Thanks in advance

 

Geraldine:):)

[cruisenfever]

 

I got a form letter yesterday from RCI acknowledging receipt of my request for compensation (That was exactly four weeks after they received it!) and they say it will be four to six weeks before a decision is made but that "they highly value me as a Diamond member." I think I would have gotten better results if the letter had been on my attorney's letterhead.

 

Hopefully we will hear more from you and will be looking forward to the reviews. Mine is already posted.

 

Frank in sunny and cool SBA

Frank glad to hear that the infection is gone. Sorry to hear you are still having problems with the knee.

 

Since the people who operate the Spa are the ones responsible for what happened to you, and since they are an outside company contracted to work on RCI ships and not part of RCI, they would be the ones that you would have to contact as far as compensation/resolution to your case.

 

It would be just like having an accident occur while on an excursion. These are private operators contracted to RCI. What happens to someone while in their company is their responsibility not RCI's.

 

Good Luck and let us know what happens.

[cruisenfever]

Hi everyone

 

Nice to see that you have all had a brilliant time cruising to and from Sydney.

 

We are going on the top end cruise in February and wonder if someone could let us know the daily dress code for this cruise please and any other information that you think would be useful.

 

Thanks in advance

 

Geraldine:):)

Hi Geraldine. We just returned from our 16 night adventure of Over The Top of Australia and it was wonderful. We had 3 Formal Nights, 3 Smart Casual Nights and the rest Casual.

 

We gained 3 hours on this cruise which was nice.:) We set our clock back 1 hour before retiring after leaving Port Douglas. We then set our clock back 1-1/2 hours before retiring after leaving Darwin and then another half hour the next day.

[Libby7]

Hi Geraldine. We just returned from our 16 night adventure of Over The Top of Australia and it was wonderful. We had 3 Formal Nights, 3 Smart Casual Nights and the rest Casual.

 

We gained 3 hours on this cruise which was nice.:) We set our clock back 1 hour before retiring after leaving Port Douglas. We then set our clock back 1-1/2 hours before retiring after leaving Darwin and then another half hour the next day.

 

Glad you're back in Ohio! I'm finally unpacked and trying to get organized for Christmas. Shoot me an e-mail soon.

[Ahhh]

The only plants that were replaced with artificial plants were those that were positioned outside on all exposed decks. Any interior live plant that was there before they arrived into Australia remained intact.

 

Hello Patti. Can you tell me if the artificial plants in the Solarium (the ones above) have been replaced? "Jurassic Park", as I fondly like to refer to it, was getting to look more blue and faded :eek:, than lush and green.

 

David

[cruisenfever]

Glad you're back in Ohio! I'm finally unpacked and trying to get organized for Christmas. Shoot me an e-mail soon.

You're further along than I am. Cases are sitting opened in the spare bedroom but have not been emptied. Been having beautiful weather since Wednesday, so working outside. I'll get an email off to you as soon as I can.

Hello Patti. Can you tell me if the artificial plants in the Solarium (the ones above) have been replaced? "Jurassic Park", as I fondly like to refer to it, was getting to look more blue and faded :eek:, than lush and green.

 

David

David, I really didn't notice if they were the same or if they were changed. :o

[Ahhh]

David, I really didn't notice if they were the same or if they were changed. :o

 

Patti, you're quick! Thanks for the reply. David

[mommabean]

Hello Patti. Can you tell me if the artificial plants in the Solarium (the ones above) have been replaced? "Jurassic Park", as I fondly like to refer to it, was getting to look more blue and faded :eek:, than lush and green.

 

David

 

The artificial plants in the Solarium were replaced on the last Alaska cruise in September. We were on board at that time and watched them do it. I posted pictures of some of the new fake plants at that time - on this thread somewhere if you go back to a date between Sept 9 - 16. Any real plants in the Solarium at that time were also switched out to fakes.

 

Gina

[cruisenfever]

The artificial plants in the Solarium were replaced on the last Alaska cruise in September. We were on board at that time and watched them do it. I posted pictures of some of the new fake plants at that time - on this thread somewhere if you go back to a date between Sept 9 - 16. Any real plants in the Solarium at that time were also switched out to fakes.

 

Gina

Were you aware that not all live plants were removed from Radiance once she left for Australia? Only those live plants found on outside decks were replaced with artificial arrangements . All other live plants contained within the ship remained.

[mommabean]

Were you aware that not all live plants were removed from Radiance once she left for Australia? Only those live plants found on outside decks were replaced with artificial arrangements . All other live plants contained within the ship remained.

 

They just said in Sept. that all exposed live plants had to be removed to comply with agricultural laws of Australia. Juan Diego told us he was allowed to keep his plants in the concierge lounge since they were inside. His spathiphyllum on his desk always looked great. I don't really remember where there were any other live plants. I remember the fake orchids and other fakes on the wall and in the planters of the centrum.

 

Gina

[truffles2]

I've always loved the live plants on the ships and hate to see them being replaced with fakes. They look so, well...."fake".:rolleyes:

[cruisenfever]

They just said in Sept. that all exposed live plants had to be removed to comply with agricultural laws of Australia. Juan Diego told us he was allowed to keep his plants in the concierge lounge since they were inside. His spathiphyllum on his desk always looked great. I don't really remember where there were any other live plants. I remember the fake orchids and other fakes on the wall and in the planters of the centrum.

 

Gina

There were live palms in the DL also.......along with several types of palms on various decks in the Centrum area and of course, live plants on every dining table in the MDR.

[MissCruising1]

We wished we found the original Radiance thread before our first cruise HNL to SYD - September /Oct. Very interesting discussions! Radiance will definitely be our first love. We went to Circular Quay today to visit Raphsody (new cruise nerds) and while we are looking forward to trying her one day we definitely LOVED the look of the Radiance more.

 

Glad the virus seems to have been stamped out - we were lucky on our cruise but it was really taxing on the staff having to serve everyone in the buffet. They were beginning to look exhausted towards the end of the cruise from constant double shifts!

 

Pics and review here: http://cruiseonradiance.blogspot.com/

[CVU]

All unpacked now but soon time to pack up again for the Christmas drive to be with family and then Jan. cruises from the US...... Easier than packing for 2 months!

 

It is pouring buckets of rain here so lots of time inside to get at it!!:)

 

Yes, the staff did an awesome job serving us and cleaning, to rid the ship of the Virus! It was greatly appreciated.

[Ahhh]

The artificial plants in the Solarium were replaced on the last Alaska cruise in September. We were on board at that time and watched them do it. I posted pictures of some of the new fake plants at that time - on this thread somewhere if you go back to a date between Sept 9 - 16. Any real plants in the Solarium at that time were also switched out to fakes. Gina

Thanks for the info, Gina. I would have enjoyed watching them being switched out!

[mommabean]

There were live palms in the DL also.......along with several types of palms on various decks in the Centrum area and of course, live plants on every dining table in the MDR.

 

Aren't they still just using cut flowers on the MDR tables? Alstroemeria?

 

I remember the fake palms on the main floor of the centrum. And there was one real plant outside the old deck 10 CL. We didn't spend time in the DL during our brief 7 days on board in Sept.

 

DH is the one who would have noticed any live plants since he was a nurseryman for over 30 years. To this day he still comments on the plants in movies or various TV shows. And I have to stop him from "cleaning up" other peoples plants. Maybe people like those dead leaves. LOL

 

They did use nice quality fakes in the solarium. They have that new growth look in the middle. As of the time we saw them, the coloring was still good, too. I wonder if they'll switch them back to real when they come back to the USA in April.

 

 

Gina

[mommabean]

What I do wonder is if people ever started using that outdoor area behind the CL. It was too cold in Alaska for anyone to want to sit out there.

 

I know you didn't spend time in the CL, Patti, but do you know if anyone used this area?

 

Just what was the weather like in Australia during the time you were there?

 

Gina

[cruisenfever]

Aren't they still just using cut flowers on the MDR tables? Alstroemeria?

 

I remember the fake palms on the main floor of the centrum. And there was one real plant outside the old deck 10 CL. We didn't spend time in the DL during our brief 7 days on board in Sept.

 

DH is the one who would have noticed any live plants since he was a nurseryman for over 30 years. To this day he still comments on the plants in movies or various TV shows. And I have to stop him from "cleaning up" other peoples plants. Maybe people like those dead leaves. LOL

 

They did use nice quality fakes in the solarium. They have that new growth look in the middle. As of the time we saw them, the coloring was still good, too. I wonder if they'll switch them back to real when they come back to the USA in April.

 

 

Gina

Yes, the flowers on each table are what you described. I just meant that they are "real" and not "fake".

[mommabean]

What I do wonder is if people ever started using that outdoor area behind the CL. It was too cold in Alaska for anyone to want to sit out there.

 

I know you didn't spend time in the CL, Patti, but do you know if anyone used this area?

 

Just what was the weather like in Australia during the time you were there?

 

Gina

 

What about this stuff on RD Patti? Were any of the ports as hot as Caribbean ports? I guess you were on during the early - mid Spring - their time. What did it really feel like?

 

Gina