Reflections on Radiance 2 day sampler

[rugbypopsie]

These are some reflections on the Radiance 2 day cruise to nowhere 18th Nov. I would not pretend that this is a review of a ship with so much to offer time to be thorough...but since she is new here are my thoughts.

This is a pretty ship, recently refurbished and looking in good order. I had a inside cabin (for the first time ever)..pretty nice...big soft bed, plenty of storage, new flat screen tv, sofa. No complimentary toiletries..

Buffet area is really well set out..much easier to get around without long queues as the hot and cold, drinks and sweets are well separated and duplicated. Loved the open area at the aft where you could sit and enjoy a drink or a meal...lovely touch.

Izumi (Japanese) located at the rear of the buffet...lovely decor and some of best Japanese food I have ever had...yum..open for lunch or dinner. Small charge per head plus pay per item. I had the lobster and champagne sause suchi delicious.

Lots of little intimate spaces, plenty of places to sit and talk, very small library not that anyone was wasting time there on a 2 day cruise.

Loved the Champagne Bar...glass walls to sea view. Loved the English Pub..very friendly staff who take the trouble to learn your name..amazing on a 2 day cruise and no I did not spend all my time in there...but I am sure that Gai, Georgina and my singing was much appreciated..LOL

Casino is big has 150 pokies and a number of gaming tables...the pokies were unkind to me and the tables unkind to DH.:mad: They have a number of Aussie type pokies as well as those mysterious US ones.

Main dining room, food was very nice...multi level room..if you pre pay your gratutities you have anytime dining...so you just show up allowing you to decide when you want to eat. Service was very slow on second night.. Other dining venues are scattered around ship..a number of speciality restaurants, Mexican, Steak etc... all have a charge except for the hotdog place. Deck BBQ as well. I heard good reports on the Italian Restaurant.

Inside (adults only) pool with hot tubs and outside pool as well. Inside pool is particularly attractive..is salt water. Lots of lounges on all outside decks. As well as the climbing wall, there is a really terrific mini golf course and a water slide for kids. Outdoor movies as well as a movie theatre.

Small internet lounge. Staff very friendly all over ship. Heard from one friend a very experienced cruiser that the production show was the best she had ever seen on any ship...given her cruise history that was a big wrap.

On and off pretty good...most people had carry on luggage so not really a test of what the full experience would be.

The interactive screens in your stateroom and around the ship help to let you know what is happening and where.

Has been an interesting ten months...this is my third cruise line, Princess (Diamond), HAL (Voldendam) and now RCL (Radiance)..all good all have their strong points..to finish I dont think anyone trying the Radiance will be disappointed.

Sue

 

[Royalty X]

Great review, thanks Sue. :)

[ceejay3377]

Thanks for your review, Sue. She certainly looks lovely :). I wish she was here for more than the summer season so I could give her a go:D.

[Goldygolfer]

Thanks "rugbypopsie" for posting your comments.

DH and I are doing the 14-day to NZ on 4th December and really looking forward to it.

[Raison]

Hi Sue,

Glad you enjoyed your weekend..it was nice to meet you on Friday night, even if it was very quick. We had a great time also, a lovely ship we would be happy to sail on again.

Debra

[Aussie TJE]

Thanks for the review Sue, sounds like a nice ship. How did you find having your first inside . . . would you have one again??? Never had one before, and not sure if I should start now, but as I'm now cruising as a solo, it makes it a lot cheaper. If you had to choose to go on Diamond or Radiance, which would you choose???

 

I'm hoping I can come across a super solo special ... so many ships here now, so competition is good!!

[aussiedisneyfan]

Thanks for the update Sue.

[rugbypopsie]

Thanks for the review Sue, sounds like a nice ship. How did you find having your first inside . . . would you have one again??? Never had one before, and not sure if I should start now, but as I'm now cruising as a solo, it makes it a lot cheaper. If you had to choose to go on Diamond or Radiance, which would you choose???

 

I'm hoping I can come across a super solo special ... so many ships here now, so competition is good!!

 

You need to track down the lovely Debsta who is queen of solo cruising...however you know you don't have to go solo..lots of friendly types around here for company.

Inside cabin was fine...its all so subjective...you really cant compare to the welcome you and I got on the Diamond..no smiling face holding a glass of champers for us..lovely big balcony...hmmm..

but if it was the difference between being able to cruise or not..would book an inside again..perhaps an obstructed..

The Diamond still wins out in my book but as I said it is so subjective I have spent lots and lots of time on the Diamond two days is barely enough to know the front from the back LOL..but she is a lovely ship.

Just be careful not to let the ship convert your account ships rate is .87 aussie cents to the US dollar:eek:

[Debsta]

Inside schminside :p

 

No review yet, I've started one of my you beaut youtubes but I can's see or type straight :rolleyes: I'm sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep deprived.

 

I LOVED this ship!

 

Tamarah, you can't go wrong on the Radiance. Try something new!

 

RCL will be rubbing their hands together on this 2 day sailing.....I wreckon they made more on the bar bill and casino takings than they would have on it's entire sailing from Alaska to Australia :eek: :D :p

[lizzy77]

RCL will be rubbing their hands together on this 2 day sailing.....I wreckon they made more on the bar bill and casino takings than they would have on it's entire sailing from Alaska to Australia :eek: :D :p

 

Yes Deb, they are coming down here as they know the profit margins from the bars will exceed their usual takings.

[Girl from Oz]

I thoroughly enjoyed my first RCI experience, although at this stage, 2 nights was not enough to convert me from being a real "Princess"!!!

 

The very best part of the weekend was being with friends, so this was destined to be a good experience. That's what's so special about cruising - the reunion with old friends from past cruises & also meeting new friends.

 

Many things on the Radiance were very appealing. Sue has mentioned most already, so I can heartily agree that:

 

• the ship itself, especially the decor, is beautiful - many nautical themed areas - very stylish IMHO, particularly the Schooner Bar & it's approach and the seating area in Windjammer buffet
  
• The layout of the buffet - beats Princess' Horizon Court hands down
  
• all the interactive screens throughout the ship are very helpful, plus the "deck plans" in the lift lobby of each deck are very good, again much easier to use than the gold wall plaques on Princess. In fact I thought the whole lift system was great, although somewhat crowded on this particular, highly busy cruise.
  
• for a 2 night cruise, compared to a previous OZ P&O experience, the entertainment was excellent. I went to both the production shows & loved them both, and also enjoyed the Quill & Compass pub singer (yes Sue, we DID make terrific backup singers), the Schooners piano bar singer, the band in the Colony Club and the music late last night in the Atrium.
  
• the Solarium indoor pool area was very impressive - loved the decor
  
• Cascades Dining room was beautiful, over 2 levels, with a sweeping staircase and a waterfall, however it seemed very cramped, not with people, but with too many tables for the space. Many tables were empty on both nights, not unexpected given the demographics of this 2 nighter, so I expect it would seem very crowded if all tables were filled. Even at approx 75% capacity, wait staff were squeezing between tables in order to serve. On that point IMHO, service was a little lacking, just a bit less slick than I've experienced on Princess.
  
• Sue described the food as "nice" & I have to agree, it was OK. Certainly better than being at home doing my own cooking, but not really memorable.
  
• Inside cabin (next door to the lovely Ms Rugby & hubby) was fine, except it was a little disconcerting to receive a phone call from afore-mentioned next door neighbour to ask my cabin buddy Georgie & I to stop talking at 12.30am (just how thin are those walls), but useful to hear those same next door neighbours opening & closing the drawers this morning, because I knew it was time to get up & pack - no window meant that I had no idea it was morning!!!! Also surprised there were no toiletries, and I'm not sure that the soap pump in the shower was shampoo :confused: !!! On the other hand, the shower was excellent, with very good pressure and constant temp and bonus hand held shower rose.
  
• I also loved the hidden gem outdoor area out the back of the buffet, although not immediately obvious as you had to walk through one of the speciality restaurants to find it. On the other hand, not being obvious meant that the masses didn't find this spot, keeping it quiet!!!
  
• Not impressed with the shopping on board, and found the shopping arcade poky compared to what I've previously experienced, even compared to the Pacific Dawn. Not sure if the prices were adjusted for a local cruise (vs international), but nothing seemed particularly inexpensive.
  

Hoping to find a well priced 'real' cruise on the Radiance down the track, to be able to properly compare. What the heck, I'd just like to have another cruise really, but not an inside cabin again!!!!

[Aussie TJE]

You need to track down the lovely Debsta who is queen of solo cruising...however you know you don't have to go solo..lots of friendly types around here for company.

 

I'm watching and waiting eagerly for Debsta's review!

 

Inside cabin was fine...its all so subjective...you really cant compare to the welcome you and I got on the Diamond..no smiling face holding a glass of champers for us..lovely big balcony...hmmm..

 

I loved Diamond too, but I have absolutely loved any ship I've been on LOL!! As for the glass of champers . . . I'd rather them hand me a Banana Smoothie ... you know me!!! Yep, gotta love a mini suite balcony hey!

 

but if it was the difference between being able to cruise or not..would book an inside again..perhaps an obstructed..

 

I guess I'll have to wait and see what specials are around and then see the difference between the different categories.

 

At least with an obstructed, you get a tiny view and can see what it's like outside.

 

The Diamond still wins out in my book but as I said it is so subjective I have spent lots and lots of time on the Diamond two days is barely enough to know the front from the back LOL..but she is a lovely ship.

 

It does take a while to find you way around these ships, so I guess 2 days isn't long enough . . . I don't think I'd like doing 2 days, as it would be so hard to get off so soon.

 

Just be careful not to let the ship convert your account ships rate is .87 aussie cents to the US dollar:eek:

 

 

 

Oh, I must remember that. Thanks so much Sue.

[Aussie TJE]

Inside schminside :p

 

No review yet, I've started one of my you beaut youtubes but I can's see or type straight :rolleyes: I'm sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep deprived.

 

I can understand that Debsta and can wait a little bit longer. A video review is fantastic!!

 

I LOVED this ship!

 

It looks great from all the photos I have seen too, that's why I'm interested.

 

Tamarah, you can't go wrong on the Radiance. Try something new!

 

That's what I'm thinking too ... have been on Legend of the Seas, so cruised with them before ... was our second cruise actually and absolutely loved it.

 

RCL will be rubbing their hands together on this 2 day sailing.....I wreckon they made more on the bar bill and casino takings than they would have on it's entire sailing from Alaska to Australia :eek: :D :p

 

I bet they did too ... they don't make much from me, so they have to make it up somehow LOL!!!

[Aussie TJE]

I thoroughly enjoyed my first RCI experience, although at this stage, 2 nights was not enough to convert me from being a real "Princess"!!!

 

The very best part of the weekend was being with friends, so this was destined to be a good experience. That's what's so special about cruising - the reunion with old friends from past cruises & also meeting new friends.

 

Many things on the Radiance were very appealing. Sue has mentioned most already, so I can heartily agree that:

 

• the ship itself, especially the decor, is beautiful - many nautical themed areas - very stylish IMHO, particularly the Schooner Bar & it's approach and the seating area in Windjammer buffet
  
• The layout of the buffet - beats Princess' Horizon Court hands down
  
• all the interactive screens throughout the ship are very helpful, plus the "deck plans" in the lift lobby of each deck are very good, again much easier to use than the gold wall plaques on Princess. In fact I thought the whole lift system was great, although somewhat crowded on this particular, highly busy cruise.
  
• for a 2 night cruise, compared to a previous OZ P&O experience, the entertainment was excellent. I went to both the production shows & loved them both, and also enjoyed the Quill & Compass pub singer (yes Sue, we DID make terrific backup singers), the Schooners piano bar singer, the band in the Colony Club and the music late last night in the Atrium.
  
• the Solarium indoor pool area was very impressive - loved the decor
  
• Cascades Dining room was beautiful, over 2 levels, with a sweeping staircase and a waterfall, however it seemed very cramped, not with people, but with too many tables for the space. Many tables were empty on both nights, not unexpected given the demographics of this 2 nighter, so I expect it would seem very crowded if all tables were filled. Even at approx 75% capacity, wait staff were squeezing between tables in order to serve. On that point IMHO, service was a little lacking, just a bit less slick than I've experienced on Princess.
  
• Sue described the food as "nice" & I have to agree, it was OK. Certainly better than being at home doing my own cooking, but not really memorable.
  
• Inside cabin (next door to the lovely Ms Rugby & hubby) was fine, except it was a little disconcerting to receive a phone call from afore-mentioned next door neighbour to ask my cabin buddy Georgie & I to stop talking at 12.30am (just how thin are those walls), but useful to hear those same next door neighbours opening & closing the drawers this morning, because I knew it was time to get up & pack - no window meant that I had no idea it was morning!!!! Also surprised there were no toiletries, and I'm not sure that the soap pump in the shower was shampoo :confused: !!! On the other hand, the shower was excellent, with very good pressure and constant temp and bonus hand held shower rose.
  
• I also loved the hidden gem outdoor area out the back of the buffet, although not immediately obvious as you had to walk through one of the speciality restaurants to find it. On the other hand, not being obvious meant that the masses didn't find this spot, keeping it quiet!!!
  
• Not impressed with the shopping on board, and found the shopping arcade poky compared to what I've previously experienced, even compared to the Pacific Dawn. Not sure if the prices were adjusted for a local cruise (vs international), but nothing seemed particularly inexpensive.
  

Hoping to find a well priced 'real' cruise on the Radiance down the track, to be able to properly compare. What the heck, I'd just like to have another cruise really, but not an inside cabin again!!!!

 

Hi Gai, thanks for the great review. I wish I was with you guys for another catch up. I like the sound of a longer cruise down the track on her . . . it would be great to catch up with my Diamond cruise buddies again!!! I think I am 95% convinced not to go for an inside, especially on a 14 night cruise ... I think I would go mad with no natural light, sunshine and I love being able to see the sea from my bed.

 

Glad you guys had a great time . . . without me!!

[Girl from Oz]

Anthony has already found a new cruise - Radiance : Sydney / Newcastle/ Brisbane / Sydney in Feb 2013. 5 nights, Friday to Tuesday. A long way off I know, but remember how long ago we booked this one!!!!!

 

For us Sydneysiders, it means no flying and for us working class, it would be only 2 days off work, if you're prepared to disembark and go straight to the office.

I AM!!!!!!!!!! In fact I DID yesterday :eek: !!!!!!!!!!

 

Something to consider?????????

[rplusr]

Anthony has already found a new cruise - Radiance : Sydney / Newcastle/ Brisbane / Sydney in Feb 2013. 5 nights, Friday to Tuesday. A long way off I know, but remember how long ago we booked this one!!!!!

 

For us Sydneysiders, it means no flying and for us working class, it would be only 2 days off work, if you're prepared to disembark and go straight to the office.

I AM!!!!!!!!!! In fact I DID yesterday :eek: !!!!!!!!!!

 

Something to consider?????????

 

Thanks Gai and also Sue for the reviews. I have to agree with all you have said.

 

Reg and I had a great time and it was good to catch up with everyone again.

 

Yes we will consider this curise for sure.

 

Cheers

 

Robyn:)

[campingman]

Yes i sailed on the Radiance and for those people that had never cruised before it wasnt a very good example of anything except to show you a excellent example of a RCCL Ship Build.

 

 

I missed out on a few things because i found it hard to open the Door of the Diamond Lounge to get IN?

 

Can any one comment on the Deck Barbeque,which i didn't attend and as far as im aware the first on any RCCL ship for me.

 

A interesting comparison of 3 ships nearly identical in size and some stature is the Radiance Class 2500 pax, and the Millennium Class,1950 pax,Holland Americas,Vista Class 2380 pax,(all Panamax Ships.)

 

The most Comfortable Cabins on all 3 Classes would have to be on the Holland Americas Vista Class, 2380 pax,however i find it hard to surpass Celebrity for its refinement towards the passenger.

[lindaANDjohn]

Hi all! I too agree with everything Gai has said, and Deb is right she is a great ship. Here's my little extra add on's.

 

The ship does not have an aft staircase, this took a little while to get used to especially since we were in an aft cabin :eek: but now we are prepared for next time.

 

I bought a wine package online to see how it worked before our longer cruise in Jan. since we won't be able to take wine aboard. The wines can ONLY be redeemed in the dining room or a restaurant not at a bar! But we did take one unfinished bottle away from the table with us.

 

Being a short cruise and travelling with friends we went with a late set dining. Our head table waitress ask our names only once and never forgot them (always helps when you strike it lucky) service was quick.

 

Activities - will leave how that compares to other lines once we've been onboard for a longer cruise :rolleyes:

 

Entertainers - Fab.

 

It took me the 2 days to realise they changed the day on the elevator floors.

 

If you are travelling Grand Suite or above - The Concierge Club is great.... Will miss it next time round. Was not impressed with our cabin steward. Didn't turn down cabin Fri night, didn't collect breakfast card! - and a few other things.

 

Coffee, as per most ships, you don't expect the freebie stuff to be any good, but this was the worst ever. Hence the queues for the good coffee backed up into the oddly laid out shops. Mental reminder for next trip - pack some and order hot water. Yes, the suite had a coffee machine BUT only one sachet of coffee! Steward let us down there too.

 

Linda

[lindaANDjohn]

A interesting comparison of 3 ships nearly identical in size and some stature is the Radiance Class 2500 pax, and the Millennium Class,1950 pax,Holland Americas,Vista Class 2380 pax,(all Panamax Ships.)

 

The most Comfortable Cabins on all 3 Classes would have to be on the Holland Americas Vista Class, 2380 pax,however i find it hard to surpass Celebrity for its refinement towards the passenger.

 

Have to agree with you, Celebrity so far for us just has an edge on the others, hope it's the same on Solstice class with 3 booked!

[cazz0069]

Having only been on 4 other ships, Radiance is by far the most spectacular....I agree with everything you have said Sue (spewing we didnt get to meet) There was really very little time to pin any body down as there was so much going on...

 

That inside pool is amazing, but a little too heavily salted for my liking. My eyes were burning quite harshly and i was only in there for 5 minutes...

 

Highlight of the trip for me was certainly the `Quest` game on the last night...must be experienced by everyone :p

[SAM4]

I agree, It was truly a wonderful weekend, with so many of our cruising friends on board. We'll also certainly cruise on her again:)Most likely Feb 2013;).

The show on Friday night was fantastic, but the show on Saturday night was one of the best shows we've seen on board our 45 plus cruises.

Now I must get back to packing for our Singapore to Sydney cruise:cool:

[campingman]

[quote

Coffee, as per most ships, you don't expect the freebie stuff to be any good, but this was the worst ever. Hence the queues for the good coffee backed up into the oddly laid out shops. Mental reminder for next trip - pack some and order hot water. Yes, the suite had a coffee machine BUT only one sachet of coffee! Steward let us down there too.

 

Linda

 

How Interesting Linda?

 

Barry and i were in the Royal Suite on the Legend of the Seas and we also had a coffee machine and we asked for extra coffees there were only 2 bags in the set up.We nearly spilled one lot trying to work it all out and when i asked for another it was like asking the Steward for his Maserati car keys?The reply was we dont have any?Well hold on? We had just left Singapore for our Voyage.Took some very quick words like if you dont have any just bring some ground coffee and any filter and that will do to make that work.Well he could not refuse that as they do have filters any size and they do have ground coffee.Well we did get our coffee bags.

[Girl from Oz]

It took me the 2 days to realise they changed the day on the elevator floors. Linda

 

I LOVED that quirky little touch - I had noticed that I'd been in an elevator named Friday, and I just thought they all had different names????!!!! I was in the elevator named Saturday at 2am as I made my way back up to the cabin after being a backup singer in the Quill & Compass, but it wasn't until later, much later in the morning that it was pointed out to me that all the plates on the elevator floors had been changed - now they were ALL called Saturday!!! DUH !!!! Unique !!!

[cazz0069]

I LOVED that quirky little touch - I had noticed that I'd been in an elevator named Friday, and I just thought they all had different names????!!!! I was in the elevator named Saturday at 2am as I made my way back up to the cabin after being a backup singer in the Quill & Compass, but it wasn't until later, much later in the morning that it was pointed out to me that all the plates on the elevator floors had been changed - now they were ALL called Saturday!!! DUH !!!! Unique !!!

 

Hahahaha, an elevator named Friday...thats too cute :p The interesting thing was it actually looked like the names were built into the marble of the floor and couldnt be changed, so you would be forgiven to think that was the lifts `name` :D

[lindaANDjohn]

Having only been on 4 other ships, Radiance is by far the most spectacular...

 

And she's going to be even more spectacular when we have 12 days to actually relax and enjoy her :D Not to late to join us!

 

Did hear someone say she had way to much 'wood' and not enough chrome like the Rhapsody - hmmm?