First Hour on Board - Radiance

[borg1of2]

Hi All,

 

Lots of great information on this site. Thanks to all.

 

I am looking for advice from some seasoned RCCL cruisers. This is our first RCCL cruise and I was curious what do people do the first hour they get on board. Are there any reservations or lists I should get on right away. I know booking spa packages is good to do early, but what about reservations at the restaurants?

 

We normally get on board, head to the room and check that out, and from there we normally walk around the ship, but I've heard people do get a few things done right away.

 

Any advice/recommendations would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Scott

[grvdggr71]

I normally enjoy the lunch buffet at Windjammer and then do some swimming. But, you are absolutely correct - anything that you want to do on your cruise you should book as early as possible. This includes spa treatments, shore excursions, and dinner at the alternative restaurants if these float your boat (bad pun, I know). Also, sort out any requests you may have as far as dinner in the main dining room is concerned (if you want to be on the early seating wait list, specific table request, etc.) with the Maitre'd.

 

Other than that, I would just kick back and relax.

[natalie2727]

One article I read a long time ago said one of the first things you should do is flush your toilet to make sure it works, and see if the air conditioning seems to be working ok. If there's something wrong, on the first day there is still time to get moved to another cabin. Also, I have heard that if you want extra pillows, extra hangers or a one of those egg-carton-type mattress-toppers, you should ask the first day because they might run out.

 

After that, my plans are to book evenings at the specialty restaurants, eat at the Windjammer, and tour the beautiful ship!

[erntrish]

We grab a quick bite at the WJ, then head to the cabin to see where it is, what it looks like, and orient ourselves to locations of stairs and elevators. Then we make reservations at alternative dining, check out our dining table locatin/configuration, and then take a leisurely stroll through the ships pubic areas.

 

Oh, and we've been known to suck down a boat drink or two.

[CaptData]

I check out where I'm Dining (access issues). I book my spa treatment on a port day as they are cheaper (make sure you remind them or you pay full price). I ask which are formal nights then book the sp rest. I go eat at the WJ. Change and take a hot tub. Change go get my life jacket do the drill. Take jacket back and go to sailaway party.

[Seagal123]

Hi,

Second time on the Radiance--we sail this Sat, Aug 27th! Will be at the pier by 11AM and hope to be on board a little after noon. On our last cruise, Customs started the boarding process at noon and we were in the first group. On board, we head to the dining room and check our table assignment; then to the specialty restaurants to make our reservations; to the spa for a tour and make those reservations. We usually stop by the room and see if it's ready--last cruise it was all made up and ready for us by 1pm--we had one of the hardest working cabin stewards; then off to the Windjammer for a bite and then a tour around the ship. The only thing I remember was that our suitcases didn't get dropped off to the room until after 8pm--first on; last delivered?

Ellen in Seattle

[digital_curator]

I got a great suggestion from CC which really helped us get to know our first cruise ship before the masses arrived.

 

We got to the pier (Miami for NOS) at 11:45 and were onboard by 12:15. We were allowed to go to our cabins so we dropped stuff off and met the cabin attendant.

 

Then, using the map provided at check in, we oriented ourselves with the ship by going aft and taking the elevator to the top. We then worked our way downstairs checking out everything the "back" had to offer (we also stopped for lunch in the Windjammer on this part of the tour). We also checked in to see if our table in the dining room was o.k. (which it was so we didn't have to go back to see the maitre d'). We didn't do the alternative restaurants but we could have made reservations at this time too when we toured them.

 

We walked across the ship when we reached the Promenade and took the elevator to the top of the bow. As we wound our way downstairs, we booked our spa treatments.

 

By the time we were done, the "Street Fair" had started on the Promenade so we could get info for anything we didn't see on our tour- soda & wine packages (which we didn't buy), casino tournaments, etc.

 

We were back in our cabin by 3:30 and our luggage had arrived! Then we grabbed our life jackets and headed out to a pre-M&M CC party that had been arranged through our roll call in the pub.

 

By the time we went to the muster drill we felt like we knew our way around the ship, had enjoyed a welcome foo-foo drink or two, and were ready to start our vacation:D

 

Have a great trip.

 

Cheers,

[kenandlaura06]

Great ideas here!

[borg1of2]

All,

 

Thanks for the great ideas. I think I have a plan of attack.

 

We are on the same Aug 27 Radiance cruise, and I think we'll get to the pier early. We've never sailed out of Ballantyne, I got spoiled with Canada Place. We will have to get ride service from Hyatt over to pier on Saturday and with JS we should be able to board early.

 

I hadn't thought about going to the main dining room. I like that idea. I think we'll check out the alternate restaurants and make a reservation. From there WJ for some afternoon meal and then begin the relaxation.

 

I like the soda package deal, but I drink Caffenie Free soda's and never know what they carry, so will probably not go for that. We might also sign up for a bridge tour. I hear you need to do that early.

 

I also notice that it sounds like RCCL boards its passengers differently. We have previously sailed with HAL and when you get on board you get an escort who takes you to your room. You can drop off stuff, meet your cabin steward and then begin to wander the ship. It sounds like these post, that RCCL just has you walk onboard and your on your own. Am I understanding this correctly? I kind of like the escort, it puts a nice touch to the cruise experience. But this is why we are trying other lines to see how things are different.

 

Again, thanks for the advice and if anyone can comment on the on-boarding process that would be great.

 

Thanks

 

Scott

[Seagal123]

Scott,

Hope to see you in line on Aug 27. We're also in a JS. On our last Radiance cruise, also in a JS but didn't get any early boarding benefits.

Ellen in Seattle.

[rtb]

We are also on the Radiance this Saturday....it is true when you come on you are on your own, they will have it posted you cannot go to your cabin until after 1:00 so if you do get there early you could go to lunch then the cabin. Staff members are at the door of the ship when you arrive to greet you so if you have a question about location of your cabin they will be happy to help you. I would suggest any reservations you know that you want take care of them as soon as possible so you have a better sellection, then you can sit back, relax and enjoy the sail away.....Pat

[ShamrockFL]

We might also sign up for a bridge tour. I hear you need to do that early.Scott

 

Scott, Where do you sign up for the Bridge Tour Do you know if they will allow young kids in there age 4-6?

[borg1of2]

I thought I read, here and maybe elsewhere that the JS do get early boarding. They don't get early deboarding. It seems strange, but no big deal. It seems like you get there early anyway. :-)

 

I think we are going to try and make reservations at Chops, but will need to see when the formal nights are and what the main dining dinner menu looks like. I would hate to book at chops and then have the main dining room serving filet or other steak. Why pay the extra, IMHO.

 

As for the bridge tour. I read it one of the threads on this board. I think if you go to the main help desk area, I don't know what RCCL calls it, and you can ask and possibly sign up there. We are going to give it a try this cruise. I've never done it, so don't know any details about who is and isn't allowed.

 

Can't wait for the cruise. Weather forecast doesn't look favorable, but its Alaska and a little or a lot rain never hurt anyone.

 

Happy Cruising

 

Scott