NCL Cruiser jumping ship...

[Swells1]

I feel like this is probably asked and answered to death, but I promise I went back at least four pages on the search function and didn't see anything.

 

As the title says, I'm a NCL cruiser (Platinum if it matters), and I'm looking to expand my horizons. I'm booked on Radiance of the Seas next year, and I have more questions than I can even think of at the moment. I know she's an older, smaller gal, but those huge mega-ships are a little intimidating for me.

 

I chose "My Time" dining as I'm not keen on dining with strangers. It appears I'm able to make reservations now. (That seems crazy early to me, but I'm not complaining.) Is there any way to know what time evening shows begin, so I can plan accordingly? If I reserve 6:45pm, can I still make shows? Should I aim for entertainment before dinner?

 

Will I know in advance of formal nights? This isn't an issue on NCL. My "cruise" uniform is typically long capris and lightweight, semi-dressy tops. (Think Land's End.) Will I be okay for the most part, or do I need to buy some new items? (We'll probably skip formal night.)

 

For those who have sailed both lines, can you tell me some of the differences between the two? Similarities? 

 

Thank you in advance for any help. I'm happy to provide any additional information if it helps.

[Sunshine3601]

We usually do traditional dining and ask for a 2 top.

If doing my time dining Best to book your preferred times now as it fills up fast.

Entertainment....maybe check the app for current sailings of Radiance to get an idea of times.

 

Formal nights can be dressy for some and casual for others.    Not mandatory to dress up.   If 7 night cruise usually night 2 and night 6 are the dressy nights.  Night 6 would be Lobster night and main dining room is always busy this night.

 

[roupa]

Don’t change your wardrobe … all you mentioned is good… even for”formal “ nights!

I can’t remember exactly what the 1st showtime is,  but it does repeat at 9;00 usually.

Personally, hubby and I love “my time” dining at a table for 2.  Tables are so close together that you can easily share conversations with others or keep to yourself without being antisocial. 
 

Enjoy the Radiance… a smaller ship in today’s market, but still so enjoyable and relaxing… not at all overwhelming 

[smokeybandit]

17 minutes ago, Swells1 said:

My "cruise" uniform is typically long capris and lightweight, semi-dressy tops. (Think Land's End.) Will I be okay for the most part, or do I need to buy some new items? (We'll probably skip formal night.)

You'll be right in the middle. There will be some dressed fancier, there will be some dressed more casual.

[Tree_skier]

As mentioned you don't have to dine with stranger is you don't want to.  If using my time dining you will usually be able to make any of the evening shows as most times they have an early and a late show in the theatre.

 

Formal nights are typically day 2 and day 6 on a 7 night cruise.  On a royal ship you will see a gamut dress styles.  On formal nights you will see everything tuxedo and evening dress to casual.  Royal doesn't enforce the dress code so some people choose to ignore the dress suggestions.  Other nights you will see a range from resort casual to business casual typically.

 

If this is an Alaskan cruise it'll be different showtimes than Caribbean so if you provide that info perhaps you can get a little more info.

 

Fo

 

[Swells1]

6 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

If this is an Alaskan cruise it'll be different showtimes than Caribbean so if you provide that info perhaps you can get a little more info.

 

Of course, this makes total sense! We're doing the Western Caribbean.

[Tree_skier]

10 minutes ago, Swells1 said:

 

Of course, this makes total sense! We're doing the Western Caribbean.

Here is a cruise compass from Radiance Dec 2022.  Things won't be exactly the same, especially since this was a holiday sailing, but it should give you an overview of typical things.

 

https://issuu.com/hochmania/docs/rots_20221224

 

 

[Weluv2cruise2gether]

We are also NCL past cruisers who jumped ship to RCL. We do not see any difference in dress. Show times are comparable to the times on NCL. Food was slightly better but with some recent changes they are now about the same. They both have expensive drink packages, extra charge for specialty restaurants and internet. We enjoy both lines, but have been sticking to RCL because DH gets way better casino offers. 

[firefly333]

@twangster did a Panama canal live review from about a month ago that has lovely shots of the ship.

 

I did a 10 day on radiance march 27 to april 4? I think. Best service in a long time. Sat with other couples. I dont like anytime on rcl. Food was hot and cooked right. My steak was cooked right each time and my fish and chips the fish was crispy which hasnt always been the case. I think I sat close to the kitchen .. food and service and my steward one of the best ever.

 

Beautiful ship, glass elevators. 

 

...and I'm usually a oasis class ship fan .. but this was a great cruise. 

[Swells1]

18 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

Here is a cruise compass from Radiance Dec 2022.  Things won't be exactly the same, especially since this was a holiday sailing, but it should give you an overview of typical things.

 

https://issuu.com/hochmania/docs/rots_20221224

 

 

 

Thank you! 

[Swells1]

17 hours ago, firefly333 said:

@twangster did a Panama canal live review from about a month ago that has lovely shots of the ship.

 

I did a 10 day on radiance march 27 to april 4? I think. Best service in a long time. Sat with other couples. I dont like anytime on rcl. Food was hot and cooked right. My steak was cooked right each time and my fish and chips the fish was crispy which hasnt always been the case. I think I sat close to the kitchen .. food and service and my steward one of the best ever.

 

Beautiful ship, glass elevators. 

 

...and I'm usually a oasis class ship fan .. but this was a great cruise. 

 

Thank you. I'll check it out now.

[firefly333]

31 minutes ago, Swells1 said:

 

Thank you. I'll check it out now.

In case you couldn't find it .. here it is. Not that easy to find. He takes excellent pictures. It's a small but beautiful ship. I was surprised by the dog house. Has hot dogs and sausage dogs.  Near the buffet. 

 

Had roast beef sandwiches in the afternoons in the solarium where they put the pizza. Not as good as on a oasis class ship imo. 

 

Glass elevators and open decks where you can see out to sea in the middle of about 4 decks. Its considered a beautiful ship.

 

See pictures.. worth looking at imo

 

 

[Swells1]

1 hour ago, firefly333 said:

In case you couldn't find it .. here it is. Not that easy to find. He takes excellent pictures. It's a small but beautiful ship. I was surprised by the dog house. Has hot dogs and sausage dogs.  Near the buffet. 

 

Had roast beef sandwiches in the afternoons in the solarium where they put the pizza. Not as good as on a oasis class ship imo. 

 

Glass elevators and open decks where you can see out to sea in the middle of about 4 decks. Its considered a beautiful ship.

 

See pictures.. worth looking at imo

 

 

 

Thank you. Those pics are just what I needed on this horrible day at work.

[gail-s]

We did RCL years ago, jumped to NCL to do a couple of Boston to Bermuda's w/ the kid and my parents.  Now we're going back to RCL on the first ship we ever sailed on.  When I get back, I'll let you know how I think they compare.  

[Alamana]

As far as skipping formal night goes -- fwiw, I just got off of Vision of the Seas, on a 5 day cruise from Baltimore to Bermuda and back. I'd say about 15 - 20% of the people on board dressed up for formal night. If that. If you dress super casual on formal night for dinner, you will likely be in the majority. 

 

Dress on other nights in the MDR was very casual (probably too casual). Lots of shorts and tank tops and even people in a swimsuit with cover up even though there is supposedly a rule against this.

Edited June 22, 2023 by Alamana

[moposh]

I saw a solo cruiser sitting by himself at a two-top during early dining.  You don't have to sit with others.  

 

If you eat at 6:45 p.m., you can make the late show.  If the early showtime is 7:00 p.m., you won't make it.  If it's 7:30 p.m., you might make it, but probably not.

 

You'll be fine in that attire for formal night.  Have fun!

[Alamana]

17 minutes ago, moposh said:

I saw a solo cruiser sitting by himself at a two-top during early dining.  You don't have to sit with others.  

 

We were told, this week on Vision, that they didn't have a 2-top table for us and we'd have to sit at our assigned table (for 10) in the MDR. 

[Sunshine3601]

26 minutes ago, Alamana said:

Dress on other nights in the MDR was very casual (probably too casual). Lots of shorts and tank tops and even people in a swimsuit with cover up even though there is supposedly a rule against this.

Wow!  I have never seen swimsuit with cover up in MDR for lunch or dinner.   That is sad to hear.  

[Alamana]

10 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Wow!  I have never seen swimsuit with cover up in MDR for lunch or dinner.   That is sad to hear.  

Yes, the dress in the MDR, and even in Chops was really, really casual. No swimsuits in Chops, but I did see lots of very short shorts, flip flops, and tshirts/sweatshirts. I don't need people to dress up, but yeah, the complete and total lack of care with regard to dress was pretty sad. 

[shipgeeks]

2 hours ago, Alamana said:

As far as skipping formal night goes -- fwiw, I just got off of Vision of the Seas, on a 5 day cruise from Baltimore to Bermuda and back. I'd say about 15 - 20% of the people on board dressed up for formal night. If that. If you dress super casual on formal night for dinner, you will likely be in the majority. 

 

Dress on other nights in the MDR was very casual (probably too casual). Lots of shorts and tank tops and even people in a swimsuit with cover up even though there is supposedly a rule against this.

We were on Vision on the cruise before yours.  A young man came into the MDR on a casual night in a tank top, was seated and had ordered, when he was told by the head waiter that he would not be allowed in again without a proper shirt.

[KroozNut]

4 hours ago, Alamana said:

Yes, the dress in the MDR, and even in Chops was really, really casual. No swimsuits in Chops, but I did see lots of very short shorts, flip flops, and tshirts/sweatshirts. I don't need people to dress up, but yeah, the complete and total lack of care with regard to dress was pretty sad. 

I agree.. But as has been mentioned again and again on other threads, Royal's guidelines for onboard attire are merely 'suggestions', so not worthy of merit or attention.

[bundtkate]

I prefer Royal over NCL, but really they are more similar than different in my opinion. Husband and I have been on 5 Royal cruises, 1 MSC and 1 NCL. It's a bit tough to judge because we got married on NCL and booked the Haven as a treat to ourselves so that aspect of NCL was obviously amazing, but that's not usually something we'll pony up for so when I'm comparing, I think about our time outside the Haven and that was pretty similar.

I saw you mentioned My Time Dining and honest you can probably just show up and get a seat. Our last Royal cruise was on Oasis in Feb 2022 so probably still a bit under capacity, but we would just show up when we felt like it and ask for a two top. We might have waited 5-10 mins once or twice, but generally it wasn't a big deal. We'd usually eat around 7 so off-peak, but not super late.

[joeyancho]

Just cruised the Radiance in May.  I loved it. It is obviously smaller compared to the newer ships. But you really get the feeling that you are on a cruise ship,  on the ocean,  as opposed to an amusement park.   Also venues are a much shorter walk.  The ship is in very good condition.  MTD seems to work better on the smaller ship.  Have you downloaded the Royal Caribbean app?  The app will have the daily planner so you can find out what time the shows are.  You can then schedule around them.  You can also make reservations for dinner.  If you don't have a reservation you can just show up when you want to eat and that works pretty well also.  I hope you enjoy the Radiance as much as we did.  Bon Voyage.