Radiance Questions

[Maplemoose]

1 - On the afternoon of boarding, what is available for dining? Is the buffet open? Is there normally a sailaway party as on Disney? If we boarded around 3 pm for 5 pm departure what choices would we have?

 

2 - Do all cabins have safes?

 

3 - Is there any charge for room-to-room phones?

 

4 - How much does the 'drink plan' cost and what does it include? Is this done via a refillable cup?

[Annefran]

1 - On the afternoon of boarding, what is available for dining? Is the buffet open? Is there normally a sailaway party as on Disney? If we boarded around 3 pm for 5 pm departure what choices would we have?

 

2 - Do all cabins have safes?

 

3 - Is there any charge for room-to-room phones?

 

4 - How much does the 'drink plan' cost and what does it include? Is this done via a refillable cup?

 

No Sailaway party. The Windjammer will be open for everyone for lunch. They will serve regular dinner that night in the dinningroom at your scheduled time.

 

Cabins have safes.

 

Drink plan is ONLY for soda, I believe for adults it's around $30 and you get a special mug type cup.

 

Hope this helps.

[Pomperaugrr]

Related question: Does the Seaview Cafe open on the afternoon of departure?

 

Eric

[Annefran]

Related question: Does the Seaview Cafe open on the afternoon of departure?

 

Eric

 

Eric I think you mean the Windjammer Cafe, yes it does and will serve food up until later that evening if you chose not to go to the dinning room.

[nanfromatlanta]

1 - On the afternoon of boarding, what is available for dining? Is the buffet open? Is there normally a sailaway party as on Disney? If we boarded around 3 pm for 5 pm departure what choices would we have?

 

2 - Do all cabins have safes?

 

3 - Is there any charge for room-to-room phones?

 

4 - How much does the 'drink plan' cost and what does it include? Is this done via a refillable cup?

 

When you board, the Windjammer on Deck 11 will be open for lunch. The Seaview on Deck 12 will NOT be open.

 

All cabins have safes. You use your own code to open them.

 

No charge for room-to-room calls, or for any calls within the ship.

 

I don't remember the cost for the soda card. They put a sticker on your Seapass card.

[CaptData]

Soda cards are $6.00/day + 15% tip for number of days of cruise. Yes you get a mug but do not need it once you have the sticker. Just show your card with the sticker and order whatever pop you like. It does not work for Room Service as they will give you Coke in a can and charge you the $1.75 + 15% tip. If you are on a 7 day cruise it will be $42.00 + $6.30 [15%] = $48.30.

[barbarah33]

The Seaview was not open on the day we boarded but you could go up and check it out and their menu so you can see what they have to offer. It is really good so I recommend trying it out on one of your first days. I think the soda card was about $6/day and yes, they will give you a refillable cup but they also put a sticker on your cruise card so you don't have to have the cup with you. Just go up to any bar with a soda gun and flash your sticker and they'll happily give you a soda.

[Pomperaugrr]

I was actually referring to the Seaview Cafe, available on deck 12. The Windjammer is always fine for a quick bite after boarding. Since this will be the first time for us on a Radiance class ship, I was just curious.

 

My apologies to Maplemoose for jumping in on this thread too. Thanks for the great info.

 

Eric

[Croozin Soozin]

Related question: Does the Seaview Cafe open on the afternoon of departure?

 

Eric

 

On our last cruise, on the Jewel, I remember the Seaview Cafe being open at 5 pm - we went there right after muster - but I'm not sure what time it opened. I don't recall ever seeing the Seaview open on the Radiance or Serenade early in the afternoon on departure day.

[wrp96]

One note you asked what would be available if you board at 3pm for a 5pm departure. I can tell you that in the past the Windjammer Buffet has closed at 3pm or 3:30 in order to make sure everybody is out of there before muster drill at 4pm. If you plan on arriving at the port at 3pm do not plan on having anything available to eat until after sailaway.

[love2cruiseseattle]

Seaview opened in the late afternoon on the day we set sail. I don't think most people found it during the cruise because it was always empty, but the food and service was good.

[Lowcountrygal]

I just got off the Radiance 4 weeks ago today and kept the Daily Compass from every day of our cruise.

 

Snack & Dining opportunities aboard the Radiance on sail away day:

 

Windjammer --- noon to 3:30 PM

Solarium Cafe' --- 5:00 to 7:00 PM

Sea View Cafe' --- 5:00 to 7:00 PM

Windjammer ------ 6:30 to 9:00 PM

Sea View Cafe' -- 9:00 pm to 1:00 AM

 

11:30 PM to 12:30 AM -- Midnight Delights (Casino Royale, Colony Club, and Schooner Bar) -- can't tell you about this, I was never awake!

 

6:00 --- Main Seating

8:30 --- Late Seating

 

Speciality Dining for $20 per person. Day 1 is usually slow in these restaurants:

Portofino's -- 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Chops ------- 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM

 

Enjoy!

 

Rose

[Maplemoose]

I just got off the Radiance 4 weeks ago today and kept the Daily Compass from every day of our cruise.

 

Snack & Dining opportunities aboard the Radiance on sail away day:

 

Windjammer --- noon to 3:30 PM

Solarium Cafe' --- 5:00 to 7:00 PM

Sea View Cafe' --- 5:00 to 7:00 PM

Windjammer ------ 6:30 to 9:00 PM

Sea View Cafe' -- 9:00 pm to 1:00 AM

 

11:30 PM to 12:30 AM -- Midnight Delights (Casino Royale, Colony Club, and Schooner Bar) -- can't tell you about this, I was never awake!

 

6:00 --- Main Seating

8:30 --- Late Seating

 

Speciality Dining for $20 per person. Day 1 is usually slow in these restaurants:

Portofino's -- 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Chops ------- 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM

 

Enjoy!

 

Rose

 

 

That's great info Rose. I have 2 follow-up questions;

 

1) Is there anything available at all between 15:30 and 17:00......pizza place etc? and

2) Do you have the schedule for the post-getaway days?

 

Thanl you.

[mdhbeh_11993]

I will be on the Radiance in two weeks. Woohoo!!!!!!! Have a few questions.

 

What time were you able to board? We are staying over Saturday night and are planning to get a cab from our hotel.

 

What night is Caribbean night?

 

What night is Midnight buffet?

 

Thanks for your assistance.

 

Melissa

[Lowcountrygal]

That's great info Rose. I have 2 follow-up questions;

 

1) Is there anything available at all between 15:30 and 17:00......pizza place etc? and

2) Do you have the schedule for the post-getaway days?

 

Thanl you.

 

Hi,

Don't quote me on this but I think you will be able to get coffee, soft drinks, cakes & cookies at Latte-tudes -- not sure of pizza. I know you can get Pizza in the Windjammer (you can even put your own toppings on a personal size pizza and they bake it for you!) and the Solarium cafe.

 

I really enjoyed the lemon & sugar crepe that is made on the spot for you in the Solarium cafe! What a light & wonderful treat at the end of the evening! You can also have crepes with other fruits / flavors added. Such an elegant touch to offer crepes!

 

Remember....... all venues, including those that serve food and drink CLOSE at 4:15 PM due to the mandatory lifeboat drill. They will resume service after the drill is over.

 

Please clarify what you mean by post-getaway days. Are you referring to excursions after the cruise?

 

Rose

[Lowcountrygal]

And I thought a double post would never happen to me! Drats!

[Lowcountrygal]

I will be on the Radiance in two weeks. Woohoo!!!!!!! Have a few questions.

What time were you able to board? We are staying over Saturday night and are planning to get a cab from our hotel.

What night is Caribbean night?

What night is Midnight buffet?

Thanks for your assistance.

 

Melissa

 

Hi Melissa:

Remember now, I took the 6 night Radiance cruise -- Western itinerary. If you are doing the 8 night, you should expect the following info to be different:

 

Day 1 -- the schedule says boarding begins at 12 noon. We didn't board until about 3 PM because traffic was so horrendous clearing vehicle security before getting to the terminal. I sailed the week before Christmas (Dec. 17th) and there were 9 ships at Port Everglades -- ALL embarking the SAME DAY! Our first time at Port Everglades (and last time if you ask my husband *LOL* ) we usually sail from Canaveral. Attire is Casual.

 

Day 2 -- Key West -- Formal.

Day 3 -- Cozumel -- Caribbean.

Day 4 -- Grand Cayman --- Casual.

Day 5 -- Montego Bay --- Formal. Gala Buffet. Viewing from 11:15 PM to Midnight, buffet 12:15 AM to 1:15 AM.

Day 6 -- At Sea --- Casual.

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

 

Rose

[mdhbeh_11993]

Thanks Rose,

 

I am on the 6 night western as well. We are trying to plan our Chops night and are thinking Caribbean night would be the best.

 

BTW, what did you end up doing in Montego Bay? I am struggling right now with what to choose.

 

Thanks again.

 

Melissa

[Maplemoose]

Hi,

Don't quote me on this but I think you will be able to get coffee, soft drinks, cakes & cookies at Latte-tudes -- not sure of pizza. I know you can get Pizza in the Windjammer (you can even put your own toppings on a personal size pizza and they bake it for you!) and the Solarium cafe.

 

I really enjoyed the lemon & sugar crepe that is made on the spot for you in the Solarium cafe! What a light & wonderful treat at the end of the evening! You can also have crepes with other fruits / flavors added. Such an elegant touch to offer crepes!

 

Remember....... all venues, including those that serve food and drink CLOSE at 4:15 PM due to the mandatory lifeboat drill. They will resume service after the drill is over.

 

 

 

 

Please clarify what you mean by post-getaway days. Are you referring to excursions after the cruise?

 

Rose

 

 

Sorry, I was just referring to the rest of the cruise! In other words, do the schedules you have contain the hours for the various eating venues? Thanks again, Rose.

[wannalottadough]

Hi,

Don't quote me on this but I think you will be able to get coffee, soft drinks, cakes & cookies at Latte-tudes -- not sure of pizza. I know you can get Pizza in the Windjammer (you can even put your own toppings on a personal size pizza and they bake it for you!) and the Solarium cafe.

 

I really enjoyed the lemon & sugar crepe that is made on the spot for you in the Solarium cafe! What a light & wonderful treat at the end of the evening! You can also have crepes with other fruits / flavors added. Such an elegant touch to offer crepes!

 

Remember....... all venues, including those that serve food and drink CLOSE at 4:15 PM due to the mandatory lifeboat drill. They will resume service after the drill is over.

 

 

I was under the impression that the crepes were only on Jewel, not radiance? I was disappointed when I heard this, tell me that it's changed and they are now serving them on Radiance too? I love crepes!:p

[Lowcountrygal]

Thanks Rose,

 

I am on the 6 night western as well. We are trying to plan our Chops night and are thinking Caribbean night would be the best.

 

BTW, what did you end up doing in Montego Bay? I am struggling right now with what to choose.

 

Thanks again.

 

Melissa

 

Make your reservation for Chops soon after you board as many, try to avoid Caribbean night in the dining room! Don't try to make your reservations anywhere near the time of the lifeboard drill as passengers gather in those areas for the drill and staff is not taking reservations.

 

We did not go into Montego Bay town center. From where the Radiance docks at the pier, you must take a taxi into downtown. The shopping there is a small area that is completely fenced -- (take that for what its' worth!) and unless you want to purchase an expensive watch or piece of jewelry, I don't recommend shopping there. We did get off the ship and walked toward the Freedom of the Seas (she got into port about an hour ahead of us). Near the Freedom is a moderate sized "terminal" building that has about a dozen or so shops.....enough to purchase your basic & inexpensive Tshirts, Blue Mountain coffee, post-cards, and other souvenier type items. It's nothing high end there at all, so don't expect designer anything. We walked, shopped, walked back in about an hour. It was nice to see the Freedom at such close range!

 

The excursions offered in Montego Bay usually are longer drives toward Ochos Rios. For example, doing the Dunns River Falls from Montego Bay will take about 6 hours and most of that is the round trip drive. (In Ochos Rios, the Falls are nearby, so the excursion does not take that kind of time!) We've been to Ochos Rios a number of times before and there wasn't any excursion tempting enough for us in Montego Bay.

 

Rose

[Lowcountrygal]

I was under the impression that the crepes were only on Jewel, not radiance? I was disappointed when I heard this, tell me that it's changed and they are now serving them on Radiance too? I love crepes!:p

 

As I said earlier, I just got off the Radiance, and SO enjoyed the crepes. Yes, they are available in the Solarium Cafe and are wonderful!

 

Enjoy!

 

Rose

[lorilea]

Hi Maplemoose,

Good questions - we're sailing on the Radiance 02/25/07 - 6 night Western and were curious about some of the same things. I see you're from Halifax - what a beautiful city! I'll be there Wed of this week but just changing planes on a flight from Charlottetown to Toronto.

 

I just had a question for LowCountryGal if she's out there.

 

I see that Caribbean night was on Day 3. Do you remember what the dining room themes were for the other days?

 

Thanks, Lori

[Lowcountrygal]

Hi Maplemoose,

Good questions - we're sailing on the Radiance 02/25/07 - 6 night Western and were curious about some of the same things. I see you're from Halifax - what a beautiful city! I'll be there Wed of this week but just changing planes on a flight from Charlottetown to Toronto.

 

I just had a question for LowCountryGal if she's out there.

 

I see that Caribbean night was on Day 3. Do you remember what the dining room themes were for the other days?

 

Thanks, Lori

 

Hi Lori,

 

As I indicated below in an earlier post several responses below, these are the ports and the attire for each cruise day:

 

Day 1 -- the schedule says boarding begins at 12 noon. We didn't board until about 3 PM because traffic was so horrendous clearing vehicle security before getting to the terminal. I sailed the week before Christmas (Dec. 17th) and there were 9 ships at Port Everglades -- ALL embarking the SAME DAY! Our first time at Port Everglades (and last time if you ask my husband *LOL* ) we usually sail from Canaveral. Attire is Casual.

 

Day 2 -- Key West -- Formal.

Day 3 -- Cozumel -- Caribbean.

Day 4 -- Grand Cayman --- Casual.

Day 5 -- Montego Bay --- Formal. Gala Buffet. Viewing from 11:15 PM to Midnight, buffet 12:15 AM to 1:15 AM.

Day 6 -- At Sea --- Casual.

 

Rose

[Lowcountrygal]

Sorry, I was just referring to the rest of the cruise! In other words, do the schedules you have contain the hours for the various eating venues? Thanks again, Rose.

 

Maplemoose:

Yes, I have the schedules for all eating venues from every day of the cruise.

 

Did you have a question as to a particular venue? It would be too cumbersome to jot down the times for each venue for each day.

 

Rose