The 2,139-passenger Radiance of the Seas debuted in 2001 and was the first Royal Caribbean ship to use gas and steam turbine power instead of the more conventional diesel/electric. During its 2011 refit, eight dining choices already found on Oasis and Allure of the Seas were added, as well as bow-to-stern Wi-Fi and a big poolside movie screen. Daytime attire is mostly casual, other than the two formal nights (on seven day voyages). Royal Caribbean passengers are charged $13.50 per person, per day ($16.50 for suite guests) and can be prepaid or added on a daily basis to the passenger’s account. Guests can add or remove gratuities by visiting the guest services desk.

[fa type=”bed”] Accommodation

The wide range of suites and cabins is sorted in 10 different categories and price groups. All cabins have rich faux-wood cabinetry, including a vanity desk with hair dryer, silent-close drawers, safe and mirrors. They also have wireless internet access and flat-screen TVs with interactive technology where passengers can order room service or book activities. Bathrooms have a terrazzo-style tiled floor, enclosed shower, 100 per cent Egyptian cotton towels, cabinet for toiletries and a shelf.

[fa type=”cutlery”] Food

Cascades, the two-level main dining room, features a grand staircase and a cascading waterfall, hence the name. This 1,110 seater hall has 6.15pm and 8.30pm dining times, or guests can choose My Time Dining, in which passengers can just walk in for dinner between 6pm and 9.30pm. Breakfast and lunch in Cascades are open seating. Other dining options include the buffet restaurant Windjammer Marketplace, Brazilian-style steakhouse Samba Grill at the back of deck 12, private dining at Chef’s Table, Giovanni’s traditional Italian dishes, or Asian choices at Izumi. Room service is available 24/7. Late-night/early-morning orders (between midnight and 5am) incur a $3.95 surcharge.

[fa type=”ticket”] Activities

The grand 1,440 square-metre Radiance Day Spa and Fitness Center is divided into a beauty and health centre, thermal suites and a gym. The spa has 12 treatment rooms offering services like wraps, facials, massages, and Rasul. The fitness centre is decked out with 18 treadmills, 10 Reebok Recumbent Cycles, eight Reebok Body Peaks, four Reebok Ridge Rocker Cycles, four Reebok Body Treks, free weights and multiple benches. Classes like stretching and aerobics, aquadynamics, and sports tourneys are scheduled and are for free while Pilates attracts a fee. For outdoor recreation, the Country Club houses a basketball court, mini-golf, a 61 metre high rock-climbing wall, and golf simulator.

[fa type=”group”] Families

Radiance of the Seas has excellent and varied family offerings. Adventure Ocean Program has activities appropriate for different age groups. During sea days, the program is available from 9am to noon, 2-5pm and 7-10pm. Parents with kids in Adventure Ocean receive cell phones, which they can use to check on their kids or communicate with the youth staff. Group babysitting called the Late-night Party Zone is available from 10pm to 2am. It comes with a fee of US$7 per hour, per child. In-cabin sitting is available for kids aged one year and older (subject to availability). Parents must reserve the service 24 hours prior and it costs $19 per hour for up to three children within the same family. As for the teenages, Fuel, a teen-only club hosts parties. They can also hang out in the Living Room, also a teen-only lounge. Inter-connecting family cabins connected through a shared vestibule are really good for multi-generational groups.

Verdict

– Cruise Passenger 

– Cruise Critic 

– Berlitz

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