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Royal Caribbean International

MV Radiance of the Seas

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Reviewed by:: Mark Chen
# previous cruises: 4
Date of Trip: June 23, 2001
Itinerary: Alaska

Radiance of the Seas is extraordinarily well run for a ship her size. Her staff, from the officers to the Cabin Attendants, keep the ship in sparkling condition from the day you board, and make each passenger feel at home among the other 2,000 or so passengers. Her current master, Capt. William Wright, is the only known American captain on an international cruise line, and is extremely gracious, taking time out to walk the decks and greet passengers in passing. As Royal Caribbean's current flag ship, the attitude is carried into the crew. The Recreational Specialists turn otherwise relaxed crowds during the day into rowdy bunches at night. All in all, an extremely comfortable ship, even though the majority of the passengers stay indoors due to the cooler weather on deck.

Perhaps the best way to go about the public areas on board a ship as large as Radiance of the Seas (90,090 GRT) is to go deck by deck. While the lowest deck accessible to passengers is Deck 2, this houses only crew quarters, passenger cabins, the tender stations, and the Medical facility. Luckily, I did not have to visit the medical facility. Deck 3 is comprised entirely of passenger cabins with no real public area.

Deck 4 is the start of the Centrum, which spans Decks 4 through 12. The "main lobby" of the ship, the Centrum on Deck 4 offers a casual meeting place, comfortably appointed with several seating areas, the Lobby Bar, Guest Relations and Explorations desk, and a small stage which houses musical acts. The open area in the middle of the Centrum provides couples a space to dance in the evening. Located far above Deck 4 and spanning all decks is a wonderful sculpture, elegant and flowing. A unique feature about this sculpture is that at night lights located on the sides of the centrum play across the sculpture, changing in color, shape, and pattern. A large shadow field wall across the way captures the shadows created, becoming an art piece unto its own. The Centrum features six elevators, two of which span Decks 2-11 facing in, and four spanning Decks 2-13 facing the ocean. The elevators facing the ocean have an unobstructed view as the exterior wall of the ship at that point is complete glass, offering spectacular views even during transit. Deck 4 aft contains the lower level of the bi-level Cascades restaurant. Tastefully decorated in rich woods and amber tones, Cascades is a wonderful place to enjoy dinner after a long day in port. Forward on Deck 4 is passenger cabins. Aside from the two main lobby/centrum areas to connect the decks, Decks 4 and 5 are also connected by a sweeping glass staircase in the Centrum. Backlit, the staircase provides an excellent prop for family photographs.

Up on Deck 5 and aft is the upper level of Cascades dining room. Located to the port and starboard sides of the Centrum is royal caribbean online, where guest can access the web, although one would wonder why, with the many activities and views on board and the $7.95/min charge. Just forward of the Centrum are the Shops of the Centrum, with a winding "main street" that allows easy access to all the stores. After passing through the stores, a small lobby opens out onto the Promenade on Deck 5, which, like many new megaships, is no longer wrap around. With the Centrum containing many large viewing windows, the width of the Promenade varies, and at the Centrum, is just wide enough to allow one person to pass through at a time, not the most convenient of designs. However, Deck 5 is the deck to access the Helicopter pad situated at the bow, which, when open, provides unparalleled views from any other public area. Opposite the exit to the outside is Books, Books, & Coffee, a coffee shop serving up Seattle's Best and other coffee shop treats such as biscotti, muffins, and cookies. Unlike the remainder of the ship, this service does cost. BB&C is decorated with sparse wood furniture like many land-based coffee shops. The selections of books and other souvenirs to purchase is plentiful but limited in subject matter. Forward of that small lobby is the Photo Shop, which is much larger than those on previous ships. A unique feature about the Photo Shop is that the racks are actually closet like, allowing them to be swung open to provide the areas to house the photos. As the cruise progresses, more and more surfaces are photo racks, but at the start of the cruise, when these racks are closed, the reverse contains a substantial photography collection of old Hollywood. Attached to the Photo Shop is an Art Gallery, where pieces can be previewed prior to the many Auctions at Sea. The forward portion of Deck 5 is reserved for the lower level of the Aurora Theater. Taking its decoration scheme from its namesake, the a shimmering colors of red, blue, and green. The seats are bench like, comfortable, and graded to provide excellent views for everyone. A smart design incorporates the ventilation ducts into the backs of the seats, providing quiet, gentle air flow. Aurora's stage and lighting is far more advanced than many land-based theaters, with a multi-sectioned stage that can be raised and lowered, an orchestra pit, two projection screens, and a dazzling array of lighting and pyrotechnics. The support pillars, a constant concern when it comes to designing the seagoing theaters, are placed in such a way that all but a few seats have blocked views. Aurora has its own bar, which makes drink service during show time a snap.

Continuing out of the upper level of Aurora on Deck 6 and heading aft brings you to a video arcade on the starboard side and the entrance to the movie theater on the port side. The theater is simple in design, sharply raked, and shows just-out-of-theater films and old classics. Beyond this is the Scorecard Bar, a sports-themed TV bar that provides sports footage. Past this area is the trademark Casino Royale. The casino is like any other casino, whether at sea or on land. However, the glitz and flash of the polished bronze ceiling and lights luckily do not spill out of the entrances to the casino, a welcome relief to those strolling through the Centrum, located on the opposite end. Here is the Champagne Bar, with a spectacular view to the starboard side and comfortably furnished. Just aft of the Champagne Bar is the line's customary Schooner Bar. The Schooner Bar on board Radiance is unique with its large lobby area, decorated as a wooden ships hull, complete with gunpowder scent, cannon, and cannon balls. A mural depicting pirate scenes adorns one wall, while glass cases with boat models fill the other. After this mind-altering entrance, the Schooner Bar opens up. Done in rich leathers and woods, Schooner Bar conveys the nautical theme very well. To the port side are the ship's two alternative restaurants, Portofino, an Italian trattoria, and Chop's Grille, a steak house, perhaps the first ever. The $20/person surcharge, however, is enough to discourage most passengers, who opt to dine in Cascades. Schooner Bar has a piano with a dedicated bar rest around it, allowing patrons to enjoy their drinks while conversing with the pianist.

Passing through the Schooner Bar, with its floor done in the elegant nautical wood work of dark wood panels interspersed with light wood strips, is the Colony Club. The Colony Club is a unique area, casually divided into four separate sections. Bombay Billiards club is the first you come to. Outfitted with two self-leveling pool tables to counteract the pitch and roll of the ship, the Bombay Billiards club is almost always in use by patrons seeking casual recreation. Opposite the tables, facing the interior of the ship, are two TVs, providing entertainment for those waiting. Bombay billiards is done in dark woods, both in the cabinets and flooring. A small gateway leads you into the remainder of the Colony Club. Perhaps the first thing to strike you is the expanse of windows at the end of the club. Singapore Sling's is the area that occupies this portion of the club. With floor to ceiling windows along the entire aft of the club, the views from Singapore Sling's is unbelievable, whether it is a sunset or a pod of dolphin fish frolicking in the wake. The starboard side is occupied by the Jakarta Lounge, with gaming tables designed for chess, checkers, and the like. Both Jakarta Lounge and Singapore Sling's has its own bar, although Jakarta's bar serves only alcoholic beverages. Tucked into a corner on the port side is the Calcutta Card Club, providing a slew of felt-covered gaming tables. A credenza offers cards, Taboo, Trivial Pursuit, and other board games to be played. This was one of my favorite locations, where I could gather with friends during the lull in the day to play a casual game of Scrabble and catch up on events. The focal point of the Colony Club, however, is the dance floor. A rectangular floor capped with a semicircle, it provided not-quite-adequate dance space during the parties in the evening. However, the floor is a beautiful inlay, with two circular elephant designs. A stage tops it off, providing space for whatever band is playing. The entire Colony Club was a favorite of mine. Done in dark woods and dark red upholstery, the entire feel was authentically Far East during the time of colonization. I half expected Englishmen with handlebar mustaches and pith helmets to join us at the tables.

The next four decks up are primarily passenger accommodations, which is a smart idea, as passengers living on those decks are in the middle of all the public areas. Each deck has a small sitting area in the Centrum. The ones on Decks 7 and 8 are unnamed, but carry their own style. Deck 9 houses the small library, perhaps in response to the nonuse by most passengers, and Deck 10 houses the Concierge Club and Yacht Club.

Deck 11 resumes the public areas. Starting from the aft of Deck 11 is the customary Windjammer Cafe. Elegantly appointed in shining woods, blues, and ocean paraphernalia, Windjammer is an excellent location for a casual breakfast or lunch. Windjammer is a buffet area, which allows quick meals. Just around the corner from Windjammer is another small art gallery, previewing more pieces that might be available for auction. Continuing forward, one comes to the open air, enclosed side Pool area. Two jacuzzi's flank one side of the pool, which is done with a tile work better suited for the Caribbean. Four jets of water provide ample spray for frolicking kids and adults alike. Here is the Pool Bar, just a short walk away, although that short walk could become extremely cold on a windy day. Overlooking the pool area is a totem pole, paying homage to Radiance's Alaskan itineraries, and the standard ship plaque with the name and logo. The Viking Crown Lounge towers over the area, drawing attention. Forward through sliding doors is the African-themed solarium. With a retractable glass dome, the solarium was extremely popular on my Alaskan cruise. Three mammoth elephants separated by waterfalls preside over the pool and jacuzzi. In the evening, this sculpture was lit in warm hues of red and orange. Complete with a pizzeria, the Solarium was an excellent place to relax in slightly warmer temperatures, although the water temperature continued to run on the cold side. During the day, bird calls were piped in, while the evening featured cricket chirps, lending an authenticity to the African theme. The deck chairs were thickly padded and upholstered in a zebra-like pattern.

Forward of the solarium was the Spa/Health Center/Hair Salon. Continuing the African theme of the solarium, the Spa offered many creature comforts, although at a steep price. Deck 11 is also the first point after the Helipad where guests can look out over the bow, although the outdoor deck must be accessed from Deck 12.

Just above the Spa on Deck 12 is the Shipshape Center, complete with aerobic equipment and weight machines. A wooden floor in the center provided space for aerobic classes and other organized physical activity. Circling the Shipshape Center, the dome of the Solarium, just aft of the Center, and the opening onto the pool area one deck below is a jogging track, where six laps came to a mile. The track is not the easiest to follow, with several curves rather than a traditional oval shape, but it provided for a relaxing run. Deck 12 is also the first and only deck to provide a complete outdoor walk-around. Beyond the opening onto the pool area is the Crown and Anchor Club, situated in the Centrum area (indoors). The Crown and Anchor Club is the location of the future cruise consultant, and offers comfortable leather chairs. An interesting, vertigo-inducing feature of the Crown and Anchor Club is the well in the center. Slightly raised above floor level, this plexiglass-covered hole five feet across afforded views into the Centrum, stretching a dizzying eight decks down. For those subject to vertigo, views over the edge of the Crown and Anchor Club are also available. One drawback to the Club is that due to its position, high above the remainder of the ship and open to the air below, the club would often become warm and stuffy as the warmer air drifted up from below. To the starboard side is the Adventure Ocean area, where children from the age of three to 17 find their niche. Optix is the teen (13-17) disco, offering a high-tech, though small, dance floor, movie room, benches, a bar, computer terminals, and a foosball table.

Across the way is the entrance to the Video Arcade and the remainder of the Adventure Ocean area. All Adventure Ocean staff are well trained to handle the children, creating fun and exciting environments. Unlike the remainder of the staff, the staff member involved with the teens in Optix is a Recreational Specialist, or part of the adult staff. Beyond Adventure Ocean, which include Tic-tac-toe, complete with giant pieces, is a children's pool with waterslide and a volleyball-court sized sports deck, which can be converted from volleyball to soccer to basketball and back again. On the port side aft of the sports deck is the Country Club, where Shipshape Dollars can be redeemed at the end of the cruise, and other sporting equipment can be picked up here. On the starboard side is Seaview Cafe, offering snacks from late morning to early morning the next day. Decorated in a fishing theme, Seaview offers simple fare but excellent views, with deck seating. Inside the Country Club are the golf simulators, which must be reserved in advance and cost a nominal fee.

Deck 13 is the smallest of all the decks, stretching from the aft to midships. However, this is where plenty of activity occurs. At the very end of Deck 13 is Fairways of Radiance, a nine-hold miniature golf course, which can actually pose quite a challenge. Balls and clubs are picked up from the Country Club on Deck 12. A bridge spans the rear portion and the forward portion of Deck 13, overlooking the sports court to port and the children's pool to starboard. Directly across the bridge is the famed rock-climbing wall, perhaps the first at sea. 30 feet in height and hugging the rear of the smokestack, the wall offers several levels of difficulty, providing for beginners with fake nails on the port side and an "experience climbers only" trail on the starboard side. While the wait can be long (the wall is usually open a total of six hours a day), the paperwork a pain (liability waiver, parent or guardian must sign for those under 18), and the climb tough, the view afforded from high above the deck is startling and breathtaking. The designers were smart in making the top tiles easy to hold on to, as many people pause at the top for a good minute or so, taking in the view, snapping pictures, or waiting for friends on the ground to take their picture. Doors on the port side provide access to Hollywood Odyssey, a portion of the trademark Viking Crown Lounge. Hollywood Odyssey pays homage to the old Hollywood glamour with a mural depicting a 1930s Hollywood street scene. Simply furnished, a small stage provides room for small one-person acts and Karaoke nights. During the day, easily moved furniture provides a space for lectures and discussions for small groups. Just opposite the entrance is a statue of that famous Marilyn Monroe pose atop a subway vent, once again reinforcing old Hollywood. To the left is the elevator lobby, and to the right are the stairs. However, bypassing either of these brings you to an entrance to Starquest Disco. Both entrances are paneled by a disk galaxy design in sparkling diamonds lending an air to the entire "Starquest" theme. During the day, the floor-to-ceiling, out slanted windows provide excellent views to the fore and starboard and a relaxed atmosphere.

At night, Starquest turns into a nightclub, complete with smoky atmosphere. Sitting arrangements line the windows while a dance floor takes up the center. Many of the lights and all the speakers are cleverly concealed in a wire-mesh ceiling, giving the sense of a solid ceiling. The lighting and sound rivals the best on land, and the DJ keeps spinning the tunes until the last patron leaves, one time on our cruise until 0500. Unfortunately, the floor is not wood, nor glass, but rather a marble inlay, which provides for some sticky dancing. Nearby is a circular bar, which rotates, providing for either a unique conversation experience or a very annoying conversation, should one person not be standing on the revolving portion of the bar. The center of the bar, however, and the bar tenders, stay in place. On the other side of the bar, towards the interior of the ship, is another sitting area, more circular in design, and away from the pounding music of the dance floor. Here, the lighting is not mood lighting, in greens and blues, but rather in a combination of greens, blues, and ultraviolet. A blacklight-reactive mural of a space scene lends the final touch to the area. Starquest was an extraordinary place to be at night, and the dance parties held here were wild beyond belief. Should one be walking out on Deck 12 at night, and glance up at the Viking Crown lounge, the flashing lights visible through the glass made Starquest THE place to be at night.

All together, every public area was just as enjoyable as the next. While Colony Club is slightly small for the number of people on board, each area was spaced appropriately. Top picks: Starquest Disco, Colony Club, Lobby Bar, Seaview Cafe, Solarium, Aurora Theater, Schooner Bar. Bottom picks: Casino Royale, Scorecard Bar, Movie theater.

One should mention the art collection aboard Radiance of the Seas. While some of the art is for auction, much of the art is there simply for decoration. Each landing in both lobbies are graced with art. The Centrum staircase is adorned with large glass work, while the forward staircase is decorated with large photomosaics. Both staircases also have smaller display cases, with the Centrum cases displaying glass work and the forward staircase displaying miniatures. Throughout the remainder of the ship, from the halls to the dining areas, the art was fantastic, gorgeously modern yet retaining the class that makes Royal Caribbean so enjoyable.

Food, as on any cruise, was excellent, although I noticed a slight decline since my first cruise aboard Sovereign of the Seas in 1990. Cascades offered the classy fare, excellent in taste, although presentation could use some work, in a dining room done in amber upholstery and carpeting and wood paneling. The columns in the central open area were covered smartly in a white drape with blue at the bottom, lending to a watery appearance. The remainder of the columns were dressed in wood panels and were always part of the server stations. Dinner was always the most enjoyable, providing the fanciest fare. Breakfast was often simple but long in coming, and lunch was light. A drawback to eating in Cascades during breakfast and lunch is the length of time required, and the lack of having your regular waiter or table. No matter what meal, one could expect a Cascades meal to last at least one hour and going on for up to two. Perhaps owing to the newness of the ship, the wait staff, while friendly, seemed to be ill-trained. As I noted before, Cascades is the bi-level dining room, located on Decks 4 and 5. The focus of Cascades is the waterfall staircase. The waterfall is lit in such a way that you can see the water flow down the rippled surface, and a small performing area provides space for live entertainment. A large tile mosaic work at the opposite end of the room featured an ocean scene, with fish, a cloud goddess, and other magnificent items.

While I did not sample the fare from Portofino and Chop's, I only heard rave reviews. However, the $20/person surcharge is a big turnoff for many passengers. Portofino's offers Italian cuisine, while Chop's offers steak house fare. Both are situated directly above the port side of Cascades and offer spectacular views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Windjammer Cafe, aft on Deck 11, provided hearty, quick meals in a buffet style in a sailboating atmosphere. Windjammer always provided a large range of foods, changing at each seating. However, there was always a salad bar/cold foods, two hot food buffet lines, and a made-to-order grill bar. And of course, who could forget deserts? While the prepared deserts were just as tasty as anything found in Cascades, the soft-serve ice cream was icy to the taste and not very appealing. Windjammer offers four different seating areas. The main area is enclosed and indoors, air conditioned, and the closest to the food. The tables are all wood, with wood and leather chairs, and tthemednautical themed carpeting. To the rear on either side is an outdoor, but enclosed, area. Done in oversized wicker furniture and plush pillows, this was the area for people who enjoyed the outdoor air and temperature but wanted shade from the sun and wind. Further back is a less protected outdoor eating area. This is the area for people who want to feel the breeze and sun on their face as they gaze out over the stern. Done in less-fragile plastic wicker chairs, this area of Windjammer was my favorite to enjoy breakfast and lunch, as I could gaze out over the stern and sides of the ship without glare from glass. To the forward port of Windjammer is another outdoor eating area much like the area directly to the aft of the main section. However, this furniture is like that of the exterior section, allowing passengers to come in from the pool.

Seaview Cafe was my spot for late night snacks. Located on Deck 12, aft starboard, Seaview provided simple all-American foods in a nautical setting. Pizza, chicken fingers, and apple pie are just some of the choices from their limited but varied menu. Seaview provided excellent views, owing to large windows and outdoor seating.

There were no Midnight Buffets on board this cruise, which was a disappointment, but the one "midnight" buffet, the chef's Gala Buffet, is a winner with anyone who sees and tastes it. Exquisite chocolate, ice, and lard sculptures and exotic arrangements only complemented the tastes that came from the buffet. Unfortunately, the chefs failed to warn passengers that the jello maple leafs were for decoration only, as they turned out to be salty. In addition, the caviar served was that of low quality, without any flavor whatsoever.

Room service had a limited but varied and excellent menu. I did not have a chance to try any of the dishes, but room service has its own menu and serves from Cascade's menu during lunch and dinner as well.

I cruised in an inside cabin on Deck 8. The cabin itself was comfortable, fitting two people well. Furnished with a couch and small table, TV, and a make-up mirror, it was liveable, as I only spent several hours in it each day in order to sleep and change. The closet space, however, was very limited,and with the formal clothing needed for formal nights and smart casual, hangers ran out quickly. The bathroom was small, but that can be expected in most standard cruise cabins. It was large enough for two people to fit at once, but not for two people to move at once. The shower was about two or three square feet, owing to limited movement. Sink space was adequate, provided that you use the hidden shelf space behind one of the mirrors. Our cabin was kept remarkably clean despite the deluge of dirty and changed clothes strewn about. Our cabin attendant made sure we had anything we asked. However, unlike prior cruises, our cabin attendant did not pick up clothes thrown in a corner, fold carelessly tossed clothing, or organize shoes in a logical place (he did straighten the shoes, pairing them and placing them in a corner). With the pile of clothing growing day by day, how our cabin attendant kept the couch clean was a miracle. A plus always occurred upon the return to the cabin after dinner: we had an animal sculpture made from towels, ranging from a stingray to a rabbit to an elephant that actually stood off the ground. The cabin was definitely quiet, as was the entire ship. Whether this is due to the new azipod propellors or that Radiance of the Seas is a Gas Turbine Vehicle (GTV), it is unknown.

The entertainment on board was spectacular, often taking place in Aurora Theater. While I myself found some of the entertainers slightly old, the remainder of the passengers apparently enjoyed them greatly. The Royal Caribbean produced shows, however, were excellent, keeping in style of Las Vegas shows, complete with flying performers, pyrotechnics, high energy dance moves, and fancy costumes. Overall rating: Excellent.

The activities on board were many, although they tended to bunch together in the morning and decrease in number throughout the day. During the day, I preferred to participate in deck activities, such as golfing and rock climbing, although I did go to some ship talks, tours, and other seminars. At night, the activities became more wild, especially during "at sea" nights. Wild West Dance Party, 70s and 80s Dance Party, 50s and 60s Dance Party, Scavenger Hunts, and other wild activities ensued. I also joined the Teens, whose activities were just as varied and wild. The itinerary was excellent, providing a brief break in the middle of the journey for a day at sea. Shore excursions, however, tend to be far more expensive than those found on Caribbean cruises: the more adventurous the activity, the more expensive. It wasn't uncommon to have "Explorations" priced at more than $150 per person.

An Alaskan cruise is certainly not for everyone. I would estimate approximately 80% of the passengers aboard to be over the age of 70. This in turn deadens the night life, as the ship seemed to empty shortly after dinner, around 2300. However, there were plenty of energetic seniors who joined the younger crowd, ranging from 15-50s, at the dance parties that often started at 2330. I met several friends aboard, mainly in the teen disco, Optix, and we keep in touch, and share memories. Most of the people aboard are friendly, although it is difficult to truly "bond" with a total stranger unless you are seated at a table with people you are unfamiliar with (I was seated with my family).