jmf123

omg Jen, I love your whale pics, how exciting! You captured a lot more of these magnificent creatures than we did up there (size and quantity), thanks!

 

They were flipping on their bellies, diving, jumping......it really was awesome.

Yeah, so did I mention it was raining? Not like sprinkling but like "grab a hammer and nails and build an arc" raining. When the guide offered the incredibly trendy rain ponchos we all raised our hands.

 

And regarding the rain, the weather in Alaska doesn't matter, to me anyway. Look at your great tram shot. And how cute you two look in that poncho pic! We had gorgeous weather our first time, lots of sun and in the low 70s, and more misty/rain and cooler temps the second cruise there. Loved both and would go back again. Our rafting trip on the Mendenhall, the helicopter ride up to the glacier and walking on it, the train ride, etc. amazing.

p.s. ladylawyer, thank you for the 2005 photo comparison of the glacier...I thought the same in remembering the glacier from '95 and '04. :(

We headed into town to look around after the flight. We saw the first of many eagles. That was fun. They were in all the trees.

we got some incredible shots of them.......aren't I just amazing. Just kidding, while there were lots of eagles wayyyy up in the trees, this one was tethered in town. A bird rescue group takes donations for photos.

 

we got all dressed up before we went into town so we had a photo taken in our Alaska town attire. Don't we look pretty.

You are hilarious, love your style of writing! Also love that little owl, and you and your lumberjack all dressed up! :D

Yes it did just come out of dry dock....three weeks worth. I know they didn't do everything. I see what you mean by the couch looking warn. I don't remember noticing so I am thinking it was the light in the picture.

I know the carpet was new and the tvs were new in the rooms.

I also noticed the original couch in the photo and was rather surprised. The Radiance apparently received much in the way of reupholstering of furniture on board during drydock, but obviously these worn couches remain. Flooring (including bathroom) was replaced, and nice to see the flat screen tv. Looking forward to seeing more of your review! The Radiance is perfect for cruising Alaska with her three acres of glass, including glass elevators...and that wonderful Solarium. I'm a warm weather person too but loved our Alaska sailings. ;)

Plenty of excitement and adventure.

I'm loving your review and photos, as well as your great sense of humor! Love the Radiance and can't wait to read more! :)

Just beautiful and also a beautiful ring.

And you should see the guy that came with it....! ;):D:cool: Congratulations 'JIM' and fiancee, you are a beautiful couple. Best wishes always!

Love those artist's renderings, Radio, someone is very talented. And speaking of talented, thank you for a great Allure LIVE report and photos!! :)

There is a Coach store on the Allure, this is from RCI's website:

Coach®

Browse an assortment chic accessories by Coach, the iconic maker of luxury leather goods. The onboard store showcases the brand’s signature line of designer handbags, leather goods, sunglasses and scarves.

There is also a Coach store in Ft. Lauderdale, at the Galleria. See coach.com and check their store locator.

Has the Aquatheater been used as a pool at all during your cruise so far? I thought I read during construction that the Aquatheater would be used as a pool sometimes. Those main pools are way too crowded!

Radio mentioned the diving class a few pages ago, (I would think that the Aquatheater would not be permitted for general sunbathing/swimming):

Diving class was being help in the Aquatheater Pool this morning

 

Best Quote of the week: From Captain Zini " We're getting ready to leave in just a few minutes. . .I have to find my keys"

LOL, good one!! :D LOVE your photos, Radio! Allure in the background of Falmouth buildings- amazing!

Joining us today is Pullmantur Horizon, which had many upgrades when she was transferred over to RCCL subsidiary (Pullmantur) The only thing I can that has changed on her is many balconies on the upper 2 passenger decks. Horizon will sail throughout the summer on 7Night Western Caribbean cruises from Cozumel.

Thank you Radio, I loved seeing the 'Horizon', (I didn't know her name had been recently changed from Pullmantur's 'Pacific Dream'). The Celebrity 'Horizon' was one of my favorite cruises! ;) I enjoyed seeing those cool aquatheater suites too, great photo!

omg, that was hilarious, I have tears in my eyes! I do hope that writing is your career. If not, you'd be published in a heartbeat, you have great style. Thank you!:D

What a great beginning! The Hyatt and the weather look perfect, and I love your shot taken from the rooftop terrace. And the Oasis...wow! :D

Glad I found your latest LIVE thread, Radio! (It was moved: 'Radio's live from.....Where' http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1416834). I enjoyed Trainman's Freedom report, and now I look forward to spending this week with you on the Allure! You both are great, thanks for taking us along! :)

#1100 is the best cabin we have had on any ship - ever. The balcony is huge, and the walk in wardrobe really is 'walk-in'.

I agree, and noise was not a problem from the Windjammer except for a few moments one night. Just a cart rolling briefly. We loved #1100 and had perfect weather. The only issue was late afternoon on the day before disembarkation when we were on the balcony. Just before going in to get ready for dinner, someone above was apparently hosing down the Windjammer floor and the water poured down on us and also soaked the furniture. We stopped at Guest Relations to let them know so it wouldn't happen to someone else on future sailings.

I can relate! I bought a hideous neon blue duffle bag with reflective silver dots because I thought no one else would be crazy enough to buy that bag. It seems like EVERYONE else has one. :rolleyes: When we took our Galapagos cruise someone else had that same bag and we got swapped. Oddly enough we were staying at the same hotel pre-cruise and were able to switch bags easily. Someone else in Houston also has that bag. Ours was missing from the airport but an identical one kept circling on the belt. We finally grabbed it and called the phone number. Sure enough - he had our bag. On my recent Serenade cruise I saw 2 other duffles exactly like mine except mine now has neon orange luggage bands around it. The funny thing is when I used my generic black luggage set, I never ended up with the wrong bag or had my bag turn up missing. :p

 

OP - Hopefully your bag was just picked up by someone by mistake and will be returned. It's unfortunate but it does happen especially with so many bags that look alike.

And are hideous neon blue, with reflective silver dots! :D:p

Your special occasion should be acknowledged after dinner with a slice of cake for each of you. They used to bring a small cake, and now it's slices...if they honor your request. Same is done for a birthday celebration and there is no charge.

We have been to Costa Maya 3 times and the last 2 times we rented a golf cart. They were located out the back where the buses were parked. We have not been since the hurricane so I am not sure if they are still there. Anyone?

 

When you rent the gold cart you drive into Majahual and you can go anywhere you want. It WAS $16.00 per hour or $60.00 for all day. We went about 10 miles past Majahual on the coast road. Had a great time.

My parents and friends also rented golf carts on Costa Maya (pre-hurricane) and had a great day. Anyone know if the Cat's Meow is still on the beach off Majahual Ave.? Barbara (the owner) had an 18 yr old black cat named SoSo that was there two years ago. Cat's Meow was said to use purified water, has safe food and a spotless bathroom. Massages were available next door for $20, for 30 to 45 minutes.

Thanks so much! I can see myself sitting there. Now, where is it located? I might need to bring my GPS so I don't get lost. :D

The Seaview Cafe is on Deck 12 (starboard,aft) just past the kid's pool and Adventure Beach. The Windjammer Cafe also offers outdoor seating. :)

Regarding Chops Grille, I had the best filet ever there and we plan to go again during our next cruise. We have also really enjoyed Portofino's Italian cuisine.

I love the Radiance and look forward to our second cruise on her next month. Enjoy the glass elevators facing the sea, the Solarium, Seaview Cafe, self-leveling billiard tables, mini-golf, Schooner Bar, etc. I think that you will really like the location of your stateroom, very convenient mid-ship and close to the Guest Relations and shore excursion desk. Radiance is a beautiful ship, you will love her!

From Wikipedia:

Bare-knuckle boxing (also known as bare-knuckle, prizefighting, or fisticuffs) is the original form of boxing closely related to ancient combat sports. It involves two individuals fighting without any boxing gloves or other form of padding on their hands.

Great photos MrPete!

It was our second cruise and the that "hooked" us on cruisng. We will never forget Millie from Chilie, our head waitress in the dining room. My kids still speak about her and have her photo still on their dresser. Would an one know where I could obtain a model of the ship as the horizon for my collection?

Loved our southern Caribbean cruise on the Horizon in ' 95...many fond memories. You may want to check (and re-check) on ebay for a ship model. Or try CruiseCritic's 'Cruise Memorabilia' message board. :)

I like the ships too, but in St. Thomas I went to a store in Charlotte Amalie called Maps Monde and purchased a nice map of the Virgin Islands (from the English and Danish surveys). I matted and framed it when I returned home and I love it! :)