It's official: Radiance class ships WILL fit into Baltimore!

[TPKeller]

For at least the past 4 or 5 years, we have been speculating and trying to find the definitive answer to the pressing question, would a Radiance class ship fit under the two bridges required to sail into Baltimore?

 

I had convinced myself that the answer was "Yes", but others had presented evidence to the contrary.

 

Finally, we have a definitive answer!

 

In the July 12, 2011 edition of the "Ask Adam" blog series, Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean provided the answer:

 

Is there a height restriction for ships coming to the Port of Baltimore? Can Radiance or Voyager class ships make it under the Chesapeake Bay and Key bridges?

-Jim M.

 

Good question Jim. Yes there is a height restriction. Radiance class ships are able to clear the bridges however the Voyager and Freedom class ships cannot.

 

So... that means that it is physically possible that one day Royal Caribbean might assign a Radiance class ship to Baltimore.

 

I'm waiting!

 

Theron

[luvscruising2007]

I would love that. Radiance class is our favorite and Baltimore is a very convenient port for us.

I will eagerly look forward to this change.

[TPKeller]

I would love that. Radiance class is our favorite and Baltimore is a very convenient port for us.

I will eagerly look forward to this change.

Just to be clear... no change has been announced, or even considered as far as I am aware... this is just the first time that we have what I would consider to be an authoritative source of information confirming that Radiance class ships will actually FIT into Baltimore.

 

We don't need to start any rumors!! ;)

 

Theron

[orville99]

We don't need to start any rumors!! ;)

 

Theron

Sure we do...there haven't been any really good rumors on this board in weeks:D

[bus man]

According to the RCI website, Radiance actually holds 138 fewer passengers (double occupancy) than does Enchantment. So making this swap would actually be a step down in terms of carrying capacity.

 

This is not to say that I wouldn't love to see a Radiance-class ship in Baltimore. But assuming that they're filling up the Enchantment, the reduced supply of space on a Radiance-class ship would likely mean higher fares here.

[Merion_Mom]

Let's get this rumor started!

 

I am SO onboard with this! (pun strongly intended!!!!)

 

Two hours from back door to cruiseport parking lot for me.

 

:):):):):):)

[bus man]

Let's get this rumor started!

 

I am SO onboard with this! (pun strongly intended!!!!)

 

Two hours from back door to cruiseport parking lot for me.

 

I can be there in 20 minutes! :p

[aloha of the seas]

It is shame that the Voyager class ships don't fit. I would gladly trade the Explorer for a Radiance class ship:D

[Merion_Mom]

I can be there in 20 minutes! :p

 

I'll park in your driveway, and you'll drive me to the pier!

 

;)

[bus man]

I'll park in your driveway, and you'll drive me to the pier!

 

;)

 

I'd be more than happy to. I'll also gladly escort you onto the ship, just to make sure you get aboard safely. What was that announcement? Something about all ashore who's going ashore? Nah, I didn't hear anything! :D

[slideshell]

very cool - we're like 15-20 minutes away from the port - gotta love that door-door time (and the lack of airfare) or having to pack efficiently :)

[Pack My Bags]

Oh wouldn't that be lovely?

It is very frustrating with the Explorer out of NJ. I know we are lucky because she is a voyager class ship, but it's absurd that they didn't bring the Voyager or a Radiance class ship that at least has an enclosed solarium since they sail all year around. Rumor or not, just the thought of it makes me smile!

[Merion_Mom]

Oh wouldn't that be lovely?

It is very frustrating with the Explorer out of NJ. I know we are lucky because she is a voyager class ship, but it's absurd that they didn't bring the Voyager or a Radiance class ship that at least has an enclosed solarium since they sail all year around. Rumor or not, just the thought of it makes me smile!

 

 

 

[TPKeller]

You guys are funny! Rumors are certainly entertaining... I just don't like to start them!

 

It is sad that Voyager or Freedom class won't fit into Baltimore... They'll just have to stop at the very nice new cruise terminal in Norfolk instead! :D

 

Norfolk is only about an extra 30 minutes drive for me (compared to Baltimore, and depending on traffic, of course). The plus side is that you start out about 7 hours "closer" to your first port, because you don't have to sail all the way down the Chesapeake Bay!

 

Theron

[TPKeller]

They say a picture is worth a thousand words... this one leaves me speechless!

 

Theron

[Merion_Mom]

They say a picture is worth a thousand words... this one leaves me speechless!

 

Theron

 

Yeah, having an enclosed solarium only protects one small part of the ship. :D

[read52]

My husband got an e-mail from RCCL stating the this would be possible. I hope it happens because we have not been on this class of ship. We are about 40 minutes from the port and have sailed out of Baltimore four times (twice on Carnival Pride).

[CruiseKeeper]

As long as we are starting rumors, how about TWO ships in Baltimore! Let's keep the Enchantment (love it) and bring us one more! :D

[Aquahound]

 

 

 

What the heck is all the white stuff? Did you sail past a volcano or something? And do skies really get that grey somewhere? :confused:

[read52]

Hey, the Enchantment went out even in a blizzard. The winter of 2009-2010, we got hit with megasnow but the ships still sailed.

[bus man]

As long as we are starting rumors, how about TWO ships in Baltimore! Let's keep the Enchantment (love it) and bring us one more! :D

 

HEAR!! HEAR!!

 

Oh, to have both the Enchantment and the Radiance here in Baltimore! I would be aglow with radiant enchantment! Or enchanted radiance!

[bus man]

What the heck is all the white stuff? Did you sail past a volcano or something? And do skies really get that grey somewhere? :confused:

 

It's the Northeastern equivalent of those big rainstorm thingys you all down in Florida get sometimes. What are they called? Cyclones? Typhoons? Wait, it'll come to me . . .

[hazeleyez3]

What the heck is all the white stuff? Did you sail past a volcano or something? And do skies really get that grey somewhere? :confused:

 

It's the Northeastern equivalent of those big rainstorm thingys you all down in Florida get sometimes. What are they called? Cyclones? Typhoons? Wait, it'll come to me . . .

 

Yep. You have hurricane season and, snow/winter storm season. Its a good bet that there will be some type of snow in Baltimore the first week of December...tends to start on the 6th.

[getaway101]

I for one would love to see at least one ship in Norfolk...besides Carnival. HAL Maasdam was there at one time and we took the same cruise twice and it was sold out each time. I just don't get it.

Baltimore works for us too. We are the same 4 hrs from both ports. :);)

[TPKeller]

I for one would love to see at least one ship in Norfolk...besides Carnival. HAL Maasdam was there at one time and we took the same cruise twice and it was sold out each time. I just don't get it.

Baltimore works for us too. We are the same 4 hrs from both ports. :);)

I've been fortunate, I sailed on Empress (in 2007, but since sold) and Grandeur (in 2009) out of Norfolk, I guess RCCL thinks they have more "reach" to the drive-ins from Baltimore.

 

Theron