Radiance Sydney to Perth 20.10.14

[cassamanda]

"Just one little aside - our sea pass cards were collected at the end of the meal and then presented for us to sign. We didn't remember adding a tip but an extra charge appeared on our accounts when we checked via our TV the following day! We queried the additional charge at the Guest Relations Desk who advised what the charge was - tricky eh? "

 

Gae i have been to 3-4 Chefs Tables but have never had the above happen to us. You must have really enjoyed those drinks!

 

Thank you for your insight of the top end. See you on the Legend.

Hugh

[MicCanberra]

Gae i have been to 3-4 Chefs Tables but have never had the above happen to us. You must have really enjoyed those drinks!

 

Thank you for your insight of the top end. See you on the Legend.

Hugh

 

When we have done these type events, they have just added the cost to the account.:D

[megsie]

Unable to tender ashore in Esperance from the Volendam so the Captain has sailed at a slower pace towards Adelaide. Esperance looked inviting with its islands and white sandy beaches - always a next time.

Radiance ports' summary continued.

Port Hedland - we caught the free shuttle to the town centre. We were met by locals who handed out maps and cold bottled water (free). We walked through the markets as we had seen on the map a launch trip on the harbour by the Seafarers club. On the Main Street there was a table set up and small bus to transfer to the harbour - not far, we actually opted to walk. $45 for approx 45 minutes on the harbour, very informative as to the progress and planning of the harbour. Eventually 28 berths will line the port for the massive ore ships. Loads of investment by Gina, Twiggy, BHP etc. The Radiance docks at a salt loading wharf and only 6 cruises call in per season. If there were more there would have to be a terminal built and that wouldn't happen because of the value of the port for commercial shipping as the bus driver told us. Headphones for live narration provided as well as a question answer time on the launch and afterwards tea/coffee/biscuits at the Seafarers Clubhouse.

On returning Hedland taxis had a stand offering town tours or trips to South Headland (18kms away and more modern with better facilities - pool, shopping etc). We opted for the town tour with a ship drop off $15 for approx 55 mins.

We had photo stops at the beaches, museum, swimming hole, salt pans etc and was good value we thought. South Hedland tour included an hour's free time there and was $20.

Another good shore day.

[megsie]

Second last Radiance port -

Geraldton - Luckily we were able to come into the wheat shipping loading bay and anchor, otherwise tendering from the sea would not be possible. Apparently it is only 7 out of 10 times that tendering is possible there.

We strolled the foreshore, beach, and shopping area. It was warm but windy, not hot. Saw 4 seals sun baking on the rocks. We went to the museum and did a guided tour/talk of the shipwreck gallery. Fascinating history of the early Dutch explorers and shipwrecks of the area. Original sandstone blocks from the Batavia have been made into the portico that they were originally intended to be built in the East Indies. Each block had been numbered. Also told of possible landing of the Dutch, as there were quite a few blonde, blue eyed aboriginal children born of unknown heritage - or so the story goes.

Another good day ashore.

Finally Fremantle. Perfect disembarking, Concierge escorted us down from the Chops Grill restaurant after a light breakfast. Declared wooden goods - no lineup. Then about 20 mins wait for taxi to Perth CBD - $45. We stayed at a hotel near Miss Maud's. Seasons of Perth, I think it was called. It was used mainly by Qantas and other airline staff. It was ok and we had a bed/breakfast deal - huge freshly ordered and prepared breakfast as well as the usual continental fare. Moderately priced.

Next time, I'll review the Radiance.

[MicCanberra]

Thanks for the port reviews Megsie, very informative.:D

[grandlakes20]

Radiance of the Seas - Top End Cruise

Ports summary -

Brisbane - stayed onboard.

Airlie Beach - Ocean Rafting, ship's tour - approx. $190 each, tender to marina then just over 4 hours on raft. Tender back or time to walk into Airlie Beach. Taken to 2 spots for swimming and snorkelling. The first was a rough coral beach but very pretty, reef shoes would have been handy. The second was sandy with toilets. Bottled water, fresh fruit and cake provided. Snorkelling gear and wetsuits provided if needed. Not a good tour for anyone with back, neck or mobility problems. And you will probably get wet! Great day.

You may be able to book privately although this company advises you to book through the ship. Our tour was designed to fit in with cruiseship times. There is another company also. Worth trying both but remembering to allow time for tendering to marina and back to fit in the tour.

Darwin - Litchfield National Park and short city tour, approx. $180 each, 8 hours. Expect hot conditions. Wangi and Florence Falls, termite mounds and BBQ lunch. Paths were good and walking not too far or steep. Swimming possible at Wangi Falls, providing there are no crocs! BBQ was delish and plentiful - barra or chicken. Great day again. Some hired a car and did a similar tour very cheaply.

Oh, we're on the move from Fremantle on the Volendam, so may lose connection shortly, more tomorrow from Albany.

 

 

Hi

 

Airlie Beach ocean rafting - we had a friend who booked it through the company not the ship ... worked out fine ..

 

Do you know what time the last tender was for Airlie back to the boat ?

 

thanks

[megsie]

Hi

 

Airlie Beach ocean rafting - we had a friend who booked it through the company not the ship ... worked out fine ..

 

Do you know what time the last tender was for Airlie back to the boat ?

 

thanks

 

Just checked Cruise Compass and it was 5.30pm for the last tender back to the ship from the marina pier. The ocean rafting tour went from the same marina. I think the ship's tour for ocean rafting was shorter than the usual trip as usually it goes to Whitehaven Beach as well. There was a shuttle bus also available from the pier to town if needed for $14 day pass, although it is a comfortable walk - if it's not too hot.

[grandlakes20]

Just checked Cruise Compass and it was 5.30pm for the last tender back to the ship from the marina pier. The ocean rafting tour went from the same marina. I think the ship's tour for ocean rafting was shorter than the usual trip as usually it goes to Whitehaven Beach as well. There was a shuttle bus also available from the pier to town if needed for $14 day pass, although it is a comfortable walk - if it's not too hot.

 

 

 

Hi megsie

 

Thanks so much for checking that. we will book through the company - longer and cheaper tour.. Thanks for the info

[BAnders]

When we cruised on the Radiance in 2012 in a balcony cabin there was no kettle. I would be take take thermal travel mugs and fill them up with boiling water from the Windjammer or Park Cafe. You can also order boiling water and coffee from room service.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

I don't think they allow them. Same reason they don't provide irons or let you bring them on. Fire hazard

[BAnders]

My husband David and I (Barbara) will be doing the b2b on this cruise.

We are from Indianapolis.

I have friends that are now doing both cruises and he gave me all his tours he booked, DIY tours and Car rental day excursions. He is amazing at organizing these things and does his homework. I have done a few of his tours on a couple of TransAtlantic crossings. I hope to be in touch with him when he gets home and find out how anything went. He does set up the tours and takes responsibility for collecting the money and any other aspect. I don't know that I want to do that but if anyone would be interested in what he did I will be glad to post it. I just may follow his itinerary. Like I said he does his homework and checks everything out.

[gaechann]

Here's last year's thread - hopefully there is a bit of useful information here for those thinking of a cruise on this fine lady!

 

We LOVE the Radiance but have to wait until March 2017 before we set sail on her again.

 

Nevermind, we have a cruise on the little Legend OTS from Brisbane to Hong Kong to look forward to in the meantime!

 

Gae :)