Radiance 3-night review

[PattiPB]

We decided to take advantage of the long weekend to book a 3-night cruise for President’s Day. The price was definitely right, and we had four people in two cabins—one inside and one balcony, both on the 6th floor. I am writing this review because so few reviews are written for the shorter cruises, and I love reading them!

 

Transportation:

Flew into LGB much too early on Friday—sleep in a little bit more and take a later flight! Uber at 9 am was about $20 from LGB to the Port. Flying home on Monday, Uber was $50 for the return trip at 9 am. Be aware!!! Easily made 11:20 flight back home after the cruise.

 

Embarkation:

Very smooth and quick! Waiting outside the building until about 10 am, then walked through the lines to check in. Showed negative Covid test and Vax card along with Boarding Pass and passport. Through metal detector, and on to line for photo ID. Waited to board until they started at 11 am, and we were A-3, and boarded effortlessly by 11:15.

 

Cabins:

Available at 1 pm exactly, and both were great. Same cabin steward, who was very efficient and pleasant. Either cabin is fine for a weekender, but I’m strictly a balcony person for longer cruises. Sixth floor midship was a great location, UNLESS you are a light sleeper! We could hear the music and activity in the Lobby bar long into the night. Be aware of that if it impacts your sleep. 

 

Food:

We ate at almost every available location for lunch, and loved them all! Enjoyed Guys, Blue Iguana and Shaq’s during lunchtime, and didn’t eat a full meal at the buffet. We did do desserts, salads and sides at the buffet, and it was more than adequate. Really, though, during the lunch hours, you can’t beat the FREE specialty locations!!!

 

We had anytime dining, and enjoyed the meals in the MDR. Service was very hit-and-miss, with us having poor service the first night, then better service in other sections. YMMV. Our entrees for the four of us ranged from meh to fabulous, so if you don’t like what you order—request something different! Don’t accept mediocre food! Breakfast (and sea day brunch) were in the MDR each day, and they were AWESOME!!! 

 

Activities:

1. Cheers Package. We got our money’s worth for both Cheers, and Bottomless Bubbles (other stateroom). Worth every penny. 

2. Three of us did Spa Treatments on embarkation day, and all said it was worth every penny. They did salt scrub and hot rocks massages. Pricey, but they were super relaxed that evening and feeling no pain!!!

3. LOVE the comedians! Make sure you take in a show early on to see if they are to your liking.

4. Water slides were never crowded, and looked fun and fast

5. Ropes course. Yup. Did it. Conquered our fears (I’m 56 for goodness sake!!!) and laughed and cried. Not to be missed, IMO. 

6. We didn’t do the production shows this trip, but saw some of the Welcome Aboard show, and the dancers looked and sounded great.

7. Serenity was empty on embarkation day, and we enjoyed it. It was packed on sea day, but the deck 11 loungers were empty, and we moved them to face the water. Fantastic day!

 

Ensenada:

Booked a whale watching tour with Sergio’s Whale Watching tours for $30 per person for a four-hour excursion (noon to 4 pm). They were professional and courteous, and found some absolutely beautiful whales!!! Excellent value for the dollar, that’s for sure!!!

 

Newer Promenade in Ensenada is really quite lovely, and doesn’t have the problems the regular streets have with beggars and hawkers from stores. Minimally, enjoy a pleasant walk on the Promenade during this day.

 

Debarkation:

Smoothest I’ve ever had. Breakfast at 7:30 am. Walked off the ship with self-assist luggage people at 8:30. Through immigration within 15 minutes using only facial recognition (which was weird). On our way to LGB by 8:45. 

 

Overall:

First post-Covid cruise, and I didn’t realize how much I missed it. Traveled with a seasoned cruiser and two newbies, and it was a fantastic weekend. Highly recommend jumping on one of these short trips if time and money allow. Zero disappointments. Maximum fun!

[ninjacat123]

Great review!  I like your format (used it for my mini Charleston/Sunshine review) and now I want to book a 3 day cruise!  I have a 5 day cruise booked for me and my 2 DDs out of Mobile, AL.  Never been there but really looking forward to chilling with my girls!  Thanks for taking the time to write your cruise overview!

[KmomChicago]

Thanks for the review! We’re doing 4 nights next summer.

[csm5986142]

Great review - thank you!

We were also on this sailing (coincidentally we were also in 2 cabins on 6).

In regard to Uber/Lyft from LGB - timing is everything.  It's such a small airport, as soon as it gets busy prices go up (I guess that is true everywhere, but I really noticed it here).  We had pretty good luck - we landed about 10:30 and both Uber and Lyft were approximately $30 for the least expensive 3-person fare.  Going back to airport on the 21st, we were off the ship early with priority debarkation, and it was only $24.

I also wanted to mention that Priority Embarkation is back at Long Beach (at least it was for this Radiance sailing).  As soon we got inside the terminal, regardless of arrival appointment time, we were directed to one of 3 different lines (Suites, Diamond/Platinum, Everyone else).  Since we were traveling with someone who was not Platinum, we went with them to wait in the long line, and can confirm, Diamond/Platinum/Suites were definitely given priority regardless of appointment time.🙂

Diamond/Platinum cabins were ready upon arrival (we have been on 6 cruises since cruising resumed and this is the first time our cabin was ready, so they do seem to be getting back into the old Diamond/Platinum benefits but might vary by ship).

I totally agree on the cabin location not being good for light sleepers.  We were a bit more forward, but still heard a lot of noise from the theater and atrium bar.  Strangely that type of noise did not bother me, but the passengers returning to their rooms at 2:30 am laughing loudly and yelling all the way, woke me up every time.  Of course, that was just our bad luck in regard to neighbors (not the room location).

I typically love the shorter cruises.  I have done the longer itineraries (like Hawaii, Panama Canal) but I just don't like to be away from home/work that long anymore.  We have done the 4-night itineraries out of FL and TX with never a complaint.  For the first time, I will admit, I would consider this a booze cruise, and will probably not do it again (at least not the Friday - Monday schedule).  I'm fine with the clubs and deck parties being crazy and things like that (I can avoid that) but once people start vomiting in the hallways and being loud and obnoxious everywhere on the ship, I'm not a fan.  Of course, I realize the demographic changes with each sailing, but I can see why this cruise appeals to very young partying crowd.

And lastly, I wanted to mention I'm not sure why, but many people were having tech glitches where their credit cards were getting disconnected from their room card (so unable to purchase drinks and other items or charge funds at the casino) and the line at Guest Services was super long all day/night every day.  So hopefully Radiance can get that figured out.  

 

Edited February 22, 2022 by csm5986142

[SonoranDevil]

5 hours ago, PattiPB said:

We decided to take advantage of the long weekend to book a 3-night cruise for President’s Day. The price was definitely right, and we had four people in two cabins—one inside and one balcony, both on the 6th floor. I am writing this review because so few reviews are written for the shorter cruises, and I love reading them!

 

Transportation:

Flew into LGB much too early on Friday—sleep in a little bit more and take a later flight! Uber at 9 am was about $20 from LGB to the Port. Flying home on Monday, Uber was $50 for the return trip at 9 am. Be aware!!! Easily made 11:20 flight back home after the cruise.

 

Embarkation:

Very smooth and quick! Waiting outside the building until about 10 am, then walked through the lines to check in. Showed negative Covid test and Vax card along with Boarding Pass and passport. Through metal detector, and on to line for photo ID. Waited to board until they started at 11 am, and we were A-3, and boarded effortlessly by 11:15.

 

Cabins:

Available at 1 pm exactly, and both were great. Same cabin steward, who was very efficient and pleasant. Either cabin is fine for a weekender, but I’m strictly a balcony person for longer cruises. Sixth floor midship was a great location, UNLESS you are a light sleeper! We could hear the music and activity in the Lobby bar long into the night. Be aware of that if it impacts your sleep. 

 

Food:

We ate at almost every available location for lunch, and loved them all! Enjoyed Guys, Blue Iguana and Shaq’s during lunchtime, and didn’t eat a full meal at the buffet. We did do desserts, salads and sides at the buffet, and it was more than adequate. Really, though, during the lunch hours, you can’t beat the FREE specialty locations!!!

 

We had anytime dining, and enjoyed the meals in the MDR. Service was very hit-and-miss, with us having poor service the first night, then better service in other sections. YMMV. Our entrees for the four of us ranged from meh to fabulous, so if you don’t like what you order—request something different! Don’t accept mediocre food! Breakfast (and sea day brunch) were in the MDR each day, and they were AWESOME!!! 

 

Activities:

1. Cheers Package. We got our money’s worth for both Cheers, and Bottomless Bubbles (other stateroom). Worth every penny. 

2. Three of us did Spa Treatments on embarkation day, and all said it was worth every penny. They did salt scrub and hot rocks massages. Pricey, but they were super relaxed that evening and feeling no pain!!!

3. LOVE the comedians! Make sure you take in a show early on to see if they are to your liking.

4. Water slides were never crowded, and looked fun and fast

5. Ropes course. Yup. Did it. Conquered our fears (I’m 56 for goodness sake!!!) and laughed and cried. Not to be missed, IMO. 

6. We didn’t do the production shows this trip, but saw some of the Welcome Aboard show, and the dancers looked and sounded great.

7. Serenity was empty on embarkation day, and we enjoyed it. It was packed on sea day, but the deck 11 loungers were empty, and we moved them to face the water. Fantastic day!

 

Ensenada:

Booked a whale watching tour with Sergio’s Whale Watching tours for $30 per person for a four-hour excursion (noon to 4 pm). They were professional and courteous, and found some absolutely beautiful whales!!! Excellent value for the dollar, that’s for sure!!!

 

Newer Promenade in Ensenada is really quite lovely, and doesn’t have the problems the regular streets have with beggars and hawkers from stores. Minimally, enjoy a pleasant walk on the Promenade during this day.

 

Debarkation:

Smoothest I’ve ever had. Breakfast at 7:30 am. Walked off the ship with self-assist luggage people at 8:30. Through immigration within 15 minutes using only facial recognition (which was weird). On our way to LGB by 8:45. 

 

Overall:

First post-Covid cruise, and I didn’t realize how much I missed it. Traveled with a seasoned cruiser and two newbies, and it was a fantastic weekend. Highly recommend jumping on one of these short trips if time and money allow. Zero disappointments. Maximum fun!

Thank you for the review!  We're looking forward to checking her out for Thanksgiving this year!

[Guest BasicSailor]

4 hours ago, csm5986142 said:

Great review - thank you!

We were also on this sailing (coincidentally we were also in 2 cabins on 6).

In regard to Uber/Lyft from LGB - timing is everything.  It's such a small airport, as soon as it gets busy prices go up (I guess that is true everywhere, but I really noticed it here).  We had pretty good luck - we landed about 10:30 and both Uber and Lyft were approximately $30 for the least expensive 3-person fare.  Going back to airport on the 21st, we were off the ship early with priority debarkation, and it was only $24.

I also wanted to mention that Priority Embarkation is back at Long Beach (at least it was for this Radiance sailing).  As soon we got inside the terminal, regardless of arrival appointment time, we were directed to one of 3 different lines (Suites, Diamond/Platinum, Everyone else).  Since we were traveling with someone who was not Platinum, we went with them to wait in the long line, and can confirm, Diamond/Platinum/Suites were definitely given priority regardless of appointment time.🙂Diamond/Platinum cabins were ready upon arrival (we have been on 6 cruises since cruising

 

 That is great news 👍

[thepla]

We were on same cruise. I agree with OP on most topics except I found buffet to be VERY limited. We only went twice, once second night skipping MDR (we ended up at MDR). No stations were open except maybe 5, same fish and prime rib they offered in MDR. Lunch was after Deep Sea Fishing, and it too only had 4 or 5 stations. Guy’s burger was OK, my son loved Shaq’s fries. Chicken was at best OK. Now Guy’s BBQ was best options all week, they are only open on sea day and leaving for short hours. My son liked Deli Turkey, but Cuban sandwich was not good at all. Their pizza was worse than 10 for a $10 pizza at stores. There was almost no cheese, and I mean none, it was like eating plain Matzoh. Indian option at dinner was not good and they never had Papadum all three evenings I asked, they never had guacamole at taco / burrito place. Beans were watered down for burrito bowl I had made.

 

Had sea day brunch. Only Smoked Salmon on ship, none for breakfast. I cannot figure out how they can cut so thin, I think they used one normal piece of smoke Salmon and cur it thin enough for eight slices, so thin I could see plate underneath. Breakfast turkey was also so thin, same disturbing way as smoked salmon. Deli Turkey and room service turkey was good. They also try and trick you with room service. If you use their hub only paid options show up, scan Barcode in room and many free options show up. Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express is better than Carnival breakfast buffet. Even MDR breakfast did not have smoked salmon on menu. I am guessing Carnival’s goal is to feed a  person for $1.50 per day combined for all meals.

 

My son and I both did bubbles; I doubt we had enough for cost but does not matter. I always take soda package for ease. I think it is stupid you can only get one can at a time. Too much work for a few sodas a day.

 

Mini golf was fun, they do use a nonstandard golf ball but it was fine. Larger screen movie screen is a plus, my son and I enjoy that in evenings. It was very cold, but we wore light jackets.

[rj59]

I didn't realize there were whales around Ensenada, I'll have to check it out next time. If you want to avoid the hawkers, when you head to town, turn right at McDonald's instead of left. There are regular stores, some with souvenirs, but nobody is aggressive, and there are coffee shops, restaurants, and other nice places, and it seems that's the area that non-cruise tourists from the US like to visit.  Eventually you get to the old casino, which has a small outdoor non-pestering souvenir/handicraft market, for the bus tours that stop there, but they also have a nice sculpture/historical garden in back, quiet and peaceful, and there's a pleasant bar and restrooms in the casino courtyard. 

[PattiPB]

Thanks for the Ensenada tips, rj59. I've got a disney cruise in December that stops there, so maybe we will try that trick.

 

Whale watching was great. Just so you know---it's an hour boat ride out to the open water before you see whales. So it's 2 hours there and back, 2 hours finding and watching whales. Quite the bargain for $30, just bring jackets for the wind!

[LuvCruiSun]

I was on this sailing also and had a great time! I feel like the staff did very with the more than doubling of passengers on this sailing.

 

It didn't seem that platinum priority boarding is fully back. They had the seperate check in lines which was nice, but I believe they were still boarding by zones. We had zone A0 so not sure what occurred after we boarded around 11:30. My room was not ready when we boarded either.

[peteandpris]

Thanks for review, love reading them.

[jerseygirlinAZ]

Thank you for sharing!  We sail on Radiance on March 11.  Might have to check out the whale watching!

[jmore66213]

Question!  This is the first 3 night cruise for me.  Going at the end of March. Do people dress up on the elegant night?   Would a Pair of nice jeans and a nice top be ok?  I've always dressed up, but for a short cruise wanted to see what's appropriate.

Thanks

[csm5986142]

1 hour ago, jmore66213 said:

Do people dress up on the elegant night?   

 

On our cruise, I would say maybe 30% were dressed very nice, getting portraits, etc. 

But for the most part, jeans and a nice top would have totally fit in.

 

[jmore66213]

1 hour ago, csm5986142 said:

 

On our cruise, I would say maybe 30% were dressed very nice, getting portraits, etc. 

But for the most part, jeans and a nice top would have totally fit in.

 

Thank you!  Makes it easier to pack.  

[PattiPB]

I was quite surprised with the large number of people dressed very fancy, and getting tons of pictures. We were dressed up, but not formal by any means. Honestly, I think you’ll be comfortable however you dress. Cruise your best life!