Alaska: Would you book Serenade or Radiance?

[gigglets]

Not concerning yourself with itinerary (we like them both), is one of these better than the other? Serenade seems to be getting higher marks in the cruise critic ratings, but I'd love to hear your thoughts if you have been on one or both of these ships.

[Straughn]

We have sailed on both ships- Serenade in Alaska and Radiance in the Caribbean. We love, love, love both ships. We are of the "any RCCL ship as long as it is a Radiance class ship" mentality. For us-the deciding factor would be the itinerary as we found the service and food to be comparable. We have not sailed on Serenade in a couple of years, so more recent cruisers may have a different perspective on that. We were on Radiance last fall and had great service and food. Love Chops and Portofinos, love the self leveling pool tables and the Coloney Club lounge. We also like the location and configuration of the Champagne Bar with the big windows.

[LAKaye]

For us, I would let the itinerary differences be the deciding factor. However, I think you are focusing on ship differences, so here are a couple of small ones that I noticed:

 

Shower curtains on Radiance; Shower doors on Serenade.

 

Serenade/Winjammer outdoor seating area has more of the cushioned comfy chairs in a larger seating area, where the Radiance has unused food service stations, and this is our favorite place to eat when in the Windjammer.

 

Bon Voyage!

 

Leslie

[mjyanne]

Not concerning yourself with itinerary (we like them both), is one of these better than the other? Serenade seems to be getting higher marks in the cruise critic ratings, but I'd love to hear your thoughts if you have been on one or both of these ships.

 

Having sailed Radiance twice and recently sailing Serenade, I would pick Serenade. Both ships are, for the most part, identical. However, the service and crew on Serenade (overall) was one of the best we have encountered. Here is a link to my review of Serenade (whcih may be helpful): http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=27137

[Barbee524]

OK I'm taking a deep breath before I post this since I don't want this to turn into a debate. But here goes.

 

The Radiance is a close as you will find to a non-smoking ship. So this could make a difference in your choice one way or the other.

[goneclear]

OK I'm taking a deep breath before I post this since I don't want this to turn into a debate. But here goes.

 

The Radiance is a close as you will find to a non-smoking ship. So this could make a difference in your choice one way or the other.

 

Just curious here. What makes the smoke issue different to any RCCL ship?

[Italy52]

Just curious here. What makes the smoke issue different to any RCCL ship?

 

I am curious as well. I am going to be booking a cruise to Alaska for '08 and am considering the Radiance. I am someone that would prefer to be away from smoke if possible.

[Barbee524]

Smoking is allowed in the parts of the casino, the colony club, the Viking crown lounge, and the Hollywood Oddessy after 9:00 when it becomes the cigar bar and is very limited on the open decks. The Schooner Bar and the Pool Bar and most other indoor areas of the ship are non-smoking.

[Firefighterhoop]

I was on the Radiance and Loved it, but would chose the serenade just because I haven't been on it yet. From the people I have talked to and the Pictures I have seen, The Serenade looks awesome too.

 

I don't think you could make a bad decision. I will say that in all my cruises, the Radiance has been BY FAR the best service I have ever had.

[negc]

This is one case where I would definitely base my decision on the itinerary and the price. The ships are practically identical, aside from a few cosmetic changes and the age difference between them is really negligible. Both are wonderful ships for cruising the spectacular Alaskan coastline and you can see that spectacular scenery from throughout the ship. Whichever ship's itinerary, sailing dates, and price best suit your requirements is the one I would choose. You should not be disappointed with either one.:)

[skandls]

I was on the Radiance last year and it is a beautiful ship. For me - I would take the Serenade especially with Captain George. He runs a great ship - he seems to keep in mind little things that the passengers might enjoy.

 

We were on the Vision with him - he tried to time our departure from Cabo to allow for great sunset pictures - the weather did not cooperate. They spotted whales so he made a circle with the ship so everyone had a chance to see them.

 

There are many great captains at RCI and Captain George is one of them.

[crusingdave]

We just came off the Radiance doing the 8 night Eastern Caribbean and absolutely loved it. This was our first trip on a Radiance class ship. We had great service and the Captain Rune Lockling was absolutely hilarious. His cake decorating demonstration was absolutely fantastic. Very personable, enjoys people, a real pleasure to cruise with. We are Diamond with Royal Caribbean and have done over 20 cruises since 2001 and this ranks up there as one of the best if not the best.

[skandls]

I forgot Captain Rune Lockling (hurdy gurdy?) was on the Radiance. He is another of the great captains who work for RCI.

 

Have a great time no matter which ship you decide for your cruise.