Radiance of the Seas

[Fire and Ice]

Any insight, suggestions or need to know things before I board the Radiance of the Seas for an Alaskan cruise?

[leahsdad]

Be sure to bring a ton of film or memory with you and be sure to visit the Seaview Cafe--great food

 

also watch for whales going and coming from Icy Straight Point---excellent spotting area

 

Have fun

 

Paul

[leahsdad]

ONe other thing---if you want to see eagles up close walk or ride into downtown Hoonah near the docks---they'tt be sitting in the low trees waiting for fishing boats to come in

 

Paul

[karlos]

Thanks, Paul for the heads up regarding the eagles. We'll be in ISP on 9/4. We're planning on doing a whale-watching excursion but then walking toward Hoonah. We'll be sure to keep our eyes open for the eagles!

[ajknightfan]

If I read it right and you are headed out 9/4, I will be on there the week before you. I hope to get on and post a review right away....so look for it before you depart! Have an excellent time!

[PABirder]

Also keep an eye out for eagles in the trees along Creek Street (Ketchikan) and if you go on the Mt. Roberts tram in Juneau.

 

Just got off the Radiance on 8/3 - the stops were pretty cool (40's/50's) and wet. Make sure you have some clothing for wet/cool weather just in case. (My mother and sister actually bought a lined rain coat in Ketchikan at the Alaskan Shirt Company for $20 and wore it the whole cruisetour - were VERY time happy with the purchase).

[sarahruth23]

I just got off the Radiance - you'll have a great time! Don't plan on sleeping in too much - the captain will call "wakey, wakey" in the morning to get you up and going :) (just fyi, you can turn down the volume of the speaker in your cabin if you choose) Also, don't believe everything the captain tells you....

 

We went to Hubbard glacier, which was awesome, but I went out to the helipad early and spent 2 hours out there in the freezing cold. I got a lot of great pictures, but it was notnecessary. The helipad never got overly crowded, and people were very good about taking turns at the railing. Also, my family saw basically the same thing from their balconies, although their pictures weren't quite as good.

 

Go play pool on the self-leveling tables. They are way cool!

 

Finally, it's a great ship, but get off it! You will see and learn so much more by getting into port, booking excursions with locals, or just walking around and talking to people (not the people in Diamonds International, of course :) )

 

Have a great trip - wish I was back on board!!!