Ryndam vs. Radiance

[freckledcat]

I've been looking at the different ships that are available for the date we want for our cruise - schedules are mostly the same the only difference is the Radiance on day 6 is 'at sea' and the Ryndam is cruising the 'inside passage' (i think these may be the same thing but I could be wrong)

 

Which ship is better?

 

We are in our late twenties, we like doing the day trips so will be going into the ports every chance we get. We aren't big drinkers and will probably go into the casino once to say we tried it. We aren't big on just sitting and relaxing.

 

TIA

[LizC]

We had a wonderful time on this ship the sailing was amazing. The ship is all glass even the Elevators face the water. Loved Seward if you are sailing to Seward when you get off don't take the train right away do THEN TAKE THE 5:30 TRAIN to anchorage.

[NancyIL]

It sounds like you're looking at southbound cruises. The Ryndam goes to Sitka whereas Radiance goes to Icy Strait Point. Both sail the inside passage as they travel from Ketchikan to Vancouver.

 

I was on the Ryndam's sister ship (Veendam) going north last July. I really liked the size of the ship and all the great outside viewing areas. I have also been on Radiance's sister ship Jewel of the Seas - but not in Alaska. HAL does an excellent job in Alaska, but I've read mixed comments about Royal Caribbean in Alaska. Radiance is definitely the prettier ship, but the Ryndam has larger standard cabins.

[NancyIL]

Radiance southbound: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/cruiseDetails/itineraryAndPricing.do;jsessionid=0000aEcgA4pNnrzi-sXOwn4eexn:12hdhuaq2?packageCode=RD07A043&date=ANY&selectedCurrencyCode=&promoType=&hasSenior=&hasMilitary=&state=

 

Ryndam southbound: http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetails.action?webItineraryIdForAudit=AR9070&durationCode=&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&portCode=&shipCodeSearch=RY&flexibleMonths=false&pageNumber=1&voyageCode=R933&destCode=A&dateCode=

 

Radiance has the better port times in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, and also allows an extra hour for viewing Hubbard Glacier. I think Radiance is the winner if judging purely by itinerary - although I loved Sitka.