First Time on Radiance of the Seas

[Nessa1dc]

I will be giving my husband a cruise for Christmas this year. It will be on Radiance of the Seas. We will sail in December of next year (I know that's forever, but, we're going to Vegas in June). We just did the Mariner of the Seas in October (Loved it). Just a few questions, I hope some can help. Going from the Mariner to the Radiance of the Seas, will I be disappointed? What card games do they have in the Casino (Is 3 Card Poker Represented)? We will be in Cabin 8600 with a balcony (Deluxe Oceanview w/ balcony). It is 179 Square Feet. Should I pay the $200 for 204 Square Feet with the Balcony (Superior Oceanview w/balcony)? Any information you give will be helpful...

 

BTW - Do you know of any reasonably priced, but nice hotels in Miami that is close to the port. We will be arriving the day before the cruise.

 

Thank you all in advance for any help. :p

[cruiseman_tx]

Nessa1dc,

I've cruised on both classes, and, for what it's worth, my personal preference leans toward the Voyager Class ships. I like the additional pool deck space, more hot tubs and a larger solarium with two hot tubs instead of one. The promanade is great for rainy days, watching the parades or just hanging out, and it allows for easier access to the shops, casino, bars, theater and dining rooms.

 

On the Radience class ships I like the layout of the Schooner Bar, and the Sports bar is much larger than Voyager, with more screens for viewing and adequate non-snoking and smoking areas to please everyone. Traffic to and from the theater has to go through the casino or the centrum shops area, and it can be quite congested, especially after a performance is done. I like the Seawiew Cafe over JR's. I also like the layout of the Windjammer on Radinece class better.

 

All that being said, we've had great cruises on both classes of ships, and would not hesitate to book a cruise on either one.

 

Hotels...we just did a pre-cruise night at the Holiday Inn accross from the Bayside Marketplace which is right next to the cruise terminals. Cost was $76 booked online. Bayside has several places to eat and lots of shops to browse.

 

Hope this helps.

[Nessa1dc]

Thank you,

 

 

 

That helped.

 

 

 

Vanessa:D

[msts]

We have been on both class ships and like them both. With just two of you in the cabin the 179 sq ft should be fine. We had a larger room on the voyager but had four people in the room and on radiance we had two people with the same cabin you have and we had plenty of room.

 

Although the sevice on the voyager was good we like the service on the radiance even more, but both were great ships.

 

Both ships were full but we were always able to find quite places on both ships.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

 

Mike

[Coolcruise02]

All I can add, is the Radiance is beautiful. It's the best cruise we have had! :)

[negc]

We've sailed on and enjoyed both classes of ships. I don't think you will be disappointed with the Radiance. One difference I noted between the two classes of ships was that the Voyager class ships seem designed to draw you inside the ship with the Royal Promenade and so many lounges (including the concierge lounge) that have no view of the ocean. At times it is easy to forget you are at sea. The Ice Show on Voyager class ships is terrific and a certain don't miss. Radiance class ships, on the other hand constantly provide you with gorgeous views of the ocean and the outside scenery. The solaria have retractable domes which allow you to enjoy the pool and jacuzzi regardless of the weather. Both ships are so well designed to handle their large numbers of passengers that rarely did we ever realize how many other guests we were sailing with. You should enjoy yourself just as much on Radiance as you did on the Voyager class ship. Service IMHO reflects the attitude of the crew on any particular ship. On all of our Voyager class and Radiance class cruises, we have been blessed with exceptionally happy and friendly staff members who went out of their way to be of service.

[BunkerVA]

Hi Nessa1dc!

 

When in December are you cruising on the Radiance? We are sailing December 4-11, 2005. We gave my husband's parents the cruise for their 30th wedding anniversary and are taking my mother to celebrate her 50th birthday next year. My hubands sister and her husband my join us and my husbands brother.

 

My husband and I are sailing the Brilliance on December 13 this year and are looking forward to the Radiance class ships!

 

All my best for a nice holiday season,

Sam :)

[Nessa1dc]

Thank you all for your input. I truly appreciate it. This is my 3rd Cruise and my husband's 2nd. He loves it. Vegas was our yearly trip, but, I think Cruisin has won out.

 

 

BunkerVA - We will also be sailing on Dec 4 -11, 2005. It's a small world. I hope your parents have a wonderful anniversary. Will you also be attending with them?

 

Anybody know about the casino games? (I said my husband and I are Vegas travellers, the gambling is part of our excitement)

[BunkerVA]

Hi Nessa1dc

 

Yes, my husband and I will be travelling with them! We have never been to Las Vegas, but my in-law's have...my mother-in-law is big on the slots though. Not card games.

 

My husband and I live in Williamsburg, VA, my in-laws live in Halifax, VA, and my mother lives in North Andover, MA. We have all cruised before and LOVE it!!! This will be my in-law's and mother's first time on Royal Caribbean though.

 

We should start a role call!

Have a great day!

Sam :)

[Nessa1dc]

Well we are not too far from you all. We are from Washington DC. I wish you all a wonderful cruise. Take care.

 

 

If you ever get a chance, check Vegas out. It is alot of fun.

 

Vanessa:o

[Nessa1dc]

Anyone ever stayed in 8600 (Balcony) on Radiance of the Seas? What type of card games do they have?