Radiance of the Seas – Royal Caribbean

In November I was lucky enough to be able to cruise on one of the newest ships to Australian waters the Radiance of the Seas: We boarded in Sydney on 18th November for a 2night “sampler” cruise.

Facts: Refurbished in May-June 2011 before heading down under, 293 metres in length, 90.090 tonnes, 2,531 passengers with 869 crew onboard.

A stunningly modern ship the new touches and upgrades were obvious. We were in a Junior Suite and the extra size in the cabin & balcony was definitely worth it. Our cabins (and all Suites) were also provided with a dressing gown, tea & coffee making facilities and toiletries.

Dining:
Windjammer Café: The buffet restaurant onboard open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. There are so many food choices with something to suit everyone.
Cascades Dining Room: The Ala Carte restaurant for all main meals. Book traditional (seated) dining or Anytime Dining (gratuities must be pre-paid). For families there is also My Family Dining **.

Park Café: Deli-style eatery in the Solarium
Boardwalk Doghouse: Snacks of hotdogs and other quick foods
Giovannis Table: Traditional Italian *
Chops Grille: Steak & Seafood *
Samba Grill: Brazilian Steakhouse steaks & seafood carved at the table *
Ritas Cantina: Mexican themed restaurant *
Izumi: Traditional Japanese *
Café Latte: Coffee and Ice-cream house *
*Surcharges apply

Bars & Lounges:
There are many bars & lounges to relax in some include:

Quill & Compass: English styled pub and a great atmosphere to kick-start your evening
Sky Bar: Located on Deck 12, a great place to watch the sights while enjoying the sun
Aurora Theatre: 3 level to watch shows and other entertainment
Colony Club Lounge: Four different lounges in one area including self-levelling pool tables
StarQuest: The nightclub including a moving bar, disco lights & smoke machines making you forget you are at sea.

Activities:
Outdoor Cinema, 9-hole mini-golf, 30-foot rock climbing wall, Basketball court as well as all the ship arranged activities will keep you busy

Childrens Club:
Royal Caribbean do not have a limit on the number of children allowed onboard.
Royal Babies (6-18months) and Royal Tots (18-36 months) allow parents and their children to partake in activities together. Scheduled activities are arranged daily for Aquanauts (3-5), Explorers (6-8) & Voyagers (9-11). There is also a teen hang-out area for those 12-17 years.
Adventure Beach Family Pool: An amazing pool area with a waterslide, teen disco and video arcade.

Other Amenities:
Day Spa & Gym, Beauty Salon, 3 x pools, 3 x whirlpools, Art & Photo Gallery, Internet Café, Jogging Track, Shops & Boutiques.

My biggest hint is TAKE AN AMERICAN PLUG ADAPTOR!

Happy Kruizing!
Kirsty
Photos below: Atrium - Main Pool with Big Screen

*My Family Time Dining is offered for the first seating time in our main dining room, for children of ages three to 11. Kids enjoy their meal within 40 minutes of seating, before heading to the evening's Adventure Ocean activities. The programme starts on the second evening that you're on board. After that, you can use it each evening or whenever you wish.