Royal Caribbean Radiance Family of Ships
The Radiance Family This class of Royal Caribbean ships, is well-named, both for the glow that it brings to the faces of their guests, as well as the brilliance that passengers see from outside and inside. Radiance ships have many outstanding features, but one that has become their signature, is the vast expanse of glass, everywhere you look.
And look you can, from anywhere on the ship, whether it’s the glass solarium, or the manicurist’s chair in the spa. Spectacular vistas are there for the viewing, as your ship passes through some of the most beautiful bays, coastlines and ports of call in the world.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is dedicated to preserving the spectacular scenery on their itineraries through the use of gas-turbine engines, the most environmentally friendly way of powering large ships. The Radiance Family average 90,090 tons, with a guest capacity of 2,501.
Accommodations start with the basics of twin beds, sitting area, vanity area, and private bathroom when you book the excellent value of an interior stateroom. The Oceanview category of staterooms brings you the same features over more square footage, along with a picture window in the Large Oceanview.
Additional space and accommodations for six in the Family Oceanview adds bunk beds in a separate area and two Pullmans, with room for another rollaway or Pack ‘N Play. There are also additional amenities at this level, that are included with all staterooms from here on up, including a hairdryer, phone, vanity area, television, minibar, 110/220 electrical outlets, computer jack, and an extendable vanity table that creates a work station area. Some decks on certain ships, may have portholes only.
When you truly enjoy the sea air, you’ll want to book a Deluxe Oceanview stateroom that gives you a balcony with all the other basics for sleeping up to four guests, with a sofa bed in most rooms. A Superior Oceanview stateroom brings you the same luxury over more floor space, with the ability to sleep 3-5 guests in designated rooms where there is a sofa bed and room for a Pullman.
The Radiance class of ships emphasizes the unique, in everything from their dining options, to the incredible array of activities available, and such individual features as the nine story Centrum, glass elevators that look out on the sea, and their signature Gold Anchor Service®.
You can start a day at sea on the Sports Deck, where you’ll find a running track, a half basketball court, and lots of entertainment for the family duffer, with a golf simulator, putting green, and a miniature golf course. Or you may want to tone up in the Shipshape Fitness Center with the very latest in workout machines, facilities and personal trainers to assess and advise you on your own exercise program. Of course, the rock climbing wall is one of the most popular places on any Royal Caribbean ship, with a variety of skill levels from beginner on up, and some fantastic views of the ship as you ascend and descend!
Spa services are another of the favorite features aboard ship, and from head to foot, you’ll experience refreshing and rejuvenating treatments for both body and mind. Try world-renowned spa products from La Therapie Intensif and Elemis, for the ultimate in facials and skin care. They’re for men, too! Or go for the full body treatment of a special wrap that cocoons you in warmth and restores your skin’s natural vitality. For those who enjoy massage, there is a full range of treatments from hot stone massage, to deep tissue, Swedish, and reflexology. Teenagers over 13 can join their parents, or go for their own individual sessions in GenerationYSPA. Among the age specific treatments are the Acne Attack oxygen facial, a mint and sea salt body scrub, as well as mother/daughter and father/son massages.
When you’re ready to go out and tour the ship, you’ll find everything from classes in wine-tasting and cooking, to jewelry seminars. There’s always a dip in the pool and some of the organized games held there, or games on boards, and onboard, like scavenger hunts and basketball tournaments. Want to get the most out of the Radiance Class nightclubs? There are dance instruction sessions that will have you in step with all kinds of music. Don’t miss the shopping excursions that are just a deck away. There’s a nearly endless selection of boutiques and stores where you’ll find everything from necessities, to name brand gifts for special occasions. And they offer port and shore excursion shopping talks so you can find the best buys onshore as well.
Parents will enjoy free time to take in the many activities, while children aged 3-17 are having a ball as part of the Adventure Ocean programs designed just for them, with special activities, crafts and entertainment suited to each individual age group. Youngsters who are six months to three years and accompanied by a parent or caregiver, will enjoy the Aqua Tot and Aqua Babies programs created especially for Royal Caribbean, by Fisher-Price. Teens of 15-17 also have their own lounge, the Living Room, and Fuel, a Teens only club for dancing and listening to music.
Meals aboard the Radiance class of ships are exactly what you want, where you want, starting with room service, and special drink packages that allow family members to get beverages any time they want, in any area of the ship. Casual daytime dining is not only fun, but full of mouth-watering choices, when you drop into the Seaview Café with its buffets and house specialties. It’s also open until 2a.m. Or you might try the buffets and menus that change daily in the Windjammer, where you’ll also discover wonderful desserts.
For great steaks and seafood, you’ll have to save one spot in your cruise for Chops Grill, perhaps the day after you try the Portofino’s exquisite Italian cuisine. Then there is the elegance of the two-story Minstrel Dining Room, where you will be booked a table and dinner sitting for the entire cruise, with open service for breakfast and lunch. Exciting, multiple choices for each course of your meal, with live dinner music, makes dining here an experience never to be forgotten.
Dress requirements for dining aboard the Radiance class ships range from casual, to smart casual, and formal wear for specified dining rooms and evenings. As a rule of thumb, swimsuits are not permitted in any dining room, and tank tops and bare feet are not allowed at dinner sittings. Most cafés allow casual dress whenever they are open, while others require smart casual for evening meals, which means jacket and tie for men, and pant suits or dresses for ladies.
Entertainment aboard ship covers virtually every taste, with the option as always, to choose what you want to do, including nothing at all! For those who look forward to the setting sun, there are stage shows several times a week, featuring Broadway musical productions and live floor shows. Dancing is always a great way to spend the evening, and throughout the ship you’ll find a lounge or venue with the music that you love. Make new friends as you tour the many themed sports bars and lounges, or just sit down in the Viking Crown to enjoy a drink and the magnificent starlit night. If you’ve always wanted to try your luck at roulette, dice and Blackjack, you’ll love the casinos, where the real “pros” can even take part in tournaments. When you’ve collected your winnings, stop off at the Champagne Bar for some bubbly or other fine wines and canapés.
The excitement only stops when you want it to. Join a karaoke session, make new friends in the card room, take part in trivia and talent contests, or sit back and listen to DJs spinning the top hits. Throughout your cruise there will be a variety of theme nights featuring costumes contests, Pirate and toga parties, and group specific events, such as a social gathering for singles, kids, and couples.
There may be some slight variations in such things as room layouts, or specific services in different areas, but you’ll still get the full Royal Caribbean treatment with any of the Radiance class ships your cruise is booked on.
- Brilliance of the Seas®
- Jewel of the Seas®
- Radiance of the Seas®
- Serenade of the Seas®
Look to the left hand column for a detailed review of all the ships in the Royal Caribbean Fleet
