Radiance of the Seas Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,235 reviews

Disappointing Cruise

Review for Australia & New Zealand Cruise on Radiance of the Seas
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Ednilasor
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Nov 2015
Cabin: Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony

Having cruised several times a year for many years this was the most expensive cruise we have been on and should have been the experience of a lifetime. However it proved to be the most disappointing cruise ever. What was wrong? How do I start? Well, the cabin with a balcony was clean though a bit worn. There were no complimentary toiletries or tissues and the toilet paper was so thin you could see right through it! There were no coffee making facilities or chocolates [not that we needed them] on the pillow and no surprise of finding the lovely animals made of towels waiting on the bed for us. There was no ice or drinking water left in the cabin and no ironing facilities - only if you paid for it!

The Cascade Restaurant served cold food despite the fact that we reported it on our first night and a meeting was arranged between us and our friends with the beverage and restaurant manager who then asked the Chef to meet with us. It was not until the third evening when the Maitre 'd was made aware of it that there was any difference, and, he accompanied every dish that was served to our table to ensure it was hot enough and if it was not, he returned it to the kitchen. Twice, the food came not cooked through! The restaurant closed at 1pm and so if you did not want an early lunch [ater a big breakfast eating again before 1.30 - 2pm is rather unreasonable] lunch had to be in the buffet, where again the food was not always hot.

Also when the ship was affected by an outbreak of the Norvo Virus, no one was permitted to touch the plates, cutlery or serving spoons which is totally understandable, but they did not staff it adequately so we had to queue at every possible food point which meant eating a cold meal. Additionally, the coffee served on board was undrinkable, it was vile. Although they acknowledged there was a problem with the coffee, they did not provide passengers with a token to enable them to get perhaps one decent coffee a day from the Starbucks on board.

Cabin Review

Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony

Cabin fairly spacious with good storage, though a bit tired. No complimentary toiletries, drinking water or ice or ironing facilities. Very thin toilet paper - not quite the 5* promised.

Port Reviews

Sydney (Australia)

The area around the port is lovely to explore. Because the ship is right in the heart of the harbour, everything is within walking distance. Most enjoyable

Wellington

The shuttle had to be paid for which is a shame. The centre of town is full of shops and because unfortunately it was so cold we didnt stay very long and headed back to the ship.

Akaroa

You enter the harbour by tender and it is stunningly beautiful. We didnt need to anything but wander through the main street of quaint shops to experience the beauty of the place. Highly recommended

Dunedin

Again, the shuttle had to be paid for to the town. Shops with a feeling of the first Scottish settlers and a very interesting museum. Most enjoyable

Melbourne

We were persuaded to take a hop on hop off bus which actually is not necessary as the trams are free. A visit to Victoria market was most enjoyable and a wander round this modern bustling city is recommended.

Adelaide

We shared a taxi and visited the Kangaroo and Koala sanctuary which was such fund an so enjoyable. It was very hot but we had a really lovely day with a visit to mount lofty on the way back.

Esperance

It was unbelievably hot but we took a bus to a craft market which was fairly disappointing as they sold mostly home made food items which you couldnt take back on board. It was nice to see but not worth the affect of the heat to be quite honest. Nice beach though but little shade!

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