Australia is a beautiful country and I think that added to our enjoyment on board, The Radiance of the Seas. The current cruise director, Steve, is hardworking and talented. He does his job and more. The Shore Excursion Desk worked to secure another Great Barrier Reef tour in Port Douglas when the one in Airlie Beach was cancelled. The trip offered by Quicksilver was top of the line, perhaps better than the original offering.

However, the Radiance is dated and the type of cleaning and painting seen daily on RCCL ships in the USA is not in evidence. Ship is generally clean. Lacking a second entry door to the dining room on a floor already crowded with Guest Relations, Shore Explorations, and almost continuous use of the Centrum makes dinner entry and exit with elevator availability a mob scene at times. The ship uses the Centrum at all hours of the day and it is noisy and loud on all floors. Watch what room you choose. Guests left the ship early this cruise because of the noise. For some reason, the theater is seldom used even for movies, which limits 43 guests per showing in the Cinema. Not good on a bad sea day.

While the Crown and Anchor Diamond and above lounges offer adequate drinks and delicious tidbits, the presence of the ship's officers and even diamond concierge is sorely missing except for designated events (unusual for RCCL and Celebrity ships). Read more