BACKGROUND: My partner and I took this cruise in order to spend some time with my dad and his girlfriend. What started out, as a trip for four soon became a cruise for six as my dad's sisters decided to travel with us during this trip. We have cruised with friends in the past but this family cruise was a first for us. We ended up having our best cruise experience to date. EMBARKATION: Getting to the ship was very easy given the fact that we all live in southern California. I booked a private Super Shuttle van to pick us up at my Aunt's house in Escondido and drop us off at the port in San Diego. We arrived at the port at 12:30, unloaded our bags and found a porter. After our luggage was loaded onto a cart we made our way into the terminal to go through security. Next, it was off to the check in counter to get our Sea Pass cards. In a mater of minutes we were headed towards the gangway to board the beautiful Radiance of the Seas. We stopped just before boarding to get our picture taken and then we stepped onto our ship. This was by far the most organized and easy embarkation process we have gone through. Our time from shuttle to ship was less than thirty-five minutes. We did not have to wait in a single line and everyone from RCL was pleasant and helpful. SHIP: The Radiance of the Seas is a beautiful ship. Everyone in our party was impressed with her facilities and decor. She has something to offer for everyone. From her soaring centrum to her elegant dinning room and from her relaxing solarium to her exciting rock wall she is quite impressive. The most amazing thing about the ship to us was that she never seemed crowded. We were told by the crew that the cruise was sold out, yet at times it felt as is we had the ship to ourselves. STATEROOM: Everyone in our party had a balcony stateroom on deck 7. Our rooms were very spacious and had plenty of storage. Deck 7 is a great location at the center of the ship; not too far from either the pool deck or the main dinning room on deck 4. My partner and I loved starting our sea days with room service breakfast on the balcony. The view from our room while the ship was leaving Cabo San Lucas was fantastic! We watched the sun set as we were leaving port. It was a great way to end the perfect day. STAFF: Our outstanding cruise experience on the Radiance was made possible by the dedicated and hardworking members of the ship's crew. Every member of the staff we encountered on the Radiance greeted us with a smile and a positive attitude. The drink waiters at the pool seemed to know we wanted another drink. The cruise staff did a great job ensuring everyone was having fun. Our room attendant Alex was both efficient and personable. In the dinning room our waiters Eric and Mari grace made dinner each night enjoyable. Mari grace stopped at nothing to ensure that our meals were special events. Royal Caribbean is fortunate to have such a remarkable individual working for the line. The Master of the vessel, Captain Trym Selvag was both informative and entertaining. He and his crew worked diligently to make sure all passengers on board had a great time. PORTS: Ensenada- My partner and I along with my dad walked from the port a few blocks into town to sample some liquid culture. We spent the afternoon having a few drinks and shopping downtown before heading back to the ship. Cabo San Lucas - Our entire group had a great day in Cabo. In the morning we took a tender into town and arranged our own glass bottom boat tour. As we cruised the blue-green water of the harbor we saw sea lions, flying fish and birds along with many undersea creatures. We also cruised by the famous arch and saw many beautiful beaches. In the afternoon we enjoyed drinks poolside at the Fin Estera Hotel over looking the blue Pacific. Before heading back to the ship we walked through the shops at the marina to pick up some gifts. DISEMBARKATION: The last morning of the cruise we had breakfast in the dinning room and then headed up to the showroom to wait for our group to be called to leave the ship. As we entered the theater our group was being escorted to the gangway. Once off the ship we claimed our bags and made our way out of the terminal to our waiting shuttle. This was the most effortless and relaxing disembarkation we have ever encountered. FINAL THOUGHTS: My partner and I have been on many cruises but our cruise on the Radiance of the Seas is by far the best one yet. Everything was just about perfect. The beautiful Radiance of the Seas and her dedicated crew made this a vacation to remember.