Radiance of the Seas - Central America/Panama Canal

This was a great cruise, we met many people on board through Cruise Critic and this made our trip exceptional. The activities on board were varied, so many people attended. I've never seen quite so many people at activities before. At the beginning of the cruise some of the staff were tired and were not as enthusiastic as usual but that picked up by mid voyage.

Embarkation was done in the convention center in SD. Have seen worse. We had no trouble. Still better than Carnival embarkation. Some people had trouble with the RCI arranged transport from the Airport but we have learned to plan that on our own in the past. We took a cab for $11.00 from the SAN airport to the ship.

The public areas on the ship are beautiful, but definitely are showing some wear in places, but still very nice.

The dining was excellent. We have never had such great dining room staff. Our waiter was very attentive and I've never had so much interaction with the head waiter before. He went above and beyond to help out. Answering all questions for us promptly. We only went to Portofino's one night and ate the rest of the time in the dining room. Our table mates were great.

As far as the ports: Personally I could have done without Cabo and Puerto Vallarta. Huatulco is tremendous as well as Costa Rica. Aruba was also very nice. The trip through the Panama was spectacular. Although you have to get up VERY early to get a spot on the bow of the ship. RCI arranged shore excursions were disappointing. We took an ATV trip in Huatulco and were not give safety gear. When I mentioned this to the explorations manager he told me I must be lying because no one else had mentioned this>>>>>> RCI still has to receive a letter re this. The Baby Beach express was disappointing as we could have done much better on our own. The best shore excursions was planned privately thought our Cruise Critic group and we went ziplining in Costa Rica.

Tendering was a bit tiresome..... The best of the trip ... the concierge club. great service, great times..

Overall a wonderful cruise. RCI is definitely a good line. There are always going to be minor issues with any ship but we have learned to really try to go with the flow.

Hope you have fun.