Radiance of the Seas provided a satisfactory, but certainly not stellar, first-time cruising experience for our long-anticipated cruise tour to Alaska. We journeyed from Florida to board in Vancouver, a lovely city, if you know your whereabouts and enjoy the harbour, waterfront, and Stanley Park. The commercialism of RCCL detracted from a private, classy cruise, as the management is geared to allaying the petty details of the masses. If you're seeking privacy, then certainly steer away from RCCL.
Characteristics of the ship are summarized on the website. Our balcony cabin was spacious, cozy, and our best refuge from the fray. We enjoyed breakfasts daily on our balcony, cocktails at sunset, and many other splendid times which we created rather than partaking in the superficial onboard entertainment.
When one considers quality of the 12-day cruise tour expenditures and experiences, RCCL would likely rate in the middle-high-middle of the pack. Since we booked this vacation one year in advance, our high expectations were partially met, then dampened by RCCL's gross incompetence in arranging proper tendering to meet pre-arranged shore excursions. Never will we blindly follow ship's instructions to meet, wait for nearly 2 hours, then miss excursions.