Whilst my wife and I are experienced cruisers, this was our first Trans-Atlantic crossing. It was our second time cruising with RCI, but our first time aboard a Radiance Class ship. From a loyalty perspective, we are not particularly biased toward any cruise line - we are much more interested in where the cruise will take us.
PRE-BOARDING
We flew into Tampa from the UK, spending the night prior to boarding at the Intercontinental. The flights and hotel were arranged through RCI, and all were excellent. We did not choose to use their interconnecting service between airport and hotel, or from hotel to ship. It was way too expensive compared to what was available locally – The hotel offered a free shuttle from the airport, and a low cost shuttle to the ship.
With the cabin cleared for occupancy so early, we were delighted to be able to enjoy our balcony so soon. The cabin was a reasonable size, queen bed- 6ft wide, but with a rounded foot. An ingenious solution that allowed easy access around the foot of the bed, while allowing an extended desk/dressing table. There was still room for a two-seater sofa and small occasional table. The cabin definitely a reasonable size with sufficient hanging space, and enough drawer space to enable us to comfortably hold enough clothes for a 2 week cruise (and all my wife’s shoes). A hair drier is provided and it was a pretty good one. The bathroom was standard size – a little on the small size, and with the shower had a curtain that never quite closed properly while also managing to stick to you when showering, you tend to have a wet floor at the end of every shower. All was spotlessly clean, and the balcony was of a reasonable size, with a chair and table.