Radiance of the Seas Review
Radiance OTS Dec 3-16 South Pacific: My best cruise yet!
Rating by category
Additional details
We went as 2 friends in our early 30s. My 4th cruise, his first ever. Both first time with RCI and we were very impressed. Here are some general overviews of the highlights, various observations, and with tips on how to get the most out of the ship. Longer sailings are just better!
Demographics: Full sailing of around 2200 guests. Probably 80% Australian, 10% New Zealand [like myself], 10% all other nations. A few dozen each of Canadians, Americans, British, Japanese. Age wise, skewed to the 55+ owing to the length. Also a good number of families with children/teens as summer break has started down under. A very well behaved crowd; I didn't see any drunks or disorderly conduct.
Schedule: 13 night South Pacific, from Sydney to Auckland, with main highlight being the inaugural visit by RCI to the Kingdom of Tonga!
Cabin Review
Interior Stateroom
Rather small and cosy but quiet due to the location. Bathroom shower was especially cramped. Cabin amenities were in good order. Next time I'd rather go for an oceanview or above.
Port Reviews
Isle of Pines (New Caledonia)
No need to take a shore excursion here. The perfect island to take a beach day or snorkel among the shallows.
Sydney (Australia)
Take the airport train to Circular Quay, deposit your luggage, then it's a good idea to go to the nearby supermarket for essentials.
Lifou
Take a walk up the cliff to the church for spectacular views. The bay where most snorkey isn't far away.