Chose this cruise for the destination 'Whitsundays' but due to Cyclone Debbie we weren't sure if we'd be going there or not and In the end we did. Newcastle, we didn't get off as the excursion we selected wasn't on their system yet was advertised on the brochure. Enjoyed getting used to the ship as it was first time on this cruise line. Due to high swells we stayed in port overnight and headed off early morning heading for Airlie Beach. We didn't do an excursion as the affordable ones were booked out by the time we found out we were actually stopping there so we strolled around town and checked out the local markets, all in all was a great day spent in Airlie Beach. Next Stop was Brisbane, went to Australia Zoo and had a fantastic time. Will definitely be going back to visit the Zoo, amazing place. The journey was around an hour in a coach from an unattractive dock but didn't bother me. The 'All Access' tour was a waste of money compared to Carnivals, First stop was the Bridge, no Captain around but ok, checked out the garbage room, laundry, alcohol and got cut short as the galley was busy and was given a noose at the end, sorry a piece of rope to tie knots ha! Carnival was more value for money, more areas, photos with captain, sample plate sent to room as a thank you and glass of wine.

The ship, had an interior room, size was good, liked the curtains to shut off sleeping/living areas, beds were uncomfortable to other cruise lines I've used, bathroom was smaller than a Carnival interior room I've had. I feel the double lounge took some space that could have been used in the bathroom. Steward was wonderful, room was done twice a day, always had clean linen, can't fault that. Dining room wasn't crash hot, ended up spending 5 of the 8 nights eating in Windjammer where the food was great for all meals. Comparing Radiance to Carnival Spirit, i'd prefer Spirit over this ship any day. If you felt like an ice cream after the show (if you went) you were out of luck as it's behind closed doors in Windjammer, Spirit has Lido that was open when food service was over so you could still sit and have a pizza and ice cream 24hr if you felt like it. Shows, these were different, liked the idea of the orchestra but not a fan of the shows so didn't end up going to them all, they just weren't fun, Spirit is 100% better for entertainment. Elevators, hopeless, there's around 5 near Centrum that are always full with walkers so you're better off taking stairs or heading down the front of ship and using ones there. Salon, lovely staff, great service. Shops, sell the same old 'cruise' junk as other ships.

Not a fan due to US dollars, may travel again if the destination was good but would pick Carnival over Radiance any day.