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. The Captain was amiable, informative, and certainly a gregarious sort, which enlivened the cruise atmosphere. His lectures were worthwhile, as they provided insight into the ship as well as ports- of- call. When presented with over 200 passengers who missed their shore excursions, both the captain and Roger Jackson attentively listened to the problems. Apparently, their shore-excursion coordinator, Veronica, misrepresented passengers by holding them in the ship while their pre-booked $1000 excursions were sold on the shore to others. Be very wary...although one may presume that booking through the ship is safe, our canceled helicopter-dogled adventure booked a year ahead was sold to the earliest bidder in the town due to RCCL's incompetence. Dining was fair, rushed, and formulaic at best. If you are a party of two, book a private table. We got stuck at a table of 11, whose table manners replicated masticating with wolves. Enough Said! We chose to dine at Portofino and Chops, and enjoyed both the privacy and food. Perhaps RCCL might eliminate the surcharge (not that this cost matters much) but it might encourage more people to enjoy the ambiance of other ship areas that would otherwise go unnoticed. Both restaurants were empty on the nights we dined in mid-June, indicating cost-ineffectiveness to the line. As an avid jogger, I attempted to jog 6 miles on the deck at 6:00-7:00 AM, but again, no privacy or ease: Too many looky-loos to enjoy a proper workout. Perhaps this fitness area could be open to participants rather than spectators at prime fitness hours. The same situation arose in the adult pool-solarium. Why can't people read the posted signs restricting children from the adult areas? The pool attendants were very reluctant to enforce the policies, thus restricting our leisure enjoyment of the pool and whirlpools. Overall, RCCL and Radiance of the Seas could be categorized (problematic within itself by definition) as slightly above mediocre, if you're looking for class, service, privacy, and attention. We enjoyed the Alaskan scenery, chartered a private plane to fly over glaciers, took trains, trekked Denali Park, and much more due to our own inventiveness. Do your research!! Read Less

May 28th to June 4th is usually a rainy week but to our surprise it was good weather and rained only 5 minutes in Ketchikan. We stayed at the Horizon Hotel in Vancouver on Robson Street which is know for shopping. That was good. Last night after the cruise stayed in the Delta Hotel and that was fantastic service and would recommend it to all,kids included...... Now for Serenade of the Seas -- got on ok and off ok,only complaint was waiting for customs to get on, a long line and you can't get to the bathrooms, they are not near you. The ship was small 2500 people which is fine and the waiters etc were great. Our head waiter was the best for he helped my husband with black pepper and lactose intolerance. Can't say anything bad about him, just wonderful. The ship to me catered to people who smoke. They had the best dancing rooms where I felt non smokers should have been catered to instead, being there are more of us. The food was ok but I have been on Royal Caribbean before and I see a decline in the amount of food, the selection of food, and the type of food. isn't that one of the reasons we are there? My stateroom attendant was great but my sons forgot a lot of things. The golf stimulator was broken and we never got to use it, the indoor pool and spa was not hot enough and the room was cool,where no one wanted to be in a cool room in Alaska. The Vortex room was empty most of the time and limited music for dancing. The 4th floor bartender didn't know how much alcohol to put in a pina colada. Twice after telling him there wasn't enough we went to another part of the ship where they knew what to do. I guess if this was your first cruise you would rave about it but this was our 7th and we knew what was what. The dancers were inexperienced and out of step and the one comedian was terrible and thank god the other comedian made up for him. They kept all jobs clean by the way at 12.15 am. All in all the scenery of the trip and the history made the trip a good one. This is not about fun and sun the captain said. I would recommend the trip on another ship until they get their act together. Read Less

Cruising sure has changed. We have been loyal to RCI for many years, but alas, I think it's time to move on. Every cruise prior to this one has been jaw-dropping incredible. We've even done this exact cruise before and had the same exact stateroom, but times have changed and so did our cruise experience. It is clear that the company has made sweeping cutbacks--food quality, service, activities, staff professionalism, staff-to-cruise ratio, cleanliness, etc. This was not a bad cruise experience, but I am unhappy to report that is was only okay. Not only has the cruise line changed, but so have the patrons--I've never cruised with so many unhappy people. I am not sure if that's because of the cutbacks, or if the attractive fare discounts are attracting grumpy people, or something else maybe--I don't know. That all being said, our family of four had a great time (we don't let things get us down). We enjoyed each other's company and created some memorable experiences. Vancouver was rainy and cold as it often is this time of year. We spent our pre-cruise watching movies, dining, and gazing at the skyline out our hotel window. Our room at the Vancouver Hyatt was very nice and roomy. Embarkation was a breeze. Surprisingly, no one stopped me from bringing an entire case of wine onto the ship and into our stateroom--there was a general sense of "who cares" among the embarkation crew. Rough seas highlighted passage to Hawaii for most of four days. Dining room was usually half-empty due to the large number of sick cruisers. Much of the crew was reportedly ill as well. Kids thought it to be fun--jogging around the deck of a bobbing ship every morning was interesting. Young captain--if it weren't for his gray hair, he could pass for 35 or so. Not very social however--we never once saw him in the dining room. Our stateroom was situated closest to the bridge and we saw him frequently there, but we did not speak. Hawaii was wonderful as always--you can't go wrong with these islands. We learned years ago not to mess with the provided excursions--too expensive, too long, too crowded. Rental cars are available at every port so we create our own excursions. Post cruise at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Very nice but be prepared to spend $$$$$$$$. For dining, shopping, etc. Read Less