Radiance of the Seas

Home
Royal Caribbean International®
Radiance of the Seas

SHIP OVERVIEW

Linger longer in iconic destinations onboard a ship designed for exploration. Dazzling with the most glass of any Royal Caribbean® ship, Radiance of the Seas® is perfect for glacier gazing in Alaska and soaking up the sun in the tropics. When you aren’t chasing adventure onshore, unwind poolside while taking in the views, stretch your muscles on the Rock Climbing Wall, and sing along to show-stopping performances onboard.

  • CRUISES
  • STATISTICS

STATISTICS

  • Year Built

    2001
  • Year Refurbished

    2017
  • Year Entered Present Fleet

    2001
  • Country of Registry

    Bahamas
  • Tonnage (GRT)

    90,090
  • PAX (basis 2)

    2,143
  • Max Pax (inc. Uppers)

    2,466
  • Passenger Decks

    12
  • Number of Crew

    894
  • Officers' Nationality

    International
  • Cruise/Hotel Staff Nationality

    International

STATEROOMS

  • Suites

    0
  • Balcony

    0
  • Oceanview

    825
  • Oceanview No Balcony

    0
  • Oceanview With Balcony

    0
  • Balconies

    578
  • Interior

    246
  • Accessible

    20
  • Total Number of Accommodations

    1000
  • SUITE
  • BALCONY
  • OCEANVIEW
  • INSIDE

Deck Plans

SHIP REVIEWS

OVERALL RATING

4.5

Star Star Star Star Star
Based on 24 reviews

SUBMIT YOUR REVIEW

Cruise reviews reflect the opinions of travel editors and cruisers/ readers and may not represent those of our company.

SUBMIT A REVIEW

Radiance

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Great staff, clean, fun activities

CONS

Food quality has decreased

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Radiance is a smaller, older ship but it’s sturdy and well made. Classy. The staff is amazing, as always on RC. Food quality has declined overall.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

The dinning room staff, at the Cascades, were excellent. The rooms are spacious and kept clean.

NOVEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Wait staff was amazing

CONS

Not enough shows. The food was not as great as expected, other that at the Cascades restaurant.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

The Cascades restaurant waiters Radi and his assistant were amazing. They went above and beyond to see that we had a pleasant experience

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Our Perfect Getaway

OCTOBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

A+ quality service aboard from all staff members

CONS

Lacking kids activities wishing there more things for the kids to enjoy

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Excellent cruise for a getaway for young and older couples. Kids activities were scarce.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Great Older Ship

OCTOBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Friendly Staff, Very well kept, food was very good.

CONS

Cold water is warm in the stateroom

RECOMMENDED

Yes

The Radiance is an older ship which is in great shape. Some of the best service I ever had on a ship, especially in the dining room. Food was very good and the Chops and Giovanni's were outstanding. The only negative was because of the hurricane we were forced to stay at sea for 7 days straight. The staff made it pleasant.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

The Panama Canal Ctuise

OCTOBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Excellent staff and captain. Beautiful weather and many wonderful activities.

CONS

Missed Cabo due to a hurricane which we had no control over.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

All of the staff welcomed us and made us feel like home.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

at best mediocre

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

We were with our daughter and her family. Kids liked it very much.

CONS

Bad, boring food, mediocre everything else

RECOMMENDED

No

The scenery in Alaska is gorgeous but if you like good food this is not the cruise for you. The choices in the buffet were limited, similar and boring every day. The choices in the dining room were also boring and food was precooked, at best mediocre. Everything costs extra so plan on a cruise that nickel and dimes you to death only they're all $, not dimes. There was also a leak from our bathroom to the cabin right next to the bed so the carpet was wet for half the days.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

50th Anniversary Family cruise - two years later.

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Staff helped with seasickness as needed. Staff also good with the kids and took notice of the peanut allergy we had in our group.

CONS

Departure line was long at end of cruise. Everyone going at once even though we all had departure times

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Other than the Gulf being rough on the first day out we had a very enjoyable cruise with 10 family members. Kids 6 to 17 had a great time. Could even watch the NCAA tournament on TV.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Radiance of the Seas

JANUARY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

The crew was friendly, the food was great and I couldn't find anything negative about the ship

CONS

Nothing

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We had a most enjoyable time on this cruise. All the crew and passengers seemed to be Having a good time and we hated for the cruise To end.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Food

AUGUST

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Lots of activities

CONS

Didn’t have to much Mexican food more Indian food

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Chops was the best restaurant we dine there twice

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

First cruise

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Everything was wonderful!

CONS

None

RECOMMENDED

Yes

<div>We were very pleased with our first cruise experience. Staff was very accommodating &amp; friendly.</div>

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Review of Radiance of the Seas Alaska June 7

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Staff

CONS

Food could have been better.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Our wait staff (Clayton and Jun) and our state room attendant did an outstanding job!

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Afterwards thoughts

AUGUST

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

everything was fantastic

CONS

RECOMMENDED

No

<div>I have taken three cruises and this was the best. Service in the dinning room with Biswas felt like royalty exceptional !!! Our room service was just terrific with Brevino Cardozo. He provided fresh towels and enjoyed the animals made from towels.&nbsp; Getting on board and off board went so smooth ! I felt very safe at all times and we picked the best excursions and had a ball.</div>

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

August in Alaska

AUGUST

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Always great Royal Caribbean Service and Amenities

CONS

Seemed to be a smaller crew than usual in buffet dining

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We had an awesome experience and are "Royal Loyals". This time, we frequented the Windjammer for most meals. It seemed that the wait staff was not as aggressive in their coming to help at the table with beverages or clearing your table of used plates.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

First Cruise and WOW!

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Everything was right there! Entertainment: every evening at 10 pm in the Centrum there was an incredible music tribute and everyone participated!!!!, Great food (everywhere!!!), friendly staff. The kid's camp was wonderful-my grandchild looked forward to it daily. I have a food allergy and the dining room staff made a point of pre-ordering my dinner choice each day. We met so many people from all over the world. Even exchanged addresses because we want to stay in touch!! The excursions were amazing and the land/sea experiences on these outings were fantastic! We will definitely cruise again!!

CONS

We are craft beer fanatics, and were told the ship would have some of Alaska and the Northwest's finest craft beers...disappointed there. No one knew what an IPA was. For first time cruisers the disembarking process was a little confusing, but everyone was friendly and helpful. All in all: Awesome!!

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Incredible experience. We are already talking about where we will cruise next! The staff was so caring...How often do you hug your dining room server good-bye??

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

MY DREAM TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

I felt absolutely safe the entire cruise, in the hands of the Royal Caribbean captain.

CONS

Would have liked more and better shows to watch on TV in my stateroom.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

I thoroughly enjoyed my entire trip. I had excursions, which I had pre-trip booked through RCCL Shore Excursions, which were delightful. I was concerned that I might have difficulty with the physical requirements of the different excursions I chose, but was so happy to find they were all easily enjoyed. My stateroom attendant, Fajar, was exceptional. He was so thorough and was so polite in his approach. Yet we had fun with little jokes. I was so impressed with the dining room staff - our waiter Freddie, assistant waiter Muhammed, and the head waitress Cheryl, were all just so enjoyable and friendly. They made us look forward to our dinner gathering every single day.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Alaska Cruisetour #1A

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Activities were well planned and provided something for everyone, young and old.

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

This trip was in celebration of a 50th wedding anniversary and was perfect. Much of the entertainment was centered around the music of our high school years and early marriage, so it was very enjoyable. We were pleased with the facilities of the ship and very much enjoyed all the activities, both on ship and on land. We will definitely consider Royal Caribbean for any future cruises.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Local Alaska

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Loved the local highlights at each stop, particularly Icy Strait Point.

CONS

Too much stress on shopping. Same stores at every stop. Bland desserts. Bed was very hard and the shower too small.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Wonderful crew on the ship. Cruise director was amazing. Dessert chef missed the mark more than hitting it. Started with the land tour but not sure if we'd recommend it. Loved parts but a lot of time spent on a bus.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Radiance of the seas review Scott Kinzie

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Staff was very friendly and helpful. Service was good

CONS

Layout of the ship made it a little confusing but mastered by day 2

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Overall it was an excellent cruise and we will most definitely do it again

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Transpacific 18 day amazing cruise.

MAY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

We were able to see a bit of New Zealand, and a day each of Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea islands. Those islands are alaways hard to reach for a regular vacation. Now after seeing them, unless I was on my Honeymoon there isn't that much to do on the islands. They are absolutely stunning (esp. Bora, Bora) but I was happy to do all my exploring in one day each.

CONS

The ship was not quite in top shape and we found out it was heading into dry dock to be fixed up once it finished the itinerary.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We had a great time in general. The itinerary was so different from the ordinary Caribbean ones. We added onto both ends by 1 week to make it our Trip of a Lifetime. Hawaii is still one of our favorite places to be and by ending the cruise there was just perfect. I would love to try this ship in Alaska next time.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Alaska 7 night from Anchorage to Vancouver

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

The ship was in excellent shape.

CONS

Frozen french fries in speciality restaurants.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We read a review from someone stating the ship was falling apart. The carpets were torn and nasty and the room were terrible. We found none of this to be true and would take this ship again. As a matter of fact we booked an Australia to Hawaii cruse I'm 2016 on the radiance.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

mother nature no control

AUGUST

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

CONS

RECOMMENDED

No

<div>Can not control the weather all was good We liked the land more then the water the only issue we had was my luggage was torn and the tour director took can of it . on a whole good trip</div>

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Alaska - July 2014

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Helicopter and glacier walk in Juneau, kayaking in Skagway, and the check in process at Seward.

CONS

Room steward and maintenance of the room.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We traveled with eight friends and had a blast. Alaska is beautiful and the weather was great. The land portion of the trip was nice and we had two great young ladies driving and directing our tour. The Radiance of the Sea was fine for what we needed. We were out on excursions during the day, and went to either the show, movies or a bar w/music after the late seating dinner. We did have any issue with our room. The shower backed up twice, and the curtains were a little shabby. Our room steward was new (2 weeks), and needed more training in customer service. When we had issues, he tended to try to explain the issue, and how we could fix it, instead of saying he would take care of it. We did have the opportunity to speak to his supervisor and did notice that our steward was shadowed the next day for some on the job training.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Alaska Cruise

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Excursions were great; Smaller boat than carribean cruise making it easier to manage. The personnel were fantastic

CONS

showers did not have glass partition so water leaked on the floor; bathroom cleaner had horrific smell

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Liked the ports. Gave opportunity to explore Alaska on land. Liked the variety of excursions.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Alaska cruise and land tour

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

All was top of the line

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

All well planned and organized.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Enter for a chance to Win a Free Vacation!

Receive Special Offers via Email Sign Up Now!