Carnival Radiance overview
Scheduled to launch in the spring of 2020, Carnival Radiance will be a fully-refurbished overhaul of Carnival Victory. The biggest upgrades will emphasize casual dining and onboard family fun (two of Carnival’s specialties), with the most exciting addition being the very first Big Chicken at sea, an all-new fried chicken venue created in collaboration with Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal. Other new additions to Radiance include the popular Carnival staple RedFrog Pub, a full WaterWorks aqua park with two 200 foot-long waterslides, and an upgraded connectivity system for faster internet access.
The lineup of dining options and onboard activities will look familiar to seasoned Carnival sailors: BlueIguana Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse are the top casual (and free) options, while Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi and the Cucina del Capitano are slightly more formal choices that come with an extra cost. Kids will stay busy with age-specific activities in the Camp Ocean youth clubs and playing sports and games on the SportSquare deck, while adults can find a sweet escape at the adults-only Serenity Retreat, in the upgraded Cloud 9 spa (now with more treatment rooms and an expanded thermal suite), or at one of the several lounges around the ship.
Once out of dry dock, Radiance will operate a number of Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona before crossing the Atlantic to spend the summer sailing from New York to the Caribbean, Cuba, and Bermuda, as well as Canada and New England cruises during fall. Then, Radiance will depart New York and sail a single voyage in October from Norfolk, Virginia, before continuing to head south to Port Canaveral where it will sail Caribbean and Cuba itineraries.
Carnival Radiance ship highlights
- Big Chicken fried chicken venue by Shaq
- RedFrog Pub
- WaterWorks aqua park
- Punchliner Comedy Club
- Serenity adults-only Retreat
- Guy’s Burgers and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse
Before you book
Why sail on Carnival Radiance: Families with kids young and old, along with couples and groups of friends looking for a festive atmosphere. Radiance is also significantly smaller than most of the modern cruise ships debuting today, so it’s perfect for passengers who want the newest amenities without having to share them with 4,000+ other passengers.
You should know: While the passenger profile on Mediterranean sailings may attract fewer children and party animals than Carnival sailings in the Caribbean, travelers looking for a sophisticated and tranquil vacation should still look elsewhere.
