Beautiful Cruise, Some Disappointments

Radiance of the Seas Cruise Review to Alaska - Gulf of Alaska

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 53

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5
Verified Review
Radiance of the Seas

7 Night Alaska Hubbard Glacier Northbound (Vancouver To Seward)

Sail date: June 29, 2018

Ship: Radiance of the Seas

Cabin number: 4038

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

The ship was clean and attractive; the scenery (constantly) was beautiful; the ports of call were excellent (though warmer than we expected); our excursions were interesting. However, we did have a few disappointments: * As soon as we got on the ship, we were accosted by people pushing extra amenities - specialty restaurants, photos, drink specials, etc. This was unprofessional and unacceptable. It made a poor first impression. After paying a great deal for the cruise, it was insulting to be pushed to spend even more on "extras." * The food on the ship was only mediocre. From previous experience, we expected the buffet to be only mediocre, but expected the dining room food to be exceptional. However, it was not. There were less choices on the menu than in the past, and the quality of the food was not what we had experienced in the past. I have a theory about it - with the addition of specialty restaurants (at an additional charge), the quality of the dining room and buffet have diminished. Why would someone pay extra if they were already getting excellence? After paying for a cruise (where unlimited food is provided), I refuse to pay extra for food. * The entertainment on this cruise was also mediocre. The first show by the singers and dancers was very poor. It was hard to tell if the problem was poor performance or poor choreography. It was certainly poor song choices - it was as if they didn't want to pay for royalties for songs we recognized. The show later in the week ("Piano Man") was excellent, however. And the comedian and magician/acrobat were excellent as well. * Some of the games ("Love and Marriage," "The Quest") need to be retired. These same games have been on every ship I've been on for the last three years. It's truly time for something new. Overall, we really enjoyed the cruise. We were amazed at the scenery and the late night sunlight. I don't know if the disappointments were exclusive to Royal Caribbean or if they are industry-wide. I will probably sail another cruise line next time to find out.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

Be prepared for mediocre food.

Ports of call

Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia

5 out of 5

Ketchikan, Alaska

4 out of 5

Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Alaska

5 out of 5

Juneau, Alaska

4 out of 5

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
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3 Comments

OceanView4U2c    6 years ago

My last cruise in 2015 on Carnival Dream I found the food to be very mediocre & came to the same conclusion that they wanted you to spend more money for specialty dining. I did have specialty dinner for my b/day & it was so much better. I've been cruising since 1994 & those games have been around since then, yes they need to go. Overall crusing has changed they're making bigger ships & separating them by class.

mbbarnes80    6 years ago

I felt the same when I cruised on Ovation not long ago. I got the soft drink package before boarding so they didn’t pester me for that. I found if you didn’t make eye contact or simply gestured to the ppl selling extra packages they didn’t bother you. The entertainment on Ovation was also a bit of a downer to. And I think your right about the “love and marriage” show. A lot of ships have it and it’s all a bit the same

VickiG63    6 years ago

My group did this cruise 4 years ago on Radiance. We are leaving again August 31st on same southbound trip. I am very curious if my group notices the changes. Thank you for your perspective.

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