Beautiful Cruise, Some Disappointments
Radiance of the Seas Cruise Review to Alaska - Gulf of Alaska
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
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Be prepared for mediocre food.
Ports of call
Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia
Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Alaska
Disembarkation
3 Comments
OceanView4U2c 6 years ago
mbbarnes80 6 years ago