Radiance of the Seas at Hubbard Glacier in Alaska
Radiance of the Seas at Hubbard Glacier in Alaska / Royal Caribbean International / Michel Verdure
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Rock-climbing wall
Rock-climbing wall / Royal Caribbean International
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Samba Grill
Samba Grill / Royal Caribbean International
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Oceanview elevator
Oceanview elevator / Royal Caribbean International
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Royal Babies & Tots Nursery
Royal Babies & Tots Nursery / Royal Caribbean International
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Main dining room
Main dining room / Royal Caribbean International
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Quill & Compass Pub
Quill & Compass Pub / Royal Caribbean International
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Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom / Royal Caribbean International / Michel Verdure
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Cruise

Radiance of the Seas

Our Ship Review
by Heidi Sarna
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

You won’t get lost on this ship or feel like just another face in the crowd. Instead, the vessel's many beautifully designed lounges and restaurants offer opportunities for intimate meals and nights out that you wouldn't expect on a large ship. Built in 2001 and refurbished in 2011 to the tune of $70 million and then refreshed again in 2016 during a dry dock that enhanced the pool deck and redesigned the spa, the 2,143-guest Radiance of the Seas strikes a fine balance between being large enough to offer multiple dining and entertainment choices, and small enough to never feel overwhelming. 

What We Love

Bright and Lovely: The glass elevators and miles of floor-to-ceiling windows fill the ship with natural light and afford sweeping views of the sea and ports of call.

Glaciers & Good Vibes: Radiance of the Seas primarily cruises Alaska in summer and the Caribbean in winter with a few Panama Canal transits in between. Whether you’re viewing massive hunks of ice in Glacier Bay or sipping a piña colada as you sail away from Perfect Day at CocoCay, this mid-sized ship has a feel-good vibe.

Best Known For

Dining Options: There are no fewer than 10 places to eat on board, from Giovanni’s Table for family-style Italian to the Samba Grill Brazilian steakhouse, plus Izumi for Japanese dishes and the Dog House for crafted hot dogs.

Entertainment Venues: You'll find more than a dozen places to listen to music, have a drink, or watch song-and-dance revues, including the cool Bombay Billiards Club — where you can shoot pool on a pair of self-leveling billiards tables. Families especially love the indoor cinema or watching movies on the outdoor LED video wall overlooking the main pool area.

Who It's Best For

Couples: The many romantic dining options on board make this a perfect ship for amorous pairs of all ages — and anyone else looking for a quiet meal in elegant surroundings. Or enjoy the serenity of the adults-only solarium and pool.

Families: Babies and toddlers have a nursery; little kids can use a large, windowed Adventure Ocean playroom and an adjacent kids pool; and teens get their own hangout. And older kids can amuse themselves at the video arcade, climbing wall, half-basketball court and nine-hole mini-golf course. 

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Small Cabins: With standard inside and outside cabins measuring just 164 to 167 square feet, space is limited, and bathrooms are especially size-challenged.