Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas: Overview and Things to Do

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas cruise ship was launched in 2000 and began serving cruisers shortly after. While the vessel is admittedly on the older side in terms of worldwide cruise ships, though, that doesn’t make it any less desirable to today’s discerning cruisers.

After all, when Radiance of the Seas began sailing around the world in 2001, cruisers loved so many different aspects of what was then a very modern and ground-breaking ship. A dry dock in 2016 kept things up to date and there’s even talk of further enhancements to come.

So, if you choose to sail on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship this year or next, whether on one of the ship’s Atlantic or Pacific itineraries, what can you expect? Here’s everything you need to know before you step aboard this vessel.

Radiance of the Seas Stats and Facts 

The ship was built at the cost of approximately $338 million dollars. What all did Royal Caribbean get for that hefty fee?

• A gross tonnage of 90,090 GT, putting it firmly in the mid-size ship range
• A length of 962 feet
• 13 decks, with 12 being open to guests
• A 2,143 passenger capacity (at double occupancy), alongside an 894 crew member capacity

Other fun facts and unique features for Radiance of the Seas?

• At launch, the ship contained more glass than any other Royal Caribbean ship
• The ship was built to withstand a range of climates, which is why it can go from South Pacific to Alaskan cruising itineraries with ease
• The ship features a $6 million art collection, with work from more than 100 international artists
• At launch, the ship was the first cruise ship to feature gyroscope-stabilized pool tables

Additionally, She’s is the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s Radiance class, with its sisters ships being Jewel of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas.

As the class name might suggest, the entire family of ships is known for extensive glasswork through. Each Radiance-class ship features more than three acres of glass, including glass elevators and glass pool roofs.

What kind of staterooms are on Radiance of the Seas?

Aboard the Royal Caribbean vessel, you can pick from more than a thousand different staterooms. The staterooms are split into several different categories. You’ll find…

• 578 balcony staterooms
• 247 exterior staterooms
• 246 interior staterooms
• 825 staterooms with outside views
• 571 3rd and 4th berth staterooms
• 5 suite types
• 15 handicap accessible staterooms

While, overall, the staterooms aren’t exactly as lavish as what you’ll find on some of Royal Caribbean’s newer ships, you’ll still likely be very well pleased with what you find.

The interior staterooms still manage to be spacious, without feeling cramped, even if there’s no outdoor view.

The exterior cabins are light and airy. Whatever stateroom you choose, you can be assured of lots of storage space and plenty of seating and sleeping spots (a great perk for families).

How are the suites on Radiance of the Seas?

There are five different suite types on the vessel. All of them give you a range of amenities, including concierge service.

The largest suite available is the Royal Suite, which clocks in at 952 square feet, with a balcony that’s about a third of that size all by itself. Furnishings include a baby grand piano, whirlpool tub and a huge entertainment center.

What’s included in a Radiance of the Seas cruise?

Obviously, before you book a cruise anywhere or with any cruise line, you likely want to know what you’re getting when you pay for your cruising fare.

Beyond your stateroom, when you book a cruise on Radiance of the Seas, you’ll also enjoy a few included amenities and dining options. These include:

• Meals at the main dining room and buffet, as well as at the Park Cafe
• Select room service meals
• Theater shows and daily entertainment
• Children’s activities

What’s not included in a Radiance of the Seas cruise?

There are, unfortunately, a few things that you won’t find included in your cruise fare. These include:

• Gratuities
• Specialty restaurants and dining
• Spa services and classes
• Babysitting services
• WiFi
• Shore excursions

What are the dining options on Radiance of the Seas?

As mentioned, there are a few complimentary dining options. The main dining rooms on Decks 4 and 5 give you a pretty standard cruise dining experience, with sit-down meals and full menus.

Windjammer Cafe is the ship’s buffet, with plenty of options to choose from for every meal.

Park Cafe is located inside the ship’s solarium and is a complementary alternative to the buffet. You can also grab a hot dog or burger on the pool deck for free, at Boardwalk Doghouse.

Beyond the complimentary dining options, however, you have many more for-a-fee dining options aboard Radiance of the Seas. These include…

• Cafe Latte-tudes (for coffee and dessert)
• The Chef’s Table (for private dining helmed by the ship’s executive chef)
• Giovanni’s Table (for traditional Italian fare)
• Chops Grille (for steakhouse favorites)
• Izumi (for Japanese cuisine)
• Rita’s Cantina (for Caribbean and Latin flair)

What are the entertainment options on Radiance of the Seas?

There are nearly endless ways to have a good time when you’re aboard Radiance of the Seas, regardless of the day or hour.

Daytime cruising entertainment is a lot of what you’d expect. The cruise staff lead excited passengers through fun activities, with something for every age and interest, whether you’d like a classic towel-folding lesson or a game of trivia.

You can pay for extra daytime entertainment experiences, such as tastings or art auctions, or even educational seminars and film showings.

At night, the entertainment becomes more focused on allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy the show. The three-level theater on Decks 4, 5 and 6 hosts Broadway-style entertainment, with lots of music, choreography and acrobatics.

Where can I get a drink on Radiance of the Seas?

While those who are more accustomed to sailing on larger ships may be disappointed with Radiance of the Seas’ number of dining options, there’s certainly nothing to disappoint when it comes to the ship’s number of bars and lounges.

There’s quite a large array of watering holes, all with their own distinctive styles, atmospheres and experiences, so you’re sure to find something to fit your mood. You can check out…

• The Lobby Bar (for classic cocktails and people watching)
• Quill & Compass Pub (for a lush setting perfect for quiet conversations)
• Champagne Bar (for — you guessed it! — Champagne)
• Schooner Bar (a Royal Caribbean classic with a nautical theme)
• The Colony Club (a huge bar with lots of room to dance)
• Jakarta Lounge (a smaller bar with a laid-back atmosphere)
• Singapore Sling’s (a lounge with amazing views, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows)
• Sky Bar (for outdoor libations)
• Starquest Disco (for more floor-to-ceiling windows, plus lots of late-night dancing)

There are also separate bars within the ship’s casino, at the buffet and by the pool.

How are the pools on Radiance of the Seas?

As a mid-sized ship, the Royal Caribbean cruise ship only has one outdoor pool with two hot tubs. However, there’s an additional pool in the Solarium, which is open to adults-only.

The Solarium pool likewise has hot tubs. The family pool is surrounded by plenty of seating for everyone, and there’s always some sort of poolside entertainment, from movie showings to live music.

Of course, if you only want to soak in some rays and not get your hair wet while lounging by the pool, you can find a sun deck above the pool on Deck 12, for a less noisy environment.

Nearby, there’s also a children’s water park and extra family activities, such as a rock-climbing wall, sports courts and a mini golf course.

What kind of health and wellness amenities does Radiance of the Seas offer?

There’s a huge spa and fitness center aboard the Radiance-class ship. The spa and beauty center offers a range of all your favorite spa treatments.

There are also beauty treatments like hair services and manicures/pedicures. Medispa treatments like Botox are also an option.

The fitness center, meanwhile, offers all of the necessary gym equipment, as well as complimentary and paid classes.

What’s there to do for kids on Radiance of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean is truly a family cruise line and, as such, there are plenty of activities and amenities on each Royal Caribbean ship designed with kids in mind, including on this ship.

The Royal Babies & Tots Nursery offers spaces for children ages 6 months to 36 months to play, while older, elementary-age children enjoy the Adventure Ocean space, with activities that range from games to educational events.

A preteen and teen space for those ages 12 and up is located on Deck 12 and offers organized activities such as movies and parties. Other popular areas for kids include the arcade.

Also Read: 10 Things to Know About Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas

Radiance of the Seas Itineraries and Prices

Thinking of taking a Radiance of the Seas cruise in the next year or two? Don’t wait! This mid-size cruise ship offers lots to enjoy for both beginner cruisers and long-time cruisers alike. With plenty to do, see and enjoy, it ticks all the right boxes.

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