We love cruising and our first time out with Royal Caribbean cruises is no exception. Currently, we are midway through a two-week adventure over the top of Australia, sailing from Sydney to Perth on the majestic Radiance of the Seas. Her centrepiece, a seven-story atrium with glass elevators set the expectation for our cruise quite high. The good news is that she is living up to it.
The Radiance of the Seas is lovely, filled with interesting, eclectic, and unusual artwork. The friendly staff provides excellent service, and both our waiter and room steward make us feel special. There are plenty of activities during the day and at night, there is live theatre, first-run movies, adult trivia, and dancing. Importantly, this ship has surprisingly fast internet (for a fee).
Let Me Take You On a Virtual Tour of the Radiance of the Seas:
Radiance of the Seas Atrium
The stunning seven-story atrium puts a smile on my face when we pass. It’s a work of art in itself, and a welcome return each time we come back on board. The glass elevators are open to the centre, as well as out to sea, and is an effect we haven’t seen before.
Things to Do Onboard the Radiance of the Seas
There is plenty to do onboard, with activities that are varied and inclusive. When we feel energetic we head to the gym, join in water aerobics, take a stretch class, walk on the track, rock climb, or join a dance class. More often on our sea days, we seem to be seeking quiet and have discovered a number of lounges, reading nooks, bars (not always quiet), a library, and outdoor seating on most decks or around the pool (never quiet).
Outdoor Decks on the Radiance of the Seas
We head to the pool in the late afternoon on sea days, when it tends to be less crowded.
Radiance of the Seas Bridge Tour
We were lucky to get invited onto the bridge of the Radiance of the Seas. I even got an opportunity to sit in the captain’s chair (and touch nothing).
Relaxing on the Radiance of the Seas Cruise Ship
If you have never had a hot stone massage, let me recommend it. The spa treatment I had on the ship started with exfoliation, and then I tossed Jeff (and the camera) out of the room so I could fully relax with the stones. A treat not to be missed.
The Food on Royal Caribbean Ships is Delicious
Most of the meals onboard have been wonderful, although they often lack in presentation. For the majority of the cruise so far, we ate our breakfast and dinners in the main dining room and lunch from the buffet or one of the smaller restaurants or cafes. We plan to try the specialty restaurants as we loved the Chef’s Table.
Radiance of the Seas Cabins
We have an interior cabin similar in size to the other ships we have sailed on. However, this one is well laid out with lots of storage space. Our normal preference is to have a balcony when we cruise, but on the Radiance of the Seas we booked quite late and opted for the interior. The advantage of the interior cabin is a great nights sleep, as the room is very dark with the lights out.
While some areas of the ship are beginning to show her age, overall she is attractive.
A Medical Emergency on the Radiance of the Seas
On our cruise, there was a medical emergency involving a patient in the gym having chest pains. There is a medical team on board, and while they can deal with nearly everything, sometimes people need to be hospitalized. In this case, they called for a rescue helicopter. While it was exciting for the rest of us, I am sure the patient didn’t plan to end his holiday this way.
It is a grim reminder to carry travel insurance that includes evacuation and transport for both yourself if you are sick, and the other members of your party who will accompany you. We generally insure with World Nomads when we travel.
⇒ Click here to get a quote from World Nomads Travel Insurance
Radiance of the Seas Decor
There is so much fascinating artwork around the ship. Much of it is modern and even made for interesting Radiance of the Seas photos.
Entertainment on the Radiance of the Seas
The entertainment team is as good as any we have seen, and the special guests brought in are extremely impressive.
Radiance of the Seas Itinerary for Australia
Our itinerary on this ship is a perfect mix of sea days and ports. We will sail over the top of Australia from Sydney to Perth stopping in five Australian ports: Brisbane and Cairns, Darwin, Port Hedlands, and Geraldton. We will cross the Timor Sea for a stop in exotic Bali Indonesia, for me the highlight amongst the ports.
UPDATE: Read more about our ports:
- Sydney, Australia
- Brisbane, Australia
- Cairns, Australia
- Darwin, Australia
- Bali Indonesia
- Port Hedlands, Australia
- Geraldton, Australia
- Perth, Australia
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Have you cruised on Radiance of the Seas?
Disclaimer: In addition to VIP treatment onboard the Radiance of the Seas we were provided with many complimentary extras. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
I love reading about & seeing the photos about the cruises that you are on Rhonda. It excites me for my up & coming cruise on the Carnival Vista. As I have shown before on my blog, I always talk about each of my cruises. My wife & I have been 10 and this January it will be our 11th, all on Carnival. Eventually we plan going on other ships that are owned by other companies but for now, we are quite happy with Carnival. This new ship, the Vista will be exciting. Keep us interested about your cruises. That photo of you and your husband shows us just how much you both must be in love, See ya later my friend.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
Awe, thanks Paul. We are having a great time, and we love to travel together.
ladyfi
Wow – amazing adventure! Looks relaxing.
Rhonda Albom
It can be relaxing or busy, but always fun.
Lisa
I’ve never been on a cruise before. I am a land kind of gal. But they always look like so much fun.
Lisa @ LTTL
Rhonda Albom
The cruise ship is like being on a giant floating city. You are not usually aware of being on water, unless you want to be.
stephanie
Oh looks like great fun. I’ve been on a short weekend trip to nowhere, I’d love to do a longer trip to somewhere.
Rhonda Albom
For us, we prefer a cruise that is at least two weeks.
Paula McInerney
Well all I can say, is you look pretty happy.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, I am 🙂
Paula McInerney
Haven’t done a cruise as yet, but we are giving it some thought. Loving seeing your experiences unfold on the Radiance of the Seas.
Rhonda Albom
We really enjoy cruising.
ANda
Wow! Radiance of the Seas is absolutely amazing. I love the Royal Caribbean cruise line, but have never sailed with this ship. That interior cabin looks very luxurious. You’ve got spoiled big time for your birthday, girl. Happy birthday again!
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I wouldn’t call my interior cabin luxurious, but more than meets our needs.
Boyce
I tried cursing and I was a bit disappointed by their facility but this one is so awesome. I will try to visit this soon. Thanks.
Rhonda Albom
Every ship is different. If you had a bad experience on one line, try a different cruise company.
Roma Small
Really cool, I have to say I didn’t realise you COULD sail from Perth to Sydney or vice-versa. It just never occurred to me. Where the pool tables free?
Rhonda Albom
There are ships sailing all around the world. As for the pool table, yes it is free and it has stabilizers, so the ship movement doesn’t affect your game.
shere
I could use a hot stone massage now and also being on a cruise with all inclusive 🙂 no cooking, no cleaning, no working… heaven!!
Rhonda Albom
LOL – come and join us, we have another week to go.
Cathy Kennedy
Rhonda, it looks like glorious fun. I think taking a cruise would be a nice once in a lifetime thing to do but I need to get over my fear of the deep, deep ocean. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. Great photos!
Rhonda Albom
Really, you are not aware of the ocean or the movement most of the time. And there are plenty of lifeboats – although I try not to think about that aspect.
Lexa Cain
I’ve never taken a cruise, but I’ve recently seen ads for a Turner Movie Classics one where they have stars: Leslie Caron, Jerry Lewis, Kim Novak, Michael York, Dick Cavett, Diane Baker, Alex Trebek, and Lucie Arnaz (daughter of Lucille Ball). That would be fun if I had the money! All the pics make the Radiance of the Seas look so classy and beautiful. Thanks for sharing so I know what I’m missing! lol
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I don’t think there are any stars on our ship, other than Phoenix, the medalist from Australia’s got talent.
Photo(Geo)grapher
Great trip and beautiful shots Rhonda!
Rhonda Albom
thanks 🙂
JEC
We are cruising to Alaska next year on Radiance of the Seas. Can not wait. Have cruised before with RCCL.
Indah nuria
Fantastic voyageeeee indeed, Rhonda.. I would really get the same experience as well..
Rhonda Albom
Thanks. We visited your home country today 🙂
Suze - Luxury Columnist
Just catching up on your blog posts now, Rhonda. This looks like anew impressive ship and how fun to sit in the captain’so chair!
Rhonda Albom
It’s not that new, but she is beautiful. And, yes it was very cool to sit in the captain’s chair.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda … looks like you had an amazing time .. for whatever reason it’s not something I’ve craved to do – though I’m sure if the opportunity arose: I’d go!! Wonderful photos … cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
We are still having that amazing time. It’s a 16 night cruise.
clairejustine
I have never been on a cruise before, this place looks amazing!! Lovely pictures, looks like your having a great time 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I hope you get a chance to try one soon. We love cruising and yes, this place is amazing.
Mai
Radiance of the Seas gives too much pleasure. I hope I could cruise like this too. You are so lucky Rhonda.
Rhonda Albom
Not too much, just the right amount 🙂
Barbara Radisavljevic
When I see this ship, I think how amazed those travelers on the Mayflower would have been to see something like this. How fortunate we are today to be able to travel in such safety and comfort.
Rhonda Albom
So true, and this particular ship seems to have a really good handle on safety.
JM
Looks like you had a wonderful time on this cruise ship.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, we are 🙂
Rhonda Albom
So far, so good 🙂
Alex J. Cavanaugh
She’s still quite beautiful. No excuses for boredom there.
Rhonda Albom
I think her beauty is one of her strengths.
Crystal Collier
That’s a beautiful ship. We’re headed on a Royal Caribbean cruise in January, but I can’t remember which ship we’re on. One of the newer ones. We love cruising and you’re making me anxious to get out to sea!
Rhonda Albom
Where are you headed? Watch this space as I will be blogging later about tips for sailing on Royal Caribbean.
Jill Simons
That hot stone massage sounds perfect. I want to one right now 🙂
Rhonda Albom
It was perfect 🙂
Comedy Plus
Looks like you two are having the time of your life. That’s awesome.
Great shots as always.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
You know us, we love to cruise and always have fun 🙂