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Royal
Caribbean's Radiance Of The Seas
Just got back a few days ago from Royal Caribbean "radiance of the
seas" Alaska cruise 5-12 july. Overall, it was a good experience
since i have never been to Alaska or on a cruise before. i went mainly just to
see the sights and enjoy the nature. "radiance of the seas" is a
beautiful ship with lots of windows to view nature and enough distractions if
bored. one of my favorites was the bar on the sixth floor which was a perfect
place to view the Juneau harbor after a 4 hour hike to glacier.
One of the highlights was the tour guide (Kelly) on the glacier hike. she was
attractive and had an entertaining personality for a bachelor like me. Hubbard
glacier was a bit of a disappointment because of the unexpected fog, but still
impressive. most of the locals complained it was too hot, sometimes 80 degrees
in port. i brought too many warm clothes and not enough t-shirts. but still need
at least one sweater and windbreaker because it can get cold on deck
when cruising into the wind.
I would like to go back when i have more time to explore northwest at my own
pace. also disappointed in Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver. depart one hour
late, too many stops along the way, 1/2 hour wait on train to wait for luggage
to unload. biggest frustration was 2-3 hour boarding procedure to get on
radiance (groups, crowds, lines, ID, security, passport, luggage, inspection,
photos, etc). i was already tired and hungry when i arrived at port and had to
search for food when i finally got on board. too many schedules and not enough
freestyle.
These cruises seem mainly geared toward couples and families and seem to
treat single travelers as an oddity. it may just be a cultural thing. one of my
co-workers almost seemed shocked that i would go on a cruise by myself. not to
mention the price penalty for one person per room. there is no way i would
pay to share a room with a stranger of the same sex. too weird for me. I
never went to one of the formal dinners (tuxedo, etc) or shows.
all seemed a little too strange for my taste, since i was there mainly to
experience the nature of Alaska. despite all my complaints, i still enjoyed
the whole experience and would recommend to anyone who was interested.
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