Radiance of the Seas

Radiance of the Seas can be considered a pretty basic mega-resort experience, but it’s also a very affordable vacation if all you want to do is visit the Caribbean from Florida… or maybe shake things up a bit and head to Alaska. 

Today, it’s one of the oldest Royal Caribbean ships sailing to The Last Frontier, offering one-way trips from Seward to Vancouver. In the past, it had more sailings along the West Coast, but nowadays it prefers to stick to the sunny Caribbean and its majestic beaches. So, how does the very first Radiance-class ship hold up more than twenty years after its launch? Let’s check it out.

What we like about Radiance of the Seas

Well, Radiance does make us think of light and sunshine, so it makes sense that Radiance of the Seas focuses heavily on the Caribbean. You could look at it as a fun - though pretty basic for 2025 - mega-resort experience that visits Perfect Day at CocoCay, Nassau, and even Turks & Caicos. Sure, it doesn’t pack as many entertainment options as the massive ships launched over the past five years, but I bet you’ll never get bored onboard, especially since most itineraries are just 3 or 4 days long. 

On top of that, the prices are hard to beat, and you can sometimes snag a 4-day cruise for as low as $315, which is a steal when you consider that some older Voyager-class ships actually cost more than that.

There are also some solid dining options onboard, and I’d put them a step above what you get on Voyager-class ships. Radiance of the Seas features five specialty restaurants: Izumi, Chef’s Table, Samba Grill, Chops Grille, and Giovanni’s Table. Chops Grille in particular gets great reviews, with some guests even calling it one of the best across the entire Royal Caribbean fleet. You’ll also find another steakhouse, the Brazilian-style Samba Grill, giving meat lovers even more variety. Add to that the complimentary Dog House for hot dog fans (ps: that’s all of us), plus a cozy café and multiple snack bars, and foodies are living the good life onboard Radiance of the Seas.

Another nice perk is that while Radiance of the Seas can get crowded, it usually does not feel as overwhelming as the newer ships or even some Voyager class vessels. This might be because there tend to be fewer families with children onboard, since Radiance is a bit more adult focused than other Royal Caribbean ships. With plenty of bars and venues open during the day and at night, crowds also spread out more easily. The main pool can definitely get busy, but if you are looking for a quieter spot, the adults only Solarium is always a great place to hide and enjoy a drink.

What we don’t like about Radiance of the Seas

Radiance of the Seas is still a good ship, but it definitely shows its age in some areas. Online, it’s not uncommon to see people pointing out dated features, especially in the staterooms. One of the most common complaints is that some cabins look worn, with dents in the walls and even a strange sewage smell coming from the bathrooms. Interestingly enough, multiple YouTube videos and Reddit posts mention this sewage issue, which makes us think there might be something going on with the ship’s piping system.

This ship offers plenty for both adults and families to enjoy. Grown-ups can relax in piano bars, listen to live music, or just sit down for a game of cards or a board game. Kids get their share of fun too, with a rock climbing wall, mini-golf, an arcade, a sports court, and a full-on Kids Club for different age groups. That said, there’s no waterslide onboard, so if pools and slides are a must, you might prefer one of the Voyager-class ships. You also won’t find a Royal Promenade or a FlowRider here, and these are features that even some older Royal Caribbean ships include.