roiemike

I have never cruised out of New Orleans and decided to try the New Years Eve Cruise on Radiance of the Seas for my wife's and my anniversary. The ship was beautiful and the upkeep was noticed as every area seemed to shine. The food was excellent, my wife and I commented that each area Windjammer, Main dining and Chops were all the best experiences we had in a while. The food was fresh and well prepared. We think that maybe because they did not have to cook for as many people they were able to make smaller batches to keep food fresher. Room attendant was best we have had in a while as well, he anticipated our needs and really went above and beyond. Ports were awesome and overall cruise was great. One thing that needs improvement in New Orleans is disembarkation. We literally got in a line that was so long it went around the cruise ship entirely. Over hearing many guests not happy with the process, I think they should have slowed down calling numbers and waited to clear the backlog, but they just kept calling numbers and the backup continued. That is only thing I would improve for this cruise but easily one of the best cruises we have been on with Royal, as a Diamond member we had never tried this class of ship and were really surprised by all it had to offer. Would definitely go on this class again if given the opportunity.

I appreciate the information this blog always helps me with answers. I am always informed and entertained by things I read here.

Thank You

I am going on a cruise December 31st on Radiance of the Seas. One of our port of calls is Puerto Costa Maya. When I go on the cruise planner it only gives me one shore excursion for that port, having gone there before I know there are way more than one excursion available. I have called and asked how to fix problem but been told it is a temporary glitch, however said glitch is now three months in the making. Any suggestions, I am thinking I guess I will have to wait to get on board and book an excursion on the ship. Has anyone else had this issue and if you did what did you do to fix the problem? Thank you for any answers.

On a recent cruise we witnessed a couple who were pinnacle wearing their pins, they made comments about how other cruisers did not know what they were doing and the whole week we saw them with their pins on everywhere they went. I think sometimes if you have to wear a pin for importance you have lost the reason to cruise. Being Diamond almost diamond plus does not make me better than a first time cruiser it just makes me better acclimated to the ship so I can move around easier. I believe pins and other awards are for those who feel the need to show off. When I cruise I just want to relax. I will never forget that couple as when we left the ship they were on our shuttle bus to the Park n Go and were still making comments about how new cruisers just did not know what they were doing. Bad Look for them but it takes all kinds in this world.

I always wear a shirt and tie with khakis on formal nights and it is never an issue, you will see some wearing fancier and some wearing a lot more casual, I figure they are asking for a little formality so I will give in on my no tie stance for those two nights gladly for an awesome experience such as a Royal Caribbean cruise Enjoy your trip.

thank you to all for responding with helpful information I appreciate it.

It is leaving december 31st of this year.

When going on the cruise planner I only have one shore excursion in Costa Maya, it has been that way for a little while now. Who do I call to get this worked on please? The cruise planner seems to be missing excursions in all three ports we are visiting in. Thank You

How awesome are those pictures, I am looking forward to sitting on balcony and seeing the Mississippi River for the first time on New Years Eve, just a note on the rate I got, when I called crown and anchor to reserve since i found online (387 per person balcony) the agent put me on hold for ten minutes and then came back and said, " we have to give you the cruise at that price." It made me believe that there was an error in pricing as the next day it was 897 per person for a balcony room. I felt lucky to find the low price but wish others could have shared in that pricing structure. I am thankful for all the talk on this feed it really has made me more excited to visit new orleans and we are going to spend a day there on the way back before going home to enjoy what the city has to offer. I continue to be thankful for the knowledge that is in this blog from the leaders of it to everyone else and their years of experience. My wife and I read this all the time and continue to learn new things about everything cruising.

Thank you for responding, this community is always well versed in all things cruising. I am excited to go out of New Orleans for first time. The amazing rates were the intial attraction but the New Orleans scene sealed the deal. Thank You again!!

Has anyone embarked out of New Orleans? I am wondering how shuttle service is from airport to terminal and if coming in on early morning flight will I have to wait at airport or will shuttle take us down to terminal. Is terminal close to downtown? Is there anything to do if we arrive earlier than time to get on ship? I know a lot of questions but living in Florida do not normally go out of New Orleans but when you find a 381 dollar balcony room per person you gotta jump on it especially a holiday cruise Dec. 31st departure.

Anyone have advice on parking in Tampa, I saw the garage was 15 dollars a day and they had orange/purple lots for cheaper. Does anyone know about the secondary lots or should i just stick with garage. Thank you for advice (Brilliance of the Seas Jan 2 2023)

ABC islands am booked on Mariner in July for 8 day cruise to them, I am excited to visit a place I have not been before.

well smoothies and strawberry soup it is, thank you