Just Got Back from Alaska

[Dogbreath]

My wife and I rode the Radiance from Vancouver to Seward a week or so ago. This site was very helpful, so I figured that I would return the favor with some thoughts about our cruise.

First off, we had a great time. The ship is nice and clean. The staff is great. Food was great. I probably gained 100 lbs.

We booked a Grand Suite so I was expecting some perks. We got more that expected.  We booked the starboard side thinking that we would see more than the port side since it was a northbound cruise. Maybe we did, maybe we didn't. If we ever do it again, I'll book the port side. We arrived in Seward before 4:00 am and docked on the starboard side. That is one noisy pier!

Check in at Vancouver was a bit chaotic. The lines were long at around 1:30 when we arrived. We were ushered into the regular line. After about 5 minutes (and remembering what I learned on this blog) I inquired with security about a line for suite guests. He thought for a moment then escorted us to the suite check in line where we only had to wait for the couple in front of us to finish. Check in was a breeze then. They took our pics, looked at our passports and gave us our sail cards. We later learned that the computers had been down for a few hours causing the backup. 

Next up was security. I had bought a bottle of Havana Club while in Vancouver and had it in my backpack. I had every intention of declaring it and reclaiming it at the end of the cruise. The backpack sailed right through the scanner with not a word from security. My guess is that to the scanner it looked like a bottle of wine which is allowed.

After that was US Immigration and Customs. Just used the scanners. Took like 5 minutes tops for both of us.

Walked on to the ship and quickly found our cabin. Our luggage was there. So was a plate of welcome goodies, 2 sets of binoculars (GS perks) and a bottle of sparkling wine courtesy of our TA and Royal. We spent a bit of time checking out the cabin, sitting on the balcony, and finding the bottom of the wine bottle. A note here about outlets. There are 2 110VAC and 1 220VAC outlets on the desk / makeup area. There are 3 or 4 more 110VAC outlets under the end table by the curtain. If you book a GS, bring a long extension cord. With that and the CPAP cord, the wife was able to breathe all night. There is also a very low power outlet in the bathroom for a shaver. I used it for my Waterpik.

The next morning (at sea day) we were surprised to find a note inviting us to brunch in Chops. Another perk of a GS. The brunch was quite good. Sushi, several types of finger foods, desserts, wine. All served by the officers of the ship. The Capt. even made an appearance and spoke to each guest individually.  We had dinner at Chops that night. The filet was amazing.

The following day was Ketchikan. While we were out exploring Royal left more edibles in our suite. This happened a few times during our cruise.

We hit the Concierge lounge daily even though we had the DDP. There seem to be snacks there all day, but alcohol starts at 4:30. Drink types there are limited, but with the DDP the waiter/bartender had no problem going out of the lounge to make us Mojitos. Drinks in the lounge tend to be stronger than those in the regular bars. In the regular bars the bartenders are required to measure the shot - there is no such requirement in the lounge.  Service in the lounge was impeccable. The Concierge, Ricardo, was super helpful before and during the cruise answering every request cheerfully and making reservations for us without delay.

We used room service for breakfast one morning. We ordered full American breakfasts at no additional cost. It was delivered hot and on time. We could have ordered room service dinner as well. In a GS you are provided with the full MDR menu from which to order. We never did.

On the morning of debarkation (or is it disembarkation?) we were invited to Chops for breakfast. After that we did go to the WJ to meet some friends. It was packed. The quiet Chops breakfast was a great perk.  We did not have a priority debark time only because we were traveling with a group. Had we not been, we could have left as early as 6:30 AM. 

One last thing. We had been told that we had $100.00 on board credit. On the advice of our TA, I went Guest Services the next to the last night. There I discovered that we actually had $300.00 credit. The $100 was actually per person. The other $100 was because I got a RCI Visa and used it once before the cruise. The important thing here is that the credits are assigned to individuals not cabins. I had $200; my wife $100. Mine had been used up and there was a balance due. My wife's was untouched. The Guest Services agent cheerfully connected the two accounts which lowered our bill another $100. It also turns out that there are two types of credits - refundable and non refundable. If you don't use all of your credits, make sure that you ask for your refundable credit to be applied to your CC. I'm not certain that they will do it if you don't ask.

[Matt]

Great review!