Last look at the Radiance Of The Seas
It is now day 8, and it is check-out day, goodbye day, and time to leave the Radiance Of The Seas. It is Friday, May 18, 2012. The ship had arrived at Seward, our arrival dock at 4am. We had got our numbers to put on our luggage the night before, the numbers are really important. The following picture of the ever helpful Cruise Compass will give you an idea of what I mean. You could get a number such as 5, 6, 20 and 21 that had a departure time of 6am, or be slightly more lucky if you are booked on a cruise tour like us – our number was 82, and our departure time was 9am. This of course, gave us more time in the morning. The last numbers were scheduled to be called at approximately 9:30 am.
Cruise Compass on Radiance Of The Seas
The last few pictures I took of the ship were these:
Excuse this picture as it is not the best, I used my camcorder again, and it was major clean-up day for the Radiance Of The Seas staff, so I had to take the picture while they were in the midst of their cleaning.
Seward, Alaska
The games room – Seven Hearts – I never even got the chance to sit in this room.
Seven Hearts, Radiance Of The Seas
This is the centre of the mid-area that overlooks the Centrum and can be seen from all the floors just about. Quite a design!
Centrum, Radiance Of The Seas
Centrum, Radiance Of The Seas
Centrum, Radiance Of The Seas
Colorful Royal Caribbean Logo, Radiance Of The Seas
Seward viewed from inside Radiance Of The Seas
Radiance Of The Seas
I snuck a look at an ocean-view cabin on my way out.
Ocean-view cabin, Radiance Of The Seas
It is bitter-sweet leaving a ship when it’s the end of the cruise. However, the nice part of this journey is that even though one adventure is over, the other one is just about to begin, as now it is time for the cruise tour. Our bus will take us from Seward today to the Sea Life Centre, and then drop us off so that we can take a boat tour on Kenai Fjords Explorer, and have a chance to view whales, otters and sea lions, etc. Later, we will take the Wilderness Express train to Girdwood, where we will stop the night at Hotel Alyeska. I will write up on that part of the journey soon. Thank you for reading.
Wildlife Pictures Taken in Alaska
Here are some of my pictures of wildlife taken in Alaska after the completion of the recent Radiance Of The Seas cruise in May, 2012. On May 18, 2012 our cruise ship finished the 7 day cruise in Seward, Alaska and we got on our post cruise tour, which was hosted by Royal Caribbean. There’s a difference between shore excursions and cruise tours. The excursions allow you to see the ports that the ship visits, while the cruise tours allows you to see more of a particular area or country better. For example, our cruise tour started in Seward, and then we went to Girdwood, Talkeetna, Mount McKinley, Denali Park, and Fairbanks. By way of the cruise tour, we were allowed into the wilds of Alaska.
This particular post is not in sequential order of the cruise tour visits, as I mainly wanted to show the wildlife viewing opportunities. This Grizzly Bear was an amazing sight to see, and was out in the wilds of Denali Park, which was part of our 4 Day cruise tour hosted by Royal Caribbean. However, personally, I prefer the Black Bear that I saw at a Nature Reserve. I just love bears, and I guess Black Bears are one of my favorites, along with koala bears. There is a lot of history behind Denali Park, and we really need to treasure places that are out there that protect wild animals, and also allow us to view them as safely as possible.
Grizzly Bear in Denali Park
Black Bear – Alaska
Black Bear – Alaska
I’m not very good with certain animals, does anyone know if this is moose or bison?
Moose or Bison, Alaska
Animals in Alaska
Caribou of Alaska
Not really wild life, but just had to include this picture here:
Dogs of Alaska – Anchorage
Birds of Alaska – Denali Park
Dall Sheep of Alaska
Dall Sheep scattering up mountains
Dall Sheep, Alaska
Birds of Alaska
Sea Otters of Alaska
Well, if I can’t tell the difference between bison and moose, I also can’t tell the difference between sea lions and seals. This second picture (below) was taken at the Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward, Alaska where the cruise ship docked at the end of the 7 day cruise. It was easier to see the sea life closer in this setting than it was in the wild in the picture above which was taken when we were on a boat tour with Kenai Fjords Tours on the same day after the cruise had finished. Both these excursions were part of our 4 day cruise tour, which had just got started from Seward.
Sea Creatures of Alaska
The boat tour had been really enjoyable and we actually saw whales – I think I have got video coverage of it – too hard to get on camera. Denali Park is also an extremely important experience. So, as you can see if there is any one reason to go to Alaska (other than the mountains, the snow, and the ice) – guess what it is? It’s for the wildlife! Go just to see the wildlife, and you won’t be disappointed.
Travel And Make A Difference
Travel and Make A Difference!
Choose any cruise destination of your choice, and as long as the cruise is at least 6 days in length, I will personally donate $50 per cabin booked to two of my favorite organizations: Be The Match and CARE. The $50 will be comprised of a $25 donation per cabin booked to Be The Match and $25 to CARE, upon the conclusion of the cruise.
All bookings must be personally made with me – Davinder Kaur – to qualify for this promotion, so the next time you wish to consider booking a cruise, please consider booking with Davinder Kaur at http://www.likecruises.com and you will “Travel, and Make a Difference”.
About Be The Match
Thousands of patients hope for a bone marrow donor who can make their life-saving transplant possible. They depend on people like you. You have the power to save a life. Take the first step today. The Be The Match website can be found at http://www.bethematch.org or http://www.marrow.org
If you are South Asian, you should check out Asians for Miracle Matches (A3M), a recruitment center of the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) and their Be The Match Registry. The Be The Match Registry brings millions of people together to help save lives. Thousands of patients with leukemia and other life-threatening diseases depend on the Be The Match registry to find a match to save their life. While South Asians are just as likely to be in need of a donor, South Asians make up a very small part of the Registry. Davinder would like South Asians to take a moment to register online at http://www.a3mhope.org
Please “Be The Match”, register online, join today, and save a life!
I am on the Be The Match registry, and hope to be a match some day. It takes just a moment to make a difference, you could be the one, and you could save a life. Please take a moment, and register today.
Be The Match
About CARE
CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. They place a special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE’s community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of disease, increase acccess to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives. Join today by visiting http://www.care.org
CARE
This post is also on my website at this link: Travel & Make A Difference
Beautiful San Diego
I have decided to start a page where I will add my favorite pictures of San Diego from time to time. It’s no secret that San Diego is one of the best places to live in the world – it’s a tropical paradise with palm trees, the ocean, Legoland, San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Balboa Park, Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds, and so many beautiful places to visit. On this page you will find from time to time new additions (might be old pictures or new ones). Of course, my favorite place in the San Diego area is the Hotel Del in Coronado.
If you don’t live in the San Diego area, but would like to visit, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to recommend or book a hotel for you, and to recommend local attractions as well as restaurants.
Cornonado, and the Hotel Del (a must see in San Diego). Marilyn Monroe shot one of her movies here, and many famous people have stayed here, as well as Presidents.
Hotel Del, Coronado – San Diego
Hotel Del, Coronado
Sunset at Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Ocean at Hotel Del, Coronado
The swimming pool at the Hotel Del
Swimming Pool at the Hotel Del, Coronado
It’s so tropical at the Hotel Del
Palm Trees Swaying At The Hotel Del
Some pictures taken at the San Diego Zoo on December 18, 2011.
Orangutan – San Diego Zoo
Koala – San Diego Zoo
These are my three kids at the Zoo last Christmas in 2011.
Cultural Arts Performance at Neurosciences Institute Auditorium, in La Jolla on December 9, 2011
Cultural Arts – San Diego
Hungry for pastries? Try Champagne Bakery in Del Mar – love their Napoleons, and Jesuite pastries.
Champagne Bakery, Del Mar Highlands Shopping Centre, San Diego
You don’t have to go to Las Vegas to find casino’s – we have plenty of them here in San Diego. Sycuan is only 35 minutes away.
Sycuan Casino, San Diego
Great place to visit for the day is the Flower Fields which is in Carlsbad, close to Legoland:
Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
Balboa Park, December, 2011
Spreckels Pavilion – the scene of the amazing Holiday Tree that opens up to display a nativity scene that is inside the tree. This tree is magical, and changes colors!
Spreckels Pavilion, Balboa Park, San Diego
We have the wonderful Race Track, which has a Grand Opening Day every year which draws thousands of people from all over the country. There is a hats contest, and a big celebration feel to the day. Opening Day this year is scheduled to be July 18, 2012.
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
Another one of my favorite hotels in San Diego is the Manchester Grand Hyatt. This overlooks the San Diego Bay, and is a stunning hotel
Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel, San Diego
Even though I live here now, I am still a tourist in San Diego – it is a very beautiful place.
Please note, these following links are the additions that I was referring to in the post, where you will see more of my pictures of San Diego: Incredible San Diego – La Jolla and Some Places You’ll Want To Escape To
Why I Started a Blog In The First Place?
Why I Started a Blog In The First Place?
I started this blog because Apple forced me to reorganize. I had two websites that I had designed myself – http://www.bindicruises.com and http://www.luchaniktravel.com – and the second can be explained really easily as to what happened to it – I forwarded that to point to my new CruiseOne website, but the previous material on it is no longer visible to anyone. Some of that as well as the content on Bindi Cruises needs to be moved – so that is why I am here.
Apple used to host my content and still does with Mobile Me until June 30, 2012, but since they switched to ICloud, they won’t be hosting it any more, and I didn’t want to find a new way to create my web pages.
My Bindi Cruise website will no longer be accessible and I have to find a way to get all my pictures and posts off both my sites (I still have blogs on the luchaniktravel site that I need to put somewhere else), and that is why you may find me blogging away and not making sense – I switched between Alaska to Carnival Splendor and Mexico, and I’m not even done with Alaska yet. So, I figured I would try and cut and paste from I-Web which is what I just did with the Carnival Splendor review – it was on my luchaniktravel site.
Blogging is a lot of work, and uploading pictures takes all day. I don’t know how you all do it. I want to be more efficient with what I am doing, can anyone please let me know if there is a way to copy an entire page, complete with the pictures from I-Web? Right now, it looks as though my pictures can’t be cut and pasted, they have to be uploaded. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them. A little word to Apple – before you reorganize next time – please think about people like me who have to completely reorganize because of your reorganization – what was wrong with Mobile Me anyway?
Thanks,
Davinder
Review of the Carnival Splendor
Luchanik Travel & Cruises had so much fun on the Carnival Splendor on the July 17th seven day cruise to the Mexican Riviera. This cruise definitely was not boring, especially as Hurricane Dora just had to follow us along our journey, and threatened to crash into our path. However, with the skillful handling of Carnival Cruise Lines, and a little bit of an itinerary change – we stayed safe, and still saw all the ports we were supposed to visit. Instead of visiting Cabo San Lucas two days in a row, and Puerto Vallarta on the day after, it was determined that Puerto Vallarta should be sandwiched in between Cabo San Lucas to avoid the hurricane as the Captain had word from Miami and knew where the hurricane was headed.
Hurricane Dora affected our group, as we had the El Morocco Lounge booked on Wednesday afternoon at 4pm for refreshments for our group, as well as a rehearsal for our dance team – UCSD Zor, one of the top Bollywood dance teams in the USA. Due to the itinerary change, the rehearsal was rescheduled to Thursday. Luchanik Travel & Cruises cultural division called Bindi Cruises (http://www.bindicruises.com) provided complimentary cultural entertainment for the entire Bindi Group, as well as some lucky people on the Splendor, who got to see the entertainment that really should have been a private event. Normally, when you book a cruise, you only get the entertainment (public event) provided by the cruise line, and this does not usually include cultural entertainment. We think it is important for people to be exposed to other cultures and wanted people to enjoy the Bollywood and Bhangra performances by UCSD Zor. The performances went ahead as scheduled at 2:30 to 4:30 pm on Friday in the El Morocco Lounge and Saturday in the Red Carpet Disco. Video clips of the performances are available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/luchaniktravel . More photos will be posted later.
Restaurants
The Splendor is an amazing ship. The food was plentiful, there were so many options to choose from – The Lido for buffet style dining; the Gold Pearl, or Black Pearl for sit-down service; the Tandoor on Deck 9 for Indian buffet style eating; the Pizzeria; a Rotisserie; and a specialty restaurant – which I believe is a Steak Restaurant – did not visit that one though. Sometimes we had breakfast in the Lido Dining Room, which is buffet style and sometimes we ate in the Gold Pearl Dining Room where breakfast was available from 8am to 10am. We had our dinner every evening in the Gold Pearl at 6pm. During a cruise, you have the choice of early dining – usually at 6pm – or late dining at around 8:15 pm. This is reserved dining, and the earlier you book, the better…… as you have a higher chance of getting the seating that you request. If you book too late, and want an earlier seating, you could be subject to being on a wait list. There is also “Any Time” seating between 6pm to 9:45 pm, however, this is not recommended as you might have to wait for a while for a table to become available, it is just nicer having a reserved table and time.
Food
Our group had Indian food every evening in the Gold Pearl, however, we were free to change it to the regular menu in the event that we saw something we liked – some members of our group did that, and enjoyed salmon, lobster, shrimp, sushi and even snails (Escargot) one night! What is really nice about the Gold Pearl Dining Room and the staff there, is that you can ask for as many dishes as you like, extra ice-cream for the kids or even for a second or third dessert, and the waiters will bring it for you with a smile on their face. The same also applied to the meals, if we felt like salmon in addition to Indian food, the staff were very accommodating, and it was no problem.
The desserts were good in the Gold Pearl, especially the Bread and Butter Pudding, the Warm Chocolate Cake (melted chocolate sponge), and the Espresso Cake – this was was my favorite! On cruise ships, drinks such as soda are not included, so at dinner, we were limited to lemonade, milk or water for the kids. The lemonade was quite sweet, a little too sweet actually! We were also able to get Indian tea for our group, which was really nice, and really can make you feel at home.
Cabins
The cabins are quite small, but this is nothing unusual as most cabins on cruises are approximately the same size for Interior cabins, which is what we booked. Interior cabins probably are sufficient for just two occupants, but we had four in our cabin, so that is probably why they appeared to be even smaller! Our cabin had a double bed, and two bunk beds on either side. We regularly bumped our heads into the bunk beds as we forgot they were hanging over on each end of the double bed. However, the cabins were always clean and tidy, and housekeeping did an outstanding job bringing fresh towels whenever they were needed (without us having to even ask!)
Swimming Pools
There were plenty of swimming pools, with the main pool being on the Lido Deck which is Deck 9, same as the Tandoor Deck. There is also a huge outdoor TV screen on the Lido Deck, so you could be in the pool, and watch the TV at the same time. In the evening, the Lido Deck looked spectacular when all the little lights were on. There was also an adults only pool, a kid’s pool, a Splash Area for the kids, a Twister Water Slide and various jacuzzi’s that were scattered around.
Gym and Spa
The gym and Spa are both on Deck 11. There are plenty of treadmills, bikes, and other machines to work of all those calories. Carnival also provides classes such as yoga, and nutrition classes, at a cost of $12 each session. The Spa was a luxury that I did not take advantage of unfortunately, but I did see the Member’s Area, where you could pay something like $268 and soak in a giant hot-tub.
Suggestions for Carnival
Three suggestions – the first suggestion is that Carnival really needs to provide vegetable samosas for Indian people who travel with them. The Tandoor on Deck 9 (Lido Deck) provided only beef samosas and beef is against the religion of many Indian people. Also, needless to say – if you provide an appetizer that is an Indian appetizer – you should not offend the people of that region and insult them by putting something in the food that they love, and that they will not be able to eat! The second suggestion is that Carnival really needs to put changing tables in the public bathrooms and make the cruise more family friendly by doing so. It was a struggle once or twice changing my two year old in the bathrooms. The third suggestion is that they really need to provide more beverages for kids, and the lemonade needs to have less sugar!
Summary
We had a great time on the cruise, and I would definitely recommend the Splendor to anyone wishing to take a cruise. Carnival is very family oriented, and the Splendor is a beautiful cruise ship. I would not hesitate to go on this ship again.
If you would like to book the Carnival Splendor, please contact me and I would be happy to assist you.
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Splendor lobby
Balcony Cabin on Carnival Splendor
Lobby of the Carnival Splendor
The main swimming pool of the Carnival Splendor
More photographs can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.248969871794696.70400.182290738462610&type=3
My ship inspection video of Carnival Splendor made prior to the cruise can be found here: Carnival Splendor Ship Inspection
Hubbard Glacier
There’s a great reason to visit Hubbard Glacier, and that is to see it before it melts away. Yes, sadly when you visit such an incredible place, it really hits home that you are indeed lucky to see it. Who knows how many more will see it before it disappears or diminishes? The evidence of the melting is right there in the ocean, with chunks of ice all around.
This is Day 7 of the Vancouver to Alaska seven day cruise (Thursday, May 17, 2012), and sadly the last day of the cruise. Most people think that a seven day cruise finishes on the 7th day, but in reality it actually finishes on the 8th day in the early hours of the morning. We will be disembarking tomorrow morning at around 8am.
So today is a Day At Sea – this is a day to enjoy the ship, and it is as necessary to have these days as it is to have port visits. You don’t just want to be rushing around visiting ports all the time, because when will you find the time to enjoy the ship? The ship itself is a very important factor in your cruise enjoyment, and believe it or not, some people enjoy this part of the experience so much more – that they don’t want to get out at the ports to walk around.
Today is the very important viewing from the ship of Hubbard Glacier. This was to be my second experience of seeing glaciers – the first one was of course, Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau. As I was eating breakfast in the Park Cafe, I couldn’t help but be struck in awe at what I saw through the windows of the Solarium, where the Park Cafe was. I saw lots of ice, pieces of ice all over the ocean floor – it was just as though we were floating on ice. It was an amazing sight, and I wish I had taken more pictures of the ice at it’s thickest – but my camera was charging, so this is the picture that I got through the window, and it was taken with my Iphone at approximately 8am. The other pictures were taken with my camcorder, and not my regular camera, so may not be as nice and clear as they should have been.
Icy Ocean – Hubbard Glacier from the Radiance Of The Seas
Then after breakfast, I went outside at approximately 9am, and took pictures from the side of the ship.
Hubbard Glacier vicinity, Alaska – on Radiance Of The Seas
Hubbard Glacier vicinity – Alaska
Hubbard Glacier from Radiance Of The Seas
Wow, we are surrounded by ice!
Hubbard Glacier from Radiance Of The Seas
Now for a view of Hubbard Glacier itself. It was hard getting a good spot to take pictures, as there were so many people out braving the cold to see the awesome and breathtaking Hubbard Glacier.
Hubbard Glacier from Radiance Of The Seas
Hubbard Glacier from Radiance Of The Seas
We got really close to the Glacier!
Hubbard Glacier from Radiance Of The Seas
Hubbard Glacier from Radiance Of The Seas
More people looking at the Glacier:
Hubbard Glacier from Radiance Of The Seas
Hubbard Glacier from Radiance Of The Seas
Enjoying a nice hot cup of coffee, and trying to stay warm
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska – Radiance Of The Seas
The Radiance Of The Seas against the backdrop of Alaska, near Hubbard Glacier
Radiance Of The Seas near Hubbard Glacier
Bye Hubbard Glacier, I hope you will be around for many more years to come! Don’t melt away.
We left Hubbard Glacier at around 10:30 am, and the rest of the day was spent taking pictures, attending a brief CruiseOne seminar, and enjoying the ship (as well as packing). Next, I’ll tell you about the four day post cruise tour that I took once I disembarked the cruise ship. The cruise tour was hosted by Royal Caribbean, and involved going on a bus around Alaska – deep into the wilds of this very mysterious place. Thank you for reading.
Radiance Of The Seas – An Overview
“Welcome to the first day of the most amazing cruise vacation of your life” – these words are taken from the Cruise Compass that you will find in your cabin each day, that lists all the important things to know from the safety drill, to the dining, entertainment and activities. I really enjoyed the May 11, 2012, cruise from Vancouver to Alaska. This is the perfect ship to take in the sights of Alaska as the views are magnificent and can be seen from within the ship due to the floor to ceiling windows.
Here are some more details of my May 11th, 2012 cruise, including pictures of my cabin, restaurants, swimming pool, entertainment, theatre, coffee shop, and other public areas. This is not a big ship, such as the Oasis of The Seas which can hold up to 5,200 people or so. The Radiance Of The Seas (a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship) holds about 2,200 people approximately, and is easier to get around. If you don’t want to get “lost” in a ship, then this may be the one for you, it is easy to get the feel of it, and to get your bearings compared to some of the larger ships.
As far as entertainment, what can I say? Spectacular! The entertainment was different every day, and could be viewed in the Aurora Theatre either before dinner or after dinner. Then were was also entertainment that was brought to you all around the ship, including the lobby area – named the Centrum – or to the swimming pool by DJ Terry, and the Cruise Director and his staff such as the 70’s Disco Inferno one evening in the Centrum, as well as the highly entertaining Sail Away Party at the Poolside on the first day of the cruise. There’s a movie theatre, a casino, shops, a gym, solarium, spa, kids clubs and activities.
The dining options are magnificent! I ate in the Cascades Restaurant with my CruiseOne colleagues, and we had the late dining at 8:30 pm every night. There are also a handful of specialty restaurants that are available if you wish to try something different – such as Giovanni’s Table – I tried it, and I liked it! There is also the Chef’s Table, Chops Grille, Izumi’s, Samba Grill, Rita’s Cantina and these all range in price and can go up to $30 per person, which is very reasonable. If you don’t want to spend extra money, you don’t have to….Cascade’s, and Windjammer Cafe have more than enough food for you to feast on, and the food in these two restaurants is very good quality and varies from day to day. If you are looking for specialty coffees, there’s Cafe Latte-tudes (but you will have to pay for these – they’re not included). My recommendation to you for breakfast is the Park Cafe, this place was a fantastic discovery, because first of all, I thought it was a specialty snack shop/cafe, but the food here is included in your cruise fare, and you must try it. The paninis were so delicous, I can’t even begin to describe them accurately – my favorite was the breakfast panini with eggs, cheese, spinach and salmon! It was so good, I ordered a second one! The yoghurt parfaits are tasty – there were two kinds: strawberry or mango-banana, and there were also quesadillas, as well as other types of paninis, sandwiches and fresh fruit. Close to the Park Cafe, was another counter where you could get pastries, and a coffee bar (with complimentary American coffee) and complimentary juice machine were also close by. On other cruises, I have always opted for the breakfast buffet, but this time I could not wait for my paninis at Park Cafe. Also, don’t forget to try the Boardwalk Dog House, this place serves delicious hot dogs – I tried one that was spicy turkey.
Even though the cruise was not scheduled to sail until 4:30 pm, it is important to get to the cruise terminal as early as possible. I got there at around 1:00 pm, and was actually on the ship at around 3pm (that was two hours spent in the line even though I had done my online check-in, sometimes it’s not just the cruise line, but the immigration process that could slow things down). Now for some photos that will show you around the ship, and give you some insight into my seven days of cruising enjoyment.
Radiance Of The Seas
Firstly, we have my cabin – an Inside Cabin with no windows unfortunately, but I still loved it, it was spacious and comfortable. There was a safety video playing on the tv, and we did have our muster drill within the first few hours of getting on the ship.
Cabin 3549 – Inside Cabin on the Radiance Of The Seas
The lobby of the Radiance Of The Seas is ever so spectacular, colorful, modern and one of the nicest lobbies I’ve seen on a cruise ship.
Lobby known as Centrum on the Radiance Of The Seas
The lobby (Centrum) of the Radiance Of The Seas
The stunning Centrum of the Radiance Of The Seas
The Centrum, Radiance Of The Seas
I headed to the Windjammer Cafe to take advantage of a buffet lunch that did not fail to please. What a nice welcome!
Windjammer Cafe, Radiance Of The Seas
I just had to take a picture of this waiter who had some colorful drinks:
Windjammer Cafe, Radiance Of The Seas
Too full now to get anything from Cafe Latte-tudes
Cafe Latte-tudes, Radiance of The Seas
Went to take a look around the ship, and we were still in Vancouver – not sailing yet.
Vancouver in the background of the Radiance Of The Seas
The skies are still a brilliant blue, while we are in Vancouver.
Main Swimming Pool, Radiance Of The Seas
Our first taste of some terrific entertainment – poolside!
Entertainment on the Radiance Of The Seas
And the audience joined in, every one got into vacation mode, that’s the spirit!
Beautiful Vancouver from the Radiance Of The Seas
Vancouver from the Radiance Of The Seas
Vancouver from Radiance Of The Seas
View of Vancouver from Radiance Of The Seas
We were not the only ship leaving from Canada Place, so was Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody Of The Seas
View of Vancouver and the Rhapsody Of The Seas from the Radiance of The Seas
I then walked around the ship and took these pictures, some on the first day because I was so excited to see the ship, and some pictures I took on other days:
Samba Grill, Radiance Of The Seas
The Fitness Center, Radiance Of The Seas
Best place to relax, and read a book, be warm and feel like you are in paradise. The birds are chirping, and you don’t need a jacket here. This is also where the Park Cafe is.
The Solarium, Radiance Of The Seas
The Crown & Anchor Lounge – go here to sign up for an account so that you start getting acknowledgement each time you cruise with Royal Caribbean – you will accumulate points and/or rewards. This is not automatic membership, you have to sign up for it, so you might as well do it while you are on your cruise.
Crown & Anchor Lounge, Radiance Of The Seas
Children’s Area – Adventure Ocean
Bring your babies along, and your other kids too!
Royal Babies & Royal Tots, Radiance Of The Seas
Sports time, stay fit on this ship with plenty to do!
Basketball Court, Radiance Of The Seas
Play mini-golf on Deck 13
Mini Golf on the Radiance Of The Seas
Rock-climbing
Rock Climbing on the Radiance Of The Seas
StarQuest Nightclub, Radiance Of The Seas
You can’t go wrong with this interactive device, find out what to do, where you are, and where to go. It is truly your compass.
Cruise Compass – Radiance Of The Seas
Read a book in the library on one of the decks, or play board games on the deck one level up
Leisure Time, Radiance Of The Seas
Lounge & Relax Time, Radiance Of The Seas
Club Royale Casino – Radiance Of The Seas
Hair Salon, Radiance Of The Seas
This is where spectacular entertainment was delivered every evening – The Aurora Theatre
Aurora Theatre – Radiance Of The Seas
A few pictures of the entertainment, as good as any Broadway show in the Aurora Theatre
The entertainment in the Aurora Theatre, Radiance Of The Seas
Entertainment, Aurora Theatre, Radiance Of The Seas
Captain Sindre Borsheim at the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Reception in the Colony Club
Cascades Restaurant – Radiance Of The Seas
Forgot what the dessert was called, but it was delicious!
Dessert in Cascades
The staff of the Cascades all get together at least two or three times, and say a few things about their team, they do a terrific job!
Cascades Staff – Radiance Of The Seas
Dinner at Giovanni’s Table was a nice change, and for $20 – there was plenty to eat. Bring your appetite!
Giovanni’s Table Restaurant, Radiance Of The Seas
The most tasty and succulent chicken dish was devoured at Giovanni’s Table
Entree at Giovanni’s Table
Dessert Selection – Giovanni’s Table
The most scrumptious breakfast ever – breakfast panini – is to be had at Park Cafe in the Solarium area
Park Cafe – Radiance Of The Seas
Park Cafe – Radiance Of The Seas
Park Cafe, Radiance Of The Seas
I love to eat Indian food, and every day the Radiance Of The Seas had Indian items in their buffet at the Windjammer Cafe, but on this day – this Andhra Pakora Curry was undoubtedly the best!
Indian Food in Windjammer Cafe, Radiance Of The Seas
The changing landscape – Alaska in the background
The Radiance Of The Seas – Alaska
Radiance Of The Seas – Alaska
Staircase Artwork of the Radiance Of The Seas
Outdoor movie time – Radiance Of The Seas
Every day there was a new towel animal design, the staff are so clever and talented
Towel Animal
They’re hard at work in the kitchen feeding so many people; I got a look at the hard workers when I took a tour of the kitchen:
Kitchen of the Radiance Of The Seas
Shopping Choices on the Radiance Of The Seas
Actually, I saw long lines today (I think this picture may have been from Day 2 or 3)
Sales and Bargains on the Radiance of The Seas
As you can see, there is a lot to do and see on the Radiance Of The Seas. I have so many more pictures, and will also be including some in a video that I will produce soon. I hope you enjoyed my overviewof the cruise that I took. Actually, this could be considered a review if I give you my recommendation – and I do – I definitely recommend taking this cruise. You will love it, you won’t be bored – in fact, you’ll have way too much to do! Thank you for reading.
Skagway
It is now Day 6 of the cruise. I will be taking excursion no. 3 today, and it leaves at 8am. Who said cruising was all about relaxing? I have had to wake up early every single day, and one of the days when there wasn’t a port visit, I had a CruiseOne seminar from 9 am to 4:30 pm or so, and still had to wake up early. Today’s excursion is called Skagway City and White Pass Summit. By the way, the three excursions that I booked through my own website (http://www.likecruises.com) with our Shore Excursions provider were only $141 in total for all three – that’s a very good deal, and as you can see from yesterday’s excursion to Mendenhall Glacier, it’s worth getting on a bus and exploring.
The instructions on the ticket said to be just outside the cruise pier, and to check in by 7:40 am. It was a good job that I brought my passport with me, as we were supposed to go into Canada, just past the border. I managed to make it to the bus in time, and we set off promptly at 8am. Here are some pictures that were taken at some of the stops, and this time I am going to use bigger pictures instead of thumbnails, please feel free to let me know if this is a better choice or not.
We must have been near Brackett Wagon Road according to this sign
Skagway
I wonder what’s nicer – being on the train, or being at a distance and seeing the train?
Skagway, near White Pass Summit in Alaska
The landscape is now changing as we are climbing higher up the hills in the bus, this picture was taken from the bus, and shows the trees are now dotted with white.
and it is getting whiter and whiter……..snow! And lots of it!
It’s beginning to look very white out here, and the sun is trying to break through the sky, but it is very cold!
Snow and Sun, Skagway, Alaska
Welcome to Alaska, a must-have photograph – everyone wants their picture taken here.
White Pass Summit, near the border of Canada
There was too much snow, that we couldn’t go past the border, what a shame! I would so much have liked to go into Canada again, even if for just a few moments. We were told the roads were not clear enough, and not passable. Now we headed back down to Skagway from the White Pass Summit.
We stopped here because it was another scenic spot to take pictures.
Scenic Skagway, Alaska
The Norwegian Pearl, side by side with the Radiance Of The Seas.
The Norwegian Pearl, and Radiance Of The Seas in Skagway
- We went on a short hike, and saw the Gold Rush Cemetery
Gold Rush Cemetery, Skagway, Alaska
Gold Rush Historical Information, Skagway
Be prepared for a short hike up, about a 5 minute walk to this waterfall, past the Cemetery.
Waterfall, Skagway
Scenic, magical, mysterious Skagway
We are done with the excursion, and I’m off the bus and decided to walk around Skagway, instead of heading back to the cruise ship. The excursion lasted about two and a half hours, and it is only 11 am or so. However, we have until 4pm today in Skagway….so might as well see it.
Downtown Skagway, five minutes or so from the cruise ship
Downtown Skagway, Alaska
Tlingits are an Alaskan Native people who have lived in Southeast Alaska for generations. You can read more about the Tlingits by looking at the picture.
Tlingits, read about Alaskan Native history
Skagway City Museum
Interesting choice of names for these chocolate-covered concoctions. I chose the fudge instead.
Alaskan Fudge Shop Treats
Alaska is famous for its fudge in addition to its natural beauty and wild life, gold panning, Native American history, etc.
I did try their chocolate almond fudge – it was so good!
Alaskan Fudge Shop, Skagway
Nice house in downtown Skagway
Found an Indian restaurant – didn’t eat there though, perhaps next time.
Indian Restaurant in Skagway, Alaska
Downtown Skagway, Alaska
Looks like there’s inscriptions on the rocks, or are they signs?
Skagway
Want to buy gold? There is still a lot of signs of the Gold Rush era.
Gold Shop, Skagway
A golden hotel…..the Golden North Hotel
Golden North Hotel, Skagway
Really wished I had taken this train to the White Pass Summit
White Pass Summit Train, Skagway
Interesting name for a place
Red Onion Saloon, Alaska
That’s the Norwegian Pearl in the background
Norwegian Pearl in Skagway
Looking back at Skagway for the last few minutes before I head back to the cruise ship.
Downtown Skagway street scene
The trains of Skagway. I think I like trains…..
The walk back to the Radiance Of The Seas rock….I passed interesting rock art, trains, and the Norwegian Pearl…..
The Norwegian Pearl in Skagway
Now I see the Radiance Of The Seas
The Radiance Of The Seas in Skagway
Now, I am back on the ship, and tomorrow is the last full day of the cruise. Will let you know how Day 7 goes. Thank you for reading.
luchanik 