Radiance of the Seas, launched in 2001, is the lead ship of the Radiance class – a class known for elegant, medium-sized ships with lots of glass. Radiance is 90,090 GT and about 962 feet long, carrying roughly 2,139 guests double occupancy (up to around 2,466 total). She was built to be more compact for worldwide cruising, with a sleeker profile and the ability to traverse the Panama Canal. Radiance of the Seas is celebrated for her gorgeous ocean views: over three acres of glass adorn the ship, including floor-to-ceiling windows in many lounges and elevators facing the sea. Amenities include a rock climbing wall, mini-golf, a waterslide (added later), and multiple dining venues (Radiance was the first class to introduce specialty dining like Chops Grille and Portofino). In 2011, Radiance underwent a major revitalization that added new eateries (Samba Grill, Izumi, Rita’s Cantina) and an outdoor movie screen. Radiance spends summers in Alaska and winters in Australia, taking advantage of her scenic-view design. She offers a more intimate Royal Caribbean experience focused on natural vistas and comfortable style.
Unique features:
Glass everywhere: Nicknamed the “Ship of Light,” Radiance features glass elevators facing the ocean and panoramic windows in nearly every public space. Even the ship’s exterior elevators and the top-deck Viking Crown Lounge offer unobstructed sea views. This emphasis on natural light and scenery is a hallmark that sets Radiance-class ships apart.
Worldwide versatility: Radiance’s size and propulsion (pod drives) make her highly maneuverable and able to visit ports larger ships cannot. She often sails diverse itineraries (Alaska glacier cruises, South Pacific voyages), and her retractable pools and self-leveling pool tables in the Colony Club lounge are testaments to her all-climate design. Radiance was also the first Royal Caribbean ship with environmentally friendlier gas turbine engines, making her quieter and less polluting for cruising in nature-centric regions.
Last major drydock/update: May 2011 – Radiance underwent a Royal Advantage revitalization in 2011. This $20+ million refit added several new restaurants (including Izumi Asian Cuisine, Samba Grill Brazilian steakhouse, and the casual Boardwalk Dog House), a nursery, an outdoor movie screen by the pool, and updated cabin decor. Another refresh in June 2016 gave Radiance some additional “popular” features (likely improvements to lounges and amenities). There have been no major changes since, aside from regular upkeep; the 2011 refurbishment is considered her last big modernization.
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Chef's Table Menu
Restaurant: Chef's Table
Date Uploaded: April 11, 2025
Cost:$
An exclusive, intimate dining experience featuring a multi-course gourmet meal paired with fine wines, guided by the ship's Chef de Cuisine.