Embarking on a Royal Caribbean cruise is always an exciting adventure, and our recent 7-night Western Caribbean sailing on Radiance of the Seas was no exception. From the moment we set sail to our final day at sea, this trip was filled with beautiful destinations, delicious food, and plenty of time to relax and explore.
Getting to the Port
Our journey began a day before embarkation, as we opted to drive to Florida rather than fly. To break up the long drive, we stayed overnight in Kingsland, Georgia, which gave us a chance to rest before making the final stretch to the cruise terminal. We departed from Tampa, Florida, and arriving early on embarkation day allowed for a smooth check-in process. Soon enough, we were stepping aboard Radiance of the Seas, ready to start our week-long adventure.
Our Cabin: Ocean View Interior on Deck Three
For this sailing, we stayed in an ocean view interior cabin on Deck 3. While it wasn’t a balcony or suite, the large window provided plenty of natural light, making the space feel open and comfortable. The cabin was well-equipped with everything we needed, including ample storage, a cozy bed, and a small sitting area. It was the perfect retreat after long days of exploring the ports and enjoying the ship’s amenities.
Ports of Call: Exploring the Western Caribbean
This itinerary took us to some of the most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean:
- Cozumel, Mexico – We went on the Playa Mia Grand Beach Park and, unfortunately, did not have a great time. In hindsight, we probably should have passed on this stop.
- Costa Maya, Mexico – We did not book an excursion here but enjoyed walking around and exploring the port area!
- Roatán, Honduras – We went on The All-In-One Tour (Bilingual Tour: English/Spanish) and had a GREAT time! This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
- Belize City, Belize – We chose to stay on board for a much-needed rest day instead of exploring this port.
Each stop had something unique to offer, and we enjoyed a mix of adventure and relaxation throughout our cruise. I will publish a more in-depth article on the ports at a later time.
Life On Board Radiance of the Seas
Between port days, we had plenty of time to explore all that Radiance of the Seas had to offer. From delicious dining options to entertainment and relaxation spots, this ship had something for everyone.
Food & Dining
We always love sitting down for dinner every night in the main dining room, which provided a great experience with excellent service and delicious meals. In addition to the main dining room, we also enjoyed Izumi, where we had some fantastic sushi, and Dog House, which served up some great casual bites.
Favorite Experiences On Board
- While we skipped some of the shows, we highly recommend the Love & Marriage Game Show—it’s always a fun time!
- The Solarium on Radiance of the Seas is one of our favorite Solariums in the Royal Caribbean fleet. It’s a perfect place to relax.
- We really liked the Schooner Bar, which has a unique entryway that adds to the ambiance.
- A hidden gem on board is The Colony Club, located behind the Schooner Bar. Keep walking through Schooner to find this lounge, which has billiard tables that adjust even in rough seas—such a cool feature!
Radiance of the Seas provided the perfect mix of relaxation and entertainment, and we made so many great memories throughout our week on board.