In February 2013, we did our first cruise together for 5 night sailing the coast of Australia from Sydney to Brisbane on the Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas. She is a great ship and would love to enjoy other ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.
As you have everything you could possibly need, we called the experience ‘a mini-city on water’.
Cruising is a great way to meet people or just enjoy your own company.
The short cruise only had two port stops Newcastle and Brisbane, it was a good cruise to see if James would enjoy it and he did.
Accommodation
Our Balcony Stateroom was comfortable and staff serviced daily. I understand some people think Inside Staterooms are sufficient but if you can, I suggest booking a Balcony as the experience is so much better. It is a great feeling starting your day with the sun beaming in your room and enjoying cocktails on your balcony whilst taking in a sunset.
All-Inclusive Meals
Main Dining Room – Now, how perfect is this, a holiday where you do not have to spend any extra money on food. Breakfast, lunch and dinners are all served here and the quality of the food is superb. If you prefer to try other restaurants onboard you can with a charge per person. Please see the cruise website attached at the bottom of my blog for the information on other Dining venues.
Windjammer – If you love buffets then this Marketplace is for you. The marketplace has a wide variety of options at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Like all standard buffets, it ranges from salads, roast chickens, pizza, seafood, curries, noodles, rice & lots of desserts. The chef can also cook your pancake, omelette and meat of choice to your liking. By memory, we had 1 x Breakfast and 1 x Lunch at Windjammers only.
Drink packages
If you can see yourself enjoying alcoholic drinks throughout the day and may drink a little more than usual than I recommend purchasing the Deluxe Beverage Package. Make sure to pre-purchased the unlimited drinks package before embarkation. For us, we felt that we could have got away with not purchasing the Deluxe Beverage Package but still enjoyed the convenience of it.
Drinks include:
- Fountain soda and refills at any bar or dining venue
- Coca-Cola freestyle beverages
- Non-alcoholic drinks including Mocktails
- Bottled still and sparkling water
- Premium coffees and teas
- Fresh-squeezed juices
- Cocktails
- Spirits
- Liquor
- Beer
- Wine by the Glass
Swimming Pool, Whirlpools (Spa) and Movie Cinema
The pool is the standard size you see on the majority of ships, not so inviting to us, however, the whirlpools are great. Late afternoon, we enjoyed the whirlpools with our delicious cocktails and in the evenings the latest movies on the big screen.
Entertainment
The Aurora Theatre is located on Deck 5 & Deck 6, no chance of missing out on a seat in these theatres. ‘ The Tango Buenos Aires ‘ performance was amazing. No matter which Cruise Liner you are on, I highly recommend planning your night to enjoy something cultural at the Theatre. Even if it is not your cuppa tea, try it, you may be surprised.
Tours
Mc Guigans Winery – Love this winery, was so happy to return after quite a few years. The wine tasting was great and we also had time to enjoy their cheese factory.
If you have not been to McGuigans yet, drive there, it is only a 2-hour drive from Sydney.
https://www.mcguiganwines.com.au/
Tyrells Winery – A lovely family-owned winery that I have enjoyed over the years. It was great to enjoy another winery I like with James. The guided tour even showed us how they make the wine and each process that takes place and where all the wines are sealed in humongous barrels.
https://www.tyrrells.com.au/
Bars & Clubs
The Bionic Bar – Never got a chance to enjoy a drink made by the two robotic bartenders here, perhaps on my next Royal Caribbean cruise in the near future, I hope.
Pool Bar – This bar is definitely one of the busiest but back in 2013 I found you did not have to wait too long. Great bartending at this bar, it is where I fell in love with Strawberry Daiquiris.
Sunsets
One of the best experiences about sailing on a ship is watching the spectacular sunsets.
Grab a cocktail and be mesmerised.
This was my second cruise and Jame’s first, it was then that we thought we had to do another cruise and longer next time. From the moment we boarded the ship to disembarkation, it was such an amazing experience. Looking forward to enjoying many more in the future.
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en/cruise-ships/radiance-of-the-seas
Next blog “Cruising in style”.
christinetravels 
Love reading about the Carribean Cruise line; something to try in future.In your last paragraph, you accidentally wrote tome instead of time. LoveMum
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