Back on the Radiance

By cruisetarp

• March 23, 2011

We originally sail on the Radiance out of Tampa in November 2010 (sorry I forgot to submit a review) and enjoyed it so much we decided to rebook and head south and away from the Snow in Pa.

This review will serve to cover both cruises.

Because we booked so late our only choice was a OV guarantee and we had a cabin towards the aft on deck 3. Not our first choice for a cabin as we really enjoy our balcony but we were anxious to get away. For a short cruise it was fine for us

We stayed 1 night pre-cruise at the Holiday Inn Express in Rocky Point. Hotel was clean and convenient and offered free parking for the length of the cruise as well as shuttle service to and from the port. Great value for the money.

We arrived at the port around 11AM and were through security, checked in, sea pass card photo taken and on the ship in less than 10 minutes. Tampa really has their act together in this respect. Very quick and painless.

After our first lunch in the Windjammer we went to our cabin where our luggage was waiting for us. Again, extremely fast and efficient. Our cabin was small but had plenty of storage space and our Room Steward kept it neat and clean.

The Radiance is a beautiful ship - very well maintained with an excellent crew who are always ready to help in any way they can. I love all the large windows with plenty of seating around to just sit and watch the ocean drift by. No matter where you look you know you are at sea.

The first night we enjoyed a wonderful dinner in Portofino's as the Radiance slowly sailed down the bay and under the Skyline bridge into open water.

Our first port of call was Cozumel where we spent a lovely day at Nachi Cocum - a great all-inclusive beach day. We were there in November and just had to go back. I can't recommend this place highly enough. It was a wonderful day with all the drinks and food one could want. I must admit I took great pleasure sitting under the palapa listening to cruise music on the ipod when I heard it was 9 degrees back home.

Next port of call was Costa Maya. Since we had been there in November we decided to spend the day on the ship. What a great decision. No crowds by the pool - just picked out a lounge and swam and relaxed until around 3:30 when people started coming back on board and the ship got busy again.

We had first seating at dinner. Always found something good to eat and never left hungry. Naturally some meals better than others. Had a very attentive wait staff and I must say I was very impressed with the attention they (and the Maitre'd ) gave to one member of our table who had some serious food allergies. Every evening after dinner they brought the menu's for the next night so they could see what choices were available and order accordingly.

Entertainment was good - had seen most of the shows in November so did not go to the production shows.

Like embarking - disembarking was a breeze. We met at the assigned spot at 8AM and had barely had a cup of tea made when we were informed we could leave the ship. We collected our luggage, found a porter, went through Customs and Immigration and were out at the curb waiting for the hotel shuttle in less than 10 minutes.

Definately a great cruise and we loved the Radiance.