We love first time cruisers – even if you have been on a regular cruise before delving into the world of music cruises, we are sure you will have some questions before your first voyage. To save yourself some time, we have collected the most frequently asked questions we are asked regarding our Australian cruises on board Radiance of the Seas, and have answered them all for you in a one-stop go-to post for your convenience!
Will I be able to get off at the Ports of Call? How much will Shore Excursions & Tours cost?
Yes, when we stop off in all Ports of Call you will get the chance to take part in the Shore Excursions & Tours or even just get off the Ship and explore for yourself at your own pace. Once you board the Radiance of the Seas you will get a list of the different types of day trips available for the upcoming Port – if there is a specific trip you would like to do, it is recommended you book it as soon as possible at the Shore Excursions Desk. The tour prices vary, based on duration & type. Some trips will be shorter tours around the city etc. and only be around AUD$25+ per person, whereas a full day trip with snorkeling facilities etc. can range up to AUD$150+ per head.
How do I pay for drinks and merchandise on board?
You will receive your key card at check in which is the only form of payment on board, no cash is exchanged. This key card is the key to your room and identification on board, so it is recommended you take it with you everywhere you go on the ship. Although all meals and performances are paid for (excluding specialty dining options), if you would like to purchase duty-free souvenirs, shore excursion’s or alcoholic beverages etc., you will need to use your seapass card.
At the end of the cruise, you can pay your account either by cash (all purchases made are in $USD) or simply charge to your credit card. There are no pre-paid alcoholic beverage packages available on board any Choose Your Cruise private charters, however there are drink specials, happy hours, soft drink packages and pre-purchase wine options available throughout the voyage. Additionally there is bottled water and bottled juice package options. It is recommended that you purchase these packages either on-line prior to sailing or on the first day once you’ve boarded the ship.
Are there any children’s facilities on board?
In short, yes! Simply click at this link and you will be directed to full detailed information about the facilities on board for the young ones (and not so little ones anymore) under the tab “FOR THE KIDS”.
Is entertainment on board free?
All of our artist performances, dance classes and entertainment is included in your ticket price. NOTE* Some extra Royal Caribbean shipboard activities such as bingo and fitness classes incur a minimal charge. Refer to your cruise compass daily in-room newsletter for further information whilst on board.
What else is included in the price of the cruise?
Your cruise fare entitles you to the following
- Accommodation and cabin steward on board the cruise
- All meals, activities, entertainment and gratuities (excluding drinks, specialty restaurants & duty free shopping) on board
- Port charges and government taxes.
Are all the restaurants on board included in the price of the cruise?
Short answer: No, not all of them. The Radiance of the Seas has now added some new specialty restaurant options. You can dine at Giovanni’s Table, a casual Italian trattoria with indoor and al fresco seating, Izumi which offers Asian-fusion cuisine, Brazilian churrasco style Samba Grille or at premium American-style Chops Grille, Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse. Unique to the Radiance of the Seas venture “south of the border down Mexico way” and visit Rita’s Crab Shack. There will be a modest charge if you choose to dine at any of these specialty restaurants.
Additionally is also premium dining/wine pairing experience the Chef’s Table, where you can experience a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience. Naturally, you can still choose complimentary fine dining at the Cascades Restaurant, Windjammer Buffet, Park Café or even grab a quick bite at the Boardwalk Doghouse – specializing in New York style Hot-Dogs (a late night must-do after a long night of partying!)
Will the food be suitable for gluten intolerant people?
Royal Caribbean International pride themselves on their fantastic cuisine and understand the diversity of passengers’ food requirements. If you have any specific food requirements, such as lactose/gluten intolerance, veganism etc, simply tell your travel agent when booking. There are vegetarian options on every menu.
What can we do to reduce the effect of motion sickness?
The Radiance of the Seas is a modern ship fitted with stabilizers that will make the biggest wave seem like a tiny little movement. We are also travelling at the smoothest time of year, in an area of ocean that is known for smooth sailing. If by any chance you do feel unwell once you get on board, complimentary sea sickness ginger tablets can be obtained from the Purser’s Desk, or you can visit the medical staff onboard.
How many dance floors are there on the ship?
There are many dance floors on board. “The Colony Club”, “Quill & Compass”, “The Viking Crown Lounge”, the two-tier pool deck for poolside dancing, “The Centrum” & “Teen Disco”.
What type of clothes shall we pack? Do we need casual/formal attire? Are there any theme nights on board?
Shorts, t-shirts, slacks, trousers, casual skirts, blouses and sundresses are all perfect during the day, whether indoors or out.
Suggested guidelines for nights are:
- Casual: Sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for women
- Smart Casual: Jackets for men, dresses or pantsuits for women
- Formal: There are no formal nights on board however some passengers choose to “frock up” for the Captain’s Cocktail Party.
- Theme Nights: We love our themed nights on board our cruises!! Depending on which cruise you are joining us on, there is a variety of themed nights from Island and Nautical to ‘Schools Out’ and ‘True Colours’ Team colour night. If you would like to know which theme nights are on your cruise, simply email us at hello@chooseyourcruise.com.au and we can let you know, even suggest some costume ideas! Let your imagination go wild!
Please note, thongs/singlets/exposed tattoos are not accepted in the main silver service dining room.
What types of shops are there on the ship?
There are many different types of shops on the Radiance of the Seas, boutique stores that sell the best of the best brand names along with clothing and souvenirs, all at Duty Free prices!
If you have any additional questions that were not covered, please feel free to call our friendly staff on 1300 247 371 or email us at hello@chooseyourcruise.com.au – we have a combined knowledge of over 60 cruises, so if there is not a question we can answer, you will receive a prize! Try us out 🙂
I have always wanted to go on one of these “Rock the boat” cruises..this Foreigner 2018 cruise sounds so cool..I have no idea of costs or where it “cruises” to..lol.. can you please send me some details..
sincerely Janice Rowe..
Hi Janice,
Thanks for your comment! Rock the Boat 2018 with Foreigner will be an incredible cruise…. This one leaves from Sydney’s Circular Quay and will cruise to the south pacific for 7 days stopping at New Caledonia’s Noumea and Lifou from October 21-28th 2018. For more information on pricing you can visit our accommodation and cabin page on the Rock the Boat 2018 page here: http://www.rocktheboatcruise.com.au/2018/cabins/
Feel free to email us at hello@chooseyourcruise.com.au if you have any further questions 🙂