I sailed from New Orleans, a new departure point for me. The cheaper airfare was a selling point. The ship was Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas, a smaller one than my recent cruises, by my choice. From the get go all these choices seemed good. Embarkation was a breeze. No lines!
I'm ready!
My first view of the ship from the gangway!
I toured and photographed parts of the ship before they became filled with passengers! The Radiance is really pretty and appealing. She is known for her abundance of glass!
The elevators to the right provide a beautiful ocean view.
I cannot believe I didn't take a picture or video.
I guess I was just too busy admiring the view!
My cabin for this cruise had an "Ocean View." As you will
see, it had a round porthole window. It was way down on
the third deck, so it gave me a quite different perspective.
I did not miss having a balcony at all, since we had very
strong winds the whole trip. I can assure you my hair
would have not set foot on a balcony.
This type room, however, might not be for one who
easily gets seasick! I will post a video later of the waves.
I had requested late dinner for this trip but failed to specify that I wanted a table for 1 as I have had on the last several cruises. When I went down for dinner on the first night I discovered I was at a huge table for 10. Three couples were already there,
and I happily joined them. We had the best time together from
the minute we met. This table of friends became the best part of my trip! We just didn't take enough pictures!
Here we are, just missing one couple.
I clicked immediately with Anna and Josh, to my left,
and Charles and Judy, to my right. Our table was not
full, so Josh invited Lindsey and Ryan (L) to join us, and
Judy (R) who had a different hat every night, did too!
I hope to have a picture coming which includes the other 2,
Colleen and Mick.
We were always the last to leave the dining room!
Quite obnoxious!
So here's a photo of the whole table. Colleen and Mick
are at the far end. Poor Colleen--I misunderstood
her name and called her "Helene" all week! You see,
they are from the U.K. and speak English
and I speak Texan.
On one of the seas days this platter was brought to my room,
so I took it way up to the Diamond Lounge on Deck 13
and enjoyed it for my lunch!
I got off the ship in Cozumel to take my mandatory ship
photo. I am on the smaller ship. The larger is the
Symphony of the Seas, the last ship I cruised!
I found it much easier to traverse the Radiance!
Cruising has changed since I started...
One day while most of my fellow cruisers were off the
ship on excursions, I spent an afternoon here.
For an older ship, it was so beautiful!
I got my hair done, and I thought this picture from the
salon was quite indicative of how old the ship is!
And...my worst nightmare befell me. I got the stylist from
Mauritious (where the heck is that?) who had just gotten on the ship in New Orleans for his very first contract on a
cruise ship as a hairdresser. He (and I) did pretty well,
though, amazingly enough!
Anna and Josh talked me into venturing out into something
I've never done before. It turned out to be the highlight
of my trip. We went to the Chef's Table one night.
This is how it looked when we entered.
There were wine pairings with each course, and I am so
uncool as to not like wine at all. But I do like FOOD.
And this was probably the best FOOD I have ever eaten.
Scallop Carpaccio
I'll post a video!
This was a fantastic experience. Not just a meal.
Madeline gave me for Christmas!
Inspired and Grateful.
*I fully realize that "Low Key" may just be a nice way
of saying, "boring!" Unless, that is, you're of a
certain age! As I am.
