Last summer, our family embarked on one of our biggest bucket list adventures to date, an Alaskan cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas. The journey took us from Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, Canada, and it was an unforgettable experience. Our group included three teens and two adults, so we were on the lookout for activities that everyone would enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to cruising, I’ll take you through all the highlights, give you an honest review of the ship, and share some tips on making the most of your Alaska cruise in 2024.
First Impressions of Radiance of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas first launched in 2001 and underwent a major refurbishment in 2016. Although this ship is not one of the newest or biggest ships in Royal Caribbean's lineup, it is a stunning ship with plenty of amenities to keep everyone entertained. This ship is perfect for travelers of all ages, and we definitely all felt right at home. From the moment we boarded, we were impressed by the spaciousness of the ship and the quality of service. One thing that really stood out was the beautiful panoramic windows throughout the ship, giving us incredible views of the Alaskan coastline as we cruised along. The ship itself is large enough to offer a variety of activities, but not too big that it felt overwhelming. The layout of the ship is very easy to learn. With a capacity up to 2,500 passengers, it struck the right balance between offering plenty of options while still feeling intimate.
Our Itinerary: A Journey Through Alaska
We boarded the Radiance of the Seas in Seward, Alaska, which is known for its breathtaking scenery and rugged mountains. Our cruise took us along the stunning coastline of Alaska, with several stops, including Juneau, Ketchikan, and Icy Strait Point, before finishing in Vancouver.
Seward: A Scenic Start
Seward was our port of embarkation, and it set the stage for the incredible views that would follow. We spent several nights here pre-cruise exploring the quaint town and its beautiful surroundings. Seward is home to the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park, and while we would have loved to take one of the full-day cruises to see glaciers and wildlife, our teens had other plans! Instead, we spent a day exploring the Exit Glacier Overlook and hiking the Harding Icefield Trail. Another day, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and visited the Alaska SeaLife Center to see sea otters, harbor seals, puffins, and other marine creatures. Our final day in Seward, before boarding the ship, was the highlight of our entire trip. We took a thrilling helicopter ride to a dog sledding base camp on a glacier. There, we learned about dog sledding, played with adorable Alaskan husky puppies, and even tried dog sledding ourselves!
Hubbard Glacier Day: Awe Inspiring
On our second day at sea, we arrived at the incredible Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America. While we passed on the small-boat excursion, which would have brough us even closer, we couldn’t resist running out to our balconies as the ship approached. The captain announced that he had managed to bring the ship closer than he had in a long time, and we were blown away by the view. The glacier’s massive size and glowing blue ice were absolutely mesmerizing. Bundled up with hot tea, we spent hours out on our balcony soaking in the scenery. Even our teens, who are usually hard to impress, couldn’t stop staring.
Juneau: Nature and Adventure
The next day, we arrived in Juneau, the capital of Alaska, where we had the chance to go on an excursion to visit the Mendenhall Glacier. Juneau’s dramatic landscapes make it one of the top spots for outdoor activities like whale watching, hiking, and, of course, glacier tours. The teens loved getting to hike up close to the Mendenhall Glacier and even getting to hold a small piece of the glacier that had washed ashore! Our tour also took us to the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery. Located just outside of Juneau, this hatchery gave us a chance to learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect and grow the salmon population. The hatchery provides educational displays, guided tours, and an opportunity to watch salmon swimming through the hatchery's viewing windows. We even got to see some sneaky harbor seals, who managed to get themselves into the salmon ladders, helping themselves to some salmon. Before heading back to the ship we headed to the supermarket to pick up some local treats to bring back onboard with us.
Ketchikan: The Rainy City
Known as the "Rainy City," Ketchikan didn’t disappoint in the weather department! While it didn't rain for our visit it was gloomy and damp! We skipped the expensive excursions at this port and took a self guided walking tour through the charming downtown area, filled with totem poles and colorful houses, before stopping by Creek Street, a historic boardwalk once known for its "colorful" past.
Icy Strait Point: A Unique Blend of Tourism and Nature
Icy Strait Point, near Hoonah on Chichagof Island, is a remote Alaskan cruise port blending culture and nature. Owned by the Huna Totem Corporation, it’s built on a former salmon cannery and highlights Tlingit heritage. The vibrant starfish dotting the low-tide rocks set the tone for our visit. We took a nature excursion hoping to spot glacial brown bears, and while they stayed elusive, we learned about Tlingit culture and enjoyed some of the most stunning views of our trip. A perfect mix of beauty and history!
Vancouver: The Grand Finale
Our final stop was Vancouver, and the city certainly lived up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. After spending several days on the ship, it was a great way to wrap up the trip by exploring a bustling city with vibrant culture, outdoor activities, and world-class cuisine. We spent a couple of days touring the city before heading north to Whistler to extend our vacation.
Onboard Fun for All Ages
One of the best aspects of cruising with Royal Caribbean is how they cater to all age groups, making it easy to find activities for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of what we loved the most:
For the Teens
Our three teens (ages 13, 15, and 17) were all excited about different things, and Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas provided something for each of them. My youngest loved the teen club, where he could hang out with other kids his age, play games, and watch movies. All were a fan of the rock climbing wall and mini-golf course.. We spent a lot of time as a family playing basketball on the outdoor courts or relaxing by the pool, even though we thought they felt a bit too cool.
For the Adults
For us adults, there was a nice range of activities. Whether we were enjoying some quiet time in the spa, catching a Broadway-style show in the theater, or dining in one of the ship’s specialty restaurants, we were never bored.
Dining on Radiance of the Seas
One of the things I was most curious about was the food on the ship. We’ve all heard about how cruise food can be hit or miss, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the meals. From buffet-style dining to elegant sit-down meals, there was always something delicious to choose from.
The Bottom Line: A Family Cruise on Radiance of the Seas, Is It Worth It?
Overall, our experience on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas was incredible. From the moment we boarded the ship in Seward to our final day in Vancouver, we had an unforgettable time. The ship offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and fun for everyone in the family. The activities were diverse enough to keep our teens entertained, while we adults were able to unwind and enjoy the amenities.
The service on board was exceptional. The crew was friendly and accommodating, always ready to help. Plus, the ship’s location, along with all the incredible (albeit expensive) shore excursions, made it easy to explore the best of Alaska. Both this ship and itinerary are an ideal choice for families, couples, and anyone looking to explore Alaska in comfort and style. Whether you’re sailing on a one-way trip from Seward to Vancouver or another route, Royal Caribbean has a reputation for delivering high-quality cruises, and this trip certainly lived up to it.
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