Scoreboard Sports Bar

Interior of the Scoreboard Sports Bar

Escalating to deck six outside of the Aurora Theatre will bring one to some of the most well-traveled areas aboard Radiance of the Seas.  Popular among many new ships in the industry today is the concept of a sports bar, sometimes incorporated into the casino.  The Scoreboard sports bar certainly fits the bill and appeals to the senses of any type of sports fan with its multitude of video monitors.  The circular bar with prime views of the ongoing game coverage certainly makes both the guest and the bartender quite content.

Interior of Casino Royale

Entrance to Casino Royale
Carrying on the traditional name from the very beginning of Royal Caribbean's cruising experience, Casino Royale comes next in an explorer's tour of the Radiance.  Decked out with a bright palette of lavenders, the casino hosts an extensive variety of gaming to appeal to any level of gambler.  On this particular voyage, the casino hours were quite limited with the times that we entered and departed United States waters.  As with other onboard venues, Casino Royal opens aft to the Centrum and allows you to explore other interesting facets aboard.
Entrance to the Schooner Bar

Entrance to the Schooner Bar
Another Royal Caribbean tradition greets guest heading aft, the Champagne Bar.  I, along with my family, had the opportunity to enjoy a Kir Royale here on the final evening of the voyage to toast the splendid sailing.  As I have stated in my other reviews of Royal Caribbean ships, the Schooner Bar has remained a personal favorite in my eyes no matter what the size of the ship is.  That aboard the Radiance is certainly no exception.  The entrance to the Schooner Bar is particular impressive with sweeping vertical beams to create the feeling as if you are aboard a boat fighting fierce seas.  Maintaining a rustic scent and nautical appeal, the Schooner Bar offers the perfect environment for a good drink and great conversation.
The Colony Club Entrance With entrances nestled within the Schooner Bar, Chops Grille and Portofino offer guests a gateway to an alternative dining experience.  These venues are by reservation only and are quite limited; guests are advised to book as early as possible.  A just reward for walking the entire length of the ship is the impressive Colony Club.  In my eyes, this is one of the most beautiful public areas on any ship at sea.
Colony Club Foyer
Colony Club Foyer

the Colony Club Main Lounge
The Colony Club
The Colony Club is crafted with heavy, dark woods throughout and retains a taste of cultural India as the names of the divided gathering places therein suggest.  Gaming in the Bombay Billiard Club proved popular on this particular voyage.  The billiard tables are self-leveling for times while the ship is in rougher seas.  Detailed furniture with lush design patterns adorn the Colony Club and make any spot an attractive place to relax.  This lounge is quite multi-faceted for entertainment purposes with three whimsical venues : Jakarta Lounge, Singapore Sling's, and Calcutta Card Club.  Most guests are unable to distinguish their unique identities, however, with such small placards indicating them.
Calcutta Card Club
Calcutta Card Club

«Singing Captain» Kent Ringborn
Singing Captain Kent Ringborn
Many guests are treated to the décor herein with the multitude of activities and events occurring.  Events such as Bingo, the Quest, and dance classes all take place here.  One of the most popular events on any voyage, perhaps, is the Captain's Welcome Aboard Reception.  The elegance of the Colony Club certainly complimented the formal aura and the entertainment by Midnight Oasis.  Captain Kent Ringborn, always having been known as "The Singing Captain", lived up to his reputation by performing "Welcome to Our World".  It was a wonderful rendition and received resoundingly positive feedback from the audience.
the Krooz Komics
Radiance's Krooz Komics

The Captain's Officers

Another entertainment entity on board this voyage was the duo "Krooz Komics".  I had previously heard about their appearance on the Voyager-class ships of the fleet.  While I have heard varying reviews of their product on other ships, this particular couple had us laughing constantly.  At this particular event they played clumsy, intoxicated attendees constantly tripping, sipping, and pole-dancing.  While select guests did not find them amusing, I was thoroughly entertained.

In traditional style, Capt. Ringborn introduced his compliment of officers.  This voyage was intriguing to me as I was able to reunite with many staff whom I had previously worked with when I was at sea.  Naming only a few : General Manager Laila Hassan Britos, Cruise Director Ken Rush, Assistant Cruise Director Jill Tasker, Art Auctioneer Robert Begin.  Although this three-day voyage kept the staff busy, it was nice to catch up with some of them and share past experiences.

Jill Tasker and I
Jill Tasker and I

the Yacht Club
The Yacht Club

All in all, the Colony Club is a delight to explore and enjoy any time of the day.

As one proceeds to dinner from the cocktail reception, he or she can enjoy the music and overall aura of the nautical Schooner Bar and enjoy a long-time cruising tradition : people-watching.  Overall, traffic flow throughout the ship is manageable.  As with other ships in the fleet, crowding around the Centrum around dinner times proves quite tedious as guests queue to enter Cascades Dining Room.

Reflecting the design of the Vision class ships, one finds many alcoves that branch off of the Centrum such as the library, yacht club, and concierge club.  My family and I particularly enjoyed the concierge club as being a refreshing new concept for Royal Caribbean's fleet.  Serving those guests with ten-plus voyages completed, the concierge club supplies complimentary beverages, cocktails, hors d'oeurves, and enjoyable sea views.

ShipShape Spa

The Solarium 1

Deck eleven is a dynamic liaison of all that is enjoyable both indoors and outdoors.  As one proceeds aft from the forward-most point of the deck, he or she will discover the expansive ShipShape Spa which houses extensive salon facilities and a state-of-the-art gymnasium.  Fitness classes also take place here such as aerobics and spinning.

Opposite of the location on Vision class ships, the Solarium is located just aft of the ShipShape spa.  Sporting an African theme, the Solarium is an artistic marvel with foliage and life-sized animal statues.  An audio background (i.e. crickets) compliments the surroundings to really make one feel as if he/she were really in a far, far away land.
The Solarium 2

The Solarium 3

The Solarium 4

The Solarium 5

Entrance to Windjammer Café In order to reach one of the most popular places for guests, invariably, one will pass outdoors through the pool area.  The art and structures around the pool facilities create a mood that many of the Celebrity ships do by means of stark primary colors and vivid design.  The popular place to which guests are fleeing is certainly the Windjammer Café.   While I typically focus little on dining areas in my ship critiques, the Windjammer aboard the Radiance of the Seas deserves some attention.
Windjammer Café 2

Windjammer Café 3
One of the most noticeable improvements on this class of ship for Royal Caribbean is the functional use of stations.  The stations are organized with excellent flow in mind as they are separated enough to disperse guests during peak  usage while making all courses within easy reach.  One of my favorites is the omelet station and the chef was quick and efficient in serving those who happen to share my view.  The predominant theme , of course, is very nautical with blues and woods throughout.  Finding a table proved to be effortless save peak traffic times.
The Seaview Café A well hidden alcove to alleviate the challenge of finding a table is the outdoor seating area of the Windjammer completely aft on deck eleven.  If the Windjammer doesn't completely satisfy one's desire for choice, the Seaview Café directly above might fit the bill.  The Seaview Café serves up made-to-order delights complimentary.  Beverages and milk shakes are an additional cost.
The Country Club Rounding around the aft end of deck twelve, one will approach the Country Club.  This is a charming venue providing services for the miniature golf course "Fairways of Radiance" outdoors and the golf simulator.  The Country Club elicits a feeling of adventure and very appropriately prepares the guest for the sport activities to come proceeding forward.

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