Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas entered service March 10, 2001 as first of the Radiance class of cruise ships. This somewhat mid-sized ship accommodates up to 2,501 guests and weighs 90,090 gross tons, yet is faster than all the other Royal Caribbean classes of cruise ships with a cruising speed of 25 knots. Radiance of the Seas was the first ship in the Royal Caribbean International fleet equipped with gas turbines; getting you to your destinations faster and producing fewer emissions to the air. Radiance of the Seas, as with the other Radiance class ships, offers more open space, more balconies and the highest percentage of outside cabins in the Royal Caribbean fleet.
Unique features onboard Radiance of the Seas includes the abundance of glass used on the exterior of the ship including glass elevators facing the sea, spanning multiple decks, and the first ever self-leveling pool tables at sea. Radiance of the Seas also offers guests a safari-themed Solarium, a unique British colonial-style lounge, a volleyball/basketball court, and a country club with golf simulator. Guests can choose from alternative restaurants including Chops Grill for a delicious steak and Portofino for Italian food. Royal Caribbean cruises aboard Radiance of the Seas depart from Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia on Alaska cruises, and depart from San Diego, California on Mexico cruises to the Mexican Riviera.