The pools on Rhapsody of the Seas. Image Courtesy of caribbean-cruises-report.info.
Royal Caribbean’s most up to date Hawaii cruises
Royal Caribbean is known among cruise-goers as one of the absolute best cruise lines available. Even when my husband and I sailed on Princess, we heard again and again how much better Royal Caribbean was (especially the food). Don’t get me wrong; sailing with Princess was an amazing experience and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I honestly have a hard time imagining how it could have been any better!
Unlike Princess and most of the other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of options for those interested in heading to Hawaii. There are currently two ships sailing to Hawaii: Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas. Whichever one you choose, you will be guaranteeing yourselves an experience of a lifetime. But since you do have an option, you may as well compare the two!
| Ship Features | Radiance of the Seas | Rhapsody of the Seas |
| Overall theme |
Open/airy/glass windows throughout |
Artistic; themed bars and lounges |
| Sports Bar? |
Yes |
No |
| Rock Climbing Wall? |
Yes |
Yes |
| Number of Pools |
1 |
2 |
| Maiden Voyage |
March 10, 2001 |
May 19, 1997 |
| Decks |
12 |
11 |
| Crew |
859 |
765 |
| Passengers |
2,112 |
1,998 |
| % of outside cabins w/ balconies |
~71% |
~40% |
The other amenities and features are near identical; both ships feature the same spa service, dining rooms, dining options, exercise room, lounges, cabins, etc. The main difference between the two ships is the “feel.” Radiance is for those who want to experience the beauty of the ocean and their destinations as much as possible. Rhapsody is for those who want to experience as much as they can, possibly doing and seeing different things each day, as Rhapsody features some very unique design and artwork throughout the ship. Not that Radiance doesn’t have amazing aesthetics as well; glass is elegantly used throughout every design on Radiance, purposely crafted to impress every guest.
Now, on to the voyages! None of the cruises that Royal Caribbean offer are round-trip as they either begin or end in Vancouver/Honolulu. Depending upon your ship of choice and your departure point, your trip will last between 11 and 13 days.
For example, if you choose to sail on the Radiance of the Seas, departing from Vancouver, British Columbia and arriving at the end of your trip in Honolulu, you will have sailed for 11 nights. All choices have at least these ports of call: Kona (on The Big Island), Kauai and Maui.
The only cruise that lasts for 13 nights sails on the Rhapsody of the Seas, departing from Honolulu and arriving at Vancouver. Why 13 days? Right before disembarking at Vancouver, you will make a stop in Seattle, Washington. Of course, this cruise is quite a bit more expensive than the other choices.
Helpful links:
Current Hawaii cruises with Royal Caribbean
CruiseCritic.com review of Radiance of the Seas
CruiseCritic.com review of Rhapsody of the Seas
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