Hey Travelers and welcome back to another Travel Blog with The World of Dom. You are probably thinking, Dom where on earth could we be going next? Well lets try something a little new to the blog. Lets embark on a journey that brings non stop fun to the middle of the ocean. I know I know the middle of the ocean? What could I be talking about? Well I'm talking about setting sail on the open water with Carnival Cruise Line, as we board The Carnival Radiance. A 4 Day trip that knows no bounds. Feel the wind race through your hair as we set sail to new horizons. An experience worth feeling, and moments you can only find with Carnival Cruise Line.
The Carnival Radiance, wasn't always the Radiance. What's this mean you ask? Well on December 12th, 2021 was the day The Carnival Radiance was born. This specific ship was formally know as The Carnival Victory, just before the Covid - 19 Pandemic hit the ship was scheduled for a $200 million dollar transformation that was meant to last 38 days. Just days after construction begun the world as we knew it changed in a blink of an eye. Since March 2020 this ship has been out of service. But sure enough like a phoenix from the ashes The Victory rose to become The Radiance. Offering new designs, new experiences, and a whole lot of fun. The ship is now the third Carnival Cruise Line vessel sailing year-round from the famous Long - Beach Port.
Sounds pretty exciting doesn't it? Want to know more? Well come along with me as we escape reality and join the fun. All aboard The Carnival Radiance as The World of Dom sets sail on a journey you wont want to miss
EXPLORING THE SHIP:
Each Carnival Ship has its own unique features and designs. Each ship offers different things, that's what makes each cruise so unique and stand out. One of my favorite things to do when on a cruise is explore the ship. Usually your trip will have some " Fun Day At Sea " days. These are days spent sailing the open ocean. They offer a perfect excuse to really explore each floor and see all the hidden gems around each ship. Sometimes you'll find things you never expected to.
Some of the first places you'll be introduced to is the Carnival Radiance Lobby. This is where you board the ship for the first time. You are introduced to the glowing lights, the shimmer and the sparkle of the ship. The lobby in my opinion is the heart of the ship. Its the starting and ending point of your time with this ship. Take moments to relax in the lobby to sit and enjoy this special spot that is a constant running area. In the lobby you'll find things like guest services, entertainment from time to time, games and trivia, and plenty of people watching. Another area you are introduced to right away is your state room. The Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of different types of rooms, with different price points. I chose the simple option of the interior room. This is typically the cheapest option. HOWEVER don't let that fool you. Its equipped with everything a traveler would need and really offered me a lot of relaxation. Fun Fact this room has NO windows so if you're someone who loves sleeping in totally darkness, this will put you right to sleep. Some other options offer window views from the ship or your own personal balconies. Some rooms also offer more space for bigger groups traveling. Make sure to check out all the room options on your ship before booking to ensure you find the perfect space for you. This is a hotel on the ocean after all.
Roaming the ship really allows you to see some wonderful artwork, if you're someone who appreciates art this is such a fun activity. Another cool thing is some of the art you see is actually available for purchase. Make sure to check your daily schedules to find those opportunities.
The attention to detail in certain areas is just * chefs kiss * Carnival does a great job at helping immerse you into this full blown experience of fun while in the middle of the ocean. Allow yourself to get lost in the spectacle and enjoy your time walking and exploring every inch of the ship you can. It offers things you cant find anywhere other than onboard a Carnival Ship. Take every advantage. PRO TIP: The ship is open all day and night. Activities, Food, Shows etc. are operated on an hour schedule, but the ship itself is not. I love exploring the ship at night once people have went to bed or early morning before they wake. It allows you the freedom to take your time and not be crowded with others.
ACTIVITIES:
The Carnival Motto isn't " Choose Fun " for nothing. That means PLENTY of activities and options of FUN for you and your group to have. Whenever I tell people to try a cruise the first question is always.. well what is there to do? It makes sense, you're in the middle of the ocean on a ship you cant get off you're probably wondering what on earth could they have for me to do. Well let me tell you Carnival offers SO MUCH its almost impossible to accomplish everything on one trip. You'd be surprised just how much fun they can not only physically fit onto a ship, but also how many events can be scheduled for you to partake in.
With activities like Water Slides, Hot Tubs & Pools you are able to unwind and relax or spark up the thrill and have some fun. Maybe you're feeling lucky? Head over to The Arcade or The Casino and play to win. PLAY BIG and you may walk off this ship richer than you entered it.
Maybe you're looking for something really chill and lowkey? Why not catch a Movie Under The Stays and hang out on the deck and watch some of the latest and greatest films up on the big screen. Maybe the chill life isn't for you and you seek out thrills and adventure? Try out The Carnival Radiance Ropes Course. High Above the ocean you can feel the wind blowing as you conquer this Ropes Course.
Calling ALL SHOPPERS, I said... CALLING ALL SHOPPERS please head to Level 5 to shop till you drop. Onboard you'll find some of the biggest brands of luxury. From Jewelry to Fashion, Watches to Perfumes. Souvenirs or toiletries. Candy? Oh everyone loves candy. Trust me the Onboard shops offer plenty of things for people of all ages.
Enjoy things like outdoor sports at the Basketball court, or play a round of oversized chess. You'll also find things like Mini Golf, Outdoor & Indoor gym, spa amenities and much more.
WAIT WAIT, I know lets see a show! Check out The Playlist Productions cast as they give you entertainment you cant get enough of. Each day offers new and exciting shows that you cant see anywhere else. Each day the schedule offers so much more, you could also partake in give always, auctions, BINGO, or test your knowledge with Trivia.
Each day onboard The Carnival Radiance offers something new. The Ship is waiting for you to explore and enjoy. So why not make the most of it? Enjoy all the activities you can while onboard. This ship was designed for fun so lets have some!
FOOD & DRINKS:
Everyone's favorite thing on a cruise is the food, I mean with a list of endless possibilities how could it not be? One thing about The Carnival Radiance is it does NOT disappoint when it comes to the food. With a wide range of options you cant go wrong. Some of the most famous places on the ship include Big Chicken & Guys Burger Joint brought to you by famous chef Guy Fieri. Each offer quick and delicious choice. With stand out selections of food and sauces. The sauce is REAL with they places.
Check out some of the seafood options onboard. We are in the middle of the ocean after all. Wanting something more relaxed check out The Seafood Shack. Or wanting something a little more formal head over to Bonsai Sushi. Each offering up a menu that will please any fish lover out there.
This is the ship of FUN, which means plenty of places and options to drink. With a wide selection of specialty drinks onboard alongside a drinking package will leave you very busy. Check out some of the bars on ship that each offer different environments to fit everyone's needs.
Some of the other food options are the most available to you. Such as the Lido Marketplace. This is where you can find meals buffet style. At select times of the day this is the most available option for each person. Offering a wide selection of foods for each meal period. Another popular option is the Fine Dining that comes along with your cruise package when booking. This is a fine dining experience with plenty of food and multiple courses that will truly wow you. Both options are included in your cruise package price at no additional cost. Make sure to check your schedule for the specific times each place to eat offers. They vary throughout the week.
PRO TIPS:
Booking- www.carnival.com
Carnival App - https://www.carnival.com/shipboard/funhub/funhub-landing
Social Media - https://www.instagram.com/carnival/?hl=en
PRO-TIP #1: Make sure when booking, you take your time to truly book the proper room and excursions you want. Please utilize the amazing website Carnival has created. There are many options like adding services and paying ahead for things. For example I always pay ahead of time to have a case of water bottles delivered to my state room when I arrive so I have some in room water for the week at my easy access.
PRO-TIP #2: Make sure you are reading all info that comes with booking your trip. Such as safety tips and rules/regulations. But above all these forms that youll get with your ticket explain the required documents you will need to bring when cruising. Most cruises do travel outside the United States and requires specific documents. If you do not bring said documents you will not be able to cruise. So make sure to carefully read all info before embarking on your trip.
PRO-Tip #3: SOLO CRUISING, wow let me tell you I have done many of cruises with groups or family. This experience was my first solo experience and it truly offered me a trip to never forget. I was able to really relax and find me time to recharge my batteries. While still having endless amounts of fun. Never be afraid to do things on your own. It offers things to your soul you cant get with people around you. Try it, you'll thank me later.
PRO-TIP #4: The carnival App is your BEST FRIEND. This cruise was my first time having the app and it truly made this experience so much easier. It offers everything you need like full scheduling, a spot to organize the events onboard you specifically are interested in. It allows you to see the times for certain places on board. It offers the ability to purchase shore excursions or things onboard. Virtual ques alongside being able to view your cruising bill. It truly made my life so much easier while cruising and i cant suggest it enough.
PRO-TIP #5: HAVE FUN PERIOD.
So, after all that. I think its time to start thinking about my next cruise. I cant express how much of a joy my time onboard The Carnival Radiance has been. An experience to never forget. If you're looking for a cruise line that will put you first and ensure you have the greatest time check out Carnival Cruise Line. But if you're looking for the right ship to check out first why not make it The Carnival Radiance.
What a year this has been! 2022 is nearing its end but the fun never stops. So like i always say, why be boring when you could be exploring. Cant wait to see where we go to next. See you there!
-Dom