 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2016) |
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | Meyer Werft |
| Operators | Royal Caribbean International |
| Preceded by | Voyager class |
| Succeeded by | Freedom class |
| Built | 1998[1]–2004 |
| In service | 2001–present |
| Planned | 4 |
| Completed | 4 |
| Active | 4 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Cruise ship |
| Tonnage | 90,090 GT |
| Length | 962 ft (293 m) |
| Beam | 105.6 ft (32.2 m) |
| Draft | 26.7 ft (8.1 m) |
| Decks | 12 |
| Installed power | Gas turbines |
| Speed | 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph) |
| Capacity | 2,501 passengers |
| Crew | 859 |
The Radiance class is a class of four cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean built between 2001 and 2004 at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The class was preceded by the Voyager class and succeeded by the Freedom class.
Radiance-class ships have a gross tonnage of 90,090, being smaller than the preceding Voyager class. Built for cruising in cooler climates, this class differs in design from the Voyager and Freedom classes, and some aspects influenced the Quantum class.[2] The Radiance class is built to Panamax form factor, allowing them to pass through the Panama Canal. The power plant on all ships consists of environmentally friendlier but less fuel efficient gas turbines.
The Radiance-class ships have over three acres (12,000 m2) of glass, glass exterior viewing elevators, over 700 balcony staterooms, two-level glass windowed dining rooms, alternative restaurants, a retractable glass roof over a pool, an outdoor pool, as well as the first self-leveling billiard tables at sea. During their refurbishment, the ships of this class have been refitted to incorporate the "Centrum Wow" events, which transformed the multi-level atrium into vertical theater for aerialists (aerial gymnasts).[3] Two more ships of the class were cancelled.[4][5][6]
Radiance-class ships have been plagued with propulsion issues, specifically impacting multiple cruises in September 2023 on Radiance of the Seas[7] and in March and April 2024 on Brilliance of the Seas.[8] No cause of the repeated mechanical failures have been announced on the 20+-year-old ships.
In April 2024 Radiance of the Seas suffered additional propulsion issues impacting multiple sailings, skipping a port on one sailing, and postponing departure of another before finally canceling the cruise all together. No cause of the issues plaguing the ship for the second time in twelve months were released and passengers were compensated for the two day cruise that never left port. Many were left frustrated back the lack of communication from Royal Caribbean.[9]
- ^ "DNV: Radiance of the Seas". Retrieved 2022-12-24.
- ^ "Anthem of the Seas, Review". 15 May 2015.
- ^ http://www.royalcaribbean.com/connect/flying-high-above-the-sea-in-the-centrum-wow-performances/[dead link]
- ^ "Meyer Werft unterzeichnet Vorverträge" [Meyer Werft signs preliminary contracts] (Press release) (in German). Meyer Werft. 15 November 1999. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
- ^ "NCL bestellt zwei Luxusliner" [NCL orders two luxury liners] (Press release) (in German). Meyer Werft. 22 September 2003. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
- ^ "Kiellegung Jewel of the Seas" [Keel laying Jewel of the Seas] (Press release) (in German). Meyer Werft. 11 November 2002. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
- ^ "Royal Caribbean Cancels Cruises Onboard Radiance of the Seas". Cruise Industry News. 6 September 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
- ^ "Royal Caribbean cancels Australia cruise last minute due to propulsion problem". Royal Caribbean Blog. 23 March 2024. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
- ^ "A cruise to nowhere: Royal Caribbean sailing canceled after guests boarded". USA Today. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.