Radiance class · Royal Caribbean · In service since 2001

Radiance of the Seas

Radiance of the Seas is a Radiance class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean, in service since 2001. At about 90,090 gross tons and ranks #23 by size in the 30-ship Royal Caribbean fleet we cover.

90,090 gross tons
962 ft long

Photo: Fletcher6, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
Ship class: Radiance class
Entered service: 2001 (25 years ago)
Gross tonnage: 90,090
Length: 962 ft (293.2 m)
Speed: 25 knots
Builder: Meyer Werft
Flag: The Bahamas
IMO number: 9195195

About Radiance of the Seas

Radiance of the Seas started Royal Caribbean’s Radiance class in 2001, a group of glass-heavy ships designed to bring the sea inside. Elevators glide up the outer wall of the Centrum atrium facing the ocean, and windows wrap most of the public rooms. That design is why Radiance has spent many summers in Alaska, where scenery matters more than waterslides. It is smaller and quieter than the line’s mega-ships, with a Solarium pool under a retractable roof and a rock-climbing wall rather than big thrill rides. Choose it for classic Royal Caribbean service at a manageable size.

Best for: Scenery-focused cruisers, especially in Alaska, who want a calmer mid-size ship with lots of glass.

Radiance of the Seas highlights

Glass elevators facing the sea in the Centrum atrium
Solarium, an adults-only pool under a retractable glass roof
Floor-to-ceiling windows in many lounges, great for Alaska scenery
Rock-climbing wall and mini-golf
Chops Grille steakhouse

How Radiance of the Seas compares in size

Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.

Radiance class sister ships

Sailing with Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is the big-ship, high-activity line: surf simulators, water slides, ice rinks and Broadway shows on some of the largest cruise ships ever built. It suits families, groups and active couples who want a floating resort and a private-island beach day, and it’s less suited to anyone who wants quiet, small ships or an all-inclusive fare.

Read our full Royal Caribbean guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →

Where Royal Caribbean sails

Radiance of the Seas FAQs

How big is Radiance of the Seas?

Radiance of the Seas measures about 90,090 gross tons and is about 962 feet (293 m) long. That makes it #23 of 30 Royal Caribbean ships we cover by tonnage, and #146 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.

When was Radiance of the Seas built?

Radiance of the Seas entered service in 2001 and was built by Meyer Werft. Older ships are often refurbished, so ask about recent upgrades when you compare sailings.

What class of ship is Radiance of the Seas?

Radiance of the Seas belongs to Royal Caribbean's Radiance class, alongside Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.

Is Radiance of the Seas good for families?

Kids are a core audience. Adventure Ocean runs supervised, age-grouped programs for children 3 to 12 (with group babysitting late in the evening for a fee), and teen clubs give 12- to 17-year-olds their own lounge and activities. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Radiance of the Seas offers for your kids' ages.

Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.

Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Royal Caribbean official site.