Discovering the Carnival Radiance: A Cruise Site Inspection Experience


As a travel agent specializing in cruise vacations, I recently had the opportunity to explore the Carnival Radiance during a site inspection. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific  Ocean in Long Beach, California, the Radiance promises an unforgettable experience for cruisers of all ages. Here’s my day aboard this magnificent ship! 

Upon boarding, I was greeted by a lively atmosphere filled with vibrant colors and cheerful music. The ship's décor is a celebration of fun and relaxation, with bright colors you could tell it would be a fun time as a guest here. The crew was friendly, welcoming, and professional. 

A highlight was touring the various decks and seeing the different staterooms.  My favorite was the captain’s cabin which had a floor to ceiling window.  There was also another stateroom with a wrap-around balcony.  Even the interior rooms were comfortable. The ship also has multiple pools, including the popular Beach Pool with waterslide. It was raining during my visit so we weren’t on the outdoor desks as much as I would have liked.

However, I did escape to get a glimpse of the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat with plush loungers and a chill vibe. This area is perfect for anyone wanting to relax away from the hustle and bustle. 

The Cloud 9 Spa was one of my favorite stops on the tour. The spa manager, Miranda greeted our group and along with her crew showed us around. This serene retreat offers a range of treatments, from massages to facials, ensuring guests leave feeling rejuvenated. The thermal suite, with its saunas and steam rooms, is perfect for those who wish to unwind in style. I loved the lavender aromatherapy room. I could have easily spent all day there. 

The Carnival Radiance features a variety of entertainment options for their guests. I was impressed with the main theater, which hosts Broadway-style shows and live music performances. They even had a casino. I wanted to try my hand at the slot machines but we only had time to walk through.

On my visit, it became clear that the Carnival Radiance is designed with families in mind. The Camp Ocean program offers supervised activities for kids aged 2-11, ensuring they have a blast while parents enjoy adult-only spaces. The teens can hang out at the Club O2 lounge, engaging in fun activities like arts and crafts and video games and Connect Four, my son’s favorite, while making new friends.

No cruise experience is complete without indulging in delicious food, and the Carnival Radiance did not disappoint. Our lunch was delicious. I had the stuffed mushrooms for my appetizer, filet mignon with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies for my entree and cheese cake for dessert. The food came out quicker than expected and the dining room atmosphere was elegant yet comfortable. There are other dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants on board as well. 

I enjoyed my site inspection of the Carnival Radiance - a cruise ship that truly embodies fun, relaxation, and adventure. With its comfortable staterooms, serene wellness spaces, vibrant entertainment, family-friendly amenities and diverse dining options it's no wonder that travelers are eager to set sail on this beautiful vessel.

If you're considering a cruise vacation, the Carnival Radiance is a fantastic option for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Let me help you book an unforgettable journey on this radiant cruise ship—your tropical paradise awaits! 🌊🚢✨

The One Thing I Recommend the Most for Traveling Families

The One Thing I Recommend the Most for Traveling Families
Traveling as a single mom can be challenging to say the least. After the packing and planning of the trip the day and time arrives to go to the airport.  Navigating through airport security with young children in tow can be daunting. However, there is a solution that can make your journey smoother and more efficient - TSA PreCheck. In my opinion, it is the best travel investment for families with young children. 

TSA PreCheck allows you to breeze through security checkpoints without having to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids (got a water bottle through even), belts, and light jackets. This means less time spent in line and more time to focus on keeping your children entertained and comfortable during the travel process.

As a single mom, managing your children's needs while juggling luggage and documents can be overwhelming. With TSA PreCheck, you can eliminate the hassle of unpacking and repacking your belongings at security checkpoints, reducing stress and making your travel experience more enjoyable. In fact, before I had TSA PreCheck, my ipad was stolen in the security line because we had to take our devices.  The gentleman behind us saw an opportunity to grab it when we weren’t looking and I had to call security who then tracked him down. He had boarded a plane to Seattle.

TSA PreCheck not only benefits you on all your travels, but when the tickets booked include you children under 12, they get the benefits of precheck as well.  They can accompany you through the expedited security lanes, making the entire process more convenient for your family and saves so much time.  

While TSA PreCheck requires an initial investment of $80, the time and stress saved during each trip can quickly outweigh the cost. Additionally, many credit cards and travel rewards programs offer reimbursement for TSA PreCheck enrollment fees, making it a cost-effective solution for frequent travelers. If you plan to travel internationally, there is the Global Entry option for only $20 or so more which saves so much time going through customs. 

In conclusion, TSA PreCheck is a valuable travel investment for single moms looking to streamline their airport experience and make traveling with children more manageable. By enrolling in TSA PreCheck, you can enjoy time-saving convenience, stress-free travel, family-friendly benefits, and a cost-effective solution for your future trips. Make the smart choice and invest in TSA PreCheck for a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience with your family and focus more on the memories being made than the stress of going through airport security. 

Here’s the link to apply.  Happy Travels!