My best friend and I went on this four night cruise just after Labor Day. We did the cruise organized horseback riding in the desert mountains; great views of the bay despite it being very dusty and hot on an early September afternoon. Radiance is definitely a beautiful ship despite being much to easy to get lost or run into dead ends on many decks.
I will be on the same cruise on the Radiance this upcoming Monday, May 23rd. I've been on this 4-day Catalina Island and Ensenada cruise about 6 times before on the old ships, Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination. Both ships are gone but not forgotten.
Inspiration was my ship I booked 3 times. The last time was canceled due to covid. She was so pretty with her green and pink neon lights, and purple tentacle ceilings!
@@jennyd5728 - I paid $100 to have a Covid antigen test at the Carnival Cruise port. After the cruise, I was able to get reimbursed by my Kaiser HMO insurance. Some other passengers took the Covid test 3 days prior to boarding the ship. They brought their results to show Carnival that they tested negative. You can take an antigen test at Walgreens or CVS.
I hope you know that the plane hanging in the dome is a small-scale model of the Spruce Goose...the wing span of the real plane was almost as big as the width of thedome.
Same here Cole! The hubby and I used to take this cruise every year on Inspiration, it was canceled in 2020 and this is our first time back again. We head out on Monday. 🙂
im going on this cruise September 12-16th of this year which will be a in a couple of weeks actually and it'll be my first time on a cruise. My parents and brother are travelling with me and im so excited! Looking forward to seeing Ensenada and the other location. Im just preparing myself lol. I'm usually scared of heights so hopefully it won't be that scary to me lol. Great video!
My husband and I are taking this cruise in the fall for our first Carnival cruise, and I’m a little wary. What is the atmosphere like on board? My preference is Holland America Line cruises, and I do realize that Carnival is going to be very different, which is fine. I’m just nervous about comments online calling Carnival “the Walmart of cruise ships.” Is it really that bad, or is that an exaggeration?
At least on my cruise in May, I felt the energy was a fun-loving crowd. It will be a very different vibe than HAL. I had a great time, and had similar concerns as you!
We just got off a 3 day Radiance and it was a very rough crowd. Weed smoking on the open air decks, a fight in the liquid lounge between the comedian and passengers. The cabin walls must be like paper. You could hear everything in the other cabins. Including loud music and our neighbors having sex. It wasn’t the experience that a 7 day cruise gives you. The poor crew seemed miserable. Lots of people there on the last night yelling at them about their bills. I couldn’t wait to disembark. Carnival was nice for a 7 day. The short cruises I will never do again.
@@breezy270 Yikes. I’m sorry you had such a bad experience. Thankfully, we’ve already changed and are now taking that same cruise with Royal Caribbean instead. I do still have misgivings about taking a short cruise, but hopefully the atmosphere will be better.
Carnival, which actually owns Holland America and several other lines, is much more a party ship and a line which caters to people looking to save money. You will definitely notice Carnival ships focus on making the cruise a party, even in the dining room there is entertainment at later times.
My daughter in-law booked us a cruise as my Christmas/birthday gift, we’re going in May and I’m so excited! My first cruise ever! Do I need a passport for Ensenada Mexico?
im so excited to go! im going on radiance this upcoming july with my family, and if you were to get off the boat at catalina do they require a passport? and for luggage, do you take your stuff with you onto the boat or do the staff take them when you check in?
No passport needs for Catalina- you can either take your luggage with you if it’s small or porters will deliver to your room in the afternoon of the first day!
I’m going on this cruise in January - it’ll be my first ever cruise and I’m so excited! Just wondering, how do you make the reservation to get an early boat to go to Catalina? We want to go shopping there that day and just walk around but I don’t know how to make that reservation. Your video is great - thank you so much!
That is not true. You do need a number to get off the ship. To get on to Catalina. The day before they have the numbers at the coffee shop. You get your number. And the next day they call your number to get on the shuttle. I'm going to be on this Cruise November 28th 2022
There is a $20 shuttle that'll take you to the blowhole. You don't have to do the shore Excursion. just off the ship And they have shuttle buses that will take you there. I do it all the time.. I would never take an Uber down there.
@@pismo_beach_life1780 I did not need a number when I went early in the morning on my voyage. Things can definitely change, as I took my cruise in May 2022.
Very good presentation. Thanks for posting. When in Ensenada, do not go to La Bufadora unless there is a high tide, otherwise you will not see a blowhole splash. Sorry, but many people get disappointed after spending all that money to travel there. Do not engage in sampling booze, they gough prices, and it's cheaper at markets; plus, the best tacos are in the restaurant in the parking lot; do not drink those free samples, too much sugar, high blood pressure, and diabetes warning. You can take a nap on the way there or on the way back. It does stop for Tamales, try the Stand that is yellow in color, we did a taste test; her 's were the best. Enjoy. My 2-cents.
@@JacksonJetsetting Thanks. So, by 11:am you can board and explore the ship? Are amenities open at this time? Are food and water parks a available at this time or do we need to have lunch before boarding?
hi there! most things are free- main dining room, buffet, guy's burgers, blue iguana, portside bbq, shaq's. Steakhouse and select items like bonsai sushi are not free.
Happy to answer! Non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade, tea, coffee, water are free on the buffet and in main dining room. Sodas/specialty coffees/smoothies and alcoholic drinks extra. Spa is typically extra charge but some ships allow for steam room sauna access free. Can't remember on radiance if it was free or not @@simplydonavlogs585
Thanks for the review! I’m going on the Radiance in August for the same itinerary and looking at all videos for it. Is it free for the place you went to in Ensenada to see the water?
Happy to hear that you enjoyed the food and thought it was better than Princess, no less. (I was disappointed by the food on my last Princess cruise so tracks…). I’m sailing Carnival on this ship for the first time this summer. I was worried about the food but looks like I won’t starve. Lol! Great review - thanks.
@@suzette8711 The ship is nice but a little confusing to navigate. I had taken this trip twice before on another ship that was decommissioned. Honestly I found it to be a little boring in some ways. I think it has everything to do with the director. Gabe is nice enough but doesn't really get the party started like NoNo.
@@stezzysteve8903 hi, I had fun except that I was not able to use the jacuzzi because there’s too many people..lol Food is 10/10 for me. The coast was clear last week.
You get what you pay for. Crowd was a bit over the top and it is a weekend booze cruise. The food was disappointing, would not set foot in the swimming pool way to crowded and wild with drunk people everywhere. If you like young kids running wild and 20 and 30 year olds acting like 10 year olds then this cruise is for you. People smoking weed everywhere and blasting rap music on the outdoor balconies and kids running wild at all hours of the the night. First and last time on this cruise. .
If you like this type of content, subscribe to the channel! tiny.cc/jacksonjetsetting
What a really nice tour, thank you for providing this content! Very informative!
Thanks for watching!
Took this ship when it was the Carnival Victory as a 5 night honeymoon cruise to the Caribbean 9 years ago. So much fun! Great memories!
Thanks for watching!
My favorite part of the ship is the Spa! Especially the Thermal Suite. A sauna with an ocean view.😊
i need to spend more time in the spa!
My best friend and I went on this four night cruise just after Labor Day. We did the cruise organized horseback riding in the desert mountains; great views of the bay despite it being very dusty and hot on an early September afternoon. Radiance is definitely a beautiful ship despite being much to easy to get lost or run into dead ends on many decks.
Agreed! Thanks for watching!
I was onboard in April and thoroughly enjoyed this ship! Going back in September.
Great!
Going July! I use to cruise on the inspiration and imagination about 3 times a year for years! Quick trips, looking forward the Radiance!
Have a great time!
Me tooo!
Just curious why not try different ship each time?
Best video of this cruise…super helpful. Thanks so much.
Thanks for watching!
I will be on the same cruise on the Radiance this upcoming Monday, May 23rd. I've been on this 4-day Catalina Island and Ensenada cruise about 6 times before on the old ships, Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination. Both ships are gone but not forgotten.
I was on the Inspiration for my first Carnival cruise!
Inspiration was my ship I booked 3 times. The last time was canceled due to covid. She was so pretty with her green and pink neon lights, and purple tentacle ceilings!
Did you have to do a Covid test a few days before the day is sailing ?
@@jennyd5728 - I paid $100 to have a Covid antigen test at the Carnival Cruise port. After the cruise, I was able to get reimbursed by my Kaiser HMO insurance. Some other passengers took the Covid test 3 days prior to boarding the ship. They brought their results to show Carnival that they tested negative. You can take an antigen test at Walgreens or CVS.
@@jennyd5728 I suggest getting your test done prior to sailing and upload the results to verifly. This cuts down your wait time at port.
I hope you know that the plane hanging in the dome is a small-scale model of the Spruce Goose...the wing span of the real plane was almost as big as the width of thedome.
Yes! Amazing history!
Doing a new years eve 4 day cruise on the Radiance. Can't wait. I feel like it will be more like a big floating party.
Absolutely!
Going july 11th, so excited! Thank you for the tour!
Hope you enjoy it!
As a fellow Texan, thank you for the meh review of the BBQ. I will be a solo passenger this November.
I always have to rate the BBQ! Have a great cruise.
I didn’t think the BBQ was bad on this ship, it wasn’t too smoky or too salty. It’s definitely for the non-Texan palette.
Lol texans always judging bbq i bet yall would bring your smoker if you could 😂 jk guys just joking
Awesome video. My wife and I will be on this weekend. Thank you.
Have an awesome cruise!
@@JacksonJetsetting will do. Thanks.
Great review my wife and I will be on in a few days. We’ve sailed out of Long Beach a lot but new on the Radiance so cool to see.
Thanks for watching!
Same here Cole! The hubby and I used to take this cruise every year on Inspiration, it was canceled in 2020 and this is our first time back again. We head out on Monday. 🙂
@@kristinamclaughlin4674 have fun!
@@JacksonJetsetting Thank you! 😊
Going in Sept for the 3 day to Ensanada from Long beach. Will be my third one of the three dayers from Long island but first time on Radiance.
Have fun!
We will be taking this cruise next month. We were visiting Las Vegas last April and we ate at the Hussongs restaurant.
Awesome, the original is way cooler!
@@JacksonJetsetting I will have try it out when we are in Ensenada
I enjoyed uour video! Thank you for sharing!! I hit the subscribe button 😊
Thank you!
Nice review I’m taking it to Hawaii in October. I noticed you thought the food was better on the ship then Princess, that’s a surprise.
I was very surprised as well.
Great Video
Thanks for watching!
I am from Ensenada. Thanks for your nice video. Regards. God bless you
Thanks for watching!
Going June 20th super excited!
Have fun!
I am going to go on Feb 23 , they don’t need covid test now , thanks for your sharing ❤
Have fun!
Thank you i cant wait for my trip 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Have fun!
im going on this cruise September 12-16th of this year which will be a in a couple of weeks actually and it'll be my first time on a cruise. My parents and brother are travelling with me and im so excited! Looking forward to seeing Ensenada and the other location. Im just preparing myself lol. I'm usually scared of heights so hopefully it won't be that scary to me lol. Great video!
Thanks for watching and have a great cruise!
@@JacksonJetsetting thank u!
Great video!!!! Great commentary!! Thanks!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Is Shaqs big chicken included in the ticket price or is it an extra charge?
Free!
Very entertaining, thanks for all the info
Thanks for watching! Hope you’re setting sail soon!
My husband and I are taking this cruise in the fall for our first Carnival cruise, and I’m a little wary. What is the atmosphere like on board? My preference is Holland America Line cruises, and I do realize that Carnival is going to be very different, which is fine. I’m just nervous about comments online calling Carnival “the Walmart of cruise ships.” Is it really that bad, or is that an exaggeration?
At least on my cruise in May, I felt the energy was a fun-loving crowd. It will be a very different vibe than HAL. I had a great time, and had similar concerns as you!
We just got off a 3 day Radiance and it was a very rough crowd. Weed smoking on the open air decks, a fight in the liquid lounge between the comedian and passengers. The cabin walls must be like paper. You could hear everything in the other cabins. Including loud music and our neighbors having sex. It wasn’t the experience that a 7 day cruise gives you. The poor crew seemed miserable. Lots of people there on the last night yelling at them about their bills.
I couldn’t wait to disembark. Carnival was nice for a 7 day. The short cruises I will never do again.
@@breezy270 Yikes. I’m sorry you had such a bad experience. Thankfully, we’ve already changed and are now taking that same cruise with Royal Caribbean instead. I do still have misgivings about taking a short cruise, but hopefully the atmosphere will be better.
@@breezy270 that sounds rough!
Carnival, which actually owns Holland America and several other lines, is much more a party ship and a line which caters to people looking to save money. You will definitely notice Carnival ships focus on making the cruise a party, even in the dining room there is entertainment at later times.
My daughter in-law booked us a cruise as my Christmas/birthday gift, we’re going in May and I’m so excited! My first cruise ever! Do I need a passport for Ensenada Mexico?
Hey Veronica! Check with your cruise line, but if you have a birth certificate and state ID, that's usually enough to sail from US ports.
Hey sir I noticed you went in may! I am going on my first cruise this may with my wife and 2 children so I was curious was it busy in may!?
last year was a weird year with the re-opening of cruising. I'd expect it to be busy!
@@JacksonJetsetting being a introvert that makes me a little anxious 😂 but I look forward to it regardless.
Thanks for taking the time out to respond
im so excited to go! im going on radiance this upcoming july with my family, and if you were to get off the boat at catalina do they require a passport? and for luggage, do you take your stuff with you onto the boat or do the staff take them when you check in?
No passport needs for Catalina- you can either take your luggage with you if it’s small or porters will deliver to your room in the afternoon of the first day!
No passport for Catalina. When you arrive at the port, you can give your luggage to a porter.
I’m going on this cruise in January - it’ll be my first ever cruise and I’m so excited! Just wondering, how do you make the reservation to get an early boat to go to Catalina? We want to go shopping there that day and just walk around but I don’t know how to make that reservation.
Your video is great - thank you so much!
Hey there! No need for reservations. The early boats were first come first serve.
That is not true. You do need a number to get off the ship. To get on to Catalina. The day before they have the numbers at the coffee shop. You get your number. And the next day they call your number to get on the shuttle. I'm going to be on this Cruise November 28th 2022
There is a $20 shuttle that'll take you to the blowhole.
You don't have to do the shore Excursion.
just off the ship And they have shuttle buses that will take you there. I do it all the time..
I would never take an Uber down there.
@@pismo_beach_life1780 thanks for your tips :)
@@pismo_beach_life1780 I did not need a number when I went early in the morning on my voyage. Things can definitely change, as I took my cruise in May 2022.
"Pig and Anchor" BBQ. Great Video.
Thanks!
Catalina has a neat museum on Metropole St.
Thanks for the tip!
Great video, thank you
Thanks for watching!
The hamburgers are sooooo good💖You are right I ate them everyday. 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔Dion is amazing 💙💙💙💙💙
Surprised me!
Very good presentation. Thanks for posting. When in Ensenada, do not go to La Bufadora unless there is a high tide, otherwise you will not see a blowhole splash. Sorry, but many people get disappointed after spending all that money to travel there. Do not engage in sampling booze, they gough prices, and it's cheaper at markets; plus, the best tacos are in the restaurant in the parking lot; do not drink those free samples, too much sugar, high blood pressure, and diabetes warning. You can take a nap on the way there or on the way back. It does stop for Tamales, try the Stand that is yellow in color, we did a taste test; her 's were the best. Enjoy. My 2-cents.
Thanks!
Hey so my mother in law is going with us in her scooter does the transport to the boat accommodate wheelchairs?
Yes it does. But only certain ones. Please contact carnival for specifics!
Nice video. Did I hear 10:30am check in? I will be driving from San Diego and just wanted to get an idea how early or late can we check in.
Yes that’s when I checked in but the ship probably won’t start hoarding until after 11
@@JacksonJetsetting Thanks. So, by 11:am you can board and explore the ship? Are amenities open at this time? Are food and water parks a available at this time or do we need to have lunch before boarding?
@@diymanual yes, usually around that time- many amenities are open! Especially lunch!
@@JacksonJetsetting cool. Thanks.
did you have any ideas of what do to in port? we don't need to book an excursion. We can cruise or get taxis or walk...love any ideas or tips
Have you seen my Ensenada port video on my channel? Some ideas there!
Thank you for your video, and where can we park our car?
There are parking lots at the port!
Is this the trip you did the Radiance and then the Navigator back to back? If so, how did the two stack up?
I would say that the Navigator is a much better ship. That being said, Radiance was a good deal so it's really what brand you prefer more.
Would you say this cruise is family friendly?
Yes, but late night it can get rowdy
Does the carnival radiance make their food with peanut oil? My son has a nut allergy
I would reach out to them!
Hello,
Are foods part of the package or do we need to
Pay everytime we eat? And what kind of foods are free ? Thankyou
hi there! most things are free- main dining room, buffet, guy's burgers, blue iguana, portside bbq, shaq's. Steakhouse and select items like bonsai sushi are not free.
@@JacksonJetsetting I see. How about the drinks? And the use of the spa? Sorry got a lot of questions..thank you for your answers and this video.
Happy to answer! Non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade, tea, coffee, water are free on the buffet and in main dining room. Sodas/specialty coffees/smoothies and alcoholic drinks extra. Spa is typically extra charge but some ships allow for steam room sauna access free. Can't remember on radiance if it was free or not
@@simplydonavlogs585
Great video
Thanks!
Did you look on line for this cruise to make reservations? I’ve never done that cruise without going on with a group. Just wondering.
I’m a travel agent, so I booked through my channels online!
@@JacksonJetsetting Any recommendations for first timer traveling alone?
Thanks for the review! I’m going on the Radiance in August for the same itinerary and looking at all videos for it. Is it free for the place you went to in Ensenada to see the water?
Free to enter but costs to get there!
Did you test COVID-19 before you get on the ship? Thank you very much
Yes you have to to get on board
is it better to Uber or drive our own car?
I would Uber
Going on radiance next month- is this a good place for singles?
All cruises are!
Did they sell Radiance T-shirts? Ship models?
Yes
As a first time cruiser is the stuff thats a upsale clearly marked im taking my kids and worried about a surprise bill cause " they didnt know"
One hundred percent!
@@JacksonJetsetting well I leave Monday so I appreciate it
What time you get line go on a ship.
It was 10:30?
I got in line at 9:30
Are the cabin walls magnetic on Radiance?
Not the walls, but doors, yes!
I hope someone can answer my question. Where can we park our car within the port? Is it near and how much?
There’s a parking garage that might fill up next to port or lots of garages in downtown Long Beach!
@@JacksonJetsetting thank u
What time did you depart the boat on the last day?
I got off early, around 7:30 AM
Can 3 adults stay in an inside cabin?
Yes!
How was the waves ? Had a bad experience in the ocean plan to take kids but scared
Didn't jump in the water here!
Do you have to pay for the drink (soda, juice, water...)?
Soda and juice and bottled water, yes. Tap water ice tea lemonade and drip coffee is free
I was on the ship
Fun time!
Happy to hear that you enjoyed the food and thought it was better than Princess, no less. (I was disappointed by the food on my last Princess cruise so tracks…).
I’m sailing Carnival on this ship for the first time this summer. I was worried about the food but looks like I won’t starve. Lol! Great review - thanks.
No problem- hope you have a great time!
Going this Monday.
should be some fun sailing!
@@JacksonJetsetting Agreed! 🙂
How was it? Planning on going this month
@@suzette8711 The ship is nice but a little confusing to navigate. I had taken this trip twice before on another ship that was decommissioned. Honestly I found it to be a little boring in some ways. I think it has everything to do with the director. Gabe is nice enough but doesn't really get the party started like NoNo.
@@kristinamclaughlin4674 Aw, sorry to hear that. In what ways was it boring?
Do they have anything for 18 year olds?
They usually have some 18-20 get together
Was deck 1 noisy?
It wasn't bad!
What kind of cabin is this one you booked ?
inside cabin
Is this good for kids? Thinking about taking kids on our first cruise.
Great for kids- great water slides!
@@JacksonJetsetting thank you
My kids loved it ..dancing for teens.
Good camera work
Thank you!
Wait are Covid 19 tests still required for this cruise!?!?!
Not anymore
@@JacksonJetsetting Also We have a suite, so do we get priority embarkation on day 1?
@@NightstalkerX5 yes!
Did you eat at Shaq's big chicken at all?
Yes, great place! Good chicken biscuit in the morning and fried chicken for lunch
Question, do we need a passport or is state ID and birth certificate ok?
Double check with your cruise line, but state ID and birth certificate (certified or original) typically would work
@@JacksonJetsetting state id is a drivers license?
@@RACERMIMI1320 exactly
He's really negative about the blowhole. It is a lot of fun to go down there especially if you want to get souvenirs and stuff.
I thought it was very touristy but worth doing once!
What do you guys take to not get sea sick ????
I don’t get seasick- one of the lucky ones!
@@JacksonJetsetting yeah I don’t want to risk it
Try Dramamine..it will be my first time to cruise this Sept 30, same route. Hopefully it works😅
@@genc8165 how’d it go ????
@@stezzysteve8903 hi, I had fun except that I was not able to use the jacuzzi because there’s too many people..lol
Food is 10/10 for me. The coast was clear last week.
How do you pay tips?
It’s charged to your stateroom
@@JacksonJetsetting so they charge everyone right off the back?
@@feuyfeuysaechao1853 it's a standard tip, charged per night. Very reasonable!
I listen and you say you did test Covid-19’s
Yep
Going sept 26🎉
have a blast!
@@JacksonJetsetting thank you!! Any advise for a first timer 😌
@@michellemiller8512 Take advantage of the happy hours on board!
I want full ship tour of msc armonia , and aida cruise ships
Haven’t been on those yet!
You get what you pay for. Crowd was a bit over the top and it is a weekend booze cruise. The food was disappointing, would not set foot in the swimming pool way to crowded and wild with drunk people everywhere. If you like young kids running wild and 20 and 30 year olds acting like 10 year olds then this cruise is for you. People smoking weed everywhere and blasting rap music on the outdoor balconies and kids running wild at all hours of the the night. First and last time on this cruise. .
Sorry to hear!
😮
😂😂
CA❤
yep!