Radiance-class cruise ship

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 of the Seas
Class overview
Builders:	Meyer Werft
Operators:	Royal Caribbean International
Preceded by:	Voyager class
Succeeded by:	Freedom class
Built:	2001–2004
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

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.[1] 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 3 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).[2]

Ships

Ship	Year built	Entered service with Royal Caribbean	Notes	Image
Radiance of the Seas	2001	March 10, 2001
Brilliance of the Seas	2002	July 19, 2002
Serenade of the Seas	2003	August 1, 2003
Jewel of the Seas	2004	May 8, 2004

Similar ships

• Spirit class - a similar class of Panamax ships operated by Carnival Cruise Lines and Costa Cruises.
• MV Arcadia - a similar Panamax ship operated by P&O Cruises.
• MS Queen Victoria - a similar Panamax sized ship operated by Cunard Line.
• Vista class - a similar class of Panamax ships operated by Holland America Line
• Signature-class cruise ship - a similar class of Panamax ships operated by Holland America Line
• Coral Princess and Island Princess - A similar set of Panamax ships operated by Princess Cruises
• Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa - A set of Panamax ships operated by Costa Cruises derived from the Spirit and Vista-class designs.

References