Destination Wollongong looks inside Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas.

It was a chance to take a good look at the cruise ship attracting so much attention for Wollongong.

As soon as our bus turned the corner and Radiance of the Seas came into sight we immediately appreciated the size of the ship that will sail into Port Kembla just after dawn on October 30, 2016.

We could only image what that will be like when Royal Caribbean’s Gavin Smith said he was so excited he was coming to watch as well. He is thinking somewhere near the breakwall will be a great vantage point. He loves Radiance so much he takes his family on a voyage every year.

We saw why as we started our tour. It quickly became obvious this ship is like a floating five star hotel with restaurants, bars and entertainment everywhere.

We were struck by the magnitude of a central feature that made us feel like we were in a giant space station. Every passenger deck was visible up to the main deck with three pools, miniature golf course, basketball court, jogging track and rock climbing wall. On other levels there where many bars and restaurants, theatres, function rooms, a cinema and activity areas.

The main dining room seats 1242 people and there are more than a dozen eateries where food can be ordered by up to 2466 passengers.

The Destination Wollongong team was impressed with the ship and its 894 crew.

Branka Zugnoni has been on cruises before but nothing like this. “I think what they have to offer is lavish. I am stoked they have a basketball court.”

Kate Chapman said it has something for everyone and is excited something new and different is going to be bringing more visitors to Wollongong. Tracey Pascoe has never been on a cruise but is now sold on the idea. “It is all about the pool for me. And I was impressed by choice. The shows sounded pretty good too”.

Melissa Henkelman described it as impressive and an ideal holiday. Jessica Worldon is amazed how much is on one ship. Julie-Anne Francis is thinking about booking a cruise for the first time and Lydia Allen said “there is so much to do, you forget where you are”.

Tabitha Galvin was blown away by the size of Radiance. “It is really exciting to think about what that will look like off the Wollongong coastline”.

Jeremy Wilshire said it will help change the perception of Wollongong. Mark Sleigh said it is stunning to look at Radiance sitting in Sydney Harbour and can’t wait to see it at Port Kembla. “I think it is exciting that an operator of the calibre and scale of Royal Caribbean sees our potential as a tourism destination”.