Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas. Built in 2003, Serenade has a passenger capacity of 2501 passengers. Part of Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class of ships, this ship is smaller than the Monarch of the Seas (2744 passenger) and much smaller than the fleet's Freedom class of ships(4370 passengers). Guests were happily awaiting a 15 night Hawaii cruise that departed from the Port of San Pedro. I started my self-guided tour with the Staterooms, starting from the inside category to the Deluxe Suite category. Even though boarding was permitted before noon, the staterooms were not available to the general public until after 1pm. I was surprised to see that the staterooms were larger than when I sailed on the 3 night Baja Mexico Cruise back in July 08. The staterooms are beautifully appointed with fine woods and flat screen televisions. Not much for bathroom amenities other than soap in the lower category categories. I did find shower gel, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and both bathtubs and showers in the Royal suites with separate bedrooms from the living room area with spacious balconies for one's enjoyment. The public areas were impressive with several different venues to entertain all of her guests. I was surprised though at the size of the library, small in comparison to others that I have seen. I had read in a previous review that someone had complained about the artwork onboard that was displayed for the upcoming Art Auctions by Park West. In the Review someone had complained that the artwork on board was offensive to families with children. I did not see that, even though the artwork did reflect the same artwork that I have seen on all of my other cruises regardless of the line. Everything on this ship is built with beautiful woods throughout the ship. Even on the pool decks that had plenty of lounges chairs and areas for your enjoyment. If you are athletic then there is plenty to do while on board from the Rock Climbing Wall ( yes good for adults too) to miniature golf for the kids and a golf simulators for all of you golfers out there. There is also a full state of the arts Fitness Center on board, upstairs from the spa that offers all types of spa treatments including Thermal Suites (including private ocean view couple rooms) that are available for an additional cost 219.00 per person of 119.00 each. This rate is based upon a 15 night cruise. The Spa treatment rooms were also spacious offering treatments from facials to full-bodied massages individually or as a couple. There is also a hair salon on board for that "fresh hair-do" on formal nights. Manicures and pedicures are also available at an additional cost On board is also a adults only Solarium that is completely alluring for those adults looking to get away from all the noise at the main pool. Filled with plants and comfortable lounges chairs, I knew that this is where I would have been had I not had to disembark from the ship by 3pm. I loved the way that this ship is set up for dining. There was a large variety of food choices in the Windjammer Cafe that had several different sitting areas for enjoying your meals. Ice cream is available on board at no additional charge. Passengers had the choice of eating inside or outside with comfortable dining tables, chairs, and sofas. There are two Specialty Restaurants on board that are available for alternate dining options at an additional per person cost. You have a choice of steaks at Chops Grill (25.00 per person) or Italian at Portofino (20.00 per person) Reservations are advised. The Formal dining rooms were also impressive with breath taking views of the ocean and fine woods. The food was alright, but I was only there for lunch and did not like our selections for that day. I am sure that with the variety of dining options while on board all passengers will be happy. You have several different dining options that is sure to please. One of the things that I do like when it comes to cruising if you don't like what's on the menu you have several other options for your dining desires. Food is served daily until 2:00am everyday. Unlimited soda is available for a small fee of 60.00 for kids and 90.00 for adults plus 15% gratuity (price depends on length of sailing). There is always a "drink or coffee" of the day available at additional costs For Families Royal Caribbean still impressed me with their children programs for kids ages 6 months (Aquababies) to The Voyagers ages 9-11. There is a programs designed for teens with their own hang out " the Living Room". Royal Caribbean has partnered with Fisher-Price and Crayola, so parents can really feel secure with leaving their kids. Parents for younger children are encouraged to "play along" and many programs are set up just for that. With educated and experienced staff members, parents can feel secure that not only are their children safe but learning while having fun. There are lots of activities for the children including the Adventure Theater by Camp Broadway, Adventure Science, and the Build and Grow programs that allows both parents and children to participate in the activity of building a small wooden ship together. There is also a water park on board with wraparound slides and real sand on the Adventure Beach, and teens have their own disco at the Optix disco ( Parents are to KEEP OUT) Public areas were also impressive. With duty-free gifts shops to champagne bars, you will never find a time where there is nothing to do. There are 2 pool tables in the BomBay Billiard Club and flat screen televisions monitors in the Pit Stop Sports Bar located close enough to the casino so that sport fans can enjoy the slots and favorite games at the same time. Even though this was a Hawaii sailing the casino would be opened on all sea days, with slots starting from 2 cents, blackjack and card tables. There are Slot and Texas Hold'em Tournaments on board..who knows lady luck may sail with you and come home a first place winner. Lots of entertainment on board from a cinema for newly released films to live entertainment in the Tropical Theatre. No matter........ what there is always as much or as little to do on board. The Radiance Class of ships are Royal Caribbean are for cruises young and old that don't like the "Mega Ships" such as the Freedom or Liberty of the Seas. For those that do enjoy the Mega Ships, rates are now available for the new "Oasis of the Seas" by Royal Caribbean. The only ship with Central Park and under the stars entertainment for cruisers old and new. The Oasis of the Seas makes her debut in December 09. Group space is also available Happy Sailing!!!! Sandra

Sandra WeaverSenior Travel Consultant