Just off Serenade/ any questions??

[waterbugohio]

Just got home from our second wonderful time on the Serenade to the Southern Caribbean.

 

Anyone have any questions, I will try to help

[PattyG12]

what ports did you visit?

[printingchick]

YES! YES! YES! I've been DYING for you guys to get back! I have TONS of questions.

 

I'm doing the St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados route in March. Not sure which itinerary just completed, but I suspect the on-board activities run about the same for both.

• Do you have the Cruise Compasses from your trip?
  
• Which nights are formal nights in the MDR?
  
• Which night is the 70s party?
  
• When is Quest?
  
• Which night(s) are adult karaoke?
  
• Did they have a last night pajama party at the disco?
  
• Did you have the Beatlemania show on your cruise?
  
• What entertainment did you enjoy on your cruise?
  
• How was the dancing under the stars pool party? Which night was that?
  

Just tell me everything you can remember. Then tell me more! I want to live vicariously through your experience!

 

14 weeks, 5 days, and counting!!!!

 

THANKS!!!

[Vintage Hammer]

YES! YES! YES! I've been DYING for you guys to get back! I have TONS of questions.

 

 

I'm doing the St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados route in March. Not sure which itinerary just completed, but I suspect the on-board activities run about the same for both. Just tell me everything you can remember. Then tell me more! I want to live vicariously through your experience!

 

14 weeks, 5 days, and counting!!!!

 

THANKS!!!

 

Hey Cindy,

 

Haven't talked with you since your Alaska cruise. We are doing a B2B on the Serenade January 16th & 23rd. I'll have all of the information when we get back and would be glad to share it with you. Maybe we could meet up for lunch somewhere after we get home. We're just north of Springfield so it's not that far.

 

Tom

[printingchick]

Hey Cindy,

 

Haven't talked with you since your Alaska cruise. We are doing a B2B on the Serenade January 16th & 23rd. I'll have all of the information when we get back and would be glad to share it with you. Maybe we could meet up for lunch somewhere after we get home. We're just north of Springfield so it's not that far.

 

Tom

 

Tom,

If this response was meant for me, you have me confused with someone else. I'm not Cindy!

 

Thanks!!

[lacruiser]

Don't wait till January -- we're leaving on that itinerary on 12/10! Would love any info you want to share, waterbug. I'd like to know what you did on the 3 new islands -- St. Croix, St. Kitts and Dominica.

 

How did the ship look? We've sailed that class but not Serenade before. Anything terrible or outstanding? :D

[IBoz]

We are considering this ship for a cruise in March. I'm looking forward to your replies to the other posters.

 

Thanks!

[waterbugohio]

YES! YES! YES! I've been DYING for you guys to get back! I have TONS of questions. I will answer everything I can off the top of my head. I may have to get back to you on some things as I am not completely unpacked and need to look thru my photos again

 

I'm doing the St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados route in March. Not sure which itinerary just completed, but I suspect the on-board activities run about the same for both. Yes, this is the itinerary we just completed. It was great.

 

• Do you have the Cruise Compasses from your trip? Yes, I have them, but will have to figure out how to get them to you the easiest way. I know to scan them they are so big to email. I know one of the others on our roll call was planning on posting them. I will keep you informed.
  
• Which nights are formal nights in the MDR? Sunday and Thursday.
  
• Which night is the 70s party?
  
• When is Quest? Thursday night, we thought it was kinda strange to have it on a formal night, but we just sent half our group to the Safari lounge while the other half changed clothes, then the others changed. It wasn't till 11:30 so that helped. One note on the Quest. They limited the number of teams this time. So they split you up. We had our own group of about 20 people, but then split you up according to sections of the lounge.
  
• Which night(s) are adult karaoke? Sunday and Thursday, again on formal night. The plus side to this was Thursday night we went directly from the dining room to the Safari and Karaoke was from 10:30 - 11:30 right before quest.
  
  
• Did they have a last night pajama party at the disco? Don't think, will have to double check my compass. We never made it to the Vortex.
  
• Did you have the Beatlemania show on your cruise? Yes, again the best show on the cruise. We had emailed RCI ahead and was given a show listing and they were not listed. We were happily surprised when we go on board. They were Tuesday night.
  
  
• What entertainment did you enjoy on your cruise? Beatlemania, love and marriage. We also like the piano bar.
  
  
• How was the dancing under the stars pool party? Which night was that? Dancing under the stars was ok. It was very crowded and also pretty warm.
  
  

Just tell me everything you can remember. Then tell me more! I want to live vicariously through your experience! I want to do a review, but I was very bad this time and didn't keep a log, so I have to go thru the photos and figure out what we did when. Our weather was not as good was last year (same cruise, same week) We were kinda overcast, sun/then rain about every day.

 

Are only negative was a excursion that we did thru RCI that was snorkeling to Buck Island, the weather was rainy as we left and just go worse. We should never have been taken out on the ocean and it got very rough. We were in very rough water and now looking back realize just how dangerous it actually was. I did fill out a form while on board, but debating whether to call RCI.

14 weeks, 5 days, and counting!!!!

 

THANKS!!!

Let me know what else you want to know or email me directly waterbugmom@hotmail.com

[printingchick]

Thanks for all this great information. I'm one of those obsessive planner types. I also like to live my cruise in my imagination for MONTHS before I actually go! I stretch out my vacation to last half the year!!

 

Sounds like you enjoy a lot of the same stuff we're looking forward to. My daughter is the karaoke girl. I've never done karaoke on my cruises, but it should be fun. I was concerned it would over-lap Quest and I didn't want to miss that. I'm glad to know we can do both.

 

I so glad to hear about Beatlemania. Saw that on my Adventure cruise a while back and LOVED it. I hope it's still running when we cruise in March.

 

How was the 70s party? Which night was that? Did many folks come prepared with retro clothes for the event? My daughter and I dug out some old 70's hippy dresses from a Halloweeen past to wear for that event. I loved the 70s party on Adventure, but was disappointed with it on Freedom because it was just too crowded.

 

What did you do on the other islands? We're planning to ferry to St. John on St. Thomas day. St. John is my favorite place on earth! So gorgeous!

 

In St. Croix, we're just going to do a relaxing beach day at Sand Castle Beach.

 

We've booked a tour with Rose and Jim's taxi service in St. Kitts. There are four of us going. They do the whole island, finishing at the Raggae Beach. I really want to see Fort Brimstone. I'm not a history buff, but the photos of this fortress just look breathtaking.

 

We're booked with Bumpiing Tours in Dominica. This is another of my favorite cruise ports. Can you tell I like the mountainous, undeveloped places?

 

We're doing the Harbor Master Pirate Cruise in Barbados. Last time I visited Barbados, we did the catamaran trip which left from the same dock. We had lots of fun, but it didn't appear we had nearly the amount of fun the pirate ship guests had! I've wanted to try out this cheesy pirate party boat ever since.

 

I'll email you from home later this week. I'm sure I'll have more questions!!

 

Thanks so much!!!!! Glad you enjoyed your cruise. Wish you'd had better weather!

[waterbugohio]

Don't wait till January -- we're leaving on that itinerary on 12/10! Would love any info you want to share, waterbug. I'd like to know what you did on the 3 new islands --

 

St. Croix, St Croix is where we did the Buck Island tour thru RCI. As stated above the weather was rough (no control) but we should never have been on the water or in a boat with the weather we had. As a side note, the rum punch they served made the day fun, but later we realized how dangerous it actually was.

St. Kitts

We did a private tour with Captain Sunshine/Kenny. Great tour, we had booked him ahead with a group of 32 and he got a large bus for us. Toured the island and then went to Cockle Shell (sp) beach. Also did a massage on the beach with Kenny (WONDERFUL)

 

Just keep in mind when booking tours, ask very specifically the travel times. We were disappointed in the amount of time we spent on a bus or shuttle going from one place to the next. Next time we will pick less things to see and less travel time more time to enjoy.

 

and Dominica. Another private tour thru Reyno Tours. We did Emerald Pool and then the Trafalgar Falls. Then on to snorkeling (we opted out of this) and then back to the ship. Again a wonderful tour, but should have checked the travel time first. Emerald Pool and Trafalgar on at opposite ends of the island and alot of travel time in between.

 

How did the ship look? Ship looked great. Really can't compare for you as this is only our second cruise and they were both on the Serenade. We've sailed that class but not Serenade before. Anything terrible or outstanding? :D

let me know if you have other questions. I should be doing laundry, but this is more fun!!

[printingchick]

Don't wait till January -- we're leaving on that itinerary on 12/10! Would love any info you want to share, waterbug. I'd like to know what you did on the 3 new islands --

 

St. Croix, St Croix is where we did the Buck Island tour thru RCI. As stated above the weather was rough (no control) but we should never have been on the water or in a boat with the weather we had. As a side note, the rum punch they served made the day fun, but later we realized how dangerous it actually was.

St. Kitts

We did a private tour with Captain Sunshine/Kenny. Great tour, we had booked him ahead with a group of 32 and he got a large bus for us. Toured the island and then went to Cockle Shell (sp) beach. Also did a massage on the beach with Kenny (WONDERFUL)

 

Just keep in mind when booking tours, ask very specifically the travel times. We were disappointed in the amount of time we spent on a bus or shuttle going from one place to the next. Next time we will pick less things to see and less travel time more time to enjoy.

 

and Dominica. Another private tour thru Reyno Tours. We did Emerald Pool and then the Trafalgar Falls. Then on to snorkeling (we opted out of this) and then back to the ship. Again a wonderful tour, but should have checked the travel time first. Emerald Pool and Trafalgar on at opposite ends of the island and alot of travel time in between.

 

How did the ship look? Ship looked great. Really can't compare for you as this is only our second cruise and they were both on the Serenade. We've sailed that class but not Serenade before. Anything terrible or outstanding? :D

let me know if you have other questions. I should be doing laundry, but this is more fun!!

 

Good point about the travel time. I hadn't thought about that. In St. Kitts, I really wanted to see the fort, the panoramic views from the penninsula and Cockleshell beach. I figured we would just grab a cab, but when I researched cab fares, it looked cheaper to just book a tour. I generally steer clear of these island driving tours, but I wanted to hit these highlights. You have me a little concerned about being stuck on a van too long.

[waterbugohio]

Good point about the travel time. I hadn't thought about that. In St. Kitts, I really wanted to see the fort, the panoramic views from the penninsula and Cockleshell beach. I figured we would just grab a cab, but when I researched cab fares, it looked cheaper to just book a tour. I generally steer clear of these island driving tours, but I wanted to hit these highlights. You have me a little concerned about being stuck on a van too long.

 

Yes, make sure you double check these drive times. We found out that everyone tells you things are "about 20 minutes" But it always takes longer. I don't know the exact times and it is usually interesting as they are telling you island information and history as you travel, but it still gets long. I am a VERY outdoor person and really hate being closed in a van or bus.

[printingchick]

ME TOO!!! Sounds like your tour of St. Kitts was similar to what we have planned. Did you feel there was excessive van time on it? Would you have done something differently there? Which are the must-hit highlights?

[waterbugohio]

ME TOO!!! Sounds like your tour of St. Kitts was similar to what we have planned. Did you feel there was excessive van time on it? Would you have done something differently there? Which are the must-hit highlights?

 

Yes, we did feel that there was excessive van time. However, it was not the tour guides fault as we had one in our group put together the package for our large group. The decided on where to go and the fort and Cockle Shell beach are not close together. This was something that we did not realize. Just make sure you check. I would also recommend going to the thread for each Island and ask on there how far apart places are.

 

Must hit highlights = I would do the fort again as it is really neat to see. I would just check it there is a different beach that you could go to or if you would do beach time at a different island and just go back to the ship after the fort.

[phill369]

Do you happen to remember the dining themes and pre/post dining entertainment for each night? If you can't remember everything, no worries, I'll be looking for those compasses! :)

[printingchick]

If Compasses are emailable, you can email me at printingchick@hotmail.com.

 

Thanks!

[MariTenor1]

Waterbug: Thanks for all of the great info. I leave in 18 days and can't wait! I also e-mailed RCI for the entertainment and Beatlemania wasn't on my list either. I hope my list is wrong too!

[Debde]

Just got home from our second wonderful time on the Serenade to the Southern Caribbean.

 

Anyone have any questions, I will try to help

 

Do you know if the Serenade has the reserved pool seating for suite guests?

 

I sure do hope the Beatlemania show is still on when we sail in January. My husband will really like that. Last time we cruised it was an Abba show and he is so not a fan!!! lol

 

Thanks for asking printingchick and thanks for answering waterbugohio!!

[waterbugohio]

As for the compasses. I have them, just not sure the best way to get them to everyone. I know they are way to large to scan and email each page. If someone more computer savvy then I can help me. I will see what I can do.

 

Will get them out and do a "overview" as soon as I switch loads of laundry!!

[BroncosFan2010]

How full was your sailing?

[waterbugohio]

According to website the day before we left, the only cabins that were not sold out were the inside rooms.

 

but it never seemed crowed on board. In fact just the opposite. I was amazed that no one uses the pool after dinner, even though it is open 24 hrs a day. Also walked around the ship at 1-2 AM and there is no one out and about other than the casino and the bars. Great time to sit up on deck twelve and watch the stars. On thursday and friday night is was really neat to check the tv's in the Schooner lounge and see where you were at and then go out on deck and watch the different islands glide by.

[waterbugohio]

Summary of the compass done and on a seperate thread.

 

Any questions, let me know.

[carkosh]

Do you know if the Serenade has the reserved pool seating for suite guests?

__________________________________________________________

 

Debde, I just returned from the Serenade also. Great cruise altho we'll opt for more sea days next time. Serenade is lovely; was really impressed with her!!!! Will do another cruise on that class anytime!! Ok, onto reserved pool seating.....we were in a suite & spent some time around the pool but saw no suite seating. There may have been a section on Friday but that was the one day we didn't go to the pool...we decided to spend our last day on our balcony. Fortunately, we really didn't seem to need the reserved seating as the time we spent around the pool was when it wasn't crowded. Have a great time on your cruise!!

 

Carol

[BroncosFan2010]

Do you know if the Serenade has the reserved pool seating for suite guests?

__________________________________________________________

 

Debde, I just returned from the Serenade also. Great cruise altho we'll opt for more sea days next time. Serenade is lovely; was really impressed with her!!!! Will do another cruise on that class anytime!! Ok, onto reserved pool seating.....we were in a suite & spent some time around the pool but saw no suite seating. There may have been a section on Friday but that was the one day we didn't go to the pool...we decided to spend our last day on our balcony. Fortunately, we really didn't seem to need the reserved seating as the time we spent around the pool was when it wasn't crowded. Have a great time on your cruise!!

 

Carol

 

It did not have reserved seating by the pool in March, but that might have changed.

[waterbugohio]

We didn't see any reserved seating either.

 

We were at the pool friday morning. I got out there pretty early (9:00) and was able to get a chair on deck 12 near the ski bar. Was only out there till 11 or so. In the afternoon we were in and out and never had a chair. However, I think you would have been able to find something somewhere.