Serenade New Years cruise 2013: A review

[sweetcruiser106]

Is the Happy Hour in the WJ bar?

 

 

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I didn't notice any happy hour per se at any of the bars on the ship. They did run drink specials (20% off) at specific bars (like Schooner Bar) for a specific drink (like martini) at a specific time (like 4-6 pm). Hope this helps.

Anne

[bchalker]

Hi all,

My husband and I just returned from the Serenade of the Seas New Year's cruise. This was our 7th cruise with Royal Caribbean and our 3rd on a Radiance class ship. We have sailed on at least one ship in every class except Freedom class.

 

Pre-cruise: We drove to New Orleans from our home near Memphis (about a 6 hour drive) and stayed at the Marriott across from the Convention Center. We booked a package that included parking. This hotel is very close to the Julia Street wharf where Serenade docks. In fact, it is within walking distance of the pier as is a Wyndham, Hyatt Place, Courtyard by Marriott, Springhill Suites, and Embassy Suites to name a few. It was our original plan to walk to the pier on sail away day; however the weather was bad and we took a taxi instead. The fare was $14.00 (this is a fixed rate). In case you are interested, the fare from the downtown area to the airport is $33.00 or $14.00 per person for 3 or more people. Cruise parking in the area seems to be around $12-15 per day.

 

Cruise check-in: As I said, the weather was bad (very rainy). The area near the entrance is covered so we stayed dry. We dropped our bags at the doors and went to check in. The entire check-in process took us about 30 minutes. It would not have taken that long, but our agent couldn't find our sea pass cards (we were sort of hoping for an upgrade, but it was not to be).

 

The Ship: Serenade of the Seas is about 10 years old and was revitalized last December. She is in wonderful shape. As part of her revitalization process, Giovanni's Table, Rita's Cantina, Izumi, and Park Cafe were added. Giovanni's is located where Portofino used to be, Rita's is port side aft in the Windjammer, Izumi is where the Seaview Cafe used to be, and the Park Cafe is in the Solarium.

For those of you who care, the Windjammer did have honey stung chicken on boarding day. Everything seemed to be new and fresh. Our stateroom (1104) was ready on time and our stateroom attendant dropped by soon afterward and introduced himself. 1104 is located on deck 10 and is an aft cabin. The balcony had 2 loungers, 2 deck chairs, and a small table. The view was wonderful.

Muster drill was on time and took about 10-15 minutes tops. Members of the entertainment staff were our muster leaders and kept things light and moving along. Departure from New Orleans was delayed for about an hour due to loading of supplies and other provisions. Because New Orleans is about 100 or so miles up the Mississippi River from the Gulf, neither the casino nor the shops are open on the first cruise night and close early on the last cruise night. It takes around 6-7 hours to reach the Gulf of Mexico from New Orleans.

 

Drinks: We chose not to buy any of the drink packages; however we did consider purchasing the "Refreshment Package". This is the one that includes soft drinks, juices, bottled water, and specialty coffees. We added up how much we drink of those products and realized that we probably wouldn't be cost effective for us ($20.00 a day per person). Also, come to find out, specialty coffees at Lattitudes is not included in the package.

 

Food:

We ate in Giovanni's the first evening and Chops on NYE. Both experiences were excellent. The wait staff was very attentive and the food was warm and tasty at both venues. I think that our best service of the week was in Giovanni's and the best food was in Chops. Our experience in the Windjammer was also very positive. The service staff was very attentive and the food selection was wide and plentiful, and most importantly hot. We found that many of the items on the main dining room menu could also be found in the Windjammer. Also, finding seating in the Windjammer was never a problem and we spent a lot of time in the aft outdoor seating area. The only (and I do mean only) negative experience that we had was in the main dining room. We ate there 3 times. We had My Time Dining. The first night that we ate there was a formal night and we had one of the last reservations of the evening. The wait staff was slow and the food was cold and not cooked evenly. The staff was very apologetic about the food and service and even brought us an extra dessert. The next evening, we were earlier and were seated in a different area of the restaurant. The service was better and the food was warm; however the whole experience seemed rushed and we felt crowded. The last night that we ate in the service was almost as bad as the first night and the food was not well prepared. Service was definitely subpar. This is the first time in all of the years that I have been sailing that I recall the head waiter actually waiting tables, serving food, etc. We ate in the Windjammer the rest of the week and had a much more enjoyable and relaxed experience. Also, the food was better.

 

Activities:

Topi Ylonen was our cruise director and Chris (I didn't get his last name) was activities manager. The first thing that my husband and I noticed was the lack of announcements for bingo, art auctions, etc. They did make announcements, but not nearly as often as I recall on other ships. We grew to like Topi as a cruise director. Of course, most of our "contact" was through the morning show that all of the cruise directors seem to do now. He also did an enrichment program on a trip through the South Pacific that he took several years ago on a catamaran, and I found him to be very funny and interesting. My husband said that the slots were not very generous on our cruise and overall the casino did not seem to be crowded at any time during the cruise. Some NFL football games were carried on tv and were also televised on the big screen by the pool, as well as many of the bowl games. We attended many of the shows and one of the headliners in the theatre and enjoyed them very much. On New Year's Eve there were several theme parties around the ship. The most traditional party was in the Centrum and featured an aerialist performance, the Serenade orchestra, and, of course, a balloon drop at midnight.

 

Ports of Call: We stopped in Key West, Nassau, and Coco Cay. Key West was our favorite port. My husband is a huge Hemingway fan and we spent the better part of our morning at his house. We ate at the Blackfin Grille for lunch, and loved it. We were in Nassau on New Year's Eve. Nassau was very crowded with 5 ships in port that day and Bay Street was set up for a parade (?). We didn't stay on shore too long. The ship left the port at about 11:45 pm. The captain positioned the ship so that the fireworks display at Atlantis could be seen before we sailed for Coco Cay. Coco Cay is a very nice place to spend New Year's Day. We were on the island along with people from Majesty of the Seas. While the island was crowded, we still were able to find a nice area to lounge and watch the world go by.

 

Our fellow travelers: Of course, being a holiday, we had many families on board, but also an amazing number of older people. The kids seemed pretty well behaved for the most part, although they did seem to become a little restless toward the end of the week.

 

Disembarkation: I had heard horror stories regarding disembarkation in New Orleans and was prepared for a long process. However, I was pleasantly surprised. We left the ship at 9:00 am and were dropping off our luggage at the hotel by no later than 9:30 am (we were able to walk this time).

 

Overall, this was a nice vacation. Serenade is a lovely ship and has a friendly staff. We are concerned about the dining room service and expressed our concerns to Royal Caribbean in their survey. Like I said, much of the food items that were served in the main dining room are also served in the Windjammer, so I know that the food can be good. Hopefully, Royal Caribbean will evaluate the issues that were experienced in the main dining room and adjust accordingly. Also, this will not prevent us from sailing her again. We booked the same cruise next year.

 

Anne:)

 

great job on the review

[sweetcruiser106]

Sorry, one more question. You said you did Chops and Giovanni's at first of cruise. Did you book online in advance? Or we're they offering discounts once on board?

 

 

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Yes, we booked on-line. They open up reservations for the specialty restaurants 60-90 days out. I can never remember which.

Anne

[sweetcruiser106]

Thank you.

[Promisekeeper]

We spent 27 days on the Serenade for the Venice cruise and the TA in Nov/Dec. The ship itself is lovely and all the updates are fantastic. We have never encountered a more friendly staff and crew! They go out of their way to learn your name, what you like, take care of any issues, and greet you by name if you see them in other parts of the ship.

Our MDR experience was the best we've had, but only on the first itinerary. We had late seating on deck 4. Our waiter and assistant waiter (Naison & Michael) were extraordinary. Our food was always hot, delivered in a timely fashion and water and bread constantly being replenished. The second cruise we had a different team and while adequate, was not as good as the first. My only complaint was that they didn't pour the wine very frequently and we drank a lot less wine than we usually do at dinner!

I have never given out so many WOW cards as I did on the Serenade. Everyone seems to go above and beyond to make the cruise wonderful. In fact, I was missing the Serenade so much that we have booked another week for March 22. Can't wait to get back to greet all the friends on board we made among the staff and crew.

[sweetcruiser106]

sweetcruiser106- I'm jumping into your review because I noticed that you, too, are a 'fellow Mississippian'! I've never encountered anyone else on CC from our great state. We're from Booneville, which is in the northeast corner.

I'm enjoying your review. We've been contemplating cruising out of NOLA in April. It seems so easy to do.

Can't wait to learn more!

Thanks!

I have been past Booneville many times on U.S. Hwy 45. We found the entire cruise experience this time very easy and enjoyable. This is one of the few cruises that we really didn't plan every detail and we really had a great time. I noticed that you are scheduled on Allure. She is a wonderful ship. We really had a great time when we sailed her, and hope to sail her again soon.

[sweetcruiser106]

We spent 27 days on the Serenade for the Venice cruise and the TA in Nov/Dec. The ship itself is lovely and all the updates are fantastic. We have never encountered a more friendly staff and crew! They go out of their way to learn your name, what you like, take care of any issues, and greet you by name if you see them in other parts of the ship.

Our MDR experience was the best we've had, but only on the first itinerary. We had late seating on deck 4. Our waiter and assistant waiter (Naison & Michael) were extraordinary. Our food was always hot, delivered in a timely fashion and water and bread constantly being replenished. The second cruise we had a different team and while adequate, was not as good as the first. My only complaint was that they didn't pour the wine very frequently and we drank a lot less wine than we usually do at dinner!

I have never given out so many WOW cards as I did on the Serenade. Everyone seems to go above and beyond to make the cruise wonderful. In fact, I was missing the Serenade so much that we have booked another week for March 22. Can't wait to get back to greet all the friends on board we made among the staff and crew.

 

I'm glad you had such a great time and you're experience was so wonderful. I had read many positive reviews regarding her European and Transatlantic sailings before our cruise and that was reassuring when we sailed. For the most part, we found the staff to very friendly, but somewhat reserved. I know that I complained about the MTD staff; however I really, really felt sorry for them. They really seemed to be overwhelmed. When we completed our surveys, we suggested that perhaps additional training and/or an evaluation of the arrangement of the MTD area was needed. Like I said, we are booked on her next New Years and cannot wait.

[amallison]

I have been past Booneville many times on U.S. Hwy 45. We found the entire cruise experience this time very easy and enjoyable. This is one of the few cruises that we really didn't plan every detail and we really had a great time. I noticed that you are scheduled on Allure. She is a wonderful ship. We really had a great time when we sailed her, and hope to sail her again soon.

 

Make that 3 Mississippians, I'm on the coast! We sail on the Serenade on the 25th.

[TheSweetPotatoQueen]

Make that 3 Mississippians, I'm on the coast! We sail on the Serenade on the 25th.

 

Goooooo...Mississippi!!! Hope y'all have a great time.

[pattiea]

thank you for great review...will be boarding soon...you gave a good 'picture' of what to expect.

[Topo Gigio]

We spent 27 days on the Serenade for the Venice cruise and the TA in Nov/Dec. The ship itself is lovely and all the updates are fantastic. We have never encountered a more friendly staff and crew! They go out of their way to learn your name, what you like, take care of any issues, and greet you by name if you see them in other parts of the ship.

Our MDR experience was the best we've had, but only on the first itinerary. We had late seating on deck 4. Our waiter and assistant waiter (Naison & Michael) were extraordinary. Our food was always hot, delivered in a timely fashion and water and bread constantly being replenished. The second cruise we had a different team and while adequate, was not as good as the first. My only complaint was that they didn't pour the wine very frequently and we drank a lot less wine than we usually do at dinner!

I have never given out so many WOW cards as I did on the Serenade. Everyone seems to go above and beyond to make the cruise wonderful. In fact, I was missing the Serenade so much that we have booked another week for March 22. Can't wait to get back to greet all the friends on board we made among the staff and crew.

 

I was also on the TA and seriously thinking of going on her again i April from NOLA to Barcelona.

[Evangaline]

I was on the Serenade transatlantic and there were over 140 crew members ending their contracts in NOLA the day we disembarked. The uneven service in the MDR could be a result of a crew change where many staff may be unfamiliar with how the ship and kitchen is laid out (coming from other ship classes perhaps). Our sailing only had 1800 passengers and late dining was less than half full. We did MTD and ate around 8pm every night, never had to wait for a table and the MTD section was rarely more than half full. By contrast the early dining was completely full and MTD filled up between 5:45-6pm every evening. I did hear complaints about service from people who ate early. Perhaps we were lucky but our service on MTD was excellent, the meals well paced and food hot every evening.

 

Wondered where the MTD section is located. I think there are two levels in the MDR. Thanks!

[Evangaline]

We spent 27 days on the Serenade for the Venice cruise and the TA in Nov/Dec. The ship itself is lovely and all the updates are fantastic. We have never encountered a more friendly staff and crew! They go out of their way to learn your name, what you like, take care of any issues, and greet you by name if you see them in other parts of the ship.

Our MDR experience was the best we've had, but only on the first itinerary. We had late seating on deck 4. Our waiter and assistant waiter (Naison & Michael) were extraordinary. Our food was always hot, delivered in a timely fashion and water and bread constantly being replenished. The second cruise we had a different team and while adequate, was not as good as the first. My only complaint was that they didn't pour the wine very frequently and we drank a lot less wine than we usually do at dinner!

I have never given out so many WOW cards as I did on the Serenade. Everyone seems to go above and beyond to make the cruise wonderful. In fact, I was missing the Serenade so much that we have booked another week for March 22. Can't wait to get back to greet all the friends on board we made among the staff and crew.

 

We are signed up for late seating at the moment There seems to be some confusion. Is it at 8pm or 8:30pm? Thanks

[Evangaline]

I know I am asking too many questions, but wondered about two other things-

Apparently the Seaview Café is no more and is replaced by a Sushi thing-Izumi, I think. The Seaview used to have some outdoor tables. Is that all gone now with the Izumi replacing it.

 

2- I am getting two descriptions of the Italian restaurant and wondering which is current. Some describe as dimly lit romantic restaurant and others say it is Italian family style with food served on a large table and everyone helps themselves which sounded kind of different. Anyway, as Giovanni's Table after the refurb, which is it?

 

Thanks again!

[sweetcruiser106]

I know I am asking too many questions, but wondered about two other things-

Apparently the Seaview Café is no more and is replaced by a Sushi thing-Izumi, I think. The Seaview used to have some outdoor tables. Is that all gone now with the Izumi replacing it.

 

2- I am getting two descriptions of the Italian restaurant and wondering which is current. Some describe as dimly lit romantic restaurant and others say it is Italian family style with food served on a large table and everyone helps themselves which sounded kind of different. Anyway, as Giovanni's Table after the refurb, which is it?

 

Thanks again!

 

I walked past Izumi once and I think that there was still some outdoor seating.

 

We ate in Giovanni's the 1st night on board and it was definitely dimly lit. As to family style, the portions served are designed to be shared by everyone at your table. It is not like a buffet. As I said in the review, in my review, I think the best service was in Giovanni's and the best food (by only a little bit) was Chops. We are booked for Serenade next New Years and plan to eat in both again, and maybe more than once each. They are 2 of our favorite restaurants. Hope this helps.

Anne

[DP]

Do you remember what Park Cafe hours were on sea days amd port days?

[Evangaline]

I walked past Izumi once and I think that there was still some outdoor seating.

 

We ate in Giovanni's the 1st night on board and it was definitely dimly lit. As to family style, the portions served are designed to be shared by everyone at your table. It is not like a buffet. As I said in the review, in my review, I think the best service was in Giovanni's and the best food (by only a little bit) was Chops. We are booked for Serenade next New Years and plan to eat in both again, and maybe more than once each. They are 2 of our favorite restaurants. Hope this helps.

Anne

 

Thanks Anne. I think we will try Giovanni's.

[hoosiercruiser59]

Do any recent cruisers on Serenade of the Seas have their cruise compass posted? We would like to know what dress codes are on what nights and what dining spice is for each night. I am assuming RCCL is still using the spice night menu. We are booked on the January 25 cruise.

[sweetcruiser106]

Wondered where the MTD section is located. I think there are two levels in the MDR. Thanks!

 

Deck 5

[sweetcruiser106]

We are signed up for late seating at the moment There seems to be some confusion. Is it at 8pm or 8:30pm? Thanks

 

On our sailing, main seating was at 5:30 and late seating 8:00.

[sweetcruiser106]

Do you remember what Park Cafe hours were on sea days amd port days?

 

Park Cafe hours

Saturday (Embarkation Day): Noon-3:00p for lunch and 8:30p-1:30 am for snacks

Sunday (Sea Day): 6:30-9:00a for breakfast, 11:00a-6:00p for lunch, and 8:30p-1:30a for snacks

Monday (Key West): 6:30-9:00a for breakfast, 11:00a-3:00p for lunch, and 8:30p-1:30a for snacks

Tuesday (Nassau): 6:30-9:00a for breakfast, 11:00a-6:00p for lunch, and 8:30p-1:30a for snacks

Wednesday (Coco Cay): 6:00-9:00a for breakfast, 2:00-6:00p for lunch, and 8:30p-1:30a for snacks

Thursday& Friday (Sea Days): 6:00-9:00 a for breakfast, 11:00a-6:00p for lunch, and 8:30p-1:30a for snacks.

[sweetcruiser106]

Do any recent cruisers on Serenade of the Seas have their cruise compass posted? We would like to know what dress codes are on what nights and what dining spice is for each night. I am assuming RCCL is still using the spice night menu. We are booked on the January 25 cruise.

 

 

Dining room themes and dress:

Day 1: Mojo (casual)

Day 2: Saffron (formal)

Day 3: Pimento (casual)

Day 4: New Year's Eve (formal)

Day 5: Pomodoro (casual)

Day 6: Basil (casual)

Day 7: Portobello (casual)

 

Remember, we were on a holiday cruise, so some of the themes may be on different nights from what I experienced.

[Evangaline]

Has anyone heard of something called Hollywood Odyssey. I.t supposedly takes place in a cigar lounge with live jazz music

[Clarea]

Has anyone heard of something called Hollywood Odyssey. I.t supposedly takes place in a cigar lounge with live jazz music

Hollywood Odyssey was the name of a lounge up in the Viking Crown area on all Radiance class ships, and was used for various functions, such as the cigar lounge after 9pm.

 

This lounge has been turned into the Concierge Lounge on Radiance, Brilliance, and Serenade, and therefore does not serve as a multipurpose lounge anymore. Only Jewel retains the previous functions of the Hollywood Odyssey, probably only until 2016 when Jewel gets it's revitalization drydock.

[RazorbackIslandGirl]

Thank you so much for your review! We board a week from today!!! Has anyone done the Mystery Dinner Theater? We purchased it for the first night & am very curious about what to expect.