Serenade. Just returned-comments

[Grandma Dazzles]

Just returned last night from 10 days on the Serenade. Some thoughts and comments.

 

First, frequent RC cruiser, diamond plus, but have not sailed a Radiance class for about 5 years. Have been sailing mainly Oasis/Allure/Independence/Navigator.

 

Sailed solo, overall good time, but found some negatives; probably will stick with the larger ships.

 

Serenade is a sleek, beautiful ship, with lots of outstanding ocean views. Very much appreciated upgrade when checking in from balcony to junior suite. Great surprise - thanks RC.

 

Dining was excellent. Realize food is subjective, but did think overall better than other recent cruises. Ate in MDR a lot, including breakfast daily and lunch when available. No complaints.

 

Used the diamond lounge each evening; occasionally concierge lounge, but mainly DL. Found it to be busy, but not overcrowded.

 

Was not happy about so much entertainment being in the centrum. Impossible to get a seat and could not get a decent view from balconies. Much too crowded. In my opinion the ship is not designed for this. Trying to copy the "promenade parade feeling" of the bigger ships and it doesn't work.

 

Elevators very poor, either out of service or somehow not synchronized well. Having 2-3 closed down and used by entertainment in the centrum for dancers didn't help.

 

Had no major problems getting pool seating. Usual chair hogs. Having park cafe location in solarium adds to crowding and lack of seating.

 

Beautiful weather all week so it seemed to be a shame that solarium roof was kept closed. Was in there daily and only saw it opened a couple of times.

 

Major complaint heard from many people was strong smoke from casino. Could smell in many locations such as Vintages and Schooner lounge. Smoking on pool deck was not well policed, especially vaping.

 

Staff was polite and friendly. Occasionally found they did not work well as a team, as if they hadn't been partners for long.

 

A good cruise, but honestly not great! Any questions, please ask.

[sjpsoccer14]

Thanks for posting your comments of your trip. I have a solo trip booked on Serenade for a 10 day Southern Caribbean cruise next February. I have never been on a Radiance Class ship before. What areas of your trip could have been improved?

[Grandma Dazzles]

Thanks for posting your comments of your trip. I have a solo trip booked on Serenade for a 10 day Southern Caribbean cruise next February. I have never been on a Radiance Class ship before. What areas of your trip could have been improved?

 

I think primarily the centrum area overcrowding in the evening. The ship just seemed crowded at all times, not just after a show, or dinner. Even the dining room tables were very close together.

[Langley Cruisers]

Your comments are consistent with our feelings as well. The smoke is an ongoing problem, one I can't see them fixing in the near future as it would mean a major overhaul to the ventilation system. It's a shame, really. The indoor smoking is such a problem. I am more and more convinced that we need to make the permanent move to Celebrity. :o

[Clarea]

... Was not happy about so much entertainment being in the centrum. Impossible to get a seat and could not get a decent view from balconies. Much too crowded. In my opinion the ship is not designed for this. Trying to copy the "promenade parade feeling" of the bigger ships and it doesn't work.....

Agree with this, same problem on Vision class ships.

[xxHadleyxx]

Thanks for the review. We will on Serenade next month and it is nice to see a review of current conditions.

 

 

We've also really disliked the move towards putting shows in the Centrum on Radiance and Vision class ships. You are right that you cannot see well, there area almost no seats, etc, etc.

We've spoken to cruise and activities directors about it on pretty much every sailing since the ship and invariably get told basically the same thing----people were not reading programs and shows and activities had too little attendance to be worthwhile if held in a lounge or theatre, but stick it in the centrum and everyone stops as they walk by and attendance skyrockets. So the activities are likely to stay put in those central areas in spite of all the issues. :(

[cello56]

We were on the same sailing and had an awesome time! In fact, we liked Serenade so much that we cancelled our Oasis cruise for next February, and booked the same 10 night Serenade instead!

 

I have to agree 100% with you on the smoking issue in the Centrum. Such a beautiful area of the ship, and it was rendered unusable for much of the cruise due to the overwhelming smell of cigarette smoke. I really don't understand why they cannot put glass doors on the casino to keep the smoke - or at least most of it - inside. Heck, they could even put speakers outside so that you could still hear the slot machines to lure potential gamblers inside. I truly wish that RCI would make their casinos non-smoking the way they have done on Celebrity.

 

We loved the Solarium pool area. Yes, the roof could have been opened more, but it really did not make a huge difference to our enjoyment of the area.

[sellwingri]

Hey Grandma! Glad to see you made it home.

 

I too was on this cruise and agree with most of the comments but have a couple of points to add.

 

Do NOT pay for Internet service since it does not exist. We bought the package on day 2, paid $180, and had no service after day 3. After speaking with Guest Services a couple of times, they told me to bring my iPad down for them to look at. The rep took it upon herself to erase all of my internet saved user ID's and passwords so even if I was able to get in, if I didn't remember my info, I was sol. After escalating as high as I could, I was given a $90 credit but never received my diamond benefits of 2 free days so it was smaller than it sounds.

 

Guest Services overall was useless. My diamond benefits, other than 3 free drinks in the evening, were not properly loaded to my card. I'm still waiting for my credits 2 days after coming home.

 

I spent the majority of my sea time in the casino and didn't think the smoke was too bad. The staff in the casino for the most part were outstanding.

 

I've never complained about a cruise but this was probably my worst although I loved the ship (other than the elevators) and the ports.

[dancingranni]

We also have just returned from this sailing. The use of the

centrum for some really nice entertainment was my one big complaint. It seemed ridiculous to me, especially since both the Tropical and Safari theatres were vacant at the time. I love the Radiance class, but probably will not do it again if they continue using the centrum for big events.

[Langley Cruisers]

I love the Radiance class, but probably will not do it again if they continue using the centrum for big events.

 

We love Radiance-class ships as well but of course they will continue to use the Centrum. It's the heart of the ship, so to speak, and people seem to be "drawn" to the music and noise. The vacant lounges are, in my opinion, a destination for passengers too far to walk for some, perhaps. It's just easier to have things in the Centrum.

.

[luvscruising2007]

We were also on this cruise. We were only in the casino 2 or 3 times but did not notice the smoke, have on other cruises, however.

Not impressed with Park Cafe. We got there just as it was opening, but the server seemed disorganized. Our first and only time there. Roast beef sandwich was good, but do not understand the hoop lah.

Centrum was crowded and learned to arrive early if we wanted a seat.

The theater entertainment was very good.

Carly B. is a wonderful cruise director.

Food in the dining room was good and really enjoyed Chops.

 

What I think was so wonderful is our fellow cruisers. Most were quite friendly and we talked to so many different people. Lots of fun.

[39august]

We were on SR 10 day in Feb. Entertainment was very good. Everything else not so much. Very limited lunch items in WJ. Everywhere seemed crowded to me. I had forgotten how small the gym is. Lovely ship and great itinerary, but I don't think we will go on this class of ship again. Unless RCI brings back the round trip cruises to Hawaii!

[Ladyarli]

Hi,

We are going to be on the Serenade in August on an 8 day cruise, and I have a few questions:

1. How many "smart casual" nights will they have The website says jacket and tie for men. Is that really the case? Two formal and two smart casual on an 8 day? Do people really dress up that much?

2. What nights are the formal nights? Other lines I've been on they were typically on the sea days. I ask this so we can figure out which nights to go to alternative restaurants.

3. Is there karaoke? If so, is it every day?

4. Since we don't have any kind of status, we would have to pay $320 for 1 device, if I am reading the website correctly. That seems a little steep, especially if the internet is slow and unreliable. Did I really understand that? One device to be shared by two people? (Or more likely, only one of us could be on the internet at a time.)

Thank you so much for offering to answer questions. I really like the "smaller" ships. It's nice when there is a small enough group of people that folks start looking familiar after a couple of days!

[Clarea]

Hi,

We are going to be on the Serenade in August on an 8 day cruise, and I have a few questions:

1. How many "smart casual" nights will they have The website says jacket and tie for men. Is that really the case? Two formal and two smart casual on an 8 day? Do people really dress up that much?

2. What nights are the formal nights? Other lines I've been on they were typically on the sea days. I ask this so we can figure out which nights to go to alternative restaurants.

3. Is there karaoke? If so, is it every day?

4. Since we don't have any kind of status, we would have to pay $320 for 1 device, if I am reading the website correctly. That seems a little steep, especially if the internet is slow and unreliable. Did I really understand that? One device to be shared by two people? (Or more likely, only one of us could be on the internet at a time.)

Thank you so much for offering to answer questions. I really like the "smaller" ships. It's nice when there is a small enough group of people that folks start looking familiar after a couple of days!

You will likely have 2 formal nights and the rest casual. I don't see any difference between casual and smart casual nights anymore.

 

In order to figure out the formal nights, we need to know the itinerary.

 

One simultaneous device for 8 days should be $160. You can use any number of different devices, as long as you only use one at a time.

[Grandma Dazzles]

Hi,

We are going to be on the Serenade in August on an 8 day cruise, and I have a few questions:

1. How many "smart casual" nights will they have The website says jacket and tie for men. Is that really the case? Two formal and two smart casual on an 8 day? Do people really dress up that much?

2. What nights are the formal nights? Other lines I've been on they were typically on the sea days. I ask this so we can figure out which nights to go to alternative restaurants.

3. Is there karaoke? If so, is it every day?

4. Since we don't have any kind of status, we would have to pay $320 for 1 device, if I am reading the website correctly. That seems a little steep, especially if the internet is slow and unreliable. Did I really understand that? One device to be shared by two people? (Or more likely, only one of us could be on the internet at a time.)

Thank you so much for offering to answer questions. I really like the "smaller" ships. It's nice when there is a small enough group of people that folks start looking familiar after a couple of days!

 

RC has pretty much done away with smart casual. There will be two formal nights - you will see lots of different standards of dress from tuxs to collared shirts and khakis. Formal nights are usually sea days, but sorry can't tell you which nights, especially on the 8-day itinerary. Just returned from 10-day so things were different. We had karaoke but I am not sure if it was daily.

 

Did not do an Internet package. Just used my free time, and it was slow.

[CptSticky]

Hi,

We are going to be on the Serenade in August on an 8 day cruise, and I have a few questions:

1. How many "smart casual" nights will they have The website says jacket and tie for men. Is that really the case? Two formal and two smart casual on an 8 day? Do people really dress up that much?

2. What nights are the formal nights? Other lines I've been on they were typically on the sea days. I ask this so we can figure out which nights to go to alternative restaurants.

3. Is there karaoke? If so, is it every day?

4. Since we don't have any kind of status, we would have to pay $320 for 1 device, if I am reading the website correctly. That seems a little steep, especially if the internet is slow and unreliable. Did I really understand that? One device to be shared by two people? (Or more likely, only one of us could be on the internet at a time.)

Thank you so much for offering to answer questions. I really like the "smaller" ships. It's nice when there is a small enough group of people that folks start looking familiar after a couple of days!

We were on Serenade a few months ago and it was absolutely the slowest internet that we have ever experienced on any ship ever (we are Pinnacle so that's a few ships). There were times where I was unable to even get the login screen for multiple days in a row. I once got so frustrated that I took my device to GS and it took them 30 minutes to get it logged in only to lose internet about 15 minutes later. We have sailed Serenade in the past and don't recall these kinds of problems with the internet so not sure what has happened. It's not just these couple of cruises, as I keep seeing the complaints here on CC cruise after cruise.

[39august]

CptSticky is absolutely right about the internet on Serenade. Save your money,

[cruisingbajan]

Tell me some more about this cigarette smoke please.

 

We are booked on the Serenade next year and I am very sensitive to cigarette smoke...is it prevalent in any other public spaces:(

[Langley Cruisers]

Tell me some more about this cigarette smoke please.... We are booked on the Serenade next year and I am very sensitive to cigarette smoke...is it prevalent in any other public spaces:(

 

Hi Keith,

 

We have sailed on her 3 times now, and 3 more booked (well, we shall see - I am seriously considering Celebrity at this point). The casino was always smoky but when the more restrictive smoking policy came into effect a few years ago it got much worse. I fully understand that smokers want an indoor space to smoke, and that is their right; however, the issue is that the doors to the casino are never closed (are there any?). The smoke drifts out of the casino on Deck 6 and filters into the Centrum which is close by. The smoke goes up and goes down the Centrum and yes, if you are sensitive you can be easily bothered by it. By the end of my first cruise (our B2B) my eyes were absolutely stinging and my throat was closing. It was awful.

 

I say this not to alienate smokers; I used to smoke until I quit for good in 1981. However, this issue of smoke is very serious and there is not adequate ventilation in any casino or lounge indoors on any ship I have been on (my opinion). As I said before it's not something that can be "fixed" on turnaround day. It would appear they are not going to address this. It's a problem on other ships as well, as the smoke drifts out of the casino and up the stairs into the Royal Promenade on Voyager-class ships.

 

If we continue to mention it on the after-cruise survey, perhaps they will get the message.

 

And yes... I absolutely know I can choose another cruise line. :) We may have to start doing that.

 

.

[Cindy]

I also experienced the smoke/smoke odor problem on the Serenade last year. Smoke from the casino drifts into the atrium and finds its way into all the adjacent public spaces. There were even times I could smell it as soon as I opened my cabin door...on the hump on Deck 10!:(

[cruisingbajan]

Hi Keith,

 

We have sailed on her 3 times now, and 3 more booked (well, we shall see - I am seriously considering Celebrity at this point). The casino was always smoky but when the more restrictive smoking policy came into effect a few years ago it got much worse. I fully understand that smokers want an indoor space to smoke, and that is their right; however, the issue is that the doors to the casino are never closed (are there any?). The smoke drifts out of the casino on Deck 6 and filters into the Centrum which is close by. The smoke goes up and goes down the Centrum and yes, if you are sensitive you can be easily bothered by it. By the end of my first cruise (our B2B) my eyes were absolutely stinging and my throat was closing. It was awful.

 

I say this not to alienate smokers; I used to smoke until I quit for good in 1981. However, this issue of smoke is very serious and there is not adequate ventilation in any casino or lounge indoors on any ship I have been on (my opinion). As I said before it's not something that can be "fixed" on turnaround day. It would appear they are not going to address this. It's a problem on other ships as well, as the smoke drifts out of the casino and up the stairs into the Royal Promenade on Voyager-class ships.

 

If we continue to mention it on the after-cruise survey, perhaps they will get the message.

 

And yes... I absolutely know I can choose another cruise line. :) We may have to start doing that.

 

.

 

Hi Karen,

 

your reaction to cigarette smoke sounds quite similar to mine. I know casinos are usually very smoky (which is why I avoid them:().

 

Carnival funnels everyone through their casino area to get to most public spaces so I normally hightail it through that area when I sail them.

 

I share your sentiments on not wanting to alienate smokers but everyone needs to be comfortable and one group should not be (although not intentionally) leave the other at a disadvantage. The powers that be probably need to take a serious look at it. Second hand smoke is no joke.:mad:

[Grandma Dazzles]

Hi Karen,

 

your reaction to cigarette smoke sounds quite similar to mine. I know casinos are usually very smoky (which is why I avoid them:().

 

Carnival funnels everyone through their casino area to get to most public spaces so I normally hightail it through that area when I sail them.

 

I share your sentiments on not wanting to alienate smokers but everyone needs to be comfortable and one group should not be (although not intentionally) leave the other at a disadvantage. The powers that be probably need to take a serious look at it. Second hand smoke is no joke.:mad:

 

HI Keith,

 

We posted re Barbados on the meet and mingle for the cruise - I started this thread. I second everything everyone has said. Smoke drifted from casino to Vintages, Schooner lounge, Centrum. My stateroom was on deck 10 and I could still catch an occasional odor. Even in the smoking section on deck the smoke drifted elsewhere. Also saw people using e-cigs in nonsmoking areas.

 

If I had a serious allergy or sensitivity, I would avoid the Serenade.

[riclop]

Thanks for the comments.

[Bette And Bill]

We were on the Serenade in March and early April.

 

Another thing that adds to the feeling of being crowded (and the noise levels) in the Centrum area is that the Next Cruise Desks are now on Deck 5 next door to Cafe Lattitudes. So much of the seating that use to be there is gone. So now you have people getting coffee at Lattitudes, waiting for the shops to open, for whatever shows or events that are going to be held in the centrum Along with those waiting for one of the Next Cruise people.

 

Now the Next Cruise area has a nice place to work and they actually have about 5 desks instead of two or three. It is also lighter and brighter but they have a hard time hearing due to the noise in the centrum.

 

As to the entertainment held in the centrum, one of our friends was asking Carly why all the music stopped around 11:30. They like to dance and after 11:30 there was slim pickings for them. Carly said that so many people complained about the noise. They have started closing the doors to the cabin hallways which does help some but apparently not enough. She mentioned that it actually did not matter where they held the events, several were moved to the Safari Club, and the people in the cabins above that area also complained, as do many of the people in the aft cabins about the chairs moving in the outside seating of the Windjammer.

[mek]

I was also on the 10 night cruise that ended on Monday. I was much happier with Serenade than I was with Grandeur in November, but I still think the food on RCI is just average at best. Breakfast in the WJ was good, lunch was just OK - it seemed like the same food everyday, and we never ate dinner there, so I can't offer an opinion on that. Food in the MDR for dinner was OK, but nothing special and never served really hot. The service in the MDR was excellent.

 

I would have liked to eat lunch at Rita's Cantina but it didn't open until 2pm - too late for me.

 

The entertainment was very good with a nice variety of performers.

 

As others have mentioned, the Internet was worthless.

 

The TV was the worst we have ever had on any cruise - the same shows were shown over and over and over..........

 

I'm a non smoker, but honestly never noticed any smell except when going through the casino.

 

I like big ships, but thought I would try a couple of smaller ships for a change. If I sail on RCI again, it will only be on the larger ships.

Edited April 21, 2016 by mek