Opinions needed please

[Sugar67]

I need your expert opinions please We are booking our next cruise with Royal for beginning of 2020 and already have a 9 day booked on Explorer of the Seas. Ports are The ABC's and Labadee. We just found an 11 day one going to Costa Rica, Panana, Columbia, Aruba and Curacao on Serenade of the Seas. Which would you choose? and why?

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

Serenade for me.

[champagne123]

Although I have a soft spot in my heart for the Explorer, I would choose the longer cruise.

[nelblu]

Either one is good. Been on both ships, and my preference is the bigger ship (Explorer) s there is more to do. Did not mention price to determine which is more advantageous.

[Clarea]

I'd go for the longer cruise.

[lbjen]

The one with the more unusual ports would be my choice, you can go to ABCs and Labadee more often than you can go to the others. Plus it’s longer.

[KeywestK]

Serenade, hands down.

 

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[luvscruising2007]

For itinerary, I would choose the 11 night. Very unusual combination of ports. For ship, I would choose Explorer. Have that itinerary booked, but only 9 nights.

I think cost and port of departure would also have an impact.

We have been on both ships and they both offer a great cruise experience.

[taglovestocruise]

Costa Rica is a huge plus. The longer cruise is a huge plus. Radiance class ships are absolutely beautiful. Longer wins.

[cruisinfromtampa]

Serenade without question.

[Sugar67]

Awesome, thanks for the responses. Most of our cruises have been Carnival so wasn't sure if there was a ship we should avoid. The 11 day is a little more expensive but I agree that the ports are unique and we aren't likely to have the chance to get there very often. The 11 day goes from Fort Lauderdale which we prefer over a Miami departure on the 9 day. Sounds like we have a winner!!!

[Beachammo]

Depends on price.....

 

If price is no object....Serenade

 

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[polymedia]

Serenade for me. I might book it myself.

[cb at sea]

I prefer Explorer to Serenade...I love the open-roofed solarium...which Serenade doesn't have. And, for me, 9 days is PLENTY...by day 8, I'm pretty tired of ship's food.

[Merion_Mom]

Awesome, thanks for the responses. Most of our cruises have been Carnival so wasn't sure if there was a ship we should avoid. The 11 day is a little more expensive but I agree that the ports are unique and we aren't likely to have the chance to get there very often. The 11 day goes from Fort Lauderdale which we prefer over a Miami departure on the 9 day. Sounds like we have a winner!!!

Is it more expensive in the absolute sense, or per day?

[Langley Cruisers]

The longer cruise on Serenade has my vote. She has a beautiful outdoor aft eating area whereas Explorer's Windjammer is enclosed. We prefer eating outside and she is a beautiful ship. Although both ships have issues with cigarette smoke (but perhaps casino smoking will be eliminated across the fleet come your cruise :) ), I find Serenade to be the lesser of two evils on that front. On Explorer and sister ships, the smoke from the casino drifts up the back stairs and into the Royal Promenade, and it is just awful, in my opinion. Ugh.

 

Having said that, we do love both ships.

[karkee8807]

The 11 night. Royal doesn't seem to do a lot of Panama cruises. The ABC Islands are much more common to find. Serenade is smaller then Explorer. But I think a little smaller ship is fine for a more unique trip. Royal does a nice job keeping up with the older ships of their line. Plus, it also goes to a different continent. Even when we have no plans to book, I am always on the website toying around with "planning". The 11 night Panama is new too me. I was actually looking at both of these this morning and was impressed with both Panama is the one I would choose hands down if cost isn't a factor. But the Explorer looks very nice as well.

[lenquixote66]

I need your expert opinions please �� We are booking our next cruise with Royal for beginning of 2020 and already have a 9 day booked on Explorer of the Seas. Ports are The ABC's and Labadee. We just found an 11 day one going to Costa Rica, Panana, Columbia, Aruba and Curacao on Serenade of the Seas. Which would you choose? and why?

 

 

 

 

There are so many cruises going to Labadee and the ABC's but very few going to Costa Rica ,Aruba and Curaco and even less going to the other 2.

[Rala]

I would go with the longer cruise on Serenade. If the price difference were substantial, that might influence my decision as well. Whichever, have a great time!!!:D