Fun and sun in the Southern Caribbean - our long review of our Serenade 1/7/06 cruise

[erniesband]

Our family of 3 (me, DH, and 20 year old DS) sailed on Serenade 1/7-1/14. For DH and me, it was our second time on Serenade (10th cruise overall), DS's first (3rd cruise overall). Overall, it was a great week on a lovely ship.

 

We flew into San Juan on Friday afternoon, had an easy time retrieving our luggage, and even the taxi queue was much shorter than it usually is. We got to the Marriott Resort on the Condado about 3:30 and were quickly checked in and in our room - large room, clean, the beds were a little too soft, people at the hotel were polite and easy to deal with. Lovely property with a great pool area, and a nice beach. DS took a nap while DH and I took a walk on Ashford Ave. We ended up walking all the way down, and half way across the bridge to Old San Juan. There's a Walgreen's close to the hotel, and plenty of restaurants within easy walking distance. We went back to wake DS, and went back to Ropa Vieja, for dinner - they have really good Puerto Rican and Cuban cuisine. The next morning I got up and used the exercise room while my family slept - a large, well equipped, and well used room. There were lots of machines, but it was crowded enough that I had to wait for a treadmill. Afterwards I took a walk on the beach as my cool down, then went to wake up DH and DS. Check out was efficient, and we were at the pier before noon.

 

There was a line, but once they started checking passengers in, it went quickly. While waiting in line, my husband met one of our new CC buddies. We're diamond members, but that early going to the Diamond/Suite check in wasn't really any faster than using any of the others. The only complication we had at check in concerned our son and putting him on our SeaPass. They said we'd either have to put him on his own credit card, or talk to Guest Relations on board. Couldn't understand why, but that was cleared up when we went to Guest Relations. Turns out that over the holidays, there were lots of problems with kids, and with kids running up charges which parents then complained about, saying they hadn't authorized the kids' use, and refusing to pay. There was also some conflicting paper work laying around, saying the age to get into the casino was 21. When we questioned that, they explained that during the holidays they had had to institute that restriction for the same reason, but it was actually 18.

 

Once on board, we had to wait to 12:30 before the Windjammer was ready to start serving, or we could get to our cabins to drop our carry ons, so we walked around some, checked out our dining room table, and played a round of miniature golf, by which time we could drop our luggage and go eat. Spent the rest of the day re-acquainting ourselves with the ship and relaxing. Our luggage was delivered before dinner and we were able to unpack and change.

 

We had cabin 9622, a D1 on the starboard side, midway between the hump and the stern. It was plenty large for the 3 of us, with adequate storage. In fact, there were shelves we didn't even end up using (and I don't pack lightly :rolleyes:). There was a funky smell in the bathroom which persisted on and off during the week (someone must have flushed something that shouldn't have been flushed, Charmin, maybe? :eek: ), but the smell actually didn't invade the rest of the cabin. Our cabin steward, Andre from Trinidad and Tobago, kept the room spotless, got us anything we needed, but we really didn't see much of him - less than we usually see of our stewards. DS had a pullman bed, which turned out to be very uncomfortable. We asked Andre for a mattress topper, and he found an eggcrate. He also brought a spare quilt in case DS felt he needed more padding, but the eggcrate seemed to do the job. His main complaint was that there's little air circulation up where the pullman is, so we had to leave the air conditioning set much lower than we would have ordinarily for his comfort. Our bed was perfectly fine. There are drapes between the bed and the sitting area (where the pullman was located) that we drew at night to create separate spaces. We left the balcony door open all week - love sleeping with the ocean sounds.

 

We were seated at a 12-top in the Illusions dining room (the smaller, back dining room) on deck 4. There were 3 other couples at our table, for a total of 9. We've never been in the "overflow" dining room before, but it wasn't bad - it's quieter, so we were able to have easy conversations, the waiters did entertain back there, and we got good service. Our waiter was Linus, assistant waiter Ed, and the highlight was the bar guy, Hussain, who took pains to point out he wasn't related to Sadam. He had the most personality of anyone, and we ran into him all over the ship. Linus and our head waiter (whose name I don't remember) even arranged for me to get a cherry pie one evening. My husband and I have different takes on the food. They've updated the menus since we cruised last, and I liked the changes, and was happy with everything I ordered. I'm not a gooey dessert eater, so got a fruit plate for dessert several nights. I did enjoy the few desserts I ordered off the menu. DH feels that he's seen a decline in the years we've been cruising, but he didn't send anything back. And everyone who ordered steak or beef at our table said it was good. I did a lot of fish, and vegetarian dishes. In the past the fish was frequently inedible, but I thought it was good this week. DS ate mostly pasta and ceasar salads. Formal nights were Monday and Thursday, and nearly every man was in a tux or suit. DH brought both his black tux and white dinner jacket, and DS wore a suit and tie. They both looked very handsome, if I may say so. I ate my breakfasts in the Concierge Lounge, and the lunches we ate on board were at the Windjammer. The food was good for buffet food, and we like the way the Windjammer's laid out. We also used the Seaview Cafe, which we enjoyed.

 

There was a Caribbean buffet Tuesday night, which we didn't go to, and the Gala Buffet on Thursday night, which looked spectacular, but the best food was actually the sushi.

 

We made more use of the Concierge lounge than I thought we would. Karen Santa Cruz is the current Concierge. She's very nice, and helpful. DS is a technical theater/design major, and was interested in a backstage tour. She contacted the production manager and arranged a private tour for him, where he met most of the staff, got all kinds of great info, and was invited to watch the second production show from the lighting booth. I had breakfast there, or actually got some and took it back to our cabin, nearly every morning, and we got cokes and drinks there before dinner in the evening. Karen would let you get stuff to take out, no problem. We also went there to check our e-mail each evening, as it was quiet and uncrowded.

 

Entertainment. The first night Los Diablos Gauchos, a husband/wife team performed for the welcome aboard show and were entertaining. Eileen, the wife, doubles as the Loyalty Ambassador's assistant, so you may see her when you go to book your next cruise. Sunday night comedian Yakov Smirnoff entertained. DH and DS saw him, and enjoyed him. Monday night was "Laraf," 2 magicians, who, to put it politely, should find another line of work. Tuesday night was the first production show, Vibe-ology. They were hampered by missing staff (one singer, two dancers), but the show wasn't particularly good anyway. Wednesday night, an a capella group, Mosaic, performed. This was one of the best shows we've ever seen aboard a ship. Thursday night was the second production show, Stage to Screen. Worse than the first production show, actually. I'd skip both of them. Friday night, for the farewell show, there was a comedian, Rick Star. He was okay. We didn't really hang out in the lounges, so can't comment on the bands, or piano player. The guitar player who entertained in the Centrum really likes Eric Clapton. We watched Quest, which was funny, as usual, but didn't do any of the other game shows or theme nights. And the pool tables were too crowded for us to get to, but DH and I have used them in the past - they're a lot of fun.

 

Ports -

 

St. Thomas - we did a day sail on High Pockets, which we really enjoyed (see our post on the Ports of Call boards).

 

St. Maarten - DS and I did the zip line tour in the morning (again, see our post on the Ports of Call boards) and would do it again. In the afternoon DH and I walked around Phillipsburg and stopped in a couple of stores we always go into.

 

Antigua - we did Eli's new Xtreme Circumnav tour and had a great time (again, go to Ports of Call boards). We love Eli's tours, and will see him again next year. http://www.adventureantigua.com

 

St. Lucia - we went hiking in the rain forest. Our driver, Fabian, took us to a part of the forest that isn't used by the excursions, so our guide and the 7 of us (DH, DS, me, and another CC family) were the only ones on the trail. It was terrific, but a little too strenuous for a couple members of our group. We spent the afternoon at Pigeon Point park, had lunch there, and the 3 younger adults took another climb. It's a pretty park with plenty to explore. The day would have been nicer had the weather been cooperative (there was a heavy downpour just as we finished our hike) and we had been able to do the snorkeling we had planned at Anse Cochon. Leaving St. Lucia, the Captain went down to the Pitons, which was as magnificent as people have previously said. And we saw dolphins. A guy in a little fishing boat came quite close, begging people on balconies to throw him money. I was kind of surprised we didn't run into him. The captain also didn't do a complete 360, because it was raining. With our starboard facing balcony, We went to the Concierge lounge to watch as we sailed down the coast to the Pitons, and then went back to our cabin for the rest of the "tour."

 

Barbados - DH and DS slept in in the morning, I got up and did 3 miles on the track on deck 11. When everyone was up, moving and fed, we went over to the terminal to browse, and ended up taking a taxi to the Barbados Museum so DS could buy a map. I also bought a handmade tile, which I couldn't find in the terminal. We had the taxi driver drop us off at the Synagogue, which has continued to undergo restoration since we were there last, and walked back to the ship from there.

 

On the sea day, I got up and worked out while the guys slept in again. It was a relaxing day. We finished up getting some pictures, wandering around, and DS did the the adult climbing competition. The rockwall was actually closed several times because of weather conditions, but it was fine on the sea day. We did a sail by of Montserrat in the morning (9:30 am), and the Captain went closer than we'd been on past cruises. We also sailed close to St. Kitts and Saba.

 

The only problem on this cruise really had to do with DS, who is 20 but looks younger. On one hand, RCI is serious about controlling the kids, it appeared, and especially after what ever happened during the holidays. We're fully supportive of that. DS carried his driver's license with him, because he knew he would be asked for it, and he didn't mind that. On the other hand, there was a casino worker who was abrupt and impolite about it, even when DH was there and pointed out that it was his son and he was old enough to be there. No please, no thanks, just rude and abrupt. We did discuss this with staff at the Guest Relations desk, and got a call from Sinead, the Guest Services manager, apologizing and assuring us that it would be addressed. We had to go to Guest Services several times during the cruise, and got prompt, polite service every time. Back to DS - there were very few young adults his age on the cruise. He was too old to do the teen stuff, and didn't feel comfortable hanging in the Vortex lounge at night - not his style, and most everyone in there was quite a bit older than he was. He spent far more time with us than he would have wanted to, because he couldn't find others to hang out with. As it turns out, at the end of the cruise he ran into a couple of other 20 year olds who had had the same experience. We would suggest that RCI arrange some sort of activity (sports activity, perhaps) near the beginning of the cruise specifically geared to the 18-24 year old group.

 

All in all, we had a great vacation, loved the ship, and booked to return next year, same week, but this time in our favorite aft cabin on deck 10. Can't wait!

 

Jodi and Ernie

[wrp96]

Thanks for the great review! Can't wait to be on her in less than two months now!

[Sheffie]

What a great, comprehensive review! Makes me even more excited about our upcoming cruise! (If that is possible :D )

[sas80]

I loved my so carib on the Serenade!

Great idea about the kids meet and greet - maybe you should email that suggestion to RCCL....?

 

!!!

[KamloopsCruisers]

Jodi & Ernie,

Thanks very much for taking the time to post your reivew. We're sailing on the Serenade in December with our 20 year-old daughter, and also my Mom. We've got two aft cabins booked and we can hardly wait! We sail the week before Christmas (depart Dec. 23rd), so I am hopeful there will be more young people on board for our daughter to hang out with. If not, she'll still have a great time. Like us, she is already a cruise addict.

 

Happy sails,

[kenandlaura06]

Great review!

[mykhidog]

Hello...

Great review!!! I'm going on the same cruise in December. What side of the ship can see the ports off the balconies?

[CheezysAngel]

thanks for the review - we leave on the SOS on Saturday and i'm sooooo excited i can't stand it!

[El Tipo Calvo]

:: clap-clap-clap ::

 

Thank you for the review. A very easy and informative read.

 

I can't get enough info about the Serenade.

[derekandkimberly]

Thank you, we are just 43 hours away from our cruise on the Serenade!! Sure we will have just as much fun

[PR1NCESSD1ANE]

Our waiter was Linus, assistant waiter Ed, and the highlight was the bar guy, Hussain, who took pains to point out he wasn't related to Sadam. He had the most personality of anyone, and we ran into him all over the ship. Jodi and Ernie

 

On a fluke, I read your review just to see if you wrote anything about Hussain. We sailed the Serenade to Hawaii in May 2004 and had the pleasure of meeting Hussain. He is the funniest, nicest guy! We spent a lot of time with him upstairs in the cigar bar, which he tended to after the first seating in the dining room. I don't think it was a permanent assignment though. He would have chocolate covered strawberries and various other treats he could get his hands on put aside for us. On port days, he had lots of free time because the ships would really empty out, so he would even go on excursions with some of us. I'm glad to see he's still around. I'd like to go back on the Serenade again just to see him.

[Patfan]

Super review. Just a bit nore than 2 weeks til our Serenade.:)

[Jimbo and Katy]

Enjoyed your review greatly. We will be on the Jewel in December with our almost 20 year old daughter and were wondering about the casino age too. We have heard both 18 and 21. Now I understand why. Seems they change the age limit when needed. Maybe they will take your tip about organized activities for the 18-24 age group. At least at the beginning of the cruise so they could meet.

 

Thanks for sharing,

Katy

[erniesband]

woops! double post!

[erniesband]

I loved my so carib on the Serenade!

Great idea about the kids meet and greet - maybe you should email that suggestion to RCCL....?

 

!!!

 

Thanks to all who liked our review. We do plan on writing RCL with a suggestion about the 18-24 year old age group, and my suggestion was going to be a beginning of the cruise mixer. I would also guess that during the holidays, or the summer, there will be more of that age group aboard, and it would be easier for them to meet. While many colleges are still on winter break that time of January, most have gone back to school. There weren't many kids on our sailing at all, from what I could see.

 

Hussain was great - we ran into him all over the ship, actually. And you're right - he comes up with those little treats. He's going to be going to one of the other ships soon, Explorer, I think. Said he didn't want to do Freedom. It would be nice if he were back on Serenade when we're back next year :D .

 

I've actually been thinking abut the port vs starboard side, and still think it really doesn't matter. In a couple of the ports they always dock in the same place, and in the same way, since the dock is long and they need to head in and use the forward doors to disembark passengers. In San Juan she's always docked starboard side to the dock. Your view then is the small airport. Port side has the city view. In St. Thomas, I don't think it really matters, or in St. Maarten. The way she docks isn't necessarily consistent, and what you see depends on who else is in port with you. In Antigua, you get a good view no matter which side you're on. In Barbados it depends on where they berth you. This time our balcony faced the sea. However, this isn't a lovely port - if you're facing the port, you're overlooking the workings of the commercial shipyard, which can actually be pretty interesting - just not picturesque. In St. Lucia, it's pretty no matter which way you're facing. As you're heading toward the Pitons it's advantageous to be in a port-side cabin, because that's the side facing the coastline. Doesn't matter once you get to the Pitons, since the captain turns the ship. Coming back home after Barbados, though, the best cabins are the starboard side for Monteserrat (although he does a 360 there, too), and St. Kitt (no 360, just a sail-by), and the port side for Saba. So, assuming you're not going to keep changing cabins, I guess it's a toss up, since you'll need to catch at least some of the views from someplace other than your cabin.

 

Jodi

[Airb330]

Thanks for the review. I'm 20 so I appreciate your imput. I paid for the cruise so mom and I could spend time together after a long and frankly shi*ty 2005 (both of us in college and my father passed away). I actually don't mind spending a lot of time with her, but good thing, as I probably wouldn't meet too many people anyway! We leave tomorrow! :)

[Sheffie]

Thanks for the review. I'm 20 so I appreciate your imput. I paid for the cruise so mom and I could spend time together after a long and frankly shi*ty 2005 (both of us in college and my father passed away). I actually don't mind spending a lot of time with her, but good thing, as I probably wouldn't meet too many people anyway! We leave tomorrow! :)

 

She is blessed to have you. :)

[dmndlil]

Great Review...can't wait until we sail on her on Feb 11th!!!! :D

[love2vacation]

Jodi,

 

Thanks for the great review and a good explanation of "sides" of this ship. We have a hump balcony so I was wondering how the view would be going past some of the islands.

 

I have one question though- what nights were your formal nights? I have heard a couple different things and just wondered if it was St. Thomas and Barbados.

 

I am so ready for vacation even though it really has been a mild winter for us. We did have about 4 inches of snow yesterday so that really makes us yearn for palm trees and beaches!:D Glad you had a great trip.

Judi

[mompus]

Thanks for the great review...especially about which side to be on! I booked an aft cabin for April 8th because of this. First time having one and can not wait!

[erniesband]

Airb330, You sound like a great son, and I'm sure you and your mom will have a great time. I'm so sorry about your father, and I can only wish the two of you the best in 2006.

 

Love2vacation (we do, too :D), formal nights are Monday (St. Maarten) and Thursday (Barbados). This doesn't seem to change from cruise to cruise - we've done this itinerary 5 times so far, on 3 different ships, and it's always been the same.

 

Mompus, we're booked back on Serenade next year, this time back in 1104, our third time in that cabin. Love it - great views, no matter what! We would have been in an aft cabin this year, but none of the afts have sofa begs or pullmans, and I can't figure out why. The cabins are the same size as the other D1's, and the balconies would accomodate the extra person (or even 2) much more easily!

 

Jodi

[Sheffie]

Thanks for the great review...especially about which side to be on! I booked an aft cabin for April 8th because of this. First time having one and can not wait!

 

We have a thread going for this cruise. Come on over and join us!

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=5591796#post5591796

[Spartangirl]

Thanks for the review! We'll be sailing Serenade the last week of February! :)

[mompus]

Jodi,

Thanks for replying! We are on deck 8. I was going to book on deck 7, but cruisers on this board said to book 8! Decks 9 & 10 were already booked!

I'm a little worried about it being rockier than being in the middle of the ship because DH can get sea sick, but he is willing to go for it!

[erniesband]

Mompus, you'll feel more motion aft than amidships, but it's not bad. Actually, we like the motion, and I didn't feel much in the cabin we had this sailing at all. It was disappointing to me. Just make sure your husband wears his patch :D and enjoy that aft cabin!

 

Jodi