Serenade of the Seas in Nassau yesterday

[CVS33]

Post #13 said that seating around the piano in schooner was blocked off. Were you allowed to sit at the schooner bar?

Edited October 31, 2021 by CVS33

[RedIguana]

22 minutes ago, CVS33 said:

Post #13 said that seating around the piano in schooner was blocked off. Were you allowed to sit at the schooner bar?

There were the usual seats spread around the room, half no seating. The actual seats at the piano were no seating.

Edited October 31, 2021 by RedIguana
at for around

[bucfan2]

1 hour ago, RedIguana said:

There were the usual seats spread around the room, half no seating. The actual seats at the piano were no seating.

Just came off that cruise as well.  It was intriguing to see the seating arrangement in the piano bar, and then proceed to the dining room where it magically transformed into a covid-free zone.  I was closer to the neighboring tables' occupants than I was my wife across the table.  How do they do it in the dining room, casino, etc.?  Better yet...why can't that technology be used in other areas?  Hmmm....

[tbmrt]

On 10/30/2021 at 9:19 AM, mafig said:

Haven't seen any feedback on Serenade's first cruises.  Has anyone?

 

[tbmrt]

18 hours ago, B&J_Pgh said:

I forget is the port side the smoking side?

 

What decks are vaccinated and nonvaccinated?  

 

I'm receiving first hand information that at some ports you can't get off the ship unless you book an excursion.  Did this affect any of your ports?  

following

[SummerBeee]

Serenade is also in port today, November 1. Currently on Mariner and got to watch her dock along with 2 Disney ships

[Joseph2017China]

Honestly I think each island has like one good thing to do, and the rest is the same.  So I see nothing wrong with Nassua or Jamaica, or anyplace else in the Caribbean.  If anyone want a good experience, cruise out of Europe, Asia, or anyplace else.  But the Caribbean is just a bunch of the same stores, on each island and a Senior Frogs in every port

 

[CruisinCrow]

On 10/29/2021 at 9:01 PM, EllieinNJ said:

First time in Nassau on Oasis last week.  Booked an island bus tour.  Was not allowed on Atlantis property.  Stuck in traffic an hour because of an accident.  Guide pointed out every church, federal building. Car dealership, gas station, fast food joint.  Now I see why no one likes Nassau.

 

Sounds like you picked the wrong tour.  We've done lots of fun things in Nassau and always have a good time.  The key is to do a little research and stay away from the straw market and the ship's excursions.

[RedIguana]

10 hours ago, tbmrt said:

I forget is the port side the smoking side?

 

What decks are vaccinated and nonvaccinated?  

 

I'm receiving first hand information that at some ports you can't get off the ship unless you book an excursion.  Did this affect any of your ports?  

Serenade starboard side is the smoking side (at least on 10/16/2021 sailing). There are no vac/unvac decks, it is by venue. Unvaxed is just kids right now, so separate deck for dining. Mask wearing by vaxed was just to/from stateroom to the vaxed venues, outside no mask required. Nassau did not require ship excursions, but they did require masks. 

[B&J_Pgh]

2 hours ago, RedIguana said:

Serenade starboard side is the smoking side (at least on 10/16/2021 sailing). There are no vac/unvac decks, it is by venue. Unvaxed is just kids right now, so separate deck for dining. Mask wearing by vaxed was just to/from stateroom to the vaxed venues, outside no mask required. Nassau did not require ship excursions, but they did require masks. 

Thank you SO MUCH.  What do you mean "it is by venue" other than where you are sitting in the diningroom.  I also "heard" My Time Dining is only for those vaccinated?

 

[RedIguana]

1 hour ago, B&J_Pgh said:

Thank you SO MUCH.  What do you mean "it is by venue" other than where you are sitting in the diningroom.  I also "heard" My Time Dining is only for those vaccinated?

MTD was for vaxed only, it did not start til 6:45 and used the same dining room as the vaxed only early seating. By venue I was referring to things such as the casino, schooner  bar, etc. Any venue that was vaxed only did not require masks, outside did not require masks. The main theatre was separated by vaxed/unvaxed decks, lower floor was vaxed only, no masks required after entry, upper level was unvaxed, masks required at all times. Elevators were restricted to 4 passengers unless all from the same party. Most passengers interpreted this to mean 5 or less:)

[B&J_Pgh]

I'm trying to decided what dinner option to use to maximize entertainment schedule.  What were the times for the shows in the Tropical Theater.  Currently we have early dining.  Wondering if MTD would be better?  

 

First seating won't work out for leaving Tampa!!  Don't want to miss going under the Sky Bridge.

[RedIguana]

1 hour ago, B&J_Pgh said:

'm trying to decided what dinner option to use to maximize entertainment schedule.  What were the times for the shows in the Tropical Theater.  Currently we have early dining.  Wondering if MTD would be better?  

 

First seating won't work out for leaving Tampa!!  Don't want to miss going under the Sky Bridge.

MTD worked out great for the shows in the tropical. Most were at 9:30, we were making it to MTD between 7 and 7:30 and had plenty of time to refill drinks and make the theater at 9:15. The one exception was night one. With a 5 pm departure you did not go under the bridge til 7:15 or 7:30. If we had the foresight to shower and get cleaned up for dinner between 6 and 7 we could have done MTD at 7:45 and still made the show. If they go back to 4 pm departures it will not be an issue.

 

If traveling with unvaxed some ports are requiring ship excursions to maintain the bubble. That is something that you will have to rely on RC to let you know the restrictions for your specific cruise. Vaxed could go out on their own in Nassau. Coco Cay was open to all.

[B&J_Pgh]

4 hours ago, RedIguana said:

MTD worked out great for the shows in the tropical. Most were at 9:30, we were making it to MTD between 7 and 7:30 and had plenty of time to refill drinks and make the theater at 9:15. The one exception was night one. With a 5 pm departure you did not go under the bridge til 7:15 or 7:30. If we had the foresight to shower and get cleaned up for dinner between 6 and 7 we could have done MTD at 7:45 and still made the show. If they go back to 4 pm departures it will not be an issue.

 

If traveling with unvaxed some ports are requiring ship excursions to maintain the bubble. That is something that you will have to rely on RC to let you know the restrictions for your specific cruise. Vaxed could go out on their own in Nassau. Coco Cay was open to all.

You have already been sooooooooo helpful but I want to show a non RCC cruiser all the tricks!

 

Maybe room service for dinner the first night?  It sounds like either you eat dinner or see going under The Bridge.

[B&J_Pgh]

Is there still priority boarding for those with C&A status?

 

[MommaBear55]

1 hour ago, B&J_Pgh said:

Is there still priority boarding for those with C&A status?

 

No, it's all based on the time you chose when you do your check in. 

[Sunshine3601]

4 hours ago, B&J_Pgh said:

You have already been sooooooooo helpful but I want to show a non RCC cruiser all the tricks!

 

Maybe room service for dinner the first night?  It sounds like either you eat dinner or see going under The Bridge.

Maybe do dinner at WJ, if open on your sailing, then you could sit outside and have a nice view of the bridge.  I love eating on the outdoor patio on serenade.

[B&J_Pgh]

5 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Maybe do dinner at WJ, if open on your sailing, then you could sit outside and have a nice view of the bridge.  I love eating on the outdoor patio on serenade.

I hear WJ is closed for dinner.

[Sunshine3601]

7 hours ago, B&J_Pgh said:

I hear WJ is closed for dinner.

There are reportings the last 2 weeks that WJ has begun opening up for dinner on some ships.  All depends on the capacity and bookings for your sailing as buffets take a lot of food and crew to put together.

[RedIguana]

17 hours ago, B&J_Pgh said:

You have already been sooooooooo helpful but I want to show a non RCC cruiser all the tricks!

 

Maybe room service for dinner the first night?  It sounds like either you eat dinner or see going under The Bridge.

 

7 hours ago, B&J_Pgh said:

I hear WJ is closed for dinner

It might be open by the time you sail (it seems to depend on occupancy, these forums guess it somewhere around 50% capacity). I'm doing another Tampa on Jan 13. If we sail at 4, we will pass under the bridge around 6:30, and I will then go get ready for dinner and be there by 7:15-7:30, which should just get me to the 9:30 show in time. If we sail at 5, I will get showered and dressed an hour before the bridge (6-7), and head to dinner after the undercrossing, which should just get me to the show in time, especially if I let the waiter know we have a show to catch.