Back from Serenade Cruise

[SHELLLEYS]

First of all I want to say what an absolutely beautiful ship this is. By far the most beautiful we've ever been on.

 

We were in a junior suite on deck 10 - Cabin 1570 (the perfect place to be I might add!) Our best friends were in the cabin next to us (1568) an owners suite. We also met the couple who were staying in the Royal Suite and had drinks with them one evening in their room, so I can answer any questions about it as well.

 

Our room steward Carlson was very sweet and accomodated us in every way. Our waiters Andras and Olga in the dining room were wonderful as well. After the first night, they knew our names, likes, dislikes, etc. They catered to our every whim and with a smile!

 

The food had it's ups and downs, but by far more ups than downs. Breakfast and lunch in the Windjammer were nice with many choices. I especially enjoyed the pasta's and desserts at lunch. Yummy! We also sampled the foods in the Seaview Cafe, which had great burgers and onion rings....skip the fish!! The dinner menu in the main dining room also had many nice choices...I ate a lot of the fish entrees. I've eaten at many 5 star restaurants, and for the amount of people they serve, etc., I would give the food a 4 out of 5, with service being a definite 5 in every area of the ship. You only had to ask for something and whalla...it would appear. No complaints there.

 

We ate at Chops on Caribbean night and absolutely loved it as well...a little better food than in the dining room, but our service was still better with our regular waiters, Andras and Olga.

 

The ship was completely full, but only on the last sea day felt that way at the pool. Funny, the pool nazi's were out and after 20 minutes of the chairs being empty, were snagging up any stuff left on chairs and putting in a black garbage bag. We made a point to have one in our party stay with the chairs the entire day. I was glad to see RCI doing this, as the chair hogs are finally learning their lesson!! ha!

 

The itinerary on the trip was fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed each and every stop and the way the captain went to great lengths in St. Lucia and Monserrat to explain the surroundings.

 

Since our friends had concierge service with their suite, we accompanied them each night for drinks (free) and hors'deuvres. It was a wonderful lounge to sit and relax before dinner.

 

The cruise director was a lot of fun too! Although many activities were cancelled due to lack of participation. No belly flop contest...what's up with that???

 

We boarded the ship at Noon and our room was ready. The bags were delivered before 2:00 pm. We disembarked around 9:00 am and made it to the airport with plenty of time to make our 12:50 flight. The San Juan airport though is another story...yikes...don't get me started...they are very "behind the times" there and it was like herding cattle!!

 

Anyway, I'd be more than happy to answer any and all questions pertaining to our wonderful trip.

 

We booked our next trip while on the ship, and are now counting down to the next trip!

 

Until 4/03/04 Serenade of the Seas

 

Until 4/03/05 Mariner of the Seas

 

[jst4fun715]

Thanks for the review! We were on the Serenade in Jan and had an absolutely wonderful time. It truly is a beautiful ship. Our dining room service wasn't as good as your's seemed to be, but that sure didn't ruin my cruise! The itinerary was wonderful and I would do it again (especially on the Serenade) in a heartbeat...just expensive to get to San Juan!

 

Carol

 

Enchantment of the Seas 11/01

Mercury 12/02

Serenade of the Seas 1/04

Radiance of the Seas 12/04

 

 

[SHELLLEYS]

Carol - I agree totally....I absolutely loved the itinerary, but yes, very expensive for us to get to San Juan from Ft. Wayne! We'll probably wait a couple years then do this itinerary again.

 

Sorry to hear your dining staff wasn't up to par....we absolutely loved our waiter/asst. waiter. The staff on this ship was wonderful.

 

Sure has been difficult getting back into the swing of things this week. I can't seem to be able to go for more than a couple hours without food!!! hahaha.....

 

Until 4/03/04 Serenade of the Seas

 

Until 4/03/05 Mariner of the Seas

 

[PH8]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Since our friends had concierge service with their suite, we accompanied them each night for drinks (free) and hors'deuvres <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

Gee,I didnt think you were allowed to do that...I am confused now......can one bring a "non concierge" person into the lounge?????????

 

 

 RCCL Serenade--5/30--Alaska

 RCCL Jewel--10/28--repositioning

**RCCL SOS-8/27/04** Carnival Miracle-2/13/05**

[SHELLLEYS]

We did! We just simply walked in with our friends, didn't make a big deal of it, and we weren't questioned. In addition to the other tips for the wait staff and room steward, we tipped the gal in the concierge lounge at the end of the week as well. She was the best!!!

 

Until 4/03/04 Serenade of the Seas

 

Until 4/03/05 Mariner of the Seas

 

[PH8]

Maritza is way too classy to ask if you belonged there or not.............

 

No offense,but I dont think its right to those who belong there........it can get pretty crowded in there without those who dont belong...

 

 

 RCCL Serenade--5/30--Alaska

 RCCL Jewel--10/28--repositioning

**RCCL SOS-8/27/04** Carnival Miracle-2/13/05**

[JohnSax]

Thanks for the very good and POSITIVE review of the Serenade! It's great to know things aren't as bad as some of the posters here go on and on about. I will be sailing on the Serenade in a little over a month and am getting very excited. We have an Owners Suite and would love to hear your comments on it. Also would love to hear about the Royal Suite (have seen pics and it looks gorgeous!). Glad to know the food was good and that RCCL is finally doing something about the chair hogs

[scbutler]

Awesome review. We are leaving tommorow for the Serenade. Cant wait!

 

Stacey

 

Till We Sail on Serenade of the Seas

[PH8]

JohnSax~~~when are you going???We're on the May 30th to Alaska sailing..

 

 

 RCCL Serenade--5/30--Alaska

 RCCL Jewel--10/28--repositioning

**RCCL SOS-8/27/04** Carnival Miracle-2/13/05**

[JohnSax]

Parrotthead--We are on the May 19th Honolulu to Vancouver cruise. We get off in Vancouver the day you get on. Hmm--you must be Jimmy Buffet fan with a name like that...

[SHELLLEYS]

Parrothead, I agree, Martitza is as classy as they come....she personally welcomed us and knew we were in the suite next to our friends. As far as taking offense to your comment, none taken, but you need to know that we certainly never abused the privilege and would not have gone if there was EVER an issue of the room being too overcrowded. It never was! And, we only stayed for brief periods. Hubby and I are not the type to "abuse" the system, Martitza welcomed us and even told my hubby to come in the morning and get his coffee there. Our friends are Diamond members and we are platinum....we always travel together on our cruises with RCI, and I think we've spent our

share of $$ with RCI and don't feel we did anything wrong. Our friends who are cruising again with us next year and keeping one of our sons in their room, have booked the Royal Suite, so again, no shame here!!

 

John, owner's suite is very nice. What would you like to know?? Royal suite is quite large...separate bedroom and gorgeous bathroom with whirlpool tub and mirrors all around. Large bar area with dining table. Piano is a nice touch if you play!! Balcony in Owner's suite and Royal suite are large and have lounge chairs plus other chairs and small table. The plasma tv in owner's suite is really nice also and spins so you can watch it in bed. Bathroom is also a really nice size with 2 sinks and whirlpool tub. Owner's suite also has a nice bar area with wine glasses, etc.

 

Any other questions, please let me know.

 

Until 4/03/04 Serenade of the Seas

 

Until 4/03/05 Mariner of the Seas

 

[JohnSax]

Thanks for the great info Shelly. I have heard so many great things about Maritza that I couldn't count them all. This will be my first time with RCI since 2000 so I feel almost like a newbie to them again (usually cruise with Celebrity and Holland America)and am looking forward to seeing what the Serenade has to offer. It certainly looks like the nicest ship in the RCI fleet. Yes, I picked the OS for a couple of reasons, namely the plasma Tv and the dining table, not to mention all the extra space. We also like to throw cocktail parties so that space will come in handy. Thanks again for the info and happy cruising!! John.

[SHELLLEYS]

John,

 

We have cruised with Celebrity as well, also with Carnival. This ship was by far the most beautiful we've been on. You will absolutely love all the beautiful woodwork on this ship....every room is so uniquely decorated.

 

You should have plenty of room to entertain....we had cd's playing every night while we watched the gorgeous sunsets from the balcony....

 

I too was concerned after reading so much negativity about RCI lately with the service, food, etc., but I didn't see any of that on this ship! Hopefully you'll get Carlos tending to your room....he was great!!! Always had room cleaned right after we left it in the morning. We also fell in love with our waiter and his assistant. Maybe you can request them...Andras and Olga (table 528).

 

Have a great time.

 

Until 4/03/04 Serenade of the Seas

 

Until 4/03/05 Mariner of the Seas

 

[Family of 14]

SHELLLEYS - Forget the OS, tell me about 1570!

 

We have that stateroom booked and my parents will be next door in 1572. Please tell me you took pictures of your stateroom? What was your balcony like? Is there a solid partitian between your stateroom and the OS (looks like a part of the suite's wall on the plan)? I picked those staterooms because they looked like they might get a little more light than the surrounding staterooms (not as much overhang). Is this true? What about looking down to the water. Is it unobstructed?

Also, if allowed, do you think the partitian between 1570 and 1572 can be opened?

So sorry about all the questions. I am so excitied! The review was very refreshing and I am really looking forward to seeing the ship. I didn't realize that it was docking in San Juan. I was just there and could have gone to the pier to see it.

 

Are you sailing on the Mariner 7/18/04?...Click here!

or HERE!

 

Disney Wonder 3/2000 ~ Disney Magic 9/2000 ~ RCI Vision 2/2001 ~ Carnival Victory 12/2001 ~ Celebrity Millennium 3/2003 ~ RCI Adventure OTS 9/2003 ~ RCI Mariner OTS 7/18/2004 ~ RCI Serenade OTS 9/26/2004

[Folgy]

SHELLLEYS

I have the Grande Suite 1554 right beside the Royal Suite for our August 8th sailing on the Serenade to Alaska.

I was trying to get the Royal Suite but it sold out right away.I wanted to be on the bump so I took the the suite right beside it on the bump.Will this be alright or should I see if I can switch to an owners suite which is not on the bump.

Since you got to go into the Royal Suite I thought you might know what the one beside it might be like?

[SHELLLEYS]

Family of 14 - We loved our cabin and it was plenty big for us. A couple who sat at our table for dinner were in 1572!! Really nice size balcony with plenty of room. You could probably take the partition down between 1570 & 1572, but it would be real work...and you'd have to have a screwdrive to remove the bolts. Not worth it, I assure you. You can easily look over into their balcony from yours.

 

Cabin 1568 (OS) had a balcony all the way across the back of the suite (not like pictured) and we easily could speak to our friends from our balcony as well. The overhang above is smaller than the cabins below and was no problem. As far as what you see looking down, well there are the overhangs for the lifeboats about 3 decks below that jet out about 8 feet, but it really didn't obstruct too much our view below. I just wouldn't want to be on deck 7 or 8.

 

You will love this ship and your cabin....the closet is walk-in and has plenty of space. The desk area also has so many nooks to stash your goodies.

 

The bathroom was nice and big and included soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, q-tips, cottonballs, a sponge and bathrobes which were there when we got to the room.

 

I did take pictures of the room, however, they aren't much better than what you see on the various websites. Give me your e-mail and I'll send in the next couple days.

 

Any other questions, don't hesitate. I really miss that ship!!!

 

Until 4/03/04 Serenade of the Seas

 

Until 4/03/05 Mariner of the Seas

 

[Folgy]

SHELLLEYS

 

You missed my question above your post

[Family of 14]

Thank you for all the information. We have stayed in a Cat. C on the AOS, so I know they are great! I understand that the Serenade JS are really luxurious and from your description, they must be true!

 

I am a little disappointed about not being able to look down into the water from our balcony. I thought I had picked a good spot. You don't look down into other's balconies do you?

 

As for opening the partition, they are easy to open. The steward has a key and it used to open them for cleaning. I guess I wanted to know if there was room to open it and keep it that way without obstructing a window or door. No big deal!

 

I was referring to the overhang above the stateroom balcony as getting a little more light than those on the same deck. ?? Did you have privacy from above as well? Some people have reported that guest from the Windjammer can look down onto some of the balconies.

 

Please send any pics to ccshipmates@hotmail.com

Thank you so much!

 

Are you sailing on the Mariner 7/18/04?...Click here!

or HERE!

 

Disney Wonder 3/2000 ~ Disney Magic 9/2000 ~ RCI Vision 2/2001 ~ Carnival Victory 12/2001 ~ Celebrity Millennium 3/2003 ~ RCI Adventure OTS 9/2003 ~ RCI Mariner OTS 7/18/2004 ~ RCI Serenade OTS 9/26/2004

[SHELLLEYS]

Folgy - Your suite should be fine, the rooms on the bump are great too. I just remember thinking that the balcony may be a bit chopped up and smaller. Also, beware that our friends in the Royal Suite said that kids kept ringing their door bell at all hours....your suite is right next door. We didn't have that problem at all in our suite. Have a great cruise!

 

Until 4/03/04 Serenade of the Seas

 

Until 4/03/05 Mariner of the Seas

 

[SHELLLEYS]

family of 14 - No one in the Windjammer could see us on our balcony....I just noticed a small area sticking out where I saw plants, but never any people. I felt it was very secluded. But beware, it is very easy to see your neighbor in the suites next door as you lean out over the railing!!! We saw a gal 2 suites down crying one night...very sad.

 

The overhang above sticks out about 3 or 4 feet I guess, but we had plenty of light. The balcony is twice the size of a normal stateroom.

 

Enjoy your trip and the wonderful ship and suite...we sure did!!!

 

Until 4/03/04 Serenade of the Seas

 

Until 4/03/05 Mariner of the Seas

 

[PH8]

Shelley~~~~~~~~Thanks for not getting offended.........seems to be alot of that on these boards lately.........I really appreciate it ...........

 

I agree the Serenade is beautiful and we cant wait to go back next month..........we are in GS 1600........almost upgraded to an OS the other day,but the balcony looked so much smaller to me.......I think we should have gone for it,but too late.........However,the RS is still available...........just dont happen to have an extra 7 or 8 grand to spend right now ... Hoping whoever took that last OS moves up to the RS and we can snag the OS from them!!

 

John~~~~~~~~You're right...........a Jimmy Buffett fan,for sure!!!!!!!!

 

 

 RCCL Serenade--5/30--Alaska

 RCCL Jewel--10/28--repositioning

**RCCL SOS-8/27/04** Carnival Miracle-2/13/05**

[Straughn]

Thanks for the informative review. We just got off Radiance and had a similar experince-much more positive than we expected after all the negative comments about RCCL. We liked it so much that we have booked Serenade for an Alaskian cruise in September. I hope the concierge is the same!

[Family of 14]

Thanks again! I shall enjoy my balcony.

 

Are you sailing on the Mariner 7/18/04?...Click here!

or HERE!

 

Disney Wonder 3/2000 ~ Disney Magic 9/2000 ~ RCI Vision 2/2001 ~ Carnival Victory 12/2001 ~ Celebrity Millennium 3/2003 ~ RCI Adventure OTS 9/2003 ~ RCI Mariner OTS 7/18/2004 ~ RCI Serenade OTS 9/26/2004

[JandD Mom]

Shelleys - Great Review!

 

What about noise from above? Was there anything that annoyed you? Could you hear anything at all?

 

I am glad you had such a great trip.

 

Until we sail the Jewel of the Seas .... maybe

[SHELLLEYS]

Parrothead - the OS has a big balcony, it is not the way it is pictured in the book or online...appears to have the bedroom jet out, but that is all balcony space...hope you get your wish and get one...it was really nice!

 

JandD Mom - Thank you! We only heard slight noise every now and then from above (Windjammer)...but never enough to wake us or annoy us. Maybe it was just someone dropping their 20 lb. plate of food... haha!!!!

 

Until 4/03/04 Serenade of the Seas

 

Until 4/03/05 Mariner of the Seas