Serenade of the Seas Review

Serenade of the Seas Southern Caribbean

Review for the Southern Caribbean Cruise on Serenade of the Seas
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brush man
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Dec 2007
Cabin: Junior Suite

My wife and I are in our early 40's and this was our second cruise. Our first cruise was on RCCL'S Voyager of the Seas. We much prefer the Voyager Class because of the promenade and space availability.

We arrived in San Juan a day early and stayed at the Condado Hotel and Casino. We booked and Ocean Vista room and it was beautiful. Probably the most comfortable mattress I have ever slept on. We enjoyed the afternoon and evening around the Hotel and ate nearby on the water.

The next morning, we took our time getting to the ship at noon. We then found out no one could board till 1:00pm, so we sat for an hour. As soon as embarkation began, it went very quick. We went straight to our room to find our luggage had beat us their. A nice surprise. We then went to the main dining room to arrange a table for two for our meals. We were fortunate that they were able to provide that for us. We then went and booked a couples massage for our sea day. Then to the windjammer for lunch and off the ship for more shopping in Old San Juan. The ship was docked at the Pan American Dock which is across the water from the shops. THis means $10.00 each way to and from Old San Juan. Day 1 St. Thomas Megans Bay is our favorite place to go. If you arrive early enough, you will be alone for sometime. It is a beautiful bay and the water is very clear. The cab ride was $8.00 and entry to Megans Bay $4.00 per person. We returned for dinner and our romantic table for two only to find that it was at the bottom of the stairs on the main floor. It felt like we were eating in the hall and the traffic never stopped. The food was extremely plain (my wife is an excellent cook) and we are used to food with flavor. This food had none. That was our last night eating there. Day 2 St. Martin This was our favorite island. We rented a jeep for $53.00 for the day and took off on our own. No speed limits and no street signs. I think you are supposed to use the "force" when you drive here. Our favorite spot was Margot Bay on the French side. It was wonderful and the was a delightful experience. The people weren't hounding us like they did on other islands. Day 3 Antigua We again rented our own vehicle, this time it cost us $60.00 for the day and here they drive on the opposite side of the road. We headed for Turner Beach and arrived a little later than planned due to, again, no street signs. Turner Beach was very nice. The food was good and snorkeling was $10.00 per person. We headed out to the reef and on our way I was pushed by a wave into some coral. There, I met a sea urchin. At least 12 of his needles pierced my fin and went into my foot. That ended our day at Turner Beach. The remedy is to stick your foot in hot water for about 30 minutes, this kills the toxins and the sea urchin still in your foot. Day 4 St. Lucia We left the ship with high hopes for this day, hearing so much about this island. We hired our own taxi driver for the day at $150.00. To book an island tour through RCCL, was over $100.00 per person and that was on a bus. Not my cup of tea. We saw the pitons, the waterfall, plantations, volcano (the smell of sulfur is breath-taking), and all the island high lights. It took almost 5 hours and we were glad to see the sights. But once you've seen them, I can't imagine wanting to do it again. It was a long day. The shop owners are 'in your face' and children were begging us for money. It was not a pleasant experience. Sea Day We booked an early couples massage. Mine was great, my wife's was not. At $150.00 per person, that will be the last time we do that. Then they wanted us to by a bottle of muscle relaxing oil for $61.00. Sure thing.

Cabin Review

Junior Suite

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