Serenade of the Seas Review
Love the Radiance class design and size...our 10-night Serenade vacation!
Rating by category
Additional details
My husband and I have begun to cruise every March as a way to recharge after a long winter and challenging work period in the two months after Christmas. This was our first 10 night cruise and what a difference those extra three nights make! We felt very relaxed and able to enjoy more activities because we felt we just had more time.
Ship appeared in very good condition and kept very clean by the friendly crew. Venues never felt crowded (except the shops area...too clogged with the huge display case in the 'center' of the aisle area running through the shops.) even though the ship was sold out. Despite being during traditional 'spring break', it didn't feel like the group of children on board was large and those we did encounter seemed very pleasant and well-behaved.
Disappointed that the Solarium area almost always had the roof closed despite the beautiful weather. As a result, spent little time there as I didn't want to be 'inside' on a sunny sea day. Getting loungers by the pool is not a priority for us so the usual chair-saving that occurred never affected us. Besides...we had our balcony so if we really couldn't find a good place to sit we just went back to our room.
Cabin Review
Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Excellent 'hump cabin' at mid-ship which faced more forward than aft. Just a few steps to the Centrum elevators and stairs, so very easy access to all areas of the ship. Just two decks up to the Windjammer and pool areas, just 3-4 decks from the entertainment and dining venues. We rarely used the elevators as a result of this location.
Many talk about the noise from the Centrum in the evenings being an issue for any of these 'hump cabins'. We did not find it to be an issue at all in part because we were usually out and about the ship until after 11pm, but even if we returned earlier while the musicians were still playing, they close the fire doors on all decks at the hallways off the Centrum and it really does cut the noise way down. Unless you are the lightest of sleepers I don't see the sound being an issue to prevent choosing this stateroom.
Balcony was fabulous...well-protected from excessive sun and (if it had rained...but it didn't) light rains. Three regular chairs plus a table were present; our stateroom host brought a lounger at my request.
Plenty of storage for two, lots of hangars in the closet.
Bathroom was clean and in good repair; not a fan of the tiny showers but at least we had the sliding doors and not a curtain.
Port Reviews
Antigua
Took a taxi to Valley Church Beach and spent a few hours. $20 to rent two chairs and an umbrella. Restroom facilites along with restaurant and beach bar available. Jetski rentals and catamaran trips also there. Nice relaxing day!
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
Stayed at the Hyatt Place Convention Center night before embarkation; wonderful property with free breakfast in the morning. Walking distance to shopping area with Publix, Total Wine Store and other restaurants. Ate at Duffy's Sports Bar (first night of the NCAA tournament, so with all the screens there a great place to be!).