THE JOURNEY This was a first cruise for my friend and I who are from the UK and both in our sixties. RCCL arranged the whole thing as a package. Dreadful journey with delayed flights, missed connections and an unsatisfactory hotel in San Juan. Never met so many unhelpful and rude people as we did in Miami airport and the hotel. American Airlines did their best under difficult circumstances, food was OK too. RCCL failed to meet us at the airport for our transfer to the hotel. Journey from home to hotel took 23 hours. But we were luckier than lots of Americans; many of their roads were blocked and airports closed due to the bad weather and they missed their cruise entirely.

THE SERENADE OF THE SEAS Just after 1 pm we were picked up at the hotel by the transfer coach, apparently our luggage would follow, but no-one told us that. We arrived at the pier and check in was very easy, only a few minutes wait. We had already completed our set sail pass online (couldn't print this for several weeks after paying the full cruise package price; Royal Caribbean said they'd e-mail me when it could be printed, but they didn't, so I just kept trying until it worked). Were issued with our sea pass card and went on board. Well the ship is absolutely beautiful. What a treat after our terrible journey, we could stop clenching our teeth and start to enjoy our holiday. It's spotlessly clean and every surface is gleaming. The only time we saw anybody cleaning was around the cabin areas, so they must have cleaning fairies who do it in the wee small hours. Did see maintenance men a couple of times, but nothing too intrusive. We had rather rough seas a couple of times and definitely felt the ship rocking a bit, but to my surprise I wasn't seasick, which I usually am on large ferries.

PUBLIC ROOMS All beautiful, with lots of dark wood, comfortable chairs, elaborate light fittings, inlaid floors and various object d'art on the walls and in niches on staircases. Sparkling glass is everywhere and even the lifts are made of glass. Lots of places to find a quiet corner to sit and read. An excellent library catering for all tastes. You just sign your book out and sign it back in when you've finished., no charge. Guest relations and excursion desks side by side with helpful staff. We never had to wait for more than a couple of minutes for attention. Special mention for English Tracey, who helped us on more than one occasion. There's a variety of shops, but many are very expensive, however they usually have some sort of sale in the evening with cheaper items. Read more