Serenade of the Seas Review
Holiday Cruise 2015 - 2016; not what we expected.
Rating by category
Additional details
This was our second Christmas cruise and first for New Years. While the ship did an okay job with New Years, they totally lacked on Christmas. Only one Christmas tree on the entire ship. I just felt they lacked in the Christmas setting. New Years was a little better, however, not what we thought it might be. The service, for us, was NOT there. HORRIBLE.... Other than our stateroom attendant, who was the BEST we have ever had on any ship, it was a rather disappointing trip. Vintages Wine Bar staff was great and we enjoyed getting to know them.
Once again RCI totally got our dining preference messed up, how do you go from requesting a table for 2 to a table of 10? Apparently, RCI has changed the way they do drinks in the dining room, you have to order your drinks with your waiters, we wanted to order a bottle of wine with dinner, we didn't get it until our dinner was served and we were eating when it finally arrived. The service for the entire 12 nights was NOT there, you get better service at a fast-food restaurant.
Since when do you have to get your own coffee in the Windjammer? Really? Since when does a waiter tell you, the coffee is over there? When did that change? In my opinion, service has continued to go down hill since RCI has changed their tipping policy. Even the guest service staff was rude and unhelpful. I have called RCI Corporate and complained, however, they just sort of dismissed me. Not sure about the rest of you, but, apparently RCI is filling their ships and must not really care about the "service" aspects any longer. The restrooms were lacking in cleanliness, the elevators were broken most of the time and they ran out of staple items, like mayonnaise, cream cheese, peanut butter....
Cabin Review
Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
We had an outstanding stateroom attendant and she received a WOW from us, along with additional tip dollars. She made our trip for us. Our room was very comfortable, she kept it clean and was always smiling and pleasant. Vira did a fabulous job and she was the saving grace of our trip. The only bad thing about our stateroom was the window shears were shredded and would always get hung up on you. That wasn't anything the attendant could take care of. That is just a lack in RCI replacing their draperies.
Port Reviews
Labadee
Santa was on the island as we were there on Christmas Day. This is about the 6th time we have been to Labadee and while it was a beautiful day, we opted to walk over and see Santa with the children. Sorry to say, while the sled he sat in and Santa was great, it was no different than the Mall.
St. Thomas
We took a shuttle from the port to walk about and do some shopping. It wasn't the best shopping trip. We did find a little bar and had a bush whacker, the bar tender was nice and friendly, however.
St. Kitts (Port Zante)
While the plantation was really cool to see and the owner was awesome, Frigate Bay was HORRIBLE. It was dirty, and there is nothing positive I can say about this spot. I am giving it average only because of the plantation portion of the trip.
Antigua
The excursion we wanted was booked so we opted to just get off the ship and shop. That was a mistake. While the port was all decorated for Christmas, which was very nice to see, the shopping wasn't the best. The restaurants were lacking. We were able to find a place to sit and have a beer, however, they weren't very friendly and when we tried to get some food there, the service was terrible. I would say if we go to Antigua again, must do an excursion or stay on the ship.
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
We didn't take an excursion in Ft. Lauderdale. We flew in and spent the night at Embassy Suites. We always stay there, close to the airport and the port. Shopping is right there and nice places to eat. They offer a shuttle in the morning to the port and it's affordable. Cocktails at night and breakfast in the morning.