We just returned yesterday from the Serenade of the Seas So Caribbean cruise that began Mar 28. As has been the standard for Royal Caribbean, this was a fabulous cruise. From the time you step on the ship until you depart you are made to feel special. Everyone is pleasant and willing to do anything within reason to meet any needs that you can imagine. If you don't have a great vacation there is only one person to blame it on, and its not anyone associated with the Serenade of the Seas.
Special recognition goes to the Cruise Director, Dennis Charles. This was the second cruise we have taken where Dennis has been the Cruise Director. Just looking at his bio will tell you he is an entertainer, and he lets that show throughout the cruise. He knows how to work a crowd and keep everyone entertained.
The only complaint I have has nothing to do with the ship, but arriving and departing from the San Juan Airport. After traveling all night on a red eye, we arrived in San Juan, claimed our luggage and made contact with the RCCL rep. When we inquired as to where to get something to eat, we were told the only food was outside the baggage area, and that once we left the area, we could not get back in. You can enter the airport terminal, but in order to get back to the baggage area where RCCL stages everyone, you need to go through TSA Security again, and you cannot without having a boarding pass for an outbound flight. So we sat at the Airport from 8:30am until 1:30pm when we departed for the ship. Needless to say we weren't the only unhappy travelers. As for departing, we were the first ones off the ship at 8am with a departing flight at 11:10am. For some reason, the luggage is loaded into a separate truck rather than the bus your on. You arrive at the airport in plenty of time, then you wait another 30 minutes for the truck to arrive since it is still at the port being loaded. Then you and a large number of others have to wait for the luggage to be offloaded from the truck. Then you go through USDA inspection, then to the ticket counter for check-in,then TSA security. Needless to say our flight was boarding when we got to the gate. My recommendation is to forego the airport transfers thru Royal and take a cab to and from the Airport and handle your own luggage.
We had a D1 rate balcony cabin. Having sailed before we knew what to expect. However, if your expecting to see a room like a regular hotel, then expect to be disappointed in this class. Of course, the higher the class you reserve, the more space you have, but at a higher cost of course. But then again, your not on the cruise to sit in your room.