I am a RCI Pinnacle with about 100 trips on RCI. This was in all respects a "typical" RCI cruise with their product being fully and ably presented.

Serenade, a Radiance Class ship, was "revitalized" in the past year or so. All areas functioned fully and were well maintained although apparently they forgot to renew the upholstered chairs in the Concierge Lounge. My preferred class of ship is this one as it is open, bright, and the sea is seen from everywhere - unlike the bigger classes where everything faces inward toward the "shopping mall". Serenade is a "ship", the big ones are "hotels" that happen to float.

I was in Balcony Room #9654 which has a double size balcony. With additional staterooms crammed on during "revitalization" Dining Room is extremely crowded and tables are close together. Ship was completely full, as it usually is on these fall trips to the Maine Coast and Canada and fares were very high.. We were lucky to have truly glorious weather all week. Food in MDR, RCI standard, was better than on many of their other ships. Same menu, same suppliers, same budget etc. - what is the difference - concerned and "hands on" Hotel Directors, F&B Mgr., and senior chefs. And their care showed. Food on RCI is "standard", but certainly vastly superior to what this bachelor can prepare for himself at home. Read more