Serenade of the Seas Review
Beane
2-5 Cruises • Age 40s
Rating by category
Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Service
Additional details
Sail Date: Oct 2016
Cabin: Interior Stateroom
My husband and I chose this cruise because we wanted to leave from our home port of Boston (much as we did with our previous cruise to Bermuda on Norwegian). I've been on one additional cruise, also on RCI, to Alaska, about ten years ago. We're both in our thirties and were some of the youngest passengers on the ship by far (which amused but didn't bother us). There were very few children and they were all well behaved.
I read lots of reviews before booking and before we left, so I had very reasonable expectations of this ship. Lots of others referred to her as shabby or in need or revamping. Overall, I didn't get that impression. Serenade isn't the newest or biggest, but it was was a great size for what we wanted (total relaxation) and I never felt anything was lacking in the decor or amenities. Oh, other than a few games in the arcade that wouldn't read my husband's sea pass.
We ate in the main dining room every night. We splurged on a few lunches in ports and didn't want to pay extra for food on the ship. Our waiters, Robert and Liliana, were amazing and really made us happy to stick to the dining room. Other than the sirloin, which was chewy, gristly, and almost spongy, everything we had was fine to great. Desserts were a particular high point.
Cabin Review
Interior Stateroom
Cabin N
We were really pleased with this cabin. It's nearly at the end of the corridor and seemed to be next to a staff staircase. There were a couple of times when we could hear some noise (something falling down the stairs?) but in general it was pretty quiet, especially with so few passengers going by to their own staterooms.
Because of its location, this stateroom is laid out parallel to the hallway rather than perpendicular to it. That made it feel massive. I don't know if it really is any bigger, but it absolutely felt that way. There was a huge open space just in front of the door. The bathroom (same size as any other inside room) was immediately to the right, desk and sofa in the back right corner, bed in the back left corner, and wardrobe on the immediate left of the door. The room felt truly spacious for two, with plenty of room to change, unpack, etc. The bathroom door did block the TV when open, but that's a minor complaint.
The mattresses are even worse than everyone says. It was truly awful. Our stateroom attendant, Donis, was very prompt in bringing an extra pillow and would no doubt have offered further assistance had we been more willing to speak up.
Port Reviews
Halifax
Worst weather of the cruise, but it was Canada in October so no complaining!
Saint John (New Brunswick)
Adorable city, again really walkable. I was particularly impressed with their Jewish Museum and how the congregation there has worked to revitalize their community.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor was new for both of us. We rented cycles for the day and went to Acadia. Neither of us are particularly athletic but I do some cycling to work and we rented bikes in Bermuda as well. Acadia was much tougher, with lots of hills that we walked the bikes up. Still, the views were fantastic and I'd do it again!
Portland (Maine)
We've been to Portland before (on the train) and knew it was a walkable city with lots of great places to eat.
Boston
We live in Boston and think it's great!
4 Helpful Votes
Find a Serenade of the Seas Cruise from $312
Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.