Serenade of the Seas Activities

See all photos
Editor Rating
5.0
Excellent
Entertainment

Entertainment & Activities

There's certainly no shortage of entertainment -- day or night -- onboard Serenade of the Seas, and you'll find a little something for everyone. Cultural/educational courses like wine tasting and digital photography seminars are offered, along with blackjack tournaments, horse races, elaborate production shows in the Tropical Theater, and informal dancing nightly in the atrium lobby.

Those looking for more excitement can head over to Vortex, also on deck 13, which is typically where singles tend to congregate. The DJ plays everything from the Village People to Top 40 rap hits till late each evening. The bar at Vortex literally spins -- not for those prone to seasickness -- and it's a great place for interesting people-watching!

The Casino Royale is busy at night, though there was rarely difficulty finding a seat at the slot machines (not sure if this is a good or bad thing!). Blackjack tables got progressively more full as the cruise wore on.

The Schooner Bar, also on Deck 6, was our favorite lounge on the ship. Featuring a dark wood decor and strategically near Chops, it's a lively bar with a friendly atmosphere and the easiest place to meet fellow passengers onboard. If you're oscillating about the decision to visit the alternate restaurant, just have a few drinks at the Schooner between 7 - 9 p.m., and you'll be able to get a first-hand -- and let us just say quite-candid -- review of the menu offering and dining experience. The Schooner offers nightly live music, including a Latin guitarist and a pianist with whom everyone loved to sing along.

The Safari Club, located on Deck 6, has the feel of an old-world library - lots of dark woods and heavy pieces of furniture - and is a great place to shoot pool, play cards, or just relax with a drink.

Also of note -- don't miss the "Love and Marriage" show, which is hilarious, though also rebroadcast on your in-cabin television no fewer than ten times, so don't stress if you're on a hot streak in the casino and have to pass on the live event.

Public Rooms

The ship is overflowing with glass and natural light, and the center of it all is a ten-story all-glass atrium, that features live music and dancing every evening. You'll find the most crowds poolside and around the dining area during major seating times, though the rest of the ship is surprisingly not congested.

Shops onboard are located on Deck 5 and are pretty standard: liquor, jewelry, RCI logowear, perfume. The stores were never crowded and much of the logowear went 50% off on the last day of the cruise.

One of the interesting features of all the Radiance class ships, including Serenade, is that Internet-accessible terminals are located in various pockets around the vessel. The main Royal Caribbean Online area is on deck seven, right off the lobby, but there are others -- a few in Latte-tudes, the coffee bar, and some on deck seven. Teens have their own bank of computers in Fuel. Several Internet packages are available for purchase.

Serenade has a state-of-the-art medical facility and also has a helicopter landing pad for emergency medical evacuations.

Spa & Fitness

The gym facilities at the Vitality Spa & Fitness Center are excellent, with treadmills, universal machines, weights, and everything else the average fitness enthusiast will need to work off the midnight buffet. A jogging track is also available around the Sky Bar area, though this is a common thoroughfare for passengers and seems difficult to use during the afternoons.

Fitness classes like yoga and spinning, as well as personal fitness training, are also available for an additional fee - check out your Daily Compass each day for a schedule. Spa facilities are exotic and have a gorgeous Tahitian decor, though the services are a bit overpriced. Don't miss the spa tour on your first day onboard, and keep your eyes peeled for occasional freebies in the Daily Compass. Our favorite place on the ship was the spa's Solarium area; an indoor/outdoor pool (with a retractable roof), it's designed in an exotic Bali-esque scheme. The teak furnishings are as comfortable as they are elegant - and, get this: it's open 24 hours a day. Another advantage: you can always find a space in one of its two whirlpools - and it was a lovely way to relax as the ship was pulling out of port after a busy day.

Another relaxing spot was the spa's thermal "suite" - it's co-ed and offers a variety of scented (and non-scented) steam rooms and saunas. Entry is by day pass or full-cruise pass - though you may be able to negotiate a discount on port days when there's not as much demand.

There are also the "usual" Royal Caribbean diversions - nine-hole miniature golf, basketball court, shuffleboard, rock climbing wall, art studio, and game room.

The main outdoor pool has two hot tubs and is nearly always festive, with a combination of poolside activities (horse racing and the bellyflop contest were favorites) and live music.

The pool's main bar is also usually packed but is where you find the best frozen drinks onboard (but if the crowd's too massive, check out the Sky Bar, just above, as well as the Solarium's bar).

For Kids

If we saw six children on our Canada/New England cruise, it was a lot -- though it must be said that our trip occurred after kids went back to school. The youth facilities are concentrated on deck 12 and are beautifully designed; during school holidays and/or family-friendly itineraries this is a prime ship for families. For the younger set, there's a kiddie pool and waterslide. Teens have Fuel, their own hangout, and it offers a juice/coffee bar, televisions, cozy sofas, dance area, and computers. Nearby is the Adventure Ocean arcade.

Royal Caribbean's childrens' program, Adventure Ocean, divides kids into the following categories: Aquanauts (ages 3-5), Explorers (ages 6-8), Voyagers (ages 9-11), Navigators (ages 12-14), and Teens (ages 15-17). Childcare is available each evening from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for a per child, per hour fee.

Activities & Entertainment

  • Adventure Beach - Kids Club
  • Adventure Ocean - Kids Club
  • Casino Royale*
  • Cinema
  • CruiseCritic Meet and Mingle
  • Dance Classes
  • Dance Parties
  • Deck Parties
  • Demonstrations
  • Fairways of Serenade
  • Fitness Classes*
  • Fuel Teen Disco - Kids Club
  • Game Broadcasts
  • Game Shows
  • Hot Tubs (3)
  • Karaoke
  • Live Music
  • Movie Screen
  • Nursery - Kids Club
  • Pool Games
  • * May require additional fees

    Find a Serenade of the Seas Cruise from $312

    Any Month

    Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

    © 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.