This was our second cruise on the Serenade in 2014, our first being in February. We chose the cruise for the port of embarkation and the ports. Serenade is a nice ship, spotlessly clean indoors, and a friendly staff. We recognized many faces from our ship from 10 months before- cruise director, activity director, restaurant staff, and that felt nice. Our room attendant, Rocky, was outstanding. We ...
My extended family (10 total, ages from mid-70s to early teens) decided to celebrate the holidays somewhere warm where nobody had to host. Most of us were first-time cruisers, although my parents have taken numerous river cruises on much smaller ships. We chose this cruise based on a combination of the dates, the ship size, and itinerary.
We all arrived the day before departure, staying overnight ...
We arrived at the Hyatt Place in New Orleans the day before our cruise, the hotel is quite noisy, our room was facing the street. Embarkation was fine, after getting on the ship our room was ready by 1pm. We lounged in the Sloarium, which is quite nice since its kid free. Very tranquil... Lunch in the Windjammer was pleasant. Salads were always fresh and they had a nice assortment of breads and ...
We are foodies and this cruise did not disappoint. We chose it for the timing and the port- we love Cajun food. We were more than happy with the food on this ship. It was the best food of all 14 cruises we have taken, but the dining staff seemed "off". We ate in the dining room the first night, and requested table for two. Didn't mind waiting for it but THEN it was butted up against another 2 top ...
Check in was atrocious with some of the longest lines I can remember. We brought 2 bottles of wine and water with us. We were required to go to a special table so RCI could check to see they were sealed. Really? Intimidation tactics at work. This is a new practice it seems. When we finally approached the desk to register, we could see through the windows that muster had started on board. When we ...
my wife and i and another couple who Just Love to Cruise, Decided to Try a different Cruise Line for the first time in 2014. We were 5 time Cruisers on Carnival Out of New Orleans. Since my wife does not like to Fly we Choose to Leave out a port that is close to home. At first glance the terminal is a bit Cluttered when trying to get all of the luggage out of the car with so many people in one ...
Sailed on this ship last year on a (9) day cruise in Dec. Decided to try again because price was great and we liked the ship; and especially the CREW. Different Cruise director, John, and had his wife helping him, Katrina. They were the BEST! This was a 60th birthday cruise for me , so I got a drink package for some of the trip. That's what made it a BLAST! Stopped at (2) places I've been before ...
I took this cruise out of New Orleans with a group of lady friends. I didn't expect a lot so was not disappointed. The ship is obviously older but has very recently been refurbished. It was clean and well maintained..
I had a Junior Suite which was very nice. The sitting area had a small sofa and a very nice good sized chair plus a table big enough for room service breakfast. Storage was ...
I have been on 2 cruises in past, both with RC (Navigator, Rhapsody) and wife has never cruised. She finally got the chance April 2014 on Serenade out of New Orleans on a 7 day Caribbean. I must stay that I was victimized by taking the Navigator in 2003 and then sailing on this smaller ship. Its hard to go big and then go small. Especially since the Navigator has had so many upgrades now. Anyways, ...
To explain my review title "Get the suite"...I debated as to whether or not I should spend the extra money for a suite and finally went ahead and splurged. It started paying dividends right away. I got to skip the long lines to board the ship. That alone might have been worth the extra money. The room cabin was larger and the balcony was twice as big. Definitely worth it.
This was my forth cruise ...