April 2015 - 15 Night Transatlantic Eastbound (Boston To Copenhagen) Cruise on Serenade of the Seas
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donaldcaplin
Purser
Joined 05/2015
1
Cruise1
Review46
Helpful VotesPast cruises
Independence of the Seas
Sail date: April 18, 2016
Overall good cruise, but two downers:
1. Medical staff sent daughter on-shore to fly-by-night clinic. Unqualified "medical" personnel there.
2. SeaPass accounts were never correct. Numerous attempts to fix them failed.
Serenade of the Seas
Sail date: April 24, 2015
Getting on board in Boston was a nightmare. Not enough staff. We had to wait ONE HOUR in line to get checked in after Security. We've embarked in other ports (FL, NJ, CA), and never had to wait nearly as long.
Also I think going thru a metal detector after every port visit is silly, and Security personnel could be more pleasant.
I don't know why bridge games were limited to 13 tables. People had to be turned away.
Staircases beautifully decorated. Overall, ship showing its age.
Dining room meals were varied and creative, with some occasional misses. Lunch buffets were very good; breakfast could use some variety.
We were highly pleased with our waiter team, Francisco and Jose Cin, plus their supervisor. Also stateroom attendant Aaron.
We had some minor problems onboard, and all were resolved in a highly satisfactory manner. Most staff worked hard to make sure guests are satisfied.
Other cruise ships distribute detailed information on ports visited; this ship had next to nothing. We loved our one sponsored tour (Swedish islands), but felt all these were overpriced. Free bus shuttle service was great.
TV selection was poor. After first few days, a few old programs were constantly recycled (e.g., Masters golf). Internet connection on public computers was MUCH too slow. If technology is an issue, price should be lower.
Shows were uniformly excellent. I think the Entertainment staff should be reassigned. Those running the trivia contests have accents too thick to understand their English; Cruise Director Carly would be better running trivia, not hosting shows.
Cruise tips
Independence of the Seas
Book a private tour for Falmouth.
Ship-sponsored island tour
Stayed overnight, took bus tour.
Royal Palace on our own
Portland (Weymouth), England, Uk
No local tour available.
Had to take trolley then train for slow trip to City.
Malraux Museum on our own.
Omaha Beach with local driver.
Excellent tour with local company
Serenade of the Seas
Take a sponsored cruise in Belgium and Sweden; otherwise, explore on your own.
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Getting on board in Boston was a nightmare. Not enough staff. We had to wait ONE HOUR in line to get checked in after Security. We've embarked in other ports (FL, NJ, CA), and never had to wait nearly as long.
Also I think going thru a metal detector after every port visit is silly, and Security personnel could be more pleasant.
I don't know why bridge games were limited to 13 tables. People had to be turned away.
Staircases beautifully decorated. Overall, ship showing its age.
Dining room meals were varied and creative, with some occasional misses. Lunch buffets were very good; breakfast could use some variety.
We were highly pleased with our waiter team, Francisco and Jose Cin, plus their supervisor. Also stateroom attendant Aaron.
We had some minor problems onboard, and all were resolved in a highly satisfactory manner. Most staff worked hard to make sure guests are satisfied.
Other cruise ships distribute detailed information on ports visited; this ship had next to nothing. We loved our one sponsored tour (Swedish islands), but felt all these were overpriced. Free bus shuttle service was great.
TV selection was poor. After first few days, a few old programs were constantly recycled (e.g., Masters golf). Internet connection on public computers was MUCH too slow. If technology is an issue, price should be lower.
Shows were uniformly excellent. I think the Entertainment staff should be reassigned. Those running the trivia contests have accents too thick to understand their English; Cruise Director Carly would be better running trivia, not hosting shows.