Serenade of the Seas overview
Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas is a small to midsize ship designed for adventurers who want to experience different customs and cultures. A variety of exciting itineraries take families, couples, and solo travelers to unique destinations from the Caribbean to the Arctic Circle. The cruise ship has more than a dozen bars and nightclubs for nonstop fun after dark. During the day, there's plenty of activities for adult travelers. Adults can choose to soak up the sun in the Solarium, power up in the fitness center, or unwind with a relaxing treatment in the Vitality Spa. Families who are vacationing with children can take advantage of Royal Caribbean's many kid-friendly amenities. These include rock-climbing, mini-golf, arcade games, and Adventure Ocean science activities.
In 2012, this Radiance-class vessel underwent a $29 million dry-dock refurbishment that added new dining venues, entertainment features, and integrated technology. Additional improvements were completed in 2017. Since the refurbishments, plenty of Cruiseline.com members have reported that, despite its age, Serenade of the Seas offers a great cruising experience with wonderful service and phenomenal food.
Serenade of the Seas itineraries and departure ports
Serenade is a truly worldwide ship, currently sailing Caribbean and Bermuda cruises leaving from Boston and Fort Lauderdale. In Fall 2019, Serenade of the Seas cruises will include sailings along the rugged New England coast between Boston and Nova Scotia. Travelers can also explore the Norwegian fjords on Baltic itineraries that include ports of call in Denmark, Finland, Russia, and Estonia. Serenade will offer additional sailings in Panama and to the Hawaiian Islands before the repositioning to the Pacific Northwest. Starting in 2020, Serenade of the Seas will sail along Alaska's Inside Passage. Stops will include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point, then head down under for Australia and New Zealand itineraries.
Before you book
This ship is best for: Thanks to its smaller size, Serenade of the Seas is recommended for couples and families who prefer smaller crowds and a slightly tamer cruising experience. Additionally, the ship's unique itineraries cater to passengers who are interested in off-the-beaten-path destinations.
You should know: While Serenade scores high marks with experienced cruisers and first-timers, it doesn't offer all of the over-the-top amenities found on some of Royal Caribbean's newer, larger ships.
Things to do on Serenade of the Seas
No line does onboard activities better than Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean offers a wide selection of activities for teens and tots through its industry-leading Adventure Ocean program. The entire family can enjoy a movie night by the pool or a competitive game of mini-golf. Adults can limber up with a class in the fitness center or get footloose on the dance floor at Club Twenty. There's opportunities to relax in the quietude of the 16-and-over Solarium. An onboard rock-climbing wall will challenge your strength, and a mini-golf course will put your skill and finesse to the test. Royal Caribbean's trademark workshops are also available onboard Serenade of the Seas. To try your hand at sushi making, cupcake decorating, or Latin dancing.
Serenade of the Seas ship highlights
- Three pools and three whirlpools
- Jogging track and basketball court
- Rock-climbing wall
- Mini golf course
- Royal Tots Nursery
- Adventure Ocean activities
- Fuel teen disco and arcade
- Poolside movie nights
- World-class shows and live music
- Themed parties, parades, and special events
- Full-service Vitality Spa and Fitness Center
- Cooking, craft, and dance classes
- Adults-only Solarium and lounge
- Sixteen bars and nightclubs
- Casino Royale
- Twelve unique dining options
Serenade of the Seas cabins
Serenade of the Seas cabins accommodate about 2,146 passengers with just over 1,000 staterooms. Travelers can choose from four types of cabins including suites, balcony cabins, oceanview rooms, and interior staterooms. There is a high percentage of oceanview and balcony cabins, with these options representing about 70 percent of the ship's staterooms. Royal Caribbean also offers special amenities for families, including adjoining staterooms, pull-out beds, convertible sofas, and cribs. In-room spa amenities are available for couples retreats.
Serenade of the Seas dining
Serenade of the Seas dining has a bit of everything, ranging from casual family eateries to elegant five-star venues. Complimentary options include the Seaview Cafe for lighter meals, the Reflections Main Dining Room, and the Windjammer Marketplace buffet. For a premium dining experience, reserve a spot at the Chops Grille steakhouse, the sushi restaurant Izumi, or Giovanni's Table, which serves hearty Tuscan dishes family-style. Reviews from Cruiseline.com members sailing on Serenade often note the quality of the service across the dining venues as well as the variety. Due to the extensive selection of complimentary restaurants, many cruisers seem perfectly content to stick with these options throughout the voyage.
