Thank you -Our Experience was Wonderful
Serenade of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
7 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)
Sail date: March 14, 2015
Ship: Serenade of the Seas
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 8008
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 9 years ago
Review summary
Being first time cruisers this was such a JOY to experience.
We had one glitch: Our ship left Jamaica about an hour later than usual due to late passengers returning to ship. It happens and sometimes cannot be helped. We understand that. But...
Our time in Grand Caymen was cut short. We did not get to take the excursion we booked with to the turtle refue and to the town of HELL. We were supposed to dock at 7 but it was l 9:30 and then lhad to be back by 3:15 to leave early to make Cozumel on schedule. Being that we had to take tender boats to shore we did not make our excursion. Yes, disappointed. I did buy trip insurance and hopefully will be able to get some type of refund for this excursion.
Everything else from start to finish was perfect. The crew was so accomodating and friendly. Lots of smiles and laughs throughout the week. The sea cooperated with smoothe waters for the duration of the trip. Our room was wonderful. The balcony surely was a big plus and we enjoyed it day and night. The entertainment was good at night. There was so much to do we were busy all the time. Food was good both at the Windjammer buffet and the main diningroom. Our server, Jose, and his assistant were excellent. We met new people with whom we hope to be in touch through emails and txts. We enjoyed this trip so much we plan on another next year.
Royal Caribbean will not sail from New Orleans in 2016. Perhaps the approx. 8 hours it takes from port out away from the Mississippi River is one reason. Our next cruise will be booked out of Galveston. Looking forward to the Liberty of the Seas in 2016.
A big thank you to Jackie Greenwood who answered my silly questions, helped me register online, and gave us great tips to make our first cruise a memorable one.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Make sure you go to the diningroom in the evening. Food and service are excellent and you get to share your day on board or at port with those at your table. Great conversation and relaxing slow down time for social exchanges. You learn about those at your table and become friends by weeks end.
Ports of call
Traveler Photos
5 Comments
glomarrone 9 years ago
WeCruiseToo 9 years ago
Nice review, thanks for sharing! Glad to hear you loved your first cruise!
If the ship was late getting to port, even a third-party tour company will likely refund your excursion. Then you won’t have to submit an insurance claim. Check with your cruise agent.
That cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas will be here before you know it!
noname111 9 years ago
Good points made. When excursions are reserved through the cruise line itself, they try to schedule tender departures so that people make their connection. Same for return to ship. If the cruiseline-arranged excursion is delayed in getting back to the ship, the ship won't leave until those passengers get back on board. We had an experience in Barcelona like this and thankfully were able to relax despite the bus breakdown because it was an "official" excursion.