Overall Review for first-time cruisers

Serenade of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean

irenejk49

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 38

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

13 Night Caribbean (New Orleans To Boston)

Sail date: April 11, 2015

Ship: Serenade of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8106

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

The entire staff on the cruise ship were so nice and accommodating. They responded to every request. The food was great, as they would try to cater to all tastes and dietary restrictions. Our only problem was not to over-indulge. All the live shows were very entertaining, and live music everywhere. The director of Activities, Carly, was excellent, as well as her counterpart, Renato. There were activities for everyone, and everyone seemed to enjoy all of them.

The problem we had was the bad internet service. We paid $200 and we could never get connected to gmail. It would take all morning to get into anything, if at all. Very slow system. We got some refund, but we think we should have gotten a full refund.

I must report that my friend and I got a respiratory infection while on the cruise. After the 1st week, we had sore, dry throat, then became a bad cough. We still are coughing with post-nasal drip. I noticed that the vents in my room were filthy. There was one in the closet that was completely covered with dust. They have taken precautionary steps to make sure every person uses Purell before entering the dining room for gastro-intestinal infections, but they also need to work on making sure all vents are well cleaned to prevent respiratory infections.

One other item of note, I think they should not have selected a war movie to show in the Tropical Theater. Everyday, we had such lively, fun, entertaining live shows, then the one day that they didn't have a live show, they showed an ugly WWII movie. We walked out in the mid-point of that movie. It was too depressing.

Overall, the cruise was very relaxing and fun. Every moment was covered with activities for everyone, and great music to listen to. The cruise members made it very enjoyable for everyone.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Most entrees were a bit greasy. Desserts were just ok, used too much gelatin. Cookies were too soft, tasteless.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Wish there was more arts and crafts. Also there was no Zumba classes.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

All live entertainment- great. War movie should have not been shown, especially in the Tropical Theater.

Children's Programs

N/A

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Carly, Director or Activities, Renato, Activity planner, Norma, housekeeping, Francis, 5th floor waiter

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Always well cleaned, except the air-conditioning/heater vents were filthy. I got a respiratory infection (rm 8106)., as did my friend.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Everyday the cabin was well cleaned by Norma. She was very accommodating. I didn't like the toilet seats--felt like I was going to tip into the toilet. The air-conditioning/heater vents were filthy. They need to be cleaned more often. I got a respiratory infection as well as my friend staying in 8102. Please check these vents routinely.