A good get away - if you're older...

Serenade of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 52

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Serenade of the Seas

10 Night Southern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 26, 2016

Ship: Serenade of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 4537

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

The Serenade of the Seas was nice, would recommend this cruise ship for "older" cruisers.  Also, it is not the top of the line in the RC fleet.  The ships staff and on/off boarding processes were one of our better experiences.  Our ports of call were:  Tortola, St Kitts, Martinique, Antigua, St Marten.  We were disappointed in Tortola, Martinique & Antigua. Tortola's shopping area just opened the week before we arrived and very few stores were open.  In Martinique, there was little shopping, language barriers, and an uncertainty of exactly where things were.  We were also told it was a long walk back to ship and we should take a taxi.  We over heard another passenger say "follow the blue sidewalk to get you back to the ship" - that was good advise.  The walk was less than 10 - 15 minutes.  Again, in Antigua there was little shopping close to the ports.  Our experiences in St Kitts and St Marten were much better and would enjoy going back to these ports.  In St Marten, we went scuba diving and would recommend Octopus Diving for a fantastic experience (we are not certified and were given great instructions prior to our two dives).  It was the highlight of our trip and look forward to scuba diving again. 

We do plan on cruising again soon.  No matter the age of people on the ship, your cruise is what you make it.  We introduced ourselves, mingled and met some wonderful people from all over the world/country, participated in events and made the cruise interesting and enjoyable.  The much needed time away was great and again look forward to our next cruise. 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Windjammer served same food everyday - no variety. It seem to close just as folks were getting back from their shore excursions. Dinner selection wasn't bad. Solarium also served same thing everyday. Would have liked to have had more of a variety.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
There didn't appear to be as much pool side activities as in past cruise experiences. Not sure if this was because of age of cruisers. Would suggest that the zumba and aerobics be held in the gym/workout room. This would allow more room around the pool.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Our room attendant - Carolyn was FANTASTIC!!! Room was always clean, fresh and turned down in the evening. GREAT service. Thank you Carolyn!!

Ship tip

Would highly recommend purchasing the drink card package - you don't have to mess with signing and keeping receipts. Review excursion options prior to setting sail, do some investigating on your own. Most events held at the R-Bar (4th floor) - get there early, very little seating.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

5 out of 5

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

1 out of 5

Basseterre, St. Kitts

5 out of 5

Fort-De-France, Martinique

1 out of 5

St. John's, Antigua

1 out of 5

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5
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8 Comments

bbhellriegel    8 years ago

I believe that is a 10 day cruise on the 8th of April. I am on it too!

philchrzansbcglobalnet    8 years ago

Will be on an 11 day cruise on this ship next Friday, April 8th. Looking forward to the trip.

bbhellriegel    8 years ago

I am doing the 10 day Southern Caribbean in 7 days.

thegoat412    8 years ago

I thought about the 10 day but the 11 day on the 2nd had 4 ports I've never been to

thegoat412    8 years ago

Live2cruise... I'm doing the 11 day on Jan 2 2017... I cant wait... 9 months 17 days

frenchy48    8 years ago

Going on her in 3 days!!

live2cruise    8 years ago

Sailing Serenade on a 10 night southern in Feb. 2017. Can't wait!!

thegoat412    8 years ago

I'm 8 months out from my sailing on this ship and some of these ports... thank you for writing this it was helpful... hopefully you can answer a few questions... by no means are my girlfriend and I super experience cruisers but this is our 4th cruise and we know the ship is what you make it; were each 30 and I've read so many great reviews about this both but alot of them said it suits and older crowd so what all activities does this boat offer aside from trivia and bingo? Also we have a balcony room on deck nine 4 cabins from the aft, what type of room did you have and did you like it? Also how was the adult only area? I was wondering if the roof retracted or not? Also did you dine at any specialty restaurants and we're they worth it? I'd appreciate any imput if you can... I'm really excited about this adventure

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