First vacation and cruise for an introvert

Serenade of the Seas Cruise Review to Bermuda

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 51

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Serenade of the Seas

7 Night Bermuda (Boston Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 21, 2018

Ship: Serenade of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 8519

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

Day one, living in New England I didn't have to fly to get to the boat, that was a big bonus for me. over all a smooth start. I didn't really know what to expect from a cruise so I was still a bit lost. I am not a drinker, shopper, or a gambler, and I was traveling alone, so my obvious options were a bit limited. There were shows every night and live music throughout the boat, and of course the food. There were a couple of events that seemed to be cancelled as when I arrived at the place and time listed there was no one there, one of these events would have been for first time cruisers. Day two was nice we were at sea and I love the ocean, I saw some passengers were happy they took some stuff with them to help with motion sickness, but I was doing well. Having checked the list of things available to do I did what I could to try to experience what was around, but still a bit lost, also didn't meet anyone yet, I talked to some of the other guests but everyone was already in there own groups. Still a positive experience. Day three, I was very disappointed, I had a couple of plans but getting off the boat alone was not a pleasant experience, I re-boarded the ship and went to my stateroom to recover for a while away from the crowds. I checked out the shore excursions desk and it was closed until that night. That night I book an excursion as meeting people was not very easy. I went to bed early so I wouldn't miss the excursion for the following morning. Day four, I visited the crystal caves, BAMZ, the lighthouse, and a fort, fun day on the island. so far no sun on this vacation and it rained every port day but positive again Day five, stayed on boat as I haven't met anyone yet and don't want to miss getting back on the boat. Tried to find on ship events again as my luck finding events not cancelled has not been easy so far. I attended a couple of trivia events. Day six, On the sea again, nice sea day, but word that we may lose the second sea day as the storm might make sailing difficult, made the best of the day. Day seven ported in Boston. Being in Boston we all had to get out passports checked, it was super easy but had to get in a long line. It went quick and smooth. Being in Boston I could turn my phone back on and check my email. Day eight, end of cruise, went super smooth, especially since our passports were already checked. Overall the shows and other live entertainment was nice, and they fed me well, my room was kept clean and I could not ask for a better staff and crew. Maybe next time If I cruise again I will have a better idea of what to expect.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Reflections Restaurant

5 out of 5

They took good care of me the food was really good, I cannot compare it to the specialty restaurants as I didn't feel the need to try them since the Reflections Dining Room has excellent food already.

Windjammer Cafe

3 out of 5

Clean, and well stocked buffet. Standard buffet fair.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Tropical Theater

5 out of 5

Clean comfortable and the place to be for live entertainment, comics, magic, Broadway style performances, dancing and singing. Famous headliners

Centrum

5 out of 5

Heart of the ship, I was here whenever I was unsure where to be, almost always something going on there

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Ship tip

Try to have a good time

Ports of call

King's Wharf, Bermuda

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 51

6 Comments

Copentravelcom    6 years ago

Hope you keep cruising

cdelp    6 years ago

Great review! Really from the heart. You did an excellent job giving your perspective. Our cruises are our own. Much depends on lodging, wether one thought of the food, and what the person did. Your age makes a big difference, and your expectations. If leaving out of Boston is a priority then try the Norweigan Dawn next year. I have not been on it though it may have more to offer. To me it was good, and as Burmuda is great anyway, good can be improved on. Love the feeling in your review. You communicated yourself very well. All do not have to agree. It is your cruise too afterall!

wkbryant65    6 years ago

Thanks for your review. I will travel solo on my next cruise. Traveling solo can be lonely sometimes not having some to share a experience with. Consider booking your next cruise with a travel agent that’s doing a single cruise or a group tour. There’s a cruise blogger on YouTube “sea cruiser” and there are others travel agents who blog so check them out book a group tour with. That my challenge and book one more and let yourself good.

engagedqueen89    6 years ago

I have family who works on this ship

graham123    6 years ago

😎😎

Tezd    6 years ago

Nice review. Sorry you didn't meet anyone maybe next cruise

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