This was our first ever cruise and it went smoother than I could have ever imagined! We are now definitely hooked and already made a reservation on board at NextCruise for 12 night Med Greek Isles cruise on Jewel in Oct. 2020 to celebrate my 65th Birthday! Could not have picked a better vacation value!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Super! Got to Port Everglades on first 10 am shuttle bus from Quality Inn on Stirling Road. Only a short 15 minute ride to the Terminal 18. Porter took our luggage and we went directly through security and was greeted by Royal employee with ipad who scanned our sailpass and checked passports. Was on the Serenade within 30 minutes! Smoother than the airport. No lines!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
All the facilities on board the Serenade were first class. Windjammer buffet was great. Service in Main Dining Room was impeccable. Loved the food. My wife has Celiac Disease and Type 2 diabetes so she looked at the next night's menu and ordered so it could be prepared Gluten Free and had sugarless dessert choices. A good variety of bars. We did not eat in any of the Specialty Restaurants.
Lobby Bar
5 out of 5
Loved the R Bar in the Centrum. Entertainment there almost all the time. Egg Drop competition in the Centrum atrium was really cool. And ballroom dancing with SOS orchestra playing Big Band tunes! Get there early if you want seats. Always packed during performances.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Pool was a little small and lounge chairs were hard to come by on sea days. Spa and Fitness Center were very nice. Loved the Centrum area and casino. Had fun with trivia and game
Solarium
5 out of 5
Loved relaxing in this Adults only pool area. Would have liked to see the roof opened in ports. It was a little warm. The Park Cafe is right there if you want a snack or lunch with Kummelweck roast beef sandwiches, shrimp salads and chocolate chip cookies!
Entertainment
5 out of 5
RCI Production shows Vibeology and Stage to Screen were wonderful. All shows were 45-50 minutes. There was a Welcome Show the first night with Serenade of the Seas and SOS singers and dancers featuring comedian Billy Goran at 7:15 pm. Billy did Adult Late Night Comedy at 10 pm. Horizon a Motown Tribute 3 man vocal group from Detroit was terrific mixing some comedy into their act. Bill Cook did a very entertaining comedy/ magic show. Nicola Ward was Super British vocalist who won many British TV vocal competitions and went to school with Adele, Rookie did a nice rock n’ Roll band act. Lead singer Andrew McKenzie was in Jersey Boys in Vegas cast. Farewell Show with comedian Bill Nease was good but sad since it was our last show and the complete crew and staff were represented. It also was Captain Aris Medina’s last day before vacation!
Tropical Theater
5 out of 5
Loved the size of the theater. Very cozy. Shows are about 45-50 minutes long. Get there about 20 minutes early to get best seats up front. Waiters take drink orders before the show starts or bring in your own drinks. Very good sound and lights! Really enjoyed every show there. A Star is Born was even shown there on Thursday night.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our Cabin Steward Alba Laura (Peru) was a terrific young lady. Always greeted us with a smile and knew our names. Made us towel animals at turn down every evening. She also kept the ice bucket full which I requested at beginning of cruise.
Our Head waiter Bassem (Tunisia) was excellent. He would show my wife the menu from the next night so she could order gluten free since she has Celiac Disease.
Our Waiter Boy (Indonesia) was also excellent with superb service. We lacked for nothing.
Our Assistant Waiter Syamsuh (Indonesia) is a wonderful young man with a bright smile. He will be promoted quickly.
All of the bartenders and other staff were wonderful. Royal must have a great training program as everyone bent over backwards to provide first class 5 star service.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Love the Centrum atrium layout in the middle of the ship. Nice size of 2100-2500 guests. very clean
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Spacious Balcony on Deck 10. Very adequate for 2. Plenty of closet space. Loved the balcony!
Ship tip
Try to use app to schedule your time. So much to do that you can't do it all!
Stayed at Quality Inn Stirling Road. Restaurants within walking distance Starbucks, Chipotle, McDonalds, Burger King. Can have Chinese or Pizza delivered to room. Pool is nice with bar right at the pool.
Took taxi to Coki Beach $20 for 2. Picked us back up at 3 pm. stopped at overlook on way back. 2 loungers and umbrella on beach fro $20. $5 Hienekens at Buddy's on beach. retrooms there. Great snorkeling.
Went to Sandcastle on the Beach. $25 for 2 loungers, umbrella and welcome rum punch. Clearest water I have ever seen. Beautiful. took cab there and and back only 1 mile walk from,pier through town.
We took a break from the beach and did a walking tour of town on our own. Wooden Anglican Church, Government House and Museum. Learned a lot very interesting.
Took Royal excursion for Greg's 4 X 4 Jungle Safari. Wonderful 3 1/2 hour tour of the jungle with monkeys in the trees. a stop at plantation 1000 feet up for a little rum punch and spectacular views. Greg gave history lesson of the island past. Fifth generation islander. Made a stop for an hour at black sand beach where we bought lunch on conch fritters! Excellent!
Took water taxi on our own to town $7 each roundtrip with $2 beers on board. Walked to Holland House Hotel that has $25 deal for 2 loungers and umbrella with 4 drinks. Beautiful beach and clear water right in Phillpsburg. You can also rent wave runners there.
Disembarkation went very well. Just waited in the Safari Lounge until we were called at 8:15 to go to terminal and retrieve our luggage to pass out of terminal. Shuttle to hotel was already in the loading area.
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