I think that the quality did not measure up to to cost on the RCCL Serenade. I think it needs a full cleaning and updating. Air exchanges are needed if they continue to allow smoking on board. I would not sail on this ship again. Maybe a different ship in their line, but I definitely preferred my prior Princess Cruise Line sailings more.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We arrived at the terminal by cab ($12 inc tip) from South Station. Our checked bags were taken from the cab. We followed the directions to check in. At no time did we stop moving. There were no lines for us. We arrived after the initial rush to get on board and an hour before our assigned check in. Boston terminal check in was a dream.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
The main dining room looked worn and tired. Servers were helpful and friendly. I have a food allergy to SOY in all forms (oil, crisco, margarine, lecithin) and the kitchen couldn’t get it right so I had allergic reactions to every dinner. I had notified rccl in advance and I met with the head dining room staff at embarkation, and still, my only choice was plain chicken with carrots and broccoli. Unfortunately, even the plain vegetables were coated with a “buttery type” glaze which included soy. I was given a menu each night to pre-order my meals, but since most of the food was partially prepared off ship, they couldn’t guarantee my meals were soy free. The crusty French “style” rolls were made with soy bean oil, not butter. Others at our table felt as though they were eating food from a local diner or chain restaurant.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We enjoyed playing shuffleboard one afternoon which we had never done. We attempted ping pong, but it was difficult on a rolling ship. We enjoyed the small indoor movie theater and watched three current movies, however, ship’s rules required the doors be kept open so there was residual light and noise coming into the theater that you don’t get at regular movie theaters.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Performers were entertaining. Comedians were quite fun, with the exception of the headliner comedian who focused on his recent/soon to be ex-wife which I found in very poor taste.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Dining room wait staff were excellent and well trained. Buffet area service were hurried and non-friendly. Our cabin steward did not wipe down the bathroom counter at all during the 8 days we were on board. Some hair on the counter and shower drain remained there for the duration.
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
The ship seems somewhat out dated. Most surfaces felt sticky, in that they were whipped down but not actually cleaned. The Centurum central area of the ship smelled of smoke. Unfortunately, smoking is permitted on board in certain areas which are not vented and no fans were seen. I observed people smoking in the lounges and staff did nothing. Of course the casino area was the worst, so to get to the theater, we would take the elevator from that end of the ship rather than even walk near the casino.
Cabin / Stateroom
2 out of 5
We had an interior cabin and it was ok. One suitcase did not fit under the bed. The cabin was smaller than a typical hotel room. The cleanliness had a lot to be desired. A small piece of a strawberry as well as two hairs remained on the sink counter the entire 8 days we were there along with hairs near the drain in the shower. The shower head did not stay in its place and had to be hand held. We never had ice brought to our cabin despite asking. No big deal, tips were prepaid, so we left a much smaller extra tip at the end.
Ship tip
If second hand smoke bothers you, consider a different ship. Smoking was permitted at the outside pool area with no fans, so the smoke was everywhere on the pool deck, we went inside to the adults only pool area, but it was warmer, no direct sun, and no smoke. The roof was broken and did not open. Other guests said it was broken on their trip a year before.
A long walk to get to the end of the pier. We did not see any transportation available for people who were handicapped or trouble with walking. I measured 1,200 steps on my Fitbit to get to the shopping area. A lift would have helped some of the passengers
There is a tram that's free of charge that you can take to the beach, shopping mall, or museum in Bermuda.
As far as updating the ship goes, as far as I know, it was updated in 2017 (I think).
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