First time on Serenade

Item: Serenade of the Seas
Rating: 4.6
Author: jkecsj89

Serenade of the Seas Cruise Review

jkecsj89

Contributor Level: Second Mate

176 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 83

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 08, 2021

Ship: Serenade of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 8019

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

This was our second cruise. I watch a TON of YouTube videos before going and live them. This is a great cruise ship for people 50 and over who like a more laid back atmosphere. Balcony cabin is nice but not needed as this ship has lots of ways to see out or be outside.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

The set up and lines we easy to navigate. Make sure you are about 15 minutes earlier than your boarding time and you will get on a little faster. Have everything out, printed is better (quicker) than using your phone for proof of negative covid test.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

We are a MDR, main dining room, type of people, in part because we like having the same wait staff and also due to my wife's food allergies. We only did one specialty restaurant because this was only 5 nighs. The food in those restaurants are even a step above the very good food in the MDR.

Schooner Bar

5 out of 5

The best bar tenders on the ship. Lots of good drinks to choose from. Use your app as the don't have printed drink menus. I got a "top shelf" French martini and it was the best drink to me. You must ask for top shelf alcohol if you want it or you will get decent cheaper alcohol. Be specific.

Giovanni's Table

5 out of 5

Now called Giovanni is very good. I really like their filet mignon and specialty alcoholic coffee .

Café Latte-tudes

4 out of 5

Due to the placement, this was always busy. Good limited drinks, especially for non alcoholic coffees. Pastries we okay but not great, the chocolate chip cookies were fantastic.

Safari Club

5 out of 5

This was used for karaoke at night, trivia during the day. Very beautiful place. The pool tables just before entering are lots of fun.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

We did most everything this ship had to offer. We like bigger ships as far as ship activities. If you like trivia contests and small pools, this ship will be great. No ship is bad, just depends on what you enjoy doing on a sea day. I am fat and 54 and did the Rick climbing wall (first and only time I will do it). While I made it to the top is was difficult for me. The pool table was lots of fun. Mini golf was okay but other ships have a better course.

Rock Climbing Wall

5 out of 5

My first, and only time, I will do this. A great challenge and everyone cheers you on. I made it to the top but being overweight it was difficult. I am very happy I tried it and succeeded.

Casino Royale

5 out of 5

As a non smoker, I thought you could play the slots and not smell like an ashtray when you left. If you want table game or video poker they are in the smoking section. While I lost money I played every day. I gave myself $100 for the cruise and ended with $50, so I only lost half of what I was willing to lose.

Dunes Mini Golf

3 out of 5

It was fine but not a great course. No real starting points at each hole. Not bad, did it twice.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

The ships stage shows are good, but this is all about personal taste so don't get hung up on my review. I felt like the comedians were not family friendly. But that's just me.

Tropical Theater

4 out of 5

This is a nice theater. Good sight lines. If you sit in the balcony sit at least one row up as the first row often looks through the plexiglass.

Centrum

4 out of 5

I enjoyed the performers here as much or more than the main theatre. It can be loud and seating is limited.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

We love all the staff on this ship. The "smaller" ships have staff that seem to know you more personally.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Doesn't have adult slides or other things that the bigger ships do, but you know that going in.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Wonderful cabin but can hear noise from the centrum until a little after 11 pm. Spacious balcony because of it's location. Right by the center elevator

Ship tip

Get to the terminal 15 minutes before your appointment time.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5

We did Maya Chan beach excursion on our own. Very happy with it. The port is "pushy" as everyone wants to sell you something and prices are not listed. You have to haggle everything.

Thumbs Up 0

Tampa, Florida

5 out of 5

While this was just our embarkation and debarkation port it's was well run. If you come in the night before use your own transportation to get to the port. We used a hotel shuttle and with other people being picked up a 20 minute drive turned in to 40.

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

We did a Dolphin excursion at Chankanaab and it was wonderful. I understand people have strong opinions about dolphin encounters.

Thumbs Up 0