Cruises - Royal Caribbean Serenade

I was wondering how you all rate the RCI Serenade of the Seas. From the numerous reviews I read it seems like its a decent ship. I am looking to do a Repo cruise from San Juan-Barcelona Spain with stops at St. Martin, Canary Islands, Gibraltar, Cadiz Spain(Seville), Cartegena, Maiorca(sp) and Barcelona.

The total for an Oceanview Cabin with Airfare from SFO is $1800 per person+$120 tax and includes air SFO-SJU,BCN-SFO. So it seems like a great deal.

What airlines does RCI use for the flights? I know they are partnered with ChoiceAir.

That's a great price for the cruise with air. The air can be a hassle though, as they don't generally use one airline, they use whoever they can get at the best price, and you can have some pretty funky routings. You might not even have the same airline (or alliance for that matter) coming than you did going.

We were on the Serenade in 2005. It is a beautiful ship. We loved it and I'm sure you will too. The Serenade doesn't get too many children so that's a great advantage. The link below will take you to current reviews of the ship but bear in mind most are reviews of the caribbean itineraries and most with children along.
http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/getreviews.cfm?action=ship&ShipID=282

Thanks for your info. I have been following cruises on CruiseCritics.com for many years but just haven't had the opportunity to take a cruise. One of the things that I would not consider doing is take a 3 day cruise as by the time you board its time to get off. They say that this is best for First Time cruisers but I tend to disagree. 14 days is just right since I know that I will love to take a cruise.

I understand that the cruise uses different airlines so that is not a problem. I already have a passport and have found that re positioning cruises can be a good deal.

I am definitely going to take advantage of online checkin for the cruise and pack light.

I'm thinking that the oceanview stateroom is better than the regular interior but a junior suite can be a good option.

If you have tips to get bonuses such as $200 shipboard credit per person, free upgrades etc.

Another reason for deciding on the 14 day Atlantic crossing in late April early May is there will be less kids on board mostly adults so it won't be as rowdy.

I like the fact that Royal Caribbean has an adult pool. The food options look good. For $25 for Portifino and $30 for Chops restaurant this ala-cart dining seems quite good. I know that its worth the longer time for the meal.

I am planning on buying the soda package for $6 per day with the refillable mug considering that it costs $2.50 per can.

For the wine package I understand that RCI does not allow you to bring alcohol if you have tips to get around this it would be most appreciative. We may just go for the wine package.

With the weather I'm thinking to bring both long pants,sweatshirts, sweaters for the evening on the ocean and shorts, polo shirts etc. for the warm days. In addition I'm planning to pack Khaki Pants, Button Down shirt and nice shoes and possibly a sports coat and tie. A pair of good walking shoes seems to be a must.

I will also bring a light windbreaker jacket.

Any other tips is most appreciative. If you have any hidden secrets that the layman first time cruiser does not know please let me know. I'm planning to sign up for the Frequent Cruise Program.

I only take oceanview as I love looking out at the water.
As to on board credit, if you book with a reliable travel agent, they will give you some. An example is that I booked Navigator of the Seas for an eatern med cruise this coming June. I booked through-----(don't think I'm allowed to mention them but you can e mail me) and got free prepaid gratuities which are close to $200 and an on board credit of either 75 or 100 dollars. Don't remember exactly at this moment.
They are not allowed to undersell RCCL but they give you perks instead.
We always fly into our embarkation port a day in advance. They will allow this for a small fee. That way you are not exhausted when you board the ship and you also get to spend some time sightseeing there.

As a first time cruiser, be sure your cabin is not underneath the disco, the windjammer, or other noisy venues and give consideration to your dining preferences. There is early dining, late dining, my time dining, and my time family dining. The first two are where you eat with the same people each night at the same time. Some people prefer that so they can get to meet new friends. others prefer MTD so they can go dine at their liesure, but you don't get the same attention from the waitstaff (it will be good but without the recognition you won't have your favorite beverage waiting for you or get two of your favorite desserts without asking, lol.
Anyway, feel free to ask away.

What airlines does RCI use for the flights? I know they are partnered with ChoiceAir.

You can pay the air deviation fee and select whom you want to fly and your flight times. I don't recall what the cost is per person but it's worth it to get the flight times you want and your ff miles. :)

As to on board credit, if you book with a reliable travel agent, they will give you some.

Wow, such an untrue statement. OBC from a travel agency is based on whether the travel agency has group space on a sailing or if the cruise line is doing a promo and has nothing to do with the travel agency being reputable or not.

For $25 for Portifino and $30 for Chops restaurant this ala-cart dining seems quite good. I know that its worth the longer time for the meal.

If you don't mind what day you eat at Portifino's or Chops wait to book until you get on the ship vs. booking in advance. Sometimes they offer a 2 for 1 deal where you are only charged 1 service fee, it's usually for the first night of the cruise.

I wanted to thank each and everyone for your tips. I will take them into consideration especially the 2 for 1 at Portifino is a great deal!!!

What I like about this Repositioning cruise is that it combines days at sea with good ports of call. I like the fact that you leave from San Juan at night and are in Phillipsberg St.Maarteen the next morning. I want to go to Maho Beach to see the planes land(how far is this from the cruise port). Is it better to stick on the Dutch side or go to the French side?

I've sailed on Radiance-class ships twice (Radiance in 2003 and Serenade in 2009). We thought it was very spacious and easy to navigate. For us, it was just the right size; not too large, yet large enough so that you didn't see the rest of your travel party all the time.

On the 2009 cruise (7-night cruise), we ate at Chops twice and Portofino's once (only once was it on my dime); otherwise, one night at Chops would've been fine. For a 14-night cruise, at least once at each restaurant would be nice.

The solarium (enclosed pool area) on a TATL cruise sounds like a delightful place to relax.

I've been on Serenade twice, plus all of her sister ships at least once (including a transatlantic). Great choice of ship, with wonderful views to sea, lots of variety in things to do and see, and places to escape on the sea days. The covered solarium is a wonderful thing when weather is bad (and the air conditioning is great if it's too hot).

The specialty restaurants are nice as an option. I prefer to eat at each of them maybe once a cruise. I have friends that never eat at them and others that eat almost every meal there.

RCCL is definitely pretty strict about the no alcohol thing. You can try and smuggle it onboard but they do scan all luggage and if they find it they will confiscate it (sometimes they return it, sometimes they don't).

Things about this class of ship that might be helpful:

1. Thermal suite - a pay for area of the spa, with heated mosaic tile benches that are great for naps, an aromatherapy room, a steam room, a sauna, and tropical showers. This area has floor to ceiling windows giving you a great view to sea as you relax. Note there are free saunas/steam rooms in the spa/gym changing areas so this is just an additional option. You can buy passes for the day or for the entire cruise. If you ask, they will give you a tour so you can see it before deciding to buy a pass.

2. In the Windjammer buffet, if you go to the back of the buffet, on either side, there are doors exiting to the rear of the ship. There is a great open air seating area back here that people don't always discover, so it's usually not crowded. Even if the weather is not particularly great, part of the area is blocked from the wind so definitely take a look back here if you can't find seating in the buffet.

3. Seaview Cafe - on deck 12 right above the buffet. This has made to order food like hamburgers, reubens, onion rings, french fries, soups, salads, etc. They have a seating area there, but if it is crowded, you can ask for it to go and they will give you a lid to cover your food (note, you can ask for stuff to go in the main dining room and the buffet as well. Just ask and they'll get you a lid). The hours vary depending on whether it is a sea day or a port day so watch your daily schedule for times.

4. Helicopter pad, you can access the helicopter pad on the bow of the ship at most times. To get there you go out on the promenade deck (deck 5) and walk forward where you'll find stairs up to the bow of the ship. This is a great place to be when entering or leaving a port. Usually the only time it is inaccessible is during bad weather.

5. Elevators - the elevators can get extremely crowded at popular times (right before/after a show in the theater, meal times, etc). If you can, stick to the stairs. But if you can't, especially if using the elevators in the Centrum (main set of elevators) be prepared to move quickly when an elevator arrives. You may have to wait for an empty elevator. If it's particularly crowded, and everybody wants to go in one direction, but an empty elevator arrives going the opposite, get onboard and just ride it all the way back. Odds are everyone else will still be trying to get onboard an elevator when you get back to your original floor.

Wow, such an untrue statement. OBC from a travel agency is based on whether the travel agency has group space on a sailing or if the cruise line is doing a promo and has nothing to do with the travel agency being reputable or not.
I mentioned the TA being reputable so the OP would understand that some companies make promises they don't fulfill.
I deal with an on line travel agency that has ALWAYS given me on board credit for any cruise I booked. If you would like further information, feel free to send me a private message.

Thanks for the tips and I will take them into consideration. I am all for sitting outside and dining so I will do this at the Windjammer especially on the first day go to the back.

What I have found out is that you take small portions of three dishes you want to try at the buffet if you like it you go back for more if you don't like it you can always go back for another item or go up to another venue. At least your not wasting food. I see people leave so much food at Las Vegas buffets and it makes me wonder if these people are really hungry or are just there for the experience.

I know you can gain a lot of weight on a cruise. What I have found out is to start with fruit around 6:30 AM with coffee and then head to the exercise room or pool for a swim then change for breakfast and order eggs, cereal etc. That way you can have a good lunch like a hamburger or salad.

At dinner is when you can eat the good stuff. And of course you can enjoy the Tea with snacks around 4.

BTW What do they serve at the sailaway party on the first day on board? Is it drinks, appetizers etc. Why don't they offer free alcohol with an open bar at this party to get you to sample the drinks to get you to buy more?

Are there any opportunities to get a free glass or two of wine/champagne? I read somewhere that you can go to an art auction and act interested and they will pour you as much champagne or wine as you can handle even if you don't buy you can still get these perks.

Thanks again for your tips and if I have any more questions I will let you know.

Are there any opportunities to get a free glass or two of wine/champagne? I read somewhere that you can go to an art auction and act interested and they will pour you as much champagne or wine as you can handle even if you don't buy you can still get these perks.

You don't even have to act interested. It's just staff going around with trays of champagne. That said, there are much more interesting things to do than sit around at an overpriced art auction sipping on bottom-of-the-barrel champagne.

What I like about this Repositioning cruise is that it combines days at sea with good ports of call. I like the fact that you leave from San Juan at night and are in Phillipsberg St.Maarteen the next morning. I want to go to Maho Beach to see the planes land(how far is this from the cruise port). Is it better to stick on the Dutch side or go to the French side?

I did the trip to Maho beach a few months ago - the cab fare was $8-$10 each way per person in a shared van, but be prepared for traffic. The ride was about 35 minutes each way, but the traffic could make it much worse. Most of the heavy arrivals were in the afternoon, and it was a fun experience. My one word of advice is if Maho is what you want to do, then plan your day around it. I would not try to do both Maho and the French side for example.

I just returned from spending two weeks (B2B cruises) on the Serenade OTS out of San Juan. I have sailed on her three other times. While still beautiful, she is showing her age. She is due for a refurbishing dry dock this coming November.

Don't look for free drinks on the ship unless you are a member of RCI's loyalty program. No art auctions anymore (no free champagne) and they charge for sail away drinks. They do have "tastings" of various alcohol offered for sale in the ships stores. Look for the notice in the daily "Compass". Do note that any alcohol that you purchase at the ships on board shops will be held until the last night of the cruise. There are also discounts on certain drinks at various times during the cruise.

They no longer offer 2 for 1 dining at Chops or Portofino. That stopped at the beginning of 2012.

The Seaview Cafe on deck 12 (up from the Windjammer on the starboard side) is a fantastic place place for lunch or snacks. It has indoor and outdoor seating. Most passengers do not find it until about mid cruise! The Solarium is our favorite place to read and relax.

Remember you can bring soda and bottled water on the cruise. I am addicted to Diet Coke. So I bring a 12 pack on and restock at various ports.

I have heard that boxed wine in your checked luggage will most likely not end up in the "naughty room". There is no boxed wine in San Juan, PR (at present, no one has the distribution rights to PR).

Sail away from San Juan, PR is very pretty. Particularly pretty until you pass the fort and enter the ocean.

Serenade consistently gets high rating for ship board service. She is known for her glass elevators facing the water, and windows everywhere. She is the perfect balance of size and amenities (no ice rink or flow rider). Look for the two blue bulls while on the outward facing glass elevators!

If you would like to find out ALL about Serenade, take a peek at www.cruisecritic dot com. It has a wealth of information on cruising, ports of call, etc.

I enjoyed my cruise on Serenade out of Venice a few years ago. I think I was in cabin 7000 -- far forward on the port side (ideal for leaving Venice). I'd only suggest that for a sailing with alot of sea days, you may end up spending alot of time in your cabin, compared with a port intensive cruise. For that I'd want a balcony -- the extra cash would be worth it. Also, it helps to have two private spaces -- if you want to read, and your travel partner wants to sleep or watch TV or whatever.

Another reason for a balcony, although not one cruisers generally want to think about, but it does happen, as we saw this past week especially. If you happen to get sick and are quarantined to your cabin for a few days, it would be nice to at least be able to go outside and get some fresh air, and just not be cooped up inside.