July4

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My 1st trip across the Atlantic. DW has been twice before we met 45 years ago. Glad I went. Finland, the Fjords, Copenhagen, and Iceland were all excellent counties to visit and site see. We are looking forward to our next cruise in Northern Europe, The B2B cabin change was easy- but next time I will try to book them both at once. We did all private tours or on our own.

Here is review I posted about the Serenade:

We originally booked the TA cruise because we wanted to see Iceland and try a TA. Six months later we decided that is we were flying across the pond we would add the Norway Fjords cruise to it. We enjoyed both locations. Unfortunately because of this addition it was necessary to change cabins mid-cruise. We flew to Helsinki first too see DW’s relatives and then spent 2 days in Copenhagen before cruise. We stayed at Scandic Palace which we enjoyed as it was close to everything. We took a taxi to the port. Checking in was easy and fast at about 11:30 am. Only a couple people ahead of us as we put our luggage on the conveyor belt then in-line to check in and get sea pass cards. Took less than 30 minutes after arrival at port.

We went right to Park Café and were able to find a table where we enjoyed lunch and our 1st beverage. Around 1:00 they said cabins were ready. We put our carry-on in cabin and then explored the ship some more. By mid-afternoon the luggage was in the main hallway. We waited a bit to see if the room steward would deliver the bags but soon discovered that we were supposed to get our own if. We brought them to our cabin and unpacked. We had AFT cabin 8672, for 1st leg, then moved next door to AFT 8670 for the TA. We enjoy the AFT cabins and the view. Our room steward finally showed arrived before we left port. When I wasn’t on Deck 12 taking pictures of the fjords, I was on our balcony taking pictures of both sides. We booked our own excursions or just walked around or used the Hop-On – Hop-Off (HOHO) bus at ports. We enjoyed the fjords scenery very much and all the waterfalls in Norway and Iceland. The 4 days in Iceland was very enjoyable and glad we went. Overall we had warm weather and really no rain out days. We were very lucky. We discovered in Iceland that at all the power plants had their own blue lagoon. While not all were available to the public there are other lagoons to use besides the highly advertised ones.

The ship was in pretty good shape, there were some areas that needed painting, but the crew was working on that. The cabin and bathroom was what was expected and I found the bed comfortable. The cabin steward was good, he did what we expected and made the towel animals most nights. The maître de in MTD on the port side (Raul) was very slow. We had the same table and tablemates for 24 days, and he never remembered us and had trouble using the computer. The waiter (Neil) was ok but slow, 4 or 5 nights he said sorry but I am very busy tonight. Only half a dozen times did he say what was going on the next day and to have a good evening. The assistant waiter (David) was energetic and good and did his best to take care of us. The 1st week we had a good drink server – who knew what we wanted after a couple days and took care of us. On start of TA he was moved downstairs and his replacement was terrible. Mid-cruise the original drink server came back and things were improved immensely. While the food was ok, we found the menus limited and a lot of repeats, some times dry, same sides, and very little taste (except for excess salt- they used a lot in their cooking). WE DID have lobster on the last formal night of the TA.

We ate breakfast in the main dining room most mornings, while good the service was slow. Most lunch’s we ate in Windjammer, and usually shared a table with someone, as it was crowded. I could find a salad and something else to eat, but DW sometimes had trouble. On the 1st leg we did the chefs table (5 courses with wine for $85 each) – said that night would give us 50% off if came back next week, but when booked –said manager would only offer 30 % off. The 6 of us did do it again, as well as we all bought the 3-night dinner package for $75.00 each. We enjoyed the specialty restaurants even if I cooked my own dinner in Izumi on a stone. Went to the Schooner bar before dinner and after some shows for a cocktail, where we found the waitstaff (especially John) and bartenders to very friendly and helpful. Since we are not yet Diamond Level we purchased the drink package (at discount on-line before cruise). I am sure I got my $$ worth, but not sure about DW, but she tried some different drinks and didn’t have to sign receipts. The piano player/singer was good in the evening.

We did go to over half the shows and enjoyed the ones we saw. On the sea days they did have one or two talks a day, afternoon shows, as well as trivia, movies etc. DW enjoyed all the trivia. Since this was our 1st TA, DW and I did do the King Neptune event. Hit in the face with a fish, raw eggs broke on top of your head, then spaghetti and sauce poured on you and finally flour. It was messy for us and many others but a lot of fun. The cruise director and his staff did a wonderful job. The only place we really smelled smoke was in the casino when we walked thru after the shows (to avoid back-up in the shops) and a little in the Centrum outside the casino. I did see some smoking on the pool deck.

When we arrived in Boston there was a long line for immigration - a 45 minute before they called the 1st group of numbers. We went to Main Dining Room and enjoyed their “slow” breakfast. After breakfast the line was down some. We went back to cabin to pack our carry-off etc. They called our number (19) just before 9am. Went to Main Dining Room for immigration and no line and went thru in less than 5 minutes. People should wait in cabins or designated areas for their turn and not stand in long lines ahead of time. We headed to the theater to wait for our number again but ended up in a line that had us off the ship with our luggage by 9:30 am waiting for our ride to arrive. Less

I don't see what the big hype is about lobster on cruise ships. We live in New England and the lobsters are much better if you buy and cook your own or even in restaurants. Our son lives in Florida and The lobsters he gets are better than you get on the ship.

On our last cruise I had the lobster and the beef- the beef was better. Next time maybe I will get 2 orders of beef. ;)

We like the Aft cabins. Don't mine the long walk after all the meals. Plus you can see to both sides!

I asked our insurance agent in May about this and this is the response. I have a Aetna plan and DW has a Connecticare plan. As a follow up, she said also applies on cruise ship if visit doctor there.

"You have unlimited world wide coverage for emergency care without Medical Evacuation. Penny has $50,000 of world wide coverage without Medicare Evacuation. Please note that you must use emergency rooms. If you pay the bill we will submit manually for refund of expenses less the $75.00 co-pay for emergency care. "

Our 1st TA and 1st time using Boston Seaport arriving on Sept 13. We have a friend driving from Western Mass to pick us up. I know it is a guess, but what is a a good time for him to arrive at the port? Thanks

Thanks for the review. We will be on Serenade in Aug/Sept. doing Copenhagen to Boston:)

Will be following. Will be doing cruise in August. Was hoping internet would be better, guess the Voom is not installed or working that far North.

True, with some networking skills, one might be able to figure it out. But I'm not sure it makes much diff - the bottom line is that in northern/southern latitudes (>45 deg) your WiFi will be slower (down to the old Internet levels) even if you have real Voom.

I am not much if a tech person, so please help me. We will be sailing Norway Fjords and northern TA via Iceland. So if Serenade has Voom it will probably not work that far north?? Thanks

Thanks for posting, hope you keep posting, will be following. We were suppose to be on this cruise but cancelled for a longer vaca in Aug/Sept. We were suppose to cruise with a group on this cruise (know 1 couple) and there is also another couple from our town on it. ENJOY IT!

Yes Verna we are doing the Serenade TA this Aug/Sept:)

Following this and looking for same info. We are flying from Boston mid Aug 2016 and return mid Sept on TA cruise. Was hoping our daughter could transport us from CT. but will be her vaca when we leave and "has to work" when we return. Vera we are doing the TA this year.

Just got on my 2nd the of B2B on Serenade in Aug 2016:)

Not available on 1st leg. :(

It's offered only on our 2nd leg of our B2B. But it's the longest one so YEAA!

:)

We are flying to Finland Next August from Boston, for a visit and then a B2B

ending with a TA ending in Boston. We will be gone 31 days.

. Don't think there is a park and fly/cruise for that long.

. Parking looks very expensive at port or airport

. Car/limo is doable but expensive

. Think best would be 1 way car rental.

. August from Ct. to Airport.

. Sept return? Are there any car rental agencies near port- do they pick up

or use taxi to get to them?

All and any input / help would be appreciated. Thanks

We booked a TA, and decided since we are paying to fly to Europe lets extend it, So visiting family in Finland, (who I never meant) then doing a Norway Fjords cruise, before the TA. Since the Norway cruise was a after thought, we have a different cabin (but right next door)

Also interested on knowing ship that offered drink package at reduced rate for 2nd trip. Would be nice our 2nd leg is 17 days and many sea days

Thanks for the review We are on B2B next year

Thanks for the great review, we are doing this trip next year. Started looking at the CC reviews for this trip and ports. :)

will be reading every post:)

Great review, enjoyed following and reading every comment. Looking forward to Anthem next April.

Yes please:)

We booked the cruise right after the one you want, and it already had several price increases. My TA told me don't wait for specials on the new ships. Price will only go up.

We are very seriously thinking about booking our 1st TA when 2016 schedule released. This year going from Denmark to Cape Liberty on Serenade. Hope same schedule for 2016. We usually like Aft cabins- what is best for this trip, Aft, port or starboard. I know sea conditions change every year, but if you did this trip how were the seas? weather in Iceland? Any other information appreciated. Thanks

plan to be on it April 2016:o

Was also looking at Sheraton in Old San Juan and it said not available, but if put in 2nd night it is available.

Is there other hotel recommendations in Old San Juan. Want to see it before our cruise, do not need beach- we can do that while on cruise- or sit by the pool on the ship.