(Serenade or Independence) of the Seas

Hi,

I am planning my 2018 vacation. I'd love to visit the Norwegian fjords. Exploring Royal Caribbean available itineraries, I have found two options with almost the same destination & length.

Before I proceed to list those options, it is worth mentioning that I sailed onboard (Harmony of the Seas) in 2016.

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Option#1:

Ship: Serenade of the Seas

Departure from Copenhagen

Option#2:

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Departure from Southampton

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I am really confused of which one I should consider. I would love to visit Denmark (Copenhagen) more than (Southampton), but I am afraid that Serenade of the Seas would be disappointing, compared to Independence.

What do you recommend in general? How do you rate both ships in particular?

Should I consider Norwegian Cruiseline (Ship: Norwegian Jade) or Holland America Line (Ship: Koningsdam)?

PS. We are a couple in our early thirties with a five year old daughter.

For that scenic itinerary, I would favor Serenade, because of all the views outside from virtually every public venue.

For that scenic itinerary, I would favor Serenade, because of all the views outside from virtually every public venue.

Thank you. Smart recommendation 👍🏻

For that scenic itinerary, I would favor Serenade, because of all the views outside from virtually every public venue.

I agree plus a smaller ship is suited to this itinerary IMO. This itinerary is all about enjoying the scenic journey thru fyords and the port stops. One other suggestion, best to book a balcony. An aft balcony with 180 degree view would be ideal.

I agree plus a smaller ship is suited to this itinerary IMO. This itinerary is all about enjoying the scenic journey thru fyords and the port stops. One other suggestion, best to book a balcony. An aft balcony with 180 degree view would be ideal.

Certainly, a balcony is a MUST in my opinion. Thanks for your advice.

Have sailed both ships within the last three years. Most people always favor the Serenade because it's smaller, more outside views, etc., but personally preferred the Independence.

I found the Serenade to be very crowded. Entertainment was mostly in the centrum each evening, which was too crowded and no seating available. I missed the entertainment of the Independence and the promenade down the middle of the ship. Cafe being in the solarium made it noisy and again crowded, not the relaxing atmosphere I am used to. Smoke from the casino permeated many non-casino areas.

On an itinerary that favors "views" I would be using my balcony, so that's an equal. It depends if you are looking for nightly entertainment, relaxing time on board, etc., and what you are looking for in a cruise.

Another vote for Serenade here. While there may not be quite as much onboard to do as on Independence (no ice rink, for instance), the ship is much more suited for cruising in cooler climates. As has been mentioned, there's gorgeous views from just about every public space and you've also got an enclosed solarium

It depends if you are looking for nightly entertainment, relaxing time on board, etc., and what you are looking for in a cruise.

I am not much to nightlife entertainments. I will be looking for daily activities that suit us as a family, traveling with a 5-year kid.

Appreciate your response/opinion.

Another vote for Serenade here. While there may not be quite as much onboard to do as on Independence (no ice rink, for instance), the ship is much more suited for cruising in cooler climates. As has been mentioned, there's gorgeous views from just about every public space and you've also got an enclosed solarium

3-1 for Serenade.

Thx for sharing your opinion.

I am not much to nightlife entertainments. I will be looking for daily activities that suit us as a family, traveling with a 5-year kid.

 

Appreciate your response/opinion.

Independence has H2O zone in pool area, also ice rink. Also usually parades or something similar in promenade. I think a 5-year old would have more activities on the bigger ship, especially as your other experience was on the Harmony. Both ships would have Adventure Ocean.

Another for Serenade. Better ship for scenery.. Spent well over 200 nites on Serenade & Brilliance..

I can't comment on the ships but other things you might want to take into consideration would be the ease and cost of getting to and from the departure ports, including any overnight stays (check out the relevant port forums), and the children's club if you think your little girl will want to take part in that. I am going a bit out on a limb here but I suspect that since the Independence sails from the UK there would be a higher percentage of English-speaking children in the club than on the Serenade's Copenhagen departure.

There is a really good review of a Norwegian Fjords cruise on Serenade that was posted by Tickled Blue here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2505778

Independence has H2O zone in pool area, also ice rink. Also usually parades or something similar in promenade. I think a 5-year old would have more activities on the bigger ship, especially as your other experience was on the Harmony. Both ships would have Adventure Ocean.

Let me rephrase my query: Is Copenhagen worth to sacrifice for?

I can't comment on the ships but other things you might want to take into consideration would be the ease and cost of getting to and from the departure ports, including any overnight stays (check out the relevant port forums), and the children's club if you think your little girl will want to take part in that. I am going a bit out on a limb here but I suspect that since the Independence sails from the UK there would be a higher percentage of English-speaking children in the club than on the Serenade's Copenhagen departure.

 

There is a really good review of a Norwegian Fjords cruise on Serenade that was posted by Tickled Blue here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2505778

Thanks a lot for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Another for Serenade. Better ship for scenery.. Spent well over 200 nites on Serenade & Brilliance..

Thank you

Let me rephrase my query: Is Copenhagen worth to sacrifice for?

Not understanding your question.

I think it depends on how much time you and your family plan to spend on the ship, as opposed to being in port. Still think bigger ship has more to offer, again, especially as your previous cruise was on the Harmony.

Nothing against the Serenade, but found it to be crowded, especially in comparison to the bigger ships. I have sailed Radiance, Vision, etc. so my opinion isn't just about the Serenade. I just personally prefer Voyager class or larger.

Not understanding your question.

 

I think it depends on how much time you and your family plan to spend on the ship, as opposed to being in port. Still think bigger ship has more to offer, again, especially as your previous cruise was on the Harmony.

 

Nothing against the Serenade, but found it to be crowded, especially in comparison to the bigger ships. I have sailed Radiance, Vision, etc. so my opinion isn't just about the Serenade. I just personally prefer Voyager class or larger.

I mean if I go for Independence, I will miss the chance to visit Copenhagen, as my trip will be among UK and Norway.

I mean if I go for Independence, I will miss the chance to visit Copenhagen, as my trip will be among UK and Norway.

I think only you can answer that - depends on how much you want to go to Copenhagen.

Look at Hurtigruten. They have some very interesting itineraries.

Recently spent 4 weeks on Serenade - off 3 weeks ago. Did Baltic, Then Fijords , then the TA . Do the Fijords on a smaller ship. It will blow you away. If you liked Alaska, you will LOVE the fijords.

SR never felt real crowded to us, even on the Baltic cruise where the SR set a new occupancy record, as reported by the Captain.

YMMV.

I just returned from the TA out of Copenhagen, a great city to visit, loved all the Canal tours and HOHO Bus. I missed out on doing the Baltic and Fjords beforehand. .

I think only you can answer that - depends on how much you want to go to Copenhagen.


You are right :)

Look at Hurtigruten. They have some very interesting itineraries.

I have already looked at their offerings. In fact, the itineraries are incomparable. However, the quality of ships, cabins, facilities, and on board activities is very poor compared to a traditional cruise line.

Recently spent 4 weeks on Serenade - off 3 weeks ago. Did Baltic, Then Fijords , then the TA . Do the Fijords on a smaller ship. It will blow you away. If you liked Alaska, you will LOVE the fijords.

SR never felt real crowded to us, even on the Baltic cruise where the SR set a new occupancy record, as reported by the Captain.

YMMV.

Thank you for your recommendation

I have found a very interesting itinerary offered by Norwegian cruise lines (11-day Norway & North Cape from Hamburg). It is more expensive than similar trips offered by RC, because it is sailing to more places and is 3 nights longer.

The ship's name is JADE.

Your advice, please?