Just off Serenade yesterday..... Some random observations

[Cruizlovers]

This was our 16th cruise, our 12th on Royal Caribbean so I wanted to submit a few random thoughts and observations. Unfortunately, I was sick with a respiratory condition for most of the cruise so I can't help with every venue but wanted to post some thoughts in no particular order. Your experience may differ.

 

- Ship looks great, a few condition issues were observed but nothing big, i.e. chipped paint on our balcony, windows were in need of a good cleaning.

- Service was great throughout the cruise, our stateroom attendant, Rocky, was outstanding.

- This was the first time we did not eat in the dining room except for one breakfast but due to my physical condition, could not sit through a long dinner. However, we ate in the Windjammer most nights and the food was good however, I would have liked a little more variety.

- Room Service was disappointing! Ordered breakfast one day, order came on time but it was shorted several items. Asked for extra cream for coffee and received whipped cream (strange but it worked). The second time we ordered hamburgers and fries at an off peak time, around 3:00 p.m. Were were told 45 minutes but it took almost an hour and the burgers were cold, bag of chips instead of fries! Disappointed with room service so we didn't try for a third time.

- Entertainment was good and varied. We made it to almost all shows and always love the Royal Caribbean band/orchestra, they are a talented bunch.

- We had an aft cabin and internet service was poor, not sure if it was our location but we struggled to get signals and the last day we couldn't connect at all.

- Diamond lounge was ok, we appreciate the perks but sometimes there were no snacks or cookies, wasn't crowded. Cool cappuccino machine though.

- Embarkation out of New Orleans was ok, not the best nor the worst. Debarkation was a little disorganized for self assist, no staff in sight. However, we were in the car from our cabin in 45 minutes. Parking at the port is a little more $$ but worth it!

- To the folks in the higher aft balconies who though it was "fun" to feed the seagulls in Nassau. Did you realize that all the pieces of crackers that the birds didn't catch, fell all over our balcony on deck 7? Also, what our feathered friends take in ....must come out, some on our balcony windows which we had the privilege of viewing until it rained two days later. Thanks for that!

- Smoking, I know this is a sensitive subject but I feel compelled to comment about the casino. It appears that the casino has become the new "smoking room." We had to limit our time (and money) in the casino due to the overwhelming smoke in there. They need to get a better air filtration system or eliminate smoking in the casino (which I am sure won't happen). Just my opinion, nuff said.

- Bed and bedding were very comfortable!

- Park Cafe is a pretty good venue for lunch or a quick snack, good roast beef sandwiches.

- We ate at Rita's Cantina once and it was good, prices are reasonable. I think this venue is underutilized for some reason.

- Cruise Directors neither make or break a vacation for us however, John and Katrina are entertaining. John's speech (The world as 100 people) in the Farewell show was touching and a nice way to put all things into perspective. I liked John a lot more after that show, maybe he should do that one in the beginning of the cruise! Katrina does look like Bette Midler (I am a fan!).

 

Overall another nice cruise even though I was sick during most of the cruise, it was not "ruined" as many others have said over minor problems on a cruise. A cruise is what you make it. My advise is to relax, don't expect perfection, go with the flow a bit and enjoy the privilege of cruising. I'll be happy to answer questions. Happy cruising!

[impatientlywaiting]

We were on Serenade last Christmas and found New Orleans to be the best port for embarkation and debarkation that we've ever experienced. We were on board in less than 30 minutes and off the ship and into a taxi in about 20 minutes. I wish all ports were as good!

 

I do agree that each cruise is what the passenger makes of it. We missed Coco Cay due to bad weather and you should have heard all the bellyaching. People need to relax and enjoy themselves since they are on vacation!

 

I tried to use my free spins in the casino but had to walk out after less than 5 minutes the smoke was so bad. That room is ridiculous.

[MichaelCMTX]

Rita's on Serenade seemed like a place to get Margaritas and Tequila with a few available edibles to enjoy with them. Rita's on Radiance (NOT the Seafood Shack Rita's) was a bona-fide dinner alternative, with our MDR tablemates we ate dinner there one night.

[cb at sea]

I think anyone who feed those disgusting birds should be thrown overboard....hotels don't allow it...neither should a ship! Atlantic City should ban it, too!

[5 in OK]

Thanks for the review Cruizlovers! We are sailing on Serenade on Saturday - getting so excited! Can you tell me if you were able to stop at Coco Cay? It won't make or break our cruise but we would love to see it!

[Cruizlovers]

Thanks for the review Cruizlovers! We are sailing on Serenade on Saturday - getting so excited! Can you tell me if you were able to stop at Coco Cay? It won't make or break our cruise but we would love to see it!

 

YES! We were able to stop but I slept the whole day :mad: it looked like it was a nice beach day.

[5 in OK]

YES! We were able to stop but I slept the whole day :mad: it looked like it was a nice beach day.

 

I am so sorry you weren't able to go and enjoy! I am encouraged that your group was able to stop - it seems that I keep reading where so many do not get to tender due to high waves.

 

Get well soon!:)

[Coralc]

We were also on this cruise. I agree with your observations. I thought room service was poor. We were shocked that the Windjammer now closes at 8:30! I thought 9:00 on previous cruises was sort of early. We went up to the cabin to order room service and the phone rang for 5 minutes with no one answering. So we went to Park Café and had hotdogs and hamburgers. It was not ideal, but we made different plans on other evenings.

 

I am one of the casino smokers. Since balcony smoking is prohibited, and that is the only inside smoking bar on the ship...it is the one we will use in accordance with their rules. I do agree that it might be unpleasant for non-smokers.

[Cruizlovers]

We were also on this cruise. I agree with your observations. I thought room service was poor. We were shocked that the Windjammer now closes at 8:30! I thought 9:00 on previous cruises was sort of early. We went up to the cabin to order room service and the phone rang for 5 minutes with no one answering. So we went to Park Café and had hotdogs and hamburgers. It was not ideal, but we made different plans on other evenings.

 

I am one of the casino smokers. Since balcony smoking is prohibited, and that is the only inside smoking bar on the ship...it is the one we will use in accordance with their rules. I do agree that it might be unpleasant for non-smokers.

 

I sincerely appreciate your right to smoke. I wish there was a better solution other than making the casino the only indoor smoking area. Those low ceilings really keep the smoke so concentrated.

[Cruizlovers]

I am so sorry you weren't able to go and enjoy! I am encouraged that your group was able to stop - it seems that I keep reading where so many do not get to tender due to high waves.

 

Get well soon!:)

 

Thanks!

[Coralc]

I sincerely appreciate your right to smoke. I wish there was a better solution other than making the casino the only indoor smoking area. Those low ceilings really keep the smoke so concentrated.

 

After your thread, we were talking about it. My husband doesn't smoke. The casino is a poor choice for inside smoking. Non smokers gamble as well, and it is smoky. It needs better ventilation, or they need to go back to having one bar somewhere that allows smoking. :)

 

Overall, it was a very nice cruise. We really enjoyed it. I'm sorry you were sick...there seemed to be quite a few people coming down with or getting over colds.

 

I do have one comment. We chatted with a young lady at the Schooner, who's boyfriend was down for a day and a half in their cabin with what he/she thought was "food poisoning". We did strongly urge her to request that he go down to medical. We all know how gastro problems can affect other passengers on the ship.

Edited December 22, 2014 by Coralc

[Raxter54]

- We had an aft cabin and internet service was poor, not sure if it was our location but we struggled to get signals and the last day we couldn't connect at all.

- To the folks in the higher aft balconies who though it was "fun" to feed the seagulls in Nassau. Did you realize that all the pieces of crackers that the birds didn't catch, fell all over our balcony on deck 7? Also, what our feathered friends take in ....must come out, some on our balcony windows which we had the privilege of viewing until it rained two days later. Thanks for that!

 

We will be in an aft balcony cabin (7172) for our upcoming Serenade cruise. Hopefully we won't be experiencing the seagull problem ;) Do you happen to remember what the cost of wifi access is on the Serenade?

[Cruizlovers]

We will be in an aft balcony cabin (7172) for our upcoming Serenade cruise. Hopefully we won't be experiencing the seagull problem ;) Do you happen to remember what the cost of wifi access is on the Serenade?

 

We had 7174, I guess right next door so I imagine you will if they feed the birds. We enjoyed the balcony quite a bit otherwise. If your attendant is Rocky, he is really great, very non intrusive, very fast getting the cabin cleaned as soon as you leave the cabin. We used our free diamond minutes so I don't remember what they charge. I hope you have better luck with the connectivity.

[bmc alabama]

We were on Serenade last Christmas and found New Orleans to be the best port for embarkation and debarkation that we've ever experienced. We were on board in less than 30 minutes and off the ship and into a taxi in about 20 minutes. I wish all ports were as good!

 

 

 

I do agree that each cruise is what the passenger makes of it. We missed Coco Cay due to bad weather and you should have heard all the bellyaching. People need to relax and enjoy themselves since they are on vacation!

 

 

 

I tried to use my free spins in the casino but had to walk out after less than 5 minutes the smoke was so bad. That room is ridiculous.

 

 

Your experience was better than ours. On the 11/22 sailing it took people upwards of 4 hours to get on to the ship. That could be due to the fact that it was the first sailing after Europe, but it was extremely disorganized.

 

Also, I didn't care for how they took up all of the centrum space and tied up the elevators to bring up the luggage.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Raxter54]

If your attendant is Rocky, he is really great, very non intrusive, very fast getting the cabin cleaned as soon as you leave the cabin.

 

We'll be sure to tell him his reputation proceeds him :D

[smalltimecruiser100]

Can you hear the noise from the centrum on the 9th deck> if so how far down the 9th deck?

[misha1]

We are on the Serenade in March...I was told the last sailing out of NOLA for RCCL. Looking forward to the city and the cruise both. I wondered...do they ask the boarding questions about being ill like Celebrity does? If so, did you embark with your upper respiratory infection?

[Clarea]

We are on the Serenade in March...I was told the last sailing out of NOLA for RCCL. Looking forward to the city and the cruise both. I wondered...do they ask the boarding questions about being ill like Celebrity does? If so, did you embark with your upper respiratory infection?

Yes, Royal requires every guest to have a completed health questionaire before they board.

[Cruizlovers]

We are on the Serenade in March...I was told the last sailing out of NOLA for RCCL. Looking forward to the city and the cruise both. I wondered...do they ask the boarding questions about being ill like Celebrity does? If so, did you embark with your upper respiratory infection?

 

Yes you fill out a short questionnaire but I believe that they are concerned with highly infectious diseases, i.e. Norovirus. They do ask if you've been in a west African country. I had a cough, which I believe was a sinus/allergy condition.

[Cruizlovers]

Can you hear the noise from the centrum on the 9th deck> if so how far down the 9th deck?

 

We were on the 7th deck waaaaay back in the aft so we didn't hear anything. I did notice that at night the door that was in the entrance to the cabins was closed. I am sure the helped with the noise for the first several cabins.

[critterchick]

I was in 8102 a couple of weeks ago, and the noise from the Centrum is very loud. Afternoon naps were a challenge, but the combination of the closed fire doors and the entertainment stopping by midnight made it tolerable.

 

We had 10 reported cases of Noro and a lot of hacking and coughing. I came home with a nasty cough that took a week to clear.:(

[TLex]

I sincerely appreciate your right to smoke. I wish there was a better solution other than making the casino the only indoor smoking area. Those low ceilings really keep the smoke so concentrated.

 

We are sailing on the Bahamas voyage on 7 March and very much appreciate your thoughts and observations. Couldn't agree with you more on the situation in the casino, although I fully sympathize with CoralC. But the indoor smoking can be a problem. When Voyager first came to Galveston in 2009, one of our favorite venues used to be the pub where Derek used to perform and have his "superstar" karaoke. But he left when Mariner came in fall 2011 and the pub became an indoor smoking venue. :(. Never saw him again. Sadly, you could smell the smoke up and own the Royal Promenade.

 

I'm not "anti-smoker." I've read what seems a gazillion posts over the years, back and forth, and in the end, I'm glad smoking has now been banned on all balconies (although, no doubt, folks may still try to sneak in a puff or two :rolleyes:). It's so difficult to accommodate a perfectly legal activity that has the capacity to irritate so many! And with a caveat that I last smoked a cigarette in 1975, once or twice a year I liked a fine cigar with some cognac and that "once or twice a year" was on a cruise. ;). Unfortunately, the Radiance and Oasis classes don't have the Connosieur's Lounge like I experienced on Voyager class. Allure was flat out horrible: deck 17 forward at night with little or no cover from the winds and not a very pleasant experience.

 

My question, if you know: since the new DL and CL are on the old VCL deck, where can one smoke a cigar on board...obviously OUTSIDE? Or are cigars now completely prohibited?

 

If anyone can answer, I'd greatly appreciate it!

 

Thanks,

 

VR,

 

T Lex

[critterchick]

PS the casino still has a non-smoking side, and I didn't see anybody smoking over there. I guess there were just a lot more people in the smoking section. They didn't have a single non-smoking night, either, since that's the only indoor venue. Oh, well, I ended up winning and walking away for a change.:D

 

What was really annoying was that the smoke drifted up the Centrum to Deck 8 (probably all the way up, but I didn't investigate) - I couldn't smell it aft, but it was very noticeable on the forward part where one might sit or stand to watch the aerial show.

Edited December 22, 2014 by critterchick

[looking4info]

Was there an unlimited internet package available. Thanks.

[Coralc]

My question, if you know: since the new DL and CL are on the old VCL deck, where can one smoke a cigar on board...obviously OUTSIDE? Or are cigars now completely prohibited?

 

If anyone can answer, I'd greatly appreciate it!

 

Thanks,

 

VR,

 

T Lex

 

Cigar smoking is allowed on the pool deck, deck 11 starboard side and deck 5 starboard side. DH does smoke cigars. :)