Royal Caribbean's
Serenade of the Seas
November 19 - 26, 2005
Cruise Review
by
Glenn
Date: Sun, 27 Nov 2005 16:27:22 -0500
From: gwilliams@grantwilliams.com
(Glenn)
Subject: Review
Have been on many cruises over the years beginning in
early 1970's on Sitmark lines then late 1980's on Costa and several Windstars
in the 1990's.
We had taken my older kids on their only cruise in 1993
on RCCL out of Miami and promised my 2 younger boys 10 and 8 that we would treat
them to something similar.
This Thanksgiving cruise was fantastic. Usually you always
look back in review and wonder about the "what ifs">? Our experience
exceeded all anticipation of the ship and vacation.
I had done a fair amount of research online trying to
get a sense of what to expect and types of cruises available to get a match
on our desire to see and do as much as possible with the kids but also to enjoy
some time relaxing ourselves and since a week in one cabin is tough if its not
completely comfortable, creature comforts were IMPORTANT!
This was our 1st time on one of these newer built ships.
The improvements are really something to enjoy. I would catagorize this experience
to be like a 5 star resort that floats. After enjoying the intimacy of a Windstar
with 150 people the fear was that this would be diffficult with so many other
passengers. The ship is so airy and has so many different places to retreat
if desired that it handles the 2000+ number of crew and passengers without being
too tight.
Our service was great. The crew always friendly and seeking
input.
The food was well presented and very good. The Windjammer
morning buffet is a perfect start to the day and very casual so that the day
in port can begin at convienence. Lunch was the same, structured as more of
a food court atmosphere. Breakfast and lunch menus did not change much if at
all which would have been a bit better if varied just a notch.
Dinner in the main dining room was always consistantly
good. Our servers extremely nice and very attentive to any special requests.
I accidently thought one dinner included surf and turf when in fact it wasn't
on the menu. Only afterward did I realize that my server tracked down the beef
for me since it was only lobster and shrimp night.
Cabin was always maintained almost as soon as we left
it. Although I had never had a balcony before on a ship thoroughly enjoyed it
and spent many sundowns and evenings on it. I would have to say that it will
be a must on my next cruise! The quad cabin was only a bit tight when all the
beds were functional. During the day we had plenty of space. Baths were equally
functional and the wrap around shower enclosure and vanity storage nice touches.
Even though we were in port 5 times, there are so many
activites onboard that I can't imagine ever beeing bored. Between the ports,
activities, food and evening shows there is little time but to enjoy. The solarium
pool is a great escape from the noise of main pool.
Negatives? Well there are not many but?
The extra charges seem excessive. I got a surprise the 1st evening when I was
asked to sign for my cappacino with desert. Also, forget the unlimited soft
drink cards for $28 per week. You can get all the ice tea and lemonade for free
in the Windjammer. I don't think my kids had more that 2 glasses of drinks on
the card the entire week. If RCCL is losing $$ on drinks then just boost base
prices a bit. Just too many extras for such a great vacation.
I give it a 9.0.
Can't wait to plan our next trip. Hopefully one of the radience class ships
has the itiniary we want as I would be hard pressed to experiment with another
cruise line after this great time.
|
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