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Great cruise experience by
O.G. from Newark, NJ Sailing date: Aug 2010Pros: Food was awesome, variety of pools (one pool+jaccuzzi was 24 hrs), staff was great Cons: The stop at Dominica, the evening shows catered to an older crowd, the fitness room closed early (around 10pm, but was more like 9:45pm), the prices for pictures were extremely high This was the second time cruising (first time was with carnival) and the first time for my girlfriend. I would definitely never cruise with carnival after experiencing Royal Caribbean! The ship was very well maintained. No matter where you walked it was spotless! The hand sanitizers were always full. Our room was always cleaned for us twice a day. The staff was amazing. The included food selection was really good..even had the ability for special requests! The ship had a very good layout. Plenty of pools and daytime activities. Night activities could be added, but they still have a decent selection. The billiards room and game room were fun at night when me and the girlfriend wanted something to do on the ship at night. The mini-golf was pretty cool too. We used the jogging track a lot because the fitness room closed a bit early (around 10pm). Overall, it was a pretty good experience. We will definitely cruise with Royal Caribbean again soon! Ship Quality
Dining/FoodDining was a very pleasurable experience. The staff was very attentive. I'm allergic to seafood, and my girlfriend is a very picky eater, and yet they always made sure we were happy with what we were eating. Stateroom QualityOur stateroom attendant was very informative and always kept our room clean. However, the room was a bit smaller than expected and a bit uncomfortable, but we were rarely in the room so that didn't matter much. I guess you get what you pay for, right? We stayed in an interior room, and it was towards the front of the cruise ship (lots of movement because of the ship rocking). You get used to the ship movement after the first day. Ship Staff QualityCan't stress enough how friendly the staff was. All the staff was dressed professionally and handled all matters as such as well. They seem like they sincerely loved their job. Most staff remember your names very quickly, too! Entertainment & ActivitiesThe best thing (for us) were the two comedy shows. However, it was the same comedian both times with very similar jokes. The game show nights were cool too, but they only did that twice. The rest of the shows were a little dull, considering they were catered to a much older crowd.  7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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  Fantastic vacation! by
Sofia D. from New York, NY Sailing date: Dec 2010Pros: the ports, the crew, the drinks, the entertainment Cons: the cruise director Mercedes, bi-linguag delivery of every speech, too much a/c in most places I am myself a captain's daughter so I know a thing or two about ships, and have traveled quite a bit. This is my second time on Royal Caribbean and first time on the Serenade and I was very excited about ship. The itinerary included Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Croix, and Antigua. The weather was so perfect that I couldn't have asked for a better time to visit the islands.
I went with a couple of friends and we enjoyed ourselves tremendously - we went to all shows in the theater and were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the performers. Coming from NYC, I know what to expect from B'way and these dancers and singers were every bit as talented and gave all they had to the performance. All the music was great too, from the piano bar guy to the Calypso band by the pool. The was only one awful awful entertainer and that was the cruise director Mercedes Lafuente. If she is on the next ship I go, I will cancel. Her English was at times offensive and it was clear that she preferred to speak to the Spanish audience more than to us. She could no deliver a single joke properly, nor did she make us feel welcome. Her assistant Rob (the scottish guy) should have been the director - super funny and entertaining guy! But again this is just my opinion!
The ports were great. St. CROIX: we took the Buck Island snorkeling tour and it was the best experience of the trip for me. Amazing crew, very careful and helpful with people who are beginners and accommodating for those who are not. The spot itself is a must see!! I cannot recommend it enough!
ANTIGUA(port of St. John) - I had a bad experience with the Canopy Tour, but the island is really cool. The crew on the Canopy Tour were rude and unhelpful so I will just skip this.
ST.LUCIA: This had one of the best beaches I have ever visited - Reduit (Rnaway) Beach. You can take a cab from the port north towards the beach and it is about 15min ride. The water, the view, the sand top quality. The only con was that in the afternoon there were too many motorboats and water sports that would land any which way they wanted that at one point they were literally by my head. It does not have a designated area for these things and it is rather dangerous. But that was in the afternoon, in the morning was amazing.
Mor on the ship - the food was very good. I just went to the Windjammer since I am not the social dining type. I was very happy with the abundant fresh fruit and vegetables they had. Also excellent deserts :)
The staterooms were in excellent condition and the attendants were as always helpful, polite and courteous.
I would recommend and go to it again! (As long as there is no Mercedes!) Ship Quality
Dining/Foodexcellent choices and quality! Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & ActivitiesI did the belly dancing, caribbean line dance and hip-hop. All of it was fantastic! 
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St. John's, AntiguaI would stay away from the Canopy Tour...not worth the money
Castries, St. LuciaIf possible try the Bike Tour
Don't Miss: Runaway Beach! Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I.Buck Island Tour is a MUST!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Really great Cruise by
Lisa G from Crystal Lake, IL Sailing date: Nov 2010Pros: Excellent Service by all the staff Cons: nickel and dimed to death and food in main dining room was just average Beautifully laid out ship with room for everybody. we brought our 7 year old son who fell in love with cruising. A balcony room was definately the place to be as we saw dolphins playing in the ships wake on several occasions. The ship is very well organized, from the embarking and disembarking at the various ports to the many activities throught the ship. After being at many all inclusives, paying for every drink is hard to get over since they were so overpriced, but I understand that is the way of cruises. Our son spent every waking moment at the rock climbing wall and enjoyed every moment of it. The only part of the cruise that we were all disappointed with was the food in the main dining room. It was very average and compared to any other all-inclusive that we have been to, although the service was exceptional. Ship Quality
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Stateroom QualityThe extra bed for the 3rd person, in our case, our son, drops down from the ceiling. It is out of the way and is a great place for the bed. The sofa in the room is showing its age and needs to be replaced. Ship Staff Quality
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Children's ProgramsWe have been to Club Med many times and their childrens program is better than Royal Caribbean's. 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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The entire cruise was great by
Elaine B from Chesnee, SC Sailing date: Nov 2010Pros: Service Cons: too long a wait to get off ship We had a wonderful time. The service was fantastic especial Faneli, our waiter. Dining/FoodThe food and the service were exceptional Stateroom QualityAlways clean Ship Staff QualityThey were the best Entertainment & ActivitiesSome of the comedians were not so good
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Oranjestad, ArubaOne of my favorite place
Don't Miss: beach Roseau, Dominicawould not go back
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.Plan to go back and stay a week at Megan's Bay
CuracaoGlad I went, but would not wan to go back
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Fantastic voyage by
Marie L from New Boston, Michigan Sailing date: Aug 2010Pros: The cleanliness of the ship Cons: None This is our 4th cruise, but our first with Royal Caribbean aboard the Serenade of the Seas. This was by far the most fun we ever had on a cruise ship. The entertainment was superb; we saw great shows and danced every night to different styles of music until early morning hours. The staff was courteous and friendly and the food was amazingly good. Ship Quality
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St. John's, Antigua
Bridgetown, Barbados
Castries, St. LuciaBeautiful place
Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
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Wonderful Cruise, Wonderful destinations by
Deborah N from charlton, ma Sailing date: Jun 2010Pros: I loved the staff!! They catered to us and made us feel special... Cons: too short of a vacation.... We had the best time ever!! Our waiters every evening in the dining room were most accomodating..they brought us everything we could imagine...and recommendations were on the money...I like the fact that you have so much to choose from....The champagne bar was so much fun...our bartender made us not want to leave....We also enjoyed the bartender in the sports bar...he was so much fun and always smiling and waved as we walked by...just like family!!! I would definitely go on this ship again!!! Ship Qualityit was beautiful!!! Dining/FoodOur staff was wonderful!!! Stateroom Qualityjust a little crowded for an oceanview.... Ship Staff Qualitystaff was so friendly Entertainment & Activitiesthe shows were great!!!
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St. John's, Antiguabeaches beautiful
Bridgetown, BarbadosThe beach was beautiful!!
Castries, St. Luciabeaches were beautiful
Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I.beach was so much fun
Philipsburg, St. Maartenshopping here was great!!! love my pocketbooks....
Don't Miss: shopping 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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A wonderful week! by
Ruth V. from Aguadilla, PR Sailing date: May 2010Pros: I was pamper all week by the waiters and Stateroom Attendants. Cons: Not enough sugar-free desserts. We were impressed by the attractive layout of the ship. The decoration was elegant through out the ship. We could find cozy areas to relax when desired. The friendliness of the staff was more than I expected. Ship QualityThe cleanliness and decor of the ship impressed us all. Dining/FoodWe were pamper all week by the waiters. The food is delicious! Stateroom QualityThe stateroom was bigger than expected. We felt like home. The beds... I slept like a baby during the whole week. Ship Staff QualityI was extremely satisfied with the willingness to help of the staff everywhere in the ship. Entertainment & Activities
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Oranjestad, ArubaDon't Miss: The beach Roseau, DominicaDon't Miss: Papa and Mama Falls Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.Don't Miss: Snorkeling, scuba diving, submarine Curacao
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Great Vacation by
A Traveler from Missouri Sailing date: May 2010Pros: Food, accomodations, friendly staff Cons: Constantly on the go, little relaxation, being nickled and dimed for everything This was my second cruise and I was very concerned with getting motion sick. I took Bonine which helped greatly but made me tired most of the trip. Ship is large with many places to eat, drink and just hang out. Staff is extremely friendly, always remembering your name, and very helpful. We chose to plan our own excursions which worked out well. In Barbados we spend $25 pp+ for a tour around the island, and a 2 hour stop at a beach. In St. Lucia we spent around $33pp for a tour as well as going to the volcano. The driver was not talkative and drove like a mad man. I might suggest going through the ship for that island. In Antigua we took a cab (14 round trip) to Jolly beach and had a great time. St. Martin we also took a cap to Orient beach for 12 round trip.
Food is great on the ship, and there are alot of things to do is you can be as busy as you want. Internet is EXTREMELY slow so I wouldn't plan on writing alot to your friends. All in all I thought it was a great value and would go on a cruise again. Ship Quality
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St. John's, AntiguaLoved it! Probably everyone's favorite. Beach was clean, and uncrowded. Shelling was really good as well.
Bridgetown, BarbadosBeautiful island with crystal clear water and white/pink beaches. We did not shop and only ate at one restaurant. Loved it
Castries, St. LuciaYou definately want to hire a driver or go on an excursion. Our driver was not helpful although the tour around the island was beautiful. We stopped several times on the way to the volcano, but none on the way back. I had to ask to stop because I was getting sick. the guy drove like a madman. We did not eat on this trip either which was quite disappointing. The island is beautiful and is a must see
Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I.Get on a tour ASAP. There is NOTHING in Frederiksted! Christensen is where you want to go, or take the Buck Island tour which is great!
Philipsburg, St. MaartenWent to Orient Beach which was interesting. Very crowded beach, but this allowed everyone a variety of places to eat and drink. Island was similar to Antigua/St. Croix
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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A Truly Memorable Trip by
Earl B. from Peoria, IL Sailing date: May 2010Pros: Ship size was perfect, no long lines, plenty of entertainment options The Serenade of the Seas was a perfect ship to take our first cruise. From the start, the crew's main goal was to provide the best experience for the passengers and, in my opinion, they exceeded that goal.
The ship had enough activities on board to provide ample entertainment when at sea. Whether it was trivia contests, musical entertainment, the casino (Casino Royale), the pools, the spa or numerous other activities, each was enjoyable. In addition to the plentiful activities, there was little to no waiting for what we wanted to do.
Ship QualityThe ship was easy to navigate, with plenty of markers to tell you where you were and where certain areas were located. Overall cleanliness of the ship was outstanding, with the staff constantly tidying the ship throughout each day of the cruise. Dining/FoodOne of the best parts about the cruise was the dining. There was something for everyone on the menu each night and, if you weren't into the dining areas, there were plenty of other food options throughout the ship. Stateroom QualityI was quite surprised by the size of the stateroom. While it was cozy, it was still sizeable enough for two people to enjoy the room. The beds were more than comfortable, with two pillows for each person (something you don't get in many hotels on dry land!). Overall the rooms are well taken care of and show no signs of wear. Ship Staff QualityFrom the start, it seemed the crew's main goal was to provide the best experience for the passengers and, in my opinion, they exceeded that goal.
Entertainment & ActivitiesThe ship had enough activities on board to provide ample entertainment when at sea. Whether it was trivia contests, musical entertainment, the casino (Casino Royale), the pools, the spa or numerous other activities, each was enjoyable. In addition to the plentiful activities, there was little to no waiting for what we wanted to do.
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Oranjestad, ArubaAruba was very beautiful, with plenty of activities off the ship. My wife and I went on a particularly enjoyable snorkel/sailing excursion, which demonstrated the beauty of the Caribbean waters and the ample fish life. We also snorkeled about the wreck of the Antilla, a German warship sunk during WWII.
After this day of snorkeling, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch and some sunbathing on one of Aruba's beautiful beaches before heading back to the ship.
Don't Miss: The snorkeling/sailing adventure. The beaches are also worth a stop. Roseau, DominicaDominica was probably the most diverse of the ports of call. You can go to the mountains, where their are rainforests and waterfalls, or go to the beaches, which are black (reflecting the volcanic nature of the creation of the island).
My wife took an enjoyable kayaking trip which went from the main river above Roseau to the Caribbean Sea. The trip wasn't difficult for her (although she is a pretty good kayaker) and she raved about how much she enjoyed it. I chose a hiking trip to one of the waterfalls and a stay on the beach. Both were well worth it.
Don't Miss: The kayaking from the river to the sea would probably be something great to do! Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.St. Thomas was extremely beuatiful, especially from Paradise Point, the highest point about Charlotte Amalie. From this location, you can get some fantastic shots of the surrounding city and the port. Especially good for getting a shot of the Serenade of the Seas from high above!
Don't Miss: Paradise Point CuracaoAlthough we didn't take any of the excursions that were a part of the Curacao stop, it was still enjoyable to walk around the city of Willemstad. We did also visit the Curacao liqueur plant, where the Blue Curacao liqueur is distilled, which was enjoyable.
Don't Miss: The liqueur plant. 4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Better than expected by
Thomas J. from Mississippi Sailing date: May 2010Pros: Everyone smiled. The service was excellent. The food was very good. Cons: No outstanding negatives. The ship was not old and the condition was excellent, very clean. All the staff was very friendly and helpful. Staff went out of their way to help in any way possible. This was our first Royal Caribbean cruise and was actually better than expected. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodThe quality was somewhere south of excellent but north of good. Stateroom QualityLots of little storage areas Ship Staff Quality
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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