| Rating: Traveled on: 03/13/2010 Reviewed on: 04/01/2010 Review: first timer it was great.so much to do so little time.the food was fantistic. |
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| Rating: Traveled on: 09/20/2003 Reviewed on: 08/19/2004 Review: What a thrill it was to cruise on Serenade of the Seas just a month after it's delivery! It was a double delight because we had never had the experience of cruising from New York Harbor before and the sight of the new ship, in that incredible port was overwhelming.
This was a special itinerary for Serenade - a 5 night cruise to Canada (Halifax and St. John New Brunswick) and not her regular tour of duty.
Our stateroom was Superior Oceanview Stateroom Category D1 - 9th deck, all the way aft, and port - 9256 - with an extra special balcony - which we loved! The stateroom itself was pretty much as most quality staterooms are - very nicely appointed - plenty of room for two and excellent bathroom facilities.
The ship was wonderful - the atrium took my breath away - at least 9 stories high - with colorful, lighted fabric sculptures, lighted staircase, glass elevators, plenty of look out points from each deck, and at the lobby area, a quartet - or trio - playing live music. It was stunning.
We loved the miniature golf course - and it was used by guests frequently - as was the rock wall. Even if you didn't have the nerve to try it out for yourself, it was fun to sit and watch other more daring types have a go at it.
We loved the ports of call - but in particular, Halifax - what a great waterfront!
The solarium pool area made you feel all warm and cozy even if the weather was a bit cool. And the windows! There wasn't a bad view in the place - my husband and I commented that Serenade would be a perfect ship for Alaska, with all its vantage points. Some of the windows even opened. There was a wonderful sitting area just past the Windjammer Restaurant. Self serve coffee was available, comfortable chairs, tables, too - with full length windows so you wouldn't miss a thing!
the ship was very manageable to get around, staff was helpful and accommodating.
If I had to say one negative, it would be the quality of the internet cafe, which we have personally become dependant on. With children at home - and our businesses, we needed to stay in touch. The service was poor, unreliable, and very expensive, compared to other cruise lines. The connection speed was so slow that I finally just gave up and was given a credit for the time I sat waiting for the actual connection.
But that shouldn't stop anyone - hopefully this minor bug will be ironed out soon. The Serenade of the Seas is amazing! |
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