Serenade of the Seas Review
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About
Serenade of the Seas Overview
Serenade of the Seas is the third Radiance-class ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet. The 90,090-ton, 2,100-passenger vessel fits just within Panamax measurements (with one foot on either side to spare), which means it, like Radiance, Brilliance and Jewel of the Seas, has maximum geographic flexibility and can sail to and from just about any region.
That flexibility extends to the onboard milieu. Serenade of the Seas' greatest strength is that it offers plenty of options, from dining to entertainment, and yet remains a mid-sized ship. It's a good choice for a wide range of traveler -- including families, singles, couples and groups.
Royal Caribbean carries through this ship the Radiance-class' most interesting distinction is the nearly three acres of exterior glass employed in its design -- including glass elevators with ocean views -- that incorporates the outdoors, beautifully, onboard.
The effect is simply dazzling -- and there are remarkable views from nearly every public room. The decorating scheme itself emphasizes elegance, grace, and beauty, and creates quite a harmonious environment. The ship is very easy to navigate, with indoor public rooms concentrated on decks five and six and more-active areas -- sports deck, pools, spa, fitness center -- on decks 11 and 12.
Inclusions
Included with your cruise fare:
- Meals in the Reflections Dining Room and Windjammer Marketplace, plus snacks and meals at Park Cafe; room service breakfast (continental breakfast options only)
- Shows in the main theater and most daily events and activities, unless otherwise noted
- Use of the gym, but not most classes
- Use of the rock climbing wall, Sports Court, mini-golf course and kid’s water slide
- Adventure Ocean Kids club activities through 10 p.m.
- Gratuities, only if you booked your cruise in Australia and New Zealand in AU and NZ dollars
Not included with your cruise fare:
- Daily gratuities of $14.50 per person, per day for anyone staying in a Junior Suite or below or $17.50 per person, per day for those staying in Grand Suites and above
- Room service orders (except complimentary continental breakfast)
- All drinks except water, tea (including iced tea), coffee, lemonade and select juices from Windjammer Buffet or Rita’s Bar
- Most specialty restaurants
- Spa and salon services, most fitness classes
- Auto-gratuities (18 percent) added to all specialty dining reservations, as well as beverage, spa and salon purchases
- Select activities including but not limited to arts and crafts classes, bingo, arcade play, alcohol tastings, sushi classes and casino gaming
- Adventure Ocean programs after 10:00 p.m.
- Shore excursions
- Wi-Fi
- Photos and art purchases
Top Serenade of the Seas Itineraries
Fellow Passengers
While passengers onboard will vary based on itinerary and time of year, Serenade of the Seas has captured a wide ranging passenger demographic (older in non-school holiday periods, more families during winter and summer holidays). The ship's appeal is, like its other Radiance class counterparts, is its size. It's new enough to feature contemporary amenities (like balconies and alternative restaurants) and yet -- not so huge as Voyager class vessels.
Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas Dress Code
Daytime: The dress code onboard is cruise casual.
Evening: Expect a formal night and at least one "smart casual" dinner, which means business formal, thought not quite black tie (think dress slacks and nice sweaters). Only a handful of men wore tuxedos on formal night, and the majority of women passed on the full-length gowns in favor of shorter cocktail dresses.
Not permitted: Tank tops are prohibited in the main dining room and specialty restaurants at dinner. Shoes must be worn in all dining venues at all times.
For more information, visit Cruise Line Dress Codes: Royal Caribbean.
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Awards and Recognition
Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice
- 2019 Best for Service
- 2018 Best for Families
- 2014 Best Overall
- 2014 Best for Cabins
- 2014 Best for Dining
- 2014 Best for Entertainment
- 2014 Best for Public Rooms
- 2014 Best for Service
- 2014 Best for Value
- 2013 Best Overall
Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas Member Reviews
Royal Caribbean International Fleet
One of Royal Caribbean's smaller ships; highlights include rock climbing, bungee trampoline, three pools, eight bars and a Ben & Jerry's at sea; holds less than 3,000.
Older ship carrying fewer than 3,000; highlights include rock climbing, two pools, outdoor movie screen and several specialty dining venues including Ben & Jerry's at sea.
Offers three- and four-night cruises; features a rock climbing wall, Johnny Rockets at sea and smallish aqua park; can carry a bit over 2,500 cruisers.
An older ship carrying less than 3,000; features rock climbing, two pools, for-fee nursery, eight bars and lounges and more than half a dozen dining venues.
One of the smaller Royal Caribbean ships, Vision of the Seas carries 2,435 passengers and features six dining venues, rock climbing wall, solarium, outdoor movie screen and age-specific kids' clubs.
In 1999 Royal Caribbean's 3,114-passenger Voyager of the Seas became the largest cruise ship in the world and was heralded as the most revolutionary vessel ever built.
Carries 2,500 passengers, family-friendly and features eight dining venues, outdoor movie screen, casino, mini-golf, pool tables and Adventure Beach with water slides.
The second in the revolutionary Voyager-class series, Explorer of the Seas has a wealth of facilities, activities and entertainment.
Bustling atmosphere; features two-slide water park, simulated surfing, rock climbing, ice skating shows, 15 bars and the line's signature Royal Promenade; can carry upward of 4,000.
Brilliance of the Seas' mediumish size -- 2,112 passengers -- allows cruisers to feel they have the best of both worlds: a vessel with ample activities and attentive crew.
Carries some 4,400 passengers and features surf simulators, rock climbing and ice skating, 11 bars and lounges and the lively Royal Promenade.
Royal Caribbean's 3,114-passenger Mariner of the Seas launched in 2003 and was the first in its class to undergo upgrades designed to create fleet uniformity.
Carries more than 2,400 passengers and features six restaurants and bars, rock climbing wall, mini-golf, sports court, outdoor movie screen and casino.
One of Royal Caribbean's smaller ships; attractions include rock climbing and mini-golf, kids' water slide, half a dozen or so dining venues and family-specific cabins.
Can hold some 5,000 passengers; offers simulated surfing, rock climbing, a mini-golf course, dedicated karaoke bar and 10 dining venues.
The first megaship to hold more than 6,000 cruisers; features high-energy activities like zip lining, surfing and the high-diving AquaTheater.
Carries more than 4,000; features a three-slide water park, surf simulators, rock climbing wall and "Saturday Night Fever: The Musical."
A favourite with U.K. cruise passengers, Independence of the Seas offers more than 4,000 passengers an ice skating rink, whirlpools which extend over the ship's sides, six bars and six restaurants.
Mega-ship holding upwards of 6,400 passengers; features zip lining, surf simulators, rock climbing and an open-air Central Park with shops and restaurants.
Quantum of the Seas dares its passengers not to have fun. It's a bold ship that screams for your attention via its innovative features.
Carries nearly 4,500 passengers and features surf simulators, vertical skydiving, 16 dining venues and some of the largest suites at sea.
World's largest cruise ship featuring high-energy attractions including zip lining, water slides, surf simulators, rock climbing and 18 dining venues.
Royal Caribbean's newest ship will be one of the largest in the world when it launches in spring 2018; high-energy highlights include zip lining, water slides and surf simulators.
Part of Royal Caribbean's Quantum class, Ovation of the Seas boasts high-tech features such as the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, bumper cars and robot bartenders.
Royal Caribbean's Cuba ship with stops in Havana; features the Cuba-inspired Boleros lounge and a free mimosa or bloody mary at the daily "Sunday" brunch.
The first Quantum Ultra-Class ship will launch in the spring 2019. The class will be the next evolution of Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class, though the line has not yet said what its size will be.