Serenade of the Seas picture heavy fun review–12 day Med cruise incl DIY port trips!

[tequilasunrise]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us! Your family is beautiful :)

 

btw I am a Princess loyalist -thinking about trying RCI-...so I don't know if your issues with starting a FOD meeting was unusual. But, on Princess, they announce them in the patter (Compass I think on RCI?) and have them on every cruise I have been on. But it could just be that the Mediterranean tends to be so port heavy.

 

Glad you had fun anyway!

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

I love your review so far!! I also think you have a very lovely family!

 

I will be on the Serenade in February and will look out for the FOD meeting. I have been unable to convince my boyfriend/partner to go on a cruise, but my cousin will be going with me.

 

I look forward to reading the rest of the review.

 

Hi JasonTehGreat,

 

Thank you so much!

 

Maybe you can convince your partner for a future cruise if he sees how much fun you and your cousin had onboard? But besides that -- how cool to cruise with your cousin. I haven't seen one of my five cousins in years! That would be such a fun way to catch up on family matters!

 

But I think I'd miss Tanja like crazy -- I can picture Tarik to be in some sort of teen summer camp. That would be okay, but I can't see myself on a cruise without Tanja. All the romantic sunsets, the walks around the deck at night time.... no -- it's impossible!

 

There just has to be a way to convince your partner!

 

Stef

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us! Your family is beautiful :)

 

btw I am a Princess loyalist -thinking about trying RCI-...so I don't know if your issues with starting a FOD meeting was unusual. But, on Princess, they announce them in the patter (Compass I think on RCI?) and have them on every cruise I have been on. But it could just be that the Mediterranean tends to be so port heavy.

 

Glad you had fun anyway!

 

Hi Tequilasunrise,

 

welcome to the review and thank you! Oh we did have fun nonetheless:D. This trip really is all about the ports ... sigh ... and I haven't even started talking about those yet. Hang in there guys!

 

Stef

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

Nighttime entertainment beside the shows.

 

First of all I’ll talk about the bars.

 

I won’t talk about the pool or the sky bar, since they were closed so early we never went there.

 

The Crown and Castle pub looks pretty cool, but sadly has been deserted at all times when we went past there to get to the Theatre (except one time when they had the darts tournament…sure looked like fun – crap, should have attended that!). They have a pretty large collection of different beers on the menu. We had a Leffe here once and a MGD (nostalgic reasons – remember me to not do it again) on another occasion. When we ordered our two Leffe blonde ales, we got one light and one dark beer….wait a minute – even I – not being a waiter or a bartender can tell this can’t be right. He apologized and told us in a looong monolog how this is his first time working in a bar….he was never asked for this special beer before….and so forth. Sigh -- Just bring us two identical beers ….please!!!! No big deal, but the whining afterwards was much more annoying than the mistake with the beer.

 

 

The Vintages Wine bar both had the ugliest chairs (with a gigantic flower petal as a cushion) I’ve ever seen and some of the coolest royal looking big armchairs. Lol … and we really thought those tables were covered with leather – but no it’s just metal that looks like leather. Cool place. The bar opens at 1:00 pm. It’s not open very late either. We saw it closed much more often than open. We had one glass of wine here – which was fun. Before the cruise we planned on doing the wine tasting, but somehow didn’t feel like it when the chance arose.

 

 

The Schooner bar. I love the open views to the sea from all the bars (except the pub, which is inside) – especially the schooner bar. We had a beer here twice. I loved the piano with the seats and board around it. Never went past here though, when the piano player was actually playing…We did hear him on one formal night though when he played in between deck 4 and 5 right on the pretty staircase connecting those two levels.

 

The Safari Club. I like the Safari Club – a lot. The only sad part is that a lot of times it was closed for special get togethers. I would also have loved to join the ballroom dancing here, but Tanja didn’t feel like dancing at the time and I didn’t want to go alone. Next cruise – once I showed her my new Tango moves, she’ll be forced to dance with me! The Safari Club is also the place they had the Quest…I really wanted to go in order to tell you guys all about it…we were there until it got started…and then we chickened out and left….I know! Loosers! Really sorry about that! Maybe one of my fellow CC cruisers from the roll call can jump in and talk about the Quest.

 

The Vortex night club. The deadest night club I’ve ever seen. Wanted to join the 80’s night, but left soon since it was painfully boring (and we got painfully tired).

 

The Centrum Bar (it did have a different name…I already forgot). Well – it was there – we had a glass of wine there once. Nothing great, nothing bad. Just a bar. If you had a show in the Centrum, this would be the only way to get a drink I guess…but it got so crowded for these special shows that I doubt you would be served during the actual show anyway. But they did have live music in the centrum lots of times….if you felt like lingering to listen to it, this probably would be the place to do so. We didn’t like any of the music played there particularly, so we weren’t drawn to the Centrum Bar.

 

more to come! (my photobucket free account is full -- so now I have to figure out how to open up a second one --- so bear with me -- I'll try to hurry)

[JasonTehGreat]

Hi JasonTehGreat,

 

Thank you so much!

 

Maybe you can convince your partner for a future cruise if he sees how much fun you and your cousin had onboard? But besides that -- how cool to cruise with your cousin. I haven't seen one of my five cousins in years! That would be such a fun way to catch up on family matters!

 

But I think I'd miss Tanja like crazy -- I can picture Tarik to be in some sort of teen summer camp. That would be okay, but I can't see myself on a cruise without Tanja. All the romantic sunsets, the walks around the deck at night time.... no -- it's impossible!

 

There just has to be a way to convince your partner!

 

Stef

 

 

Hi Stef,

 

My partner has a dislike of boats. He had a bad experience once. There is still a possibility that he will join us on this cruise, but not very likely. He did promise to go with me on one in 2015 lol.

 

It would be nice if he went on this one because this will be the first balcony cabin I have ever had!

 

My cousin and I travel a lot together. We have been on 2 previous cruises and also took a trip to Las Vegas to see Cher in concert! For a straight man he puts up with a lot for me. :) We always have a good time and enjoy each other's company.

 

 

Jason

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

Nighttime entertainment beside the shows.

 

There were several things you could do at night, when you didn’t feel like hanging out in a bar or seeing a show.

 

There would be live music in the centrum …Singers, guitar players, rock/pop bands, jazz … they really tried hard to get a good variety going.

 

 

 

 

You could always try your luck in the Casino. This place did fill up at nights. During the daytime it was pretty empty. We only tried out our one free spin on the machines that you get in your crown and anchor coupon booklet. Of course we both lost. Other than that for us it was just a fun people watching passway to and from the Theatre.

 

 

 

 

The outdoor movie screen by the main pool. They’d have one movie each day, which would be played at different times on the big outdoor screen and in the indoor cinema as well.

 

“Lincoln” just about to start. It can get a little chilly at night, so be sure to bring a sweater.

 

It was easier to watch the movies in the cinema, because of the missing noises from around you. But still – more romantic of course is the pool deck at night.

 

 

 

Speaking of romance – walking the decks at night was one of the cruise highlights for Tanja and me. To see the night sky, the full moon, shimmering reflections on the water, hear the sounds of the ocean, feel the wind, sometimes the lights of a near by coast … and most of the times have this little place of heaven just for yourselves…Priceless!

 

More to come!

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

:DYippie – finally getting to the day by day adventures:D!

This is how it’ll be: I’ll start each day by giving you the cruise compass and the kid’s daily plan. Then you’ll have to be real patient, because to cover each port will take some time. It will be A LOT I want to share with you about the ports and the sights we saw. We did all of the ports independently from RCI and so I’ll add all kinds of info on public transport as well. After you’ve hopefully enjoyed joining us on our pretty extensive trips you can lean back and find out about the shows of the according evening! Does that sound okay for everyone?

[new2cruise]

:DYippie – finally getting to the day by day adventures:D!

 

Ooooo- this is the part I've been most excited to see...not that I haven't enjoyed the rest! I've got a quick off-topic question though - What night of the cruise was the Meet and Mingle? Oh, and one more (sorry!)- how do you get those face icons in the middle of your post? Whenever I click on them, they end up in the title instead of in my post where I want them.

 

Thanks for all the time you're taking to do this!

[Tara Jane]

Great reading, I love your style, can't wait to read all your info on ports.

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

Day 1 –Embarkation

 

Oh great-- NOW that I scanned the compasses NOW I find the note on the compass where the bulletin board is …. Sheeeshh -were we blind? Sorry for all the racket! But I still am mad at the lady at guest services. …and I still wanna know whether there was an FOD meeting.

 

Here is the cruise compass for day 1, followed by the teen (12 – 14) compass:

 

 

 

 

more on day 1 to follow!

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

:DYippie – finally getting to the day by day adventures:D!

 

Ooooo- this is the part I've been most excited to see...not that I haven't enjoyed the rest! I've got a quick off-topic question though - What night of the cruise was the Meet and Mingle? Oh, and one more (sorry!)- how do you get those face icons in the middle of your post? Whenever I click on them, they end up in the title instead of in my post where I want them.

 

Thanks for all the time you're taking to do this!

 

Hi new2cruise,

 

hehee, this is the part I was most eager to write about as well:D.

 

The meet and mingle was at 11:00 am on our first sea day -- that was day 6.

 

Just don't use the smileys below the posting space...the ones on the right are the ones to add in your actual text.

 

Stef

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

Great reading, I love your style, can't wait to read all your info on ports.

 

Thank you Tara Jane -- and welcome to the review!

 

Stef

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

Day 1 –Embarkation

 

 

This is an easy day to start with, since I pretty much told you all about it already. All that is missing is the Welcome aboard show in the theatre. First of all we met our cruise director Casey for the first time. He was okay – quite funny. I liked the Swiss guy from our Adventure cruise last year a whee bit better though (and yet I can’t remember his name aarrggghhh!) but to be honest .....successfully hijacking a foreign cruise shuttle bus just is hard to top.

 

Anyway, all the activity staff was introduced and after a short introductory singing (I guess it were the RCI singers?) the headline show started.

 

“Los Diablos Gauchos”

 

Basically two Argentinean men stepping rhythmically away with drums and strings with a weight on it (forgot the official name:o). Sounds weird – but was really cool! One of my two favourite shows of the cruise! They moved too fast for my camera – so please excuse the blurred pictures

 

 

Actually I think the effect looks pretty spacey.

 

Loved the show! Would watch it again instantly! And another cool part is that one of these guys led the Tango lessons later on in the cruise! Right on! This sure was a fantastic evening to begin a fantastic cruise!

 

Coming up: Day 2 -- Cannes

[nolatravelgirl]

more to come! (my photobucket free account is full -- so now I have to figure out how to open up a second one --- so bear with me -- I'll try to hurry)[/i][/color]

Use Flickr. Free and easy.

[new2cruise]

Day 1 –Embarkation

 

 

.successfully hijacking a foreign cruise shuttle bus just is hard to top. [/i][/color]

 

 

How did I miss this?? Can you direct me to this thread?

 

And BTW, I only see icons at the bottom of the page. There aren't any on either side. Hmmm..... I guess i haven't paid for the "premium" Cruise Critic... jk in case someone starts looking for the "premium" content.

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

Use Flickr. Free and easy.

 

Hi nolatravelgirl,

 

Thanks for the tip, I figured out how to get a second account in photobucket for now, but I'll keep Flickr in mind. There are sooo many pictures left to post I'll fill up this second account in no time!

 

Stef

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

How did I miss this?? Can you direct me to this thread?

 

And BTW, I only see icons at the bottom of the page. There aren't any on either side. Hmmm..... I guess i haven't paid for the "premium" Cruise Critic... jk in case someone starts looking for the "premium" content.

 

 

mhh, strange. Do you use it from a mobile device? I know one of our roll call members can't see signatures this way for instance. I sure don't have any "premium" package:D.

 

This is the link to my review of the Adventure last year ... here you'll find the hijacking episode in Rome:).

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1851484

 

Stef

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

Day 2 – Cannes

 

as always -- cruise compass first:

 

(by the way -- what would I do if I didn't have Tanja. Now we know why we didn't find the bulletin board in the compasses. They are only listed in the English ones -- not the German ones, which Nazareth put in our room each night. We only used the German ones on board...I only went to fetch these English ones for you guys and this review from the shelves on deck 4 (you're welcome). So it all was a translation problem!)

 

 

yes -- I know this time it's the 15 -17 year olds! But Nazareth was apparently a little confused about Tariks age. The next day we would get the compass for the 3 - 11 year old... we then wrote him a note with Tariks age and we had the correct ones ever since. This way you all get to experience different teen or kids compasses however -- whoohoo!

 

more to come!

[Ebear]

:DWhoohoo -- Emma, this is so great! I was so bummed I didn't have a picture of them! Thank you so much!!!!!!

 

ps: couldn't find the facebook site though:(.

 

Stef

 

Closed group I am afraid Stef, Oscar has to log me into his. I have quite a few photos on my Facebook though?

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Mike&Nancy]

Loving the review, Stef. It's great to see all the pics. Radiance class is my favorite, and we haven't been on that class in awhile. We're booked on her in February, so your review is a great tease. ;)

 

Thanks for taking the time to do this, it makes for some great reading. Your family is lovely. :)

 

I love your review so far!! I also think you have a very lovely family!

 

I will be on the Serenade in February and will look out for the FOD meeting. I have been unable to convince my boyfriend/partner to go on a cruise, but my cousin will be going with me.

 

I look forward to reading the rest of the review.

 

Gimme his number, let me call him. Maybe I can shame him into it, lol.

 

Nancy

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

Closed group I am afraid Stef, Oscar has to log me into his. I have quite a few photos on my Facebook though?

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

no worries Emma, the picture you added earlier one was fantastic!

 

Loved them -- but it's absolutely okay for them to not want to share all their stuff. Just tell them they have some German fans who thought they rocked:)!

 

Stef

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

We're booked on her in February, so your review is a great tease. ;)

 

Nancy

 

Hi Nancy,

 

thank you! Glad you like the review. Lol -- so let the tease continue then:)!

 

Stef

[JasonTehGreat]

 

 

Gimme his number, let me call him. Maybe I can shame him into it, lol.

 

 

You and I (and my cousin) are on the same cruise, aren't we? 02/08 out of NOLA? I'm so excited!

 

Jason

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

Day 2 – Cannes

 

Whoohooo. First day to start a port adventure!

 

Let’s get going, shall we?

 

After our fitness routine in the morning we headed to the main dining room … the one and only time we ate here. We were seated at a large table with Spanish (only) speaking guests. They all seemed to belong to one big family and they all looked like they just bit in a lemon.

Maybe it was a good thing we didn’t understand the few strips of conversation between them, but the atmosphere sure was sizzling. Too bad for them – I just hope it was nothing serious. We didn’t let our excitement for the first trip ashore be lessened though. It took forever to get the food we ordered – and so Tanja left us during breakfast to collect our tender tickets. She got 3 x nr. 10. We finished our breakfast real fast and headed to our cabin to collect our “port-backpack”. I brought this one along in my regular luggage just for these port trips (it was too big a size for carryon during the flight). This backpack is so cool. Rather than carrying all the weight on your shoulders you can wrap it around your hips additionally and hardly notice the weight anymore. (Plus it’s big enough for our snorkeling gear for later port trips) .They started to call the first numbers: 1, 2 3 and 4 please come down to deck nr X (I forgot which one). Boy, this was faster than we thought. We strolled down to the centrum to await our number. Soon it was 5,6,7 and 8. And only a couple of minutes later it was our turn already to head down there. Cool! Altogether it didn’t even take half an hour once they started calling the numbers!

They had their own tenderboats:

 

 

As well as foreign ones

 

This is the one we rode in. It was fine. I didn’t even wear my sea bands (not because I was so brave, just because I forgot all about them). I guess it’s too short of a trip to get seasick.

 

Once on firm ground we started to head towards the train station. I had a map to follow – no problem. You basically walk straight ahead with the harbour at your right. When the harbour makes a turn to the right, you follow it. We crossed the road to the left side to walk through a park like area rather than by the boats, but you can choose which one you like better.

 

This is the park stretch to walk through (just going the wrong way – this pic was taken on the way back to the tenders). At the end of the park just cross the road and keep on walking in the same direction. After two blocks turn left and you can see the (ugly) train station ahead.

 

Once we were there it was a little stressfull. You had 3 machines where you could buy tickets…but ONLY if you had a credit card with security pin. Well – we had a card, but no such pin. And when we figured out that this wouldn’t work a (not too friendly) train-lady gestured us to the line one room further up to buy our tickets at the counter…Argh! If we would have known right away, we wouldn’t have stood in line for the stupid machines! Now we had to stand in another line and we only had 3 minutes to go till the train left! Thank God the line went magically fast and we were treated to a lovely Lady behind the counter who helped us enormously. We even got a cheaper ticket than what I found out on the SNCF internet site…Duuuhhh—we’re a family now. Start to look for special family prices. I gotta start to remember that! We got a family day pass for €35,00 all together.

 

Cool! We even could have taken TWO kids under the age of 16 with that! Go France! We asked her on which platform the train to Monaco would leave -- I think we mixed up English, German AND French in one question – we were so excited if we would still manage to catch that train – but the lady just laughed and told us to hurry -- and we ran.

 

 

 

We barely made it! YAY!!!!!!!!!!

 

Next up: the train ride to Monaco

[Kreuzfahrtneuling]

Train ride to Monaco

 

This was such a nice train ride. Clean and half empty train.

 

 

Beautiful scenery pretty much all trip long

 

 

And Tanja saw this:

 

 

Whoohoo – a horse race course! Our two horses back home used to be pros on the trotting (harness) race course. So every time we see something like this we get excited. After a couple more minutes on the train it got even better because I saw this:

 

 

It WAS a harness race course afterall! Too bad we couldn’t have been here in the evenings. But we were grinning like idiots after this anyway – so everything was wonderful. Tarik didn’t join in in our horse excitement and thought we’re a little bit crazy.

 

The train ride took an hour and 6 minutes. We pretty much squished our noses on the windows the entire time. It was a real enjoyable trip. (but beware before you decide to do this too – the train ride BACK to Cannes should be a whole other story!)

 

 

 

Here we just arrived at Monaco train station. There are two exits. One upper one, where all the busses are and one lower one, which will lead you to the harbour. Actually we planned to go to the upper one and buy a day pass for the public Monaco busses…but somehow got swept with the masses to the lower exit. Oh well -- spontaneous change of plans. We just strolled along with the rest of the people and got to the harbour. Not far at all. From here we decided to walk up to the casino to the left. There are walking directions everywhere. It was a little strenuous, since we were walking uphill … but since there was so much to take in while wandering along we hardly noticed….but more on Monaco in the next post!