Serenade of the Seas - New Orleans

[WonderousBlue]

Following :). Myself and kids 15,17,19,24 and a few girlfriends will be on the serenade, same as you November 22 :)

[dlbaqua]

Not sailing on the Serenade until next March so no information to give about the ships but the itinerary is one of my favorites.

I like Paradise Beach in Cozumel, they are very friendly but I'm getting really sun sensitive so the last time I was there we took the Foodie walking tour and LOVED IT! Walked the back areas of Cozumel (always felt safe) and went to several places and had a lot of food. Especially at this one little pub, I ate my weight in cerviche and as long as people ordered drinks, they kept bringing food. They also took us to a little art gallery that we enjoyed so much we bought a painting.

We booked the tour through Carnival, not sure if RC offers it but you can book on your own just google food tour of Cozumel.

In Grand Cayman, I loved swimming with the Stingrays.

and Jamaica, Dunns Rivers Falls tour for sure, and the last time we went the tour stopped at a tiny gas station and they had the best empanada I've ever eaten.

Hope this helps

[hellsop]

I like Paradise Beach in Cozumel, they are very friendly but I'm getting really sun sensitive so the last time I was there we took the Foodie walking tour and LOVED IT! Walked the back areas of Cozumel (always felt safe) and went to several places and had a lot of food. Especially at this one little pub, I ate my weight in cerviche and as long as people ordered drinks, they kept bringing food.

 

Details would be awesome. Cozumel has one of my favorite restaurants, La Choza. It's about two blocks off the main road so it doesn't see too many people that aren't specifically seeking it, but it does seem to be quite popular with the crew and for good reason: the seafood is fantastic.

[tgnorton]

Jamaica - I second earlier recommendation of Courtney Tour. He took us exactly where we wanted to go, when we wanted to go and took care to see we were not hassled. LOVED the river rafting tour.

 

Cozumel - if you want to snorkel, consider Money Bar. Take a cab from port. No entrance fee - just buy some food or drink. They have snorkel gear for rent if needed. All the snorkeling boats come there. Doesn't have any toys or crowds, but excellent snorkeling, if you enjoy that.

[RCCL Fan]

I'll offer my input as well...

 

My screen name will tell you I'm a little biased, but I think you'll love RCI compared to your Carnival cruise.

 

You really need to try one of the larger ships for the full experience too.

 

Nonetheless, I've been to all of the islands numerous times and I'll break them all down for you for what we've done/enjoyed.

 

 

Falmouth --- Jamaica really gets a bad rap in my humble opinion. We're every bit suburban, safety freaks, and kid focused. If you're like me and live in a neighborhood where you get a citation if your grass hasn't been cut in 2 weeks, the police know you by name, and you really don't know where the key is to your house, then yes, Jamaica is different. I compare it more to going out in Memphis, Detroit, Chicago, or any other city known for crime. Yes, things happen. Yes, I've heard of very bad things, but THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of people vacation here daily with no big issues, don't let it keep you on the ship.

 

Falmouth's cruise terminal is "fake controlled jamaica" you get off, the ship in this new construction , bright, airy, clean, cobblestone area. It wasn't there at all 5 years ago. :-)

 

It's nice little shops, restaurants, and areas to sit. It's a perfectly fine place to walk and explore in safety.

 

Now right outside the "fake controlled jamaica" isn't much to see, and I'm not sure I'd explore it that much with your family.

 

But, the reason the ship docks there is Falmouth is right in the middle of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, both of which are beautiful. Book an excursion and get to enjoy some of Mo bay's rafting, or everyone has to climb Dunn's River Falls once in their lives in Ocho, and yes the views are fantastic there, I highly recommend it. But just since both are a haul, and you don't want to be the wandering tourists alone, go with the ship's excursion or a reputable one you book ahead of time off of here.

 

 

All that said and done, I was married in Montego Bay. We sailed Indy to Labadee, Falmouth, and Grand Cayman. We chose to get married in Jamaica for 2 reasons.

 

1) We love Labadee and Grand Cayman and had activities we really wanted to do there

 

2) Jamaica is beautiful, but the excursions weren't as exciting.

 

So, we docked in Falmouth, were driven to Mo Bay, which really wasn't that far at all, and got married on the beach there.

 

This year on Serenade, we may swing by our marriage spot for a quick kiss, before we dart back to Ocho Rios because my wife has never climbed the falls... although it may be tough with the little ones... may have to rethink that one :-)

 

 

 

Grand Cayman --- We took dozens of friends and family with us for our wedding/cruise and as I wrote to them in their welcome aboard documents. This is literally my favorite place on earth.

(and I've traveled the world)

 

I can't say enough, Don't go there and not do Stingray City if you've never been. It's so beautiful, so safe, and so fun. The key is to go with the right company. Many of the cruise lines use huge boats to bring a million people there, everyone gets in and then goes back.

 

No.

 

Use a smaller tour company, I LOVE Nativway tours and have been using them for more than 10 years now. Sharon and Eldon the owners rock. Their boats are smaller, and don't have large crowds, so you can get lots of time with the tour guides interacting with you and the rays, helping you come over your fears, laugh, get pictures, and then soak up the beautiful water and sand. They also have tours which bring you to Rum Point beach after the rays which is amazing.

 

 

Cozumel --- We're not partiers, at all. But when we were younger, oh the place to go was Carlos n Charlies. All sorts of fun in there, crazy dancing and conga lines, and people pouring free booze in your mouth in the conga line, and waitresses who give you very unique shots at your table. Most of the drunkeness takes place in the rear near the stage, but the front is more like a louder more energetic ruby tuesday, with a conga line going through it here and there. I wouldn't hesitate taking the family here for lunch, there are balloon animals for the kids, and its a great place. We've swam with the dolphins there at the national park, which was a lot of fun and would be great for the kids, but be mindful the cab drivers, go 90mph for no reason, driving into other lanes. Another family and I shared a cab and the other dad and I had to lecture the driver, not to drive that way with our kids in the van, it was totally unnecessary. My wife's only fear of going back there was the taxi ride, which was like that going and coming.

 

The market is nice, and the shop owners are friendly and not pushy at all.

 

 

I hope you enjoy it.

 

 

I also grew up in New Orleans, so if you need help there, let me know!

 

 

 

 

 

***Shout out to my Memphis peeps! We'll all have to get together soon and have lunch and share tips and ideas if you're game! Don't forget to watch me on the news tonight at ten! ;-)

[MichaelCMTX]

On another thread i read that for the 7 day cruises formal nights are usually the 2nd and 6th nights. The RC website says there will also be a "smart casual" (jacket and tie) night.

 

In our experience I don't recall a Formal Night on a Port Day, so that's my rule to go by until I see an actual schedule.

[NightOne]

***Shout out to my Memphis peeps! We'll all have to get together soon and have lunch and share tips and ideas if you're game! Don't forget to watch me on the news tonight at ten! ;-)

 

I'm game. :)

[mtsublueraider]

***Shout out to my Memphis peeps! We'll all have to get together soon and have lunch and share tips and ideas if you're game! Don't forget to watch me on the news tonight at ten! ;-)

 

Holla! Arlington TN checking in! Wonderful recap! As someone who's cruised a few times but visited Jamaica nearly 10 times I can't say enough good things. Can also confirm about grand cayman. We chartered a sailboat and did a stingray tour where we were the only 5 on the sailboat and we actually swam in 15 feet of water with the rays instead of standing ok the sand bar... Awesome stuff.

[Rocknsoul]

 

 

We're every bit suburban, safety freaks, and kid focused. If you're like me and live in a neighborhood where you get a citation if your grass hasn't been cut in 2 weeks, the police know you by name, and you really don't know where the key is to your house, then yes, Jamaica is different. I compare it more to going out in Memphis, Detroit, Chicago, or any other city known for crime. Yes, things happen. Yes, I've heard of very bad things, but THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of people vacation here daily with no big issues, don't let it keep you on the ship.

 

 

***Shout out to my Memphis peeps! We'll all have to get together soon and have lunch and share tips and ideas if you're game! Don't forget to watch me on the news tonight at ten! ;-)

 

Hey G'town! Loved your description, so true! Kevin & I love meeting other local cruisers. Name the time and the place & we'll be there!

 

P.S. Which channel?

[Rocknsoul]

I am going on the 7 night western Caribbean cruise on this ship from New Orleans in November. This will be our first RCI cruise and only our second cruise ever. I (41) will be traveling with my wife (44), our children (15 y/o girl and 13 y/o boy), and my mother (68).

 

Our ports are Falmouth, Jamaica, George Town, Grand Caymans, and Cozumel. We are scheduled to be at each port for about 8 hours. This will be the first time any of us have been to any of these destinations.

 

I would be grateful if anyone can give me any information about this ship or any of the ports. I'm particularly interested in information about safety at these destinations. Jamaica and Cozumel both seem to have somewhat dubious reputations. When we travel we usually like to explore by foot but I'm a bit nervous about doing that in these places.

 

I would also appreciate recommendations of shore excursions. The RCI website has what i consider minimal information about them. The girls definitely want to hang out at the beach. My son and I prefer more active excursions, but nothing involving snorkeling or diving. I'm terrified of fish!

 

All information is welcome. Thank you in advance for your help.

 

You all will love this cruise! When we were in Falmouth, we did venture outside the gates after going to Red Stripe beach. We purchased our ride to the beach right there in the port kiosk. I felt like it was a little pricey just for a ride to the beach, but the beach was beautiful & there was a great scenic walk you can take.

 

Afterward, we had heard the jerk chicken was legendary at a place in town, outside the port, so we went. A police officer actually walked us there and back! I wasn't nervous, but I'm from a big city that makes Memphis feel like Disneyland.:p I was grateful for the escort, and the chicken really wasn't all that. Really nothing to see beyond the gates, I wish it were different.

 

Grand Cayman has been covered pretty well, we've been to 7 mile beach (ok) and rode jetskis to Stingray City (phenomenal). It is a lovely place, I'd love to buy a condo there someday.

 

Cozumel is like a second home, we've been there so many times. If you're afraid of fish, I would recommend Paradise Beach. Fun things to do like kayaks, paddle boards, and water toys, included in a wristband price of about $14. Not many fish at all. Good food! Our kids (teens and grade school) loved it there. The Money Bar is another favorite, there are hammocks you can lie in while those who like to snorkel do their thing. :D

 

Have a great cruise! I'd love to hear what you did when you get back!

Edited October 27, 2014 by Rocknsoul

[8afbrat8]

I am going on the 7 night western Caribbean cruise on this ship from New Orleans in November. This will be our first RCI cruise and only our second cruise ever. I (41) will be traveling with my wife (44), our children (15 y/o girl and 13 y/o boy), and my mother (68).

 

Our ports are Falmouth, Jamaica, George Town, Grand Caymans, and Cozumel. We are scheduled to be at each port for about 8 hours. This will be the first time any of us have been to any of these destinations.

 

I would be grateful if anyone can give me any information about this ship or any of the ports. I'm particularly interested in information about safety at these destinations. Jamaica and Cozumel both seem to have somewhat dubious reputations. When we travel we usually like to explore by foot but I'm a bit nervous about doing that in these places.

 

I would also appreciate recommendations of shore excursions. The RCI website has what i consider minimal information about them. The girls definitely want to hang out at the beach. My son and I prefer more active excursions, but nothing involving snorkeling or diving. I'm terrified of fish!

 

All information is welcome. Thank you in advance for your help.

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Forums mobile app

 

I've done these ports and found them all enjoyable. In Jamica the first time I went to a school, a mango farm, and a church. Had great food and rum for those whe drink. Second time a mansion and museum. Enjoyed both. Felt very safe.

[Raxter54]

We'll be leaving NOLA on the Serenade on Feb 28 doing this itinerary. We think we might come early to see NOLA. Any suggestions on a tour company for the Big Easy?

[dustedice]

 

 

***Shout out to my Memphis peeps! We'll all have to get together soon and have lunch and share tips and ideas if you're game! Don't forget to watch me on the news tonight at ten! ;-)

 

Gosh, there are a ton of us Memphians!! I love it! (But I only have 6 months left here, then off to East TN!) It will be fun to see you on the news!!! I had no idea. :)

[RCCL Fan]

"Rocknsoul" and "Night One" said they were in for a little Memphian cruise critic night.

 

When do you sail dusted ice? Next month?

 

We'll try to do it before you go so we can help you prepare for your first cruise.

 

How are weekends for everyone?

 

And yes, it's just a job, but I am a reporter on the evening news. M - F nights at 10pm on Channel 3. :-)

[Rocknsoul]

Weekends work for us, especially in the late afternoon/evening. The only exception is when the Tigers are playing football. :p

 

In order to keep from hijacking this thread any further, I thought we could move this conversation here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=44582246#post44582246

 

All Memphis cruisers, head over there to workout a time & place! :)

[AOSmom]

Myself and a lovely group of women will be doing this itinerary in March also. So far we have decided on Dunn River Falls and tubing in Jamaica. Swimming with the Stingrays in Grand Caymen and probably Nachi cocom Beach Break in Cozumel. Now for all of you sailing on the Serenade in the coming months. Look for my daughter who is an aerialist/dancer on the ship until May. Tell her Hi from her mama!

[Raxter54]

Myself and a lovely group of women will be doing this itinerary in March also. So far we have decided on Dunn River Falls and tubing in Jamaica. Swimming with the Stingrays in Grand Caymen and probably Nachi cocom Beach Break in Cozumel. Now for all of you sailing on the Serenade in the coming months. Look for my daughter who is an aerialist/dancer on the ship until May. Tell her Hi from her mama!

 

We sail on the Serenade on Feb 28. I hear the aerial shows are great, looking forward to seeing them.

[george35]

We will be on the Serenade sailing Feb. 14, 2015 for a B/B my question is we are staying at the RAMADA INN in METARIE, LA. the day before we sail

 

Csn anyone tell me if it is close to N.O. or the PORT??

 

Thank you for any info.

 

George35

[mccdavid]

We will be on the Serenade sailing Feb. 14, 2015 for a B/B my question is we are staying at the RAMADA INN in METARIE, LA. the day before we sail

 

Csn anyone tell me if it is close to N.O. or the PORT??

 

Thank you for any info.

 

George35

 

Metairie is something like a 20 minute drive as I recall.

 

 

 

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[RoselleU]

Correct - Depending on where you are in Metairie it will take apporx. 20 minutes to get to the port.