Veng Posted February 8, 2015 #1 Share Posted February 8, 2015 Last summer we did our first cruise period on the jewel. We really liked the ship but we also really liked exploring the ship. The Serenade is also a Radiance class ship, so will it be nearly identical to the Jewel? I looked through the deck plans and it seems almost identical to the Jewel. This year we're looking to cruise sometime September/Octoberish and looking for something non Caribbean. So there's a 12 night new england / canada cruise which looked like it could be fun, but it looks like it'll effectively be the same ship. Which isn't bad, we liked the Jewel a lot, but we'd prefer something different or perhaps larger. Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashland Posted February 8, 2015 #2 Share Posted February 8, 2015 Last summer we did our first cruise period on the jewel. We really liked the ship but we also really liked exploring the ship. The Serenade is also a Radiance class ship, so will it be nearly identical to the Jewel? I looked through the deck plans and it seems almost identical to the Jewel. This year we're looking to cruise sometime September/Octoberish and looking for something non Caribbean. So there's a 12 night new england / canada cruise which looked like it could be fun, but it looks like it'll effectively be the same ship. Which isn't bad, we liked the Jewel a lot, but we'd prefer something different or perhaps larger. Any suggestions? Jewel hasn't been upgraded yet and won't be until 5-2016. The biggest difference is no SeaView Cafe on Serenade...JOS is the last Radiance class ship to have this classic feature until then..many are sad to see it go. Have you considered the 9 night Liberty..now that looks good to me...that itinerary on that ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Langley Cruisers Posted February 8, 2015 #3 Share Posted February 8, 2015 Well if you want larger, Ashland is right - Liberty. However, we love Radiance-class ships and the differences between Jewel and Serenade are mostly cosmetic, one structural (stairs removed between Decks 4 and 5 on Serenade on the refurb). But we still love the outdoor aft Windjammer seating on Radiance class and all the glass and windows. Once you get up to Voyager class and beyond, you are looking at ships with a Royal Promenade down the middle of the inside of the ship, Liberty included. I don't know - it's such a personal decision and we all have our own opinions/choices/preferences! :p:) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veng Posted February 9, 2015 Author #4 Share Posted February 9, 2015 I hadn't seen the 9 nights on the liberty, thanks! I know it's not RCL, but anyone have any thoughts on Golden Princess? There's a 10 day Alaskan out of San Fran which looks really fun that'll likely be the other main contender. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocacola86 Posted March 9, 2015 #5 Share Posted March 9, 2015 We're looking at the jewel in March, 2026 or serenade for 11 days in April 2016, with Jewel it's being refurbished in April 2016 is it better to hold off till it's gone through Drydock? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigque Posted March 9, 2015 #6 Share Posted March 9, 2015 We're looking at the jewel in March, 2026 or serenade for 11 days in April 2016, with Jewel it's being refurbished in April 2016 is it better to hold off till it's gone through Drydock? Have they put out schedules for 2026 already????? :eek: LOL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocacola86 Posted March 9, 2015 #7 Share Posted March 9, 2015 Meant 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigque Posted March 9, 2015 #8 Share Posted March 9, 2015 Meant 2016 :D I know! I just thought that was funny! :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTBCruiser Posted March 9, 2015 #9 Share Posted March 9, 2015 We were on the Jewel a year ago this past Feb and just got off the Serenade this past weekend. They are very, very similar though we liked the Jewel better for cosmetic reasons only. Both cruises were great with no regrets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocacola86 Posted March 9, 2015 #10 Share Posted March 9, 2015 Did you find the food quality or selection different from the two ships, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Langley Cruisers Posted March 9, 2015 #11 Share Posted March 9, 2015 They are very, very similar though we liked the Jewel better for cosmetic reasons only... Agreed - not everything they did to Serenade in the refurb is an improvement, IMO, although Serenade has a nice Diamond Lounge while Jewel doesn't have one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTBCruiser Posted March 10, 2015 #12 Share Posted March 10, 2015 Did you find the food quality or selection different from the two ships, On both ships, we skipped the specialty restaurants in favor of the MDR. We loved the food. I give the Jewel a slight edge over the Serenade in the WJ. Would I go back on the Serenade? Definitely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamFritz Posted March 10, 2015 #13 Share Posted March 10, 2015 I love the Radiance class, but HATE what they're doing to the centrum in the refurb. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocacola86 Posted March 10, 2015 #14 Share Posted March 10, 2015 What're they doing to the centrum? What do you think of Brilliance out of Tampa? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillB48 Posted March 10, 2015 #15 Share Posted March 10, 2015 (edited) What're they doing to the centrum? What do you think of Brilliance out of Tampa? The Brilliance is a sister ship to the Jewel and Serenade and as far as I am concerned, just as nice. However, out of Tampa is only a 5 day cruise as opposed to 7 on the Jewel and 10/11 on the Serenade. As to the Centrum maybe Sam Fritz is referring to the aerial shows?? Edited March 10, 2015 by BillB48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocacola86 Posted March 10, 2015 #16 Share Posted March 10, 2015 I would love to go on Serenade but I know if I would get the time off, Jewel the schedule isn't out for April yet what're your thoughts about going to some of the same ports, we were in San Juan In Nov with Carnival going to St Thomas, St Lucia, St kitts, Barbados and St Maarten. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamFritz Posted March 11, 2015 #17 Share Posted March 11, 2015 What're they doing to the centrum? What do you think of Brilliance out of Tampa? They've taken out the glass staircases, water fountain, and the multi-story sculpture/art. Instead they have a fifteen minute circ du solei type show. But it is very crowded and difficult to find a place to view the show. It's a cool show if you can see it, but I don't think it's worth what they've taken away. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tripster Posted March 16, 2015 #18 Share Posted March 16, 2015 Do you have a photo of the refurb? I was on the Serenade several years ago, and will be going again in April 2016. (Cocacola86, I think it is the cruise that you are considering. Hope you join us!) Would be curious as to what it looks like now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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