Serenade of the Seas August 9 to 16

[21pepper]

We are just home from the Serenade of the Seas Alaska cruise August 9 to 16.  There had not been a lot posted about Serenade before we left so I wanted to give a quick recap.  My wife and I (57 and 54) along with a friend of ours took the trip.

 

We flew to Seattle the Thursday before our Monday departure.  Our son lives in Seattle so we spent the weekend with him.  We stayed at the Mayflower Park Hotel on Sunday night before the cruise.  It was about a $25 Uber to the port.

 

We had reserved 12:00 - 12:30 check in time.  When we arrived at the port about 12:10 there was a huge line.  But, we quickly found out that those lined up had arrival times later than 12:00.  We were quickly shown where the 12:00 appointments lined up.  We had about 3 people in line in front of us.

 

We had to show our negative COVID test (we got tested in Seattle on Friday and had results early on Saturday) and our vaccination cards.  The check in process was quick and we were on board about 15 minutes after arriving.  We were given a purple wristband indicating that we had been vaccinated and also a tracelet to wear on board.  The COVID protocols did not materially impact our cruise.  Everyone wore masks indoors except in vaccinated only areas.  Those included MTD on Deck 4, the theater on Deck 5, the fitness room as well as the Casino and bars adjacent to that.  The Diamond Lounge was also vaccinated only so no masks.

 

The ship sailed with about 900 passengers so it was not crowded at all.  Everyone on board was happy to be there and the crew was especially friendly and grateful to be back on board and at work.  The Cruise Director is John Blair and he was a good host.  The Captain is Captain Stig.  He was the Captain that was the first Captain on Serenade.  He had a "Meet the Captain" session where he spoke and answered questions.  It was very interesting.

 

We had a little rough weather but that is what comes along with Alaska.  Again it did not materially impact our experience but it did cause our excursion in Juneau to be canceled.

 

The entertainment was good.  We spoke to a number of the entertainers and found out that they are on the ship for a number of months straight so the entertainment will be the same every week.  The Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers Broadway review show was one of the better ones we have seen.  We won a trivia session and also Bingo!

 

Leaving the ship was easy.  Up early for breakfast and then to the room until our number was called.  We had been given one number but opted for an earlier time and Guest Services exchanged upon request.

 

Overall a fun cruise and we were happy to be back sailing. Alaska was one had never done and I hope to do it again in the future.

 

I am happy to answer any questions, although it may be a day or two as I am also catching up at work after being gone for 11 days.

[newmercies]

Thanks for the information.  We cruise in four weeks.  Can't wait!