Anyone just back from the Seranade

[justwaiting]

Hi,

We leave on Saturday the 4th and wondered if anyone just returned and what you have to say about the ship, staff, food and what were the best things you did at the ports?:confused:

As you can see I am getting a little excited.:)

Oh also how was the weather?

Justwaiting (Char)

[Epaul3]

Well, not just back but was on the ship right before Christmas and I have to say this is my favorite ship so far. I love the layout and the staff was wonderful. The only disappointment at all was the entertainment. I didn't think it was quite as good as some of my other cruises.... but that's the luck of the draw depending on who is scheduled to perform when. Nothing to do with the ship itself. Dining room food was quite good and Windjammer seemed much better than before. Also try the Seaview cafe.

[heartofamerica]

Hi,

We leave on Saturday the 4th and wondered if anyone just returned and what you have to say about the ship, staff, food and what were the best things you did at the ports?:confused:

As you can see I am getting a little excited.:)

Oh also how was the weather?

Justwaiting (Char)

We took this cruise over thanksgiving. Best cruise I've ever been on. What we did in ports -

 

St. Thomas - Magens Bay on our own and shopping

St. Maarten - Loterie Farm treetop adventure...fantastic time

Antigua - Pineapple Beach with another Family (met at the Meet and Mingle). Beautiful beach

St. Lucia - Took a cab tour on our own. Next time, I'd stick with a shore excursion from the Ship...too many stops at places where the locals are a bit high pressure for you to buy. Leaving, the tour of the Pitons by the captain is a hightlight of this cruise

Barbados - We did the bike ride and beach thru the cruise line. Great time

 

The last at sea day - best I've ever had - You pass so close to the volcano at Monserrat, then you pass very close by Nevis, St Kitts, and about 3 other small islands. It's beautiful to just watch these Jewels pass by.

 

You'll like this cruise half as much as I did, you'll be quite pleased.

[justwaiting]

Thank you so much for your response. I can't keep my mind on work, but that is ok. What was the weather like when you were on? Oh a couple more questions:

1. Did you take a cab from the airport or a bus

2. Was it cold on the ship at night

3. Were there nickle slots in the casino

Thanks again ahead of time.

Justwaiting (Char)

[heartofamerica]

Thank you so much for your response. I can't keep my mind on work, but that is ok. What was the weather like when you were on? Oh a couple more questions:

1. Did you take a cab from the airport or a bus

2. Was it cold on the ship at night

3. Were there nickle slots in the casino

Thanks again ahead of time.

Justwaiting (Char)

1.We had our air and transfers thru RCL (cheaper than what I could get) so we took their buses. If I had to do it all over again, I'd take a cab - the transfer process was a bit disorganized

 

2. Didn't seem cold to me...I like it on the cool side and I was quite comfortable. The others in my party are sensitive to cold, and they weren't complaining

 

3. Yes, there are nickle slots

 

4. Weather - gorgeous - this despite the long range forcast for the entire week called for rain at every port. Had a 10 minute shower in the morning at St. Maarten, then it cleared and was beautiful. Clear blue skies at every other port (some evening clouds rolled in at St Lucia).

[love2vacation]

OK, we are one the March 11th sailing of the Serenade, and I thought I would let you know that our planner for our vow renewal said the weather has been wonderful in St. Thomas. She said in fact last weekend it was perfect.

 

I know- the weather site said scattered showers!!!! Stacy says the weather site is NEVER right for the islands. I do know that to be true from when we were in Jamaica last year. It was predicted rain every day and we only had one afternoon where we had a 15 minute shower (with the sun still out.)

 

I am also VERY exicted to be going, and also hoping for decent weather.;)

[MargaritaPlease]

We've been back three days... ready to go again!! We had a GREAT trip last week!

 

Weather was fine - standard Caribbean - partly cloudy and 80 every day. Couple of 10 minute tropical showers, a bit of clouds/showers late on the last day, but nothing worth complaining about. (And, BTW, the weather forecast is ALWAYS scattered showers down there!)

 

Best things... Scuba diving, mini-buggies, kayaking, kids loving camp, outstanding service, breaking even in the casino, lots of family time, buckets of iced beer.

 

Worst things... Deck chair madness on sea day, sub-par wine list, late RCI chartered flight arrival, disappointing kids slide, cramped room, awkward transfer on the way home, lack of policy enforcement (chairs, dress, etc.), cancelled scuba outing.

 

Though there were things we'd change, we'd do it again in a heartbeat!!

[jonahwicky]

We've been back for 2 weeks now. Serenade is a beautiful ship with a great itinerary, if you like to be active. My recommendations are a trip to St. John, the Cosol tour in St. Lucia and Silver Moon in Barbados. Make sure to try the cheeseburgers and onion rings from the Seaview - they're to die for! Portofino's was another highlight.

 

Like another poster said, the weather will be great despite what the forecast says. A rainy day in the Caribbean is better than a sunny day at work anytime.

[justwaiting]

You got that right and also a cloudy day on the ship away from work, phone and bosses, is always better than the weather in Minnesota right now.

Just let me know how I am going to get through 3 more days of work, having to train someone and keep my mind on it.

I am ready to PARTY!

Justwaiting (Char)

March 4th can't come soon enough, I just have to check on Sun Country's limit for suit cases.