Review – Serenade of the Seas (7/23/06 Sailing)

[jhaasz]

It was myself (celebrating my 40th birthday) and my DH (43) going to see Alaska without the kids!!!! It was the longest trip we have taken alone in the 22 years we have known each other.

 

Flight to Vancouver (22 July 2006):

We flew direct on Continental from Newark to Vancouver. Since DH likes the aisle (and is tall), I took the middle seat. What a mistake. I was unable to sleep the entire trip (and I usually easily sleep on the plane, especially considering I only had three hours sleep the night before). The airfare cost us a total of approximately $300 – 400 (as I used my Continental miles, but had to move some miles from DH’s account to upgrade to first class going home). The flight was fine and we actually arrived early.

 

Vancouver Airport:

Once arriving in the airport, you will be required to go through customs (if you are staying over in Vancouver for the evening). You will then pick up your luggage and hand in your Canadian declaration card. Then, it’s off to the cabs.

 

Renaissance Hotel Harbourside (approx. $30 Candian from the airport):

I originally picked this hotel as it is close to Canada Place (where I thought our ship was leaving from). It turns out that our ship was leaving from Ballantyne Pier (which I found out about three to four months prior to sailing). By then, all of the hotel prices were outrageous. Since I had booked a room with a view of the harbour (so I could see the cruise ships) and we had a $100 Marriott Cheque (which they converted to $107 Canadian), we decided to keep the reservation.

 

Upon arriving at the hotel at noon, we found out that our room was not ready. We went and had lunch (which was very good – but also very expensive) at the hotel and walked to a drug store to pick up those items which we forgot (it was a nice hike from where we were staying). When we returned around 2:00 pm, we found out our room was ready. They were supposed to call on my cell phone and said the number didn’t work. Strange – my daughter called me on my cell when we were out shopping.

 

Anyway, we arrived to our room (very small – barely fit the three suitcases and two carry-ons we had) and a “beautiful” view of the harbour – with a crane blocking the view. You could barely see the cruise ships. The bed, however, was great. I washed off the “airplane ick” in the shower and promptly fell asleep for four hours.

 

NOTE: I wouldn’t recommend this hotel. Even though everyone was fairly great, it wasn’t worth the money.

 

We woke up and went to Cardero’s which was highly recommended by the front desk as the Concierge was closed (earliest closing of a Concierge that I ever saw). The food was okay but not the best I ever had. To be honest, I don’t think it justified the price of $90 Canadian.

 

We walked around the waterfront, which was beautiful – weather that day was a high of 85 – 90 degrees with a nice breeze – a heat wave for them, heavenly for us. Then, it was off to bed.

 

The next morning we got up early and called for a bellman at 10:30 am (who was very prompt). However, it took 30 minutes to get a taxi (and people kept cutting in line, etc.). Taxis don’t seem to line up at this hotel, for some reason (but there were a ton at the Marriott Pinnacle across the street). We finally found one and were off!!!

 

THE PIER

This is not the New York Pier. When we arrived, hardly anyone was there. The taxi was able to back up to the “luggage” area and dump our bags, which was great. Our bags were checked immediately and we walked right in, up to the counter, checked in and were off to customs. Walked right through customs (no problem) and then encountered a line to wait for our “Sea Pass” pictures (I really think they should have a Platinum/Diamond line for this). We were on the ship by around noon. Had a few drinks at the Schooner Bar (where we met thedoctoriscruising) and in our cabins a little before one.

 

THE SHIP

Just a few things I wanted to touch upon:

- CABIN – We had cabin 8586 on the hump. The balcony was quite large (could have fit four people easily). Plus, it was a great view when pulling up to Hubbards Glacier (very cool).

 

- CABIN STEWARD – Good, but not great (I shouldn’t have to tell him that the shower pan in the bathroom has mildew and needs to be scrubbed).

 

- DINING ROOM STAFF – The waiter was okay but needed more personality and kept forgetting double orders. The busboy could never remember my diet Coke (and I had to ask repeatedly for a refill). To be honest, I have had better service on other ships.

 

- PORTOFINOS – It was good but not great. I would still recommend it (especially the dessert sampler).

 

- CHOPS – Excellent, as always (but the service seemed to be a bit slow).

 

- SHOPPING – The ship had some items (particularly, the white crystal polar bear with a jade salmon in its mouth) that I was unable to find anywhere else (or, one I liked as much). Also, cigarettes were two cartons for $38 (a bargain for those of us in New Jersey). We skipped the liquor as we will be visiting St. Thomas next month.

 

- CASINO – Well, it felt like the Explorer all over again, where the casino kept swallowing our money. I was finally doing well the last night (hit for $120 on one slot machine, $400 on another) when they said they would be closing the casino at 2:00 am. Huh? In the Caribbean, they usually keep the casinos open later than that. Considering that there were still about 50 people in the casino, I was very surprised.

 

- FOOD – I’ve got to be honest, the food was not that great. The lobster was very disappointing – tough and too salty. All week, the food seemed to be “off” (except for the last night of the cruise). If you are cruising for “food”, don’t cruise on this ship.

 

WEATHER

Folks, it was cold and rainy (the high at Hubbards Glacier was 46 degrees). I was glad I had my winter coat on this day. However, it was the only day I used it. In Skagway and Juneau, I wore a turtle neck, a sweat shirt, a jacket, a rain jacket (thin) and gloves. I would highly recommend investing the money in a rain jacket – I was glad we did. Now, we are back to the heat wave in the Northeast.

 

PORTS

- HUBBARDS GLACIER – Absolutely awesome. It calved at least three times while we were there. Even though our itinerary said we would be there for three hours, it was more like an hour and a half (disappointing). Even my husband, who is usually one who looks at something and is done in five minutes, was disappointed. Once you see this glacier, nothing else compares.

 

- SKAGWAY – On the recommendation of these Boards, we booked the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari (which is what I thought would be the highlight of the cruise). It was cold (probably a high of 50 to 55 degrees that day) and pouring rain. You board a speed boat at the pier (very nice – almost like an airplane but the seats are slightly larger) and take a 45 minute trip to Glacier Point. Once arriving there, you board a bus which brings you to a Pavilion to “suit up”. They provide boots, bibs (so you don’t get wet) and raincoats (if you need them). You then take a quarter of a mile “wildnerness walk” (more like a path through the woods) to a river. You board your canoe (which holds 10 people) and canoe up to Davidson’s glacier.

 

I have to admit – I was very disappointed with this tour. When it said canoeing through the fjords, I thought you would canoe through various glaciers. After seeing Hubbards, this one was not that impressive. However, the guides were excellent and fun. To be honest, I don’t think that it was worth the money ($458 US for two), after seeing Hubbards Glacier.

 

We went back to Skagway to do a little shopping (our waiter said Juneau was better for shopping, and he was right). But the town looked like a little “gold rush” town and was very charming. I took a few pictures. There were not that many shops.

 

- JUNEAU – Again, on the recommendation of these Boards, we booked the Capt. Larry whale watch (Orca Enterprises). Capt. Larry did not fail to deliver and the tour was excellent. We went on the newer boat that had bench seats and tables. We saw whales bubble feeding and these four whales came right up to the back of the boat (where I was standing). I couldn’t have been more than 15 feet away. They moved to the side of the boat, where my husband was standing. He got sprayed by the spout (they call this “whale snot”) and it (and DH) stunk. :) Unfortunately, as Derek (our naturalist who once worked on Celebrity said), we saw this in the first hour of the tour. The rest of the tour paled by comparison. However, to my surprise, they served snacks and drinks on the tour, free of charge. Overall, Orca did an excellent job and I would highly recommend them.

 

After the tour, we opted to shop in Juneau (and used up the rest of our time there). We went to the Northern Lights store (different than the one in Skagway) and purchased the Northern Lights candles (not cheap but very cool). We also stopped in Del Sol (T-Shirts, of course – we love them), Little Switzerland (a Lladro Polar Bear for me, only available in Alaska), Pioneer (a Swarovski crystal bear with a fish in its mouth for my Mom, who was kind enough to watch the kids for 10 days) and, of course, the Alaska T-Shirt company (great prices, some great quality on shirts). We stopped in the Taku store to inquire about salmon but the price was prohibitive (approximately $30/lb with shipping). We opted to skip that one.

 

DEBARKING

Getting off the ship was not a problem and going through customs was a breeze. Since we were staying in Vancouver with our own transportation, we were one of the last ones off the ship (9:30 am). However, it took us two hours (I am not exaggerating) to get a cab. We should have invested the $60 Canadian in a limo (even though the cab ride to the hotel is approximately $10 Canadian).

 

HYATT REGENCY

This was our post-cruise hotel. Upon arriving, our room was not ready (we were supposed to be staying on the 29th floor – Regency Club). Come to find out that, even though I was able to book a smoking room online, there are no smoking rooms on this floor. They gave us a room on the 20th floor (it was either that or wait) that was not renovated but said that it would have the same amenities as the Regency Club floor. Okay, so there were no robes and no free water in the room. The bed was okay but I was dreaming about having a renovated room. My husband loved this hotel (could it have been the Regency Floor) and didn’t care for our first hotel.

 

For dinner, we decided to go to the Edgewater Casino (about a $12 Canadian cab ride). The food was good (sandwiches, wraps, etc.) but not gourmet. It was also cheap by Canadian standards ($23 Canadian). Of course, we made our usual donation but it lasted us three hours compared to the hour it lasted us each night on the cruise ship.

 

FLIGHT HOME

We left at 10:00 am for our 1:10 pm flight. Since we were flying First Class, we were able to check in quickly. There was no line for either of the Customs lines and we were allowed to bypass the line for security and “jump to the head of the line”. We were through security by 11:00 am. So, we found the smoking lounge (which was right next to the President’s Club and directly across from our gate), had a cigarette, used the President’s Club (my husband is in love with this – especially the free beer), had another cigarette and were off to the gate. Let me tell you – I have flown BusinessFirst on Continental before (which I consider “true” First Class). This was my husband’s first time on First Class and he loved it. He said there will be no more flying for us until we get enough miles to upgrade to first class. :)

 

Well, that’s about it – I think I have hit the highlights. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask. :)

 

And, what’s the best cure for a post-cruise depression? Leaving on our next cruise in 24 days. Also, we booked Liberty of the Seas for next year. The itineraries are getting old (to the Caribbean, anyway) and we will have the kids. So, we thought the ship would be the next best destination. :)

[lag5323]

This is a great review. I will be on the Serenade in April 07 - Did you notice if Portofino's had the Mystery Dinner?

[jhaasz]

Yes - Portofino's did have the Mystery Dinner (but we did not attend).

[parrotthead]

Great Review jhaasz... We missed you at M&M , there were only about 10 of us there including our kiddos...it was nice to meet and chat and we collected our prizes and scattered to our own activites, nice short and fun...wish I could have had the chance to meet you also:)

Interesting we were all on the same cruise and had such different experences...(we did different excursions than you choose also, altho, my 'inlaws' were on Cptn Larrys and said it was pretty cool too)

I will write a review when I catch up here at home...and adjust back to the Texas time zone and HEAT!!!

I like your PCD remedy..I just might have to try that one;)

[katiel53]

Thanks for the review. I am a bit disappointed in your thoughts of Portofino. On Brilliance, we absolutely loved it. I am hoping that by next year the overall food improves on RCCL.

 

We are on the port side, and I would like to know if when at Hubbard Glacier did the ship turn so the port side got the good view also? What about when you were in Juneau etc. Did you face the town, or the sea? Last year we went on NCL and were on starboard and faced away from everything.

 

Thanks for the info.

[jhaasz]

Katie - Overall, the food was not that great (but, don't get me wrong, I managed to gain a couple of pounds - all that bread and butter, etc.). I have had much better on other cruises. The lobster (the one night I really looked forward to) was terrible - salty and tough. It was not worth waking up from my nap for. Conversely, the shrimp cocktail on the last night was excellent.

 

At Hubbard Glacier, the ship does turn 360 degrees so that everyone gets a view (but it was a quick turn - we expected it to stop for at least ten minutes on the port side - which it did not). I would recommend going down to Deck 5 to view it - you can then "walk with the view".

 

In Juneau, the ship pulls straight in - the port side had a view of the town (what could be seen of it, anyway - it's a hike) and my side had a view of the area away from town. In Skagway, again the town is so far that I don't think it matters what view you have. The same thing applies in Victoria, also.

[katiel53]

jhaasz,

Thanks for the info. Last year when we went on NCL we were docked at a new dock in Juneau and it was not near the downtown area. We had to walk a goodly distance or take a shuttle or something to get downtown. Is that where you were too?

 

I sure hope we get to spend more time seeing Hubbard from our cabin. When we went to Glacier Bay we were on the starboard side and we had great views of it. I was hoping that it would be the same for Hubbard. Did you think starboard was better than port? When I talked to RCCL about my reservation, the girl immediately said port, but when I said we were going to Alaska, she kind of hesitated and said no, port is still good. So, I am wondering.

 

Thanks.

[wolfcathorse]

Give Serenade time to improve (waitstaff attitude, food quality, etc). Capt George has just been assigned to her( he took command 7-16). He turned Vision around and once he works his magic on Serenade, she'll be the experience you expected.

[SeaBreezy]

:) wolfcathorse: I think Captain Stig does an absolutely fabulous job with Serenade. Your remark regarding Capt. George: "once he works his magic on Serenade....." makes it seem like the ship needs whipping into shape! Captain Stig is well loved and respected by his crew and staff and it shows! He is very informative in his narrations.....especially in the Caribbean on the Southern itinerary. It's amazing what the man knows!

 

Just have to stick in my 2 cents and stick up for Capt. Stig and "his" Serenade ("his" meaning what it is like when he's the Master).

 

Maybe jhaasz just didn't have as good of a time on Serenade as compared to other ships they've experienced. Plus, maybe Alaska just didn't live up to their "expectations" - I think when people visit Alaska for the first time, they have some type of dreamy idea what it will be like. It may or may not be what they thought and may be even better (or worse).

 

BTW wolfcathorse: Your Captain thread is awesome and I just want to thank you for maintaining it for us "cruiseaholics".

 

SeaBreezy

[jhaasz]

I can't understand why anyone thinks I had a terrible time on this cruise. It was phenomenal. Okay - so the weather was terrible, one tour I took was not what I expected (but, as I said, the guides were great and entertaining and I was very impressed with the accomodations, etc.) and the food was not the best (the Carnival Legend wins, hands down). But, I didn't have to go to work for 6 1/2 days and it was just my DH and I, the longest time we have EVER been on a trip together (and no kids to entertain, "taxi" around at home, etc.). Remember, the whole point in writing a review is to let everyone know your thoughts (the good, the bad and the ugly) - I learned (and continue to learn) a ton from these boards that helps me with my trip planning.

 

This was my dream cruise. Let's face it, it was also my 14th. I guess the ship just doesn't impress me as much as it used to - but the scenery from the balcony is always spectacular. :) As for the itinerary, it was fine - I got to see the "ice cubes" (as my DH puts it) and got some great shots of Humpback whales. Also, Victoria was absolutely charming. Even though it was a bit chilly (turtleneck, sweatshirt and jacket), the sun was finally shining and we had a blast just walking around downtown. BTW - We found a bar that the locals frequent in some square where, over a 100 years ago, they used to bring people for their last drink prior to hanging them in the square. :)

 

Also, I wrote the review as soon as I got back so maybe the tone is not positive. Would I go back to Alaska? Probably not - once you have seen Hubbards Glacier, you have seen every glacier you want to see. I'm working on conning my husband on a cruise of Europe (or the Mediterranean) for my 50th. :)

 

With that said, as to the questions....

Katie - We did take a shuttle to downtown Juneau, which worked out great (and was free). In regards to Hubbard Glacier, I could not tell you which view was better pulling in (as I could only be on one side of the ship at a time :) and did not hear anything about the Port view).

[parrotthead]

Give Serenade time to improve (waitstaff attitude, food quality, etc). Capt George has just been assigned to her( he took command 7-16). He turned Vision around and once he works his magic on Serenade, she'll be the experience you expected.

\Love Captian George!!! He got us to Victoria early and then took us to

EnglishBay and anchored for the evening/night and treated us to watching the Festival of Fire...a once a year celebration that boasts the largest firework display in the world...he even turned all the outside lights off for the show ..the show as spectactiular (sp?) and he let the crew come on deck and watch this once in a lifetime event...I think you are right, the crew really seemed to respect him...at Hubbard Glaicer it was foggy and some of the crew said that when the sun is shining the colors of the glaicer are not a brilant and that they had never seen the glaicer look so blue (see attached), and Captian George let them take turns coming ondeck in shifts to take pictures, b/c it was the prettest he had seen it all season...

He just seemed like a very personable man! Love that Captian George!

[jhaasz]

Kandy -

I'm jealous - what a phenomenal picture! I missed it - so I had to copy yours. :)

[SeaBreezy]

I didn't think you had a terrible time on this cruise. I mainly was commenting on wolfcathorse's post. However, many of your statements in your review were followed by "it was ho-hum" type remarks. I'd say after 14 cruises and experiencing all types of things from superb to poor, it would take something pretty good to knock your socks off!:)

 

Don't be confused! You wrote a great review! You have lots to compare this cruise to........ships, services, excursion experiences, etc....

 

Thanks for posting your thoughts. Like you said, this is a great place to come to learn!

 

SeaBreezy

[dcuzz]

Hi Parrotthead. I was watching the fireworks on Saturday from a friend's Penthouse, and noticed the Serenade out there. It was quite a site watching all the flashes from the ship as people were taking pictures of the fireworks. I was wondering where the ship went after the fireworks. Did you just cruise around out there for the night?

 

Thanks.

 

dcuzz

[parrotthead]

Kandy -

I'm jealous - what a phenomenal picture! I missed it - so I had to copy yours. :)

I got some great ones of the fireworks too...actually all my photos came out really well...except the ones of the baldeagles...thoes little guys fly to fast...:)

[parrotthead]

Hi Parrotthead. I was watching the fireworks on Saturday from a friend's Penthouse, and noticed the Serenade out there. It was quite a site watching all the flashes from the ship as people were taking pictures of the fireworks. I was wondering where the ship went after the fireworks. Did you just cruise around out there for the night?

 

Thanks.

 

dcuzz

Hi..it was quite a sight watching all the flashes on shore too...;) I used an open shutter instead of a flash and also got some great shots of the bay that way...We didnt sail after the fireworks we just stayed anchored there in the bay...it was very nice b/c it was like being on a grand houseboat...I was on the port side so I left the balconey door open (I always do) and I watch the city lights as I drifted off to sleep..then I woke up to beautiful Vancouver and about an hour after I woke up we make our way slowly under LionsGate Bridge back to the dock...We had a wonderful time and would do it agin in a heartbeat...I will right a page when I get a few more minutes about our experinces in Alaska/Canada and on the Serenade...:D

[parrotthead]

Here ya go...I tryed to edit to add this, but I ran out of time...