Serenade of the Seas Ship Review
We sailed aboard Serenade of the Seas on a 5-night Pacific Coastal cruise to Vancouver, British Columbia. As one of Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class ships, Serenade offers a more traditional cruising experience with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. One of our favorite features was the beautiful Centrum, which serves as the heart of the ship and provides a gathering place for live music, entertainment, and activities throughout the day.
Dining
Dining on Serenade of the Seas focuses on Royal Caribbean's classic favorites. We enjoyed the Main Dining Room, where both the food and service were consistently very good throughout the cruise. The relaxed dining experience complemented the ship's traditional atmosphere, making each meal enjoyable.
Cabins
We stayed in a Balcony Stateroom, which was comfortable and well maintained. While the cabin reflects the ship's age compared to Royal Caribbean's newer ships, it had everything we needed for a relaxing cruise. We actually enjoyed the classic cruise ship feel, and our balcony was the perfect place to take in the coastal scenery while sailing to Vancouver.
Entertainment
Entertainment on Serenade follows a more traditional cruise format, featuring production shows in the theater, live music throughout the ship, comedians, trivia, and activities (silent sush party) centered around the beautiful Centrum. The Centrum quickly became one of our favorite places to relax and enjoy the onboard atmosphere.
Pools
The pool deck offers both a family pool and the adults-only Solarium, providing options whether you're looking to relax quietly or spend time with family. The Solarium was especially enjoyable for its peaceful setting and comfortable atmosphere.
Spa
The Vitality Spa offers a full menu of massages, facials, salon services, and other treatments. It's a great place to relax after a day of exploring or simply enjoy a little extra pampering during your cruise. On this cruise, Jen had her hair cut in the Salon.
Bars
Serenade features several inviting bars and lounges throughout the ship. One of our favorite spots was Vintages, thanks to its beautiful location surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that offer incredible ocean views. We also enjoyed the Schooner Bar, another relaxing venue that takes full advantage of the ship's abundant natural light and scenic views. Together, these spaces create wonderful places to unwind with a drink while watching the coastline pass by.
Pros
- Beautiful Centrum that serves as the heart of the ship.
- Plenty of windows and ocean views throughout the ship.
- Easy-to-navigate layout.
- Comfortable traditional cruising experience.
- Friendly crew and excellent service.
- Relaxing adults-only Solarium.
- Great ship for scenic itineraries like Pacific Coastal and Alaska.
Cons
- No Playmakers Sports Bar.
- The pub is located very close to the casino, which can make it feel busier and noisier than other venues.
- Fewer high-tech attractions than Royal Caribbean's newer ships.
- Limited activities for children.
Overall Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐
Serenade of the Seas is an excellent choice for couples, mature travelers, first-time cruisers, and anyone who enjoys a classic cruise experience without needing all the newest attractions. It's also a great option for scenic itineraries where the destination is just as important as the ship.
Would we sail again? Absolutely! Serenade of the Seas offers a relaxing, traditional Royal Caribbean experience with beautiful ocean views, a welcoming atmosphere, and one of our favorite Centrums in the fleet. If you're looking for a smaller ship that's easy to navigate and perfect for enjoying the journey, Serenade is a wonderful choice.