Serenade of the Seas

Serenade of the Seas is a really interesting ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. It sails to multiple destinations, including Alaska, Panama, Colombia, and the Caribbean. As a sister ship to Radiance of the Seas, and like most Radiance-class ships, it focuses on entertainment and activities that lean slightly toward an adult and more mature audience. Does it deserve your time and hard-earned money twenty years after its original launch? Let’s find out.

What we like about Serenade of the Seas

One cool thing about this ship is that it is almost a Jack of All Trades when it comes to itineraries and departure ports. Voyager and Radiance-class ships usually stick to one or two destinations and ports, but that is not the case with Serenade of the Seas. This ship offers guests in Colombia and Panama some exciting Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries, and it also sails to Alaska from Vancouver. On top of that, it offers one-way trips from Panama to Colombia and from Miami to Panama for as low as $200 per guest. Now that is a pretty great way to travel while enjoying a nice sunny breeze.

Serenade of the Seas is also a ship designed mainly to appeal to adult audiences. It does not have a waterpark, waterslides, a FlowRider, or an ice rink like some other ships in its class. Instead, it focuses on areas that offer plenty of opportunities to relax, such as the Solarium adults-only space, a card room perfect for poker or board games, and even a lounge with a billiards table. The shows and activities are also geared toward adults, with dance classes, performances celebrating Latin culture, game shows, trivia, and original productions that pay big nods to Broadway hits.

Serenade of the Seas is also a rather cozy ship with some excellent views, which is a big plus for a ship sailing to Alaska and the Panama Canal. It features a full-loop promenade for outdoor walks, a Windjammer with extra seating so you can enjoy the scenery, elevators with etched glass engravings and huge windows, and the Safari Club with giant, comfortable chairs and huge windows. The ship also includes elegant woodwork details all around, giving it a classy feel that is perfect for a romantic vacation.

What we don’t like about Serenade of the Seas

Serenade of the Seas is an older ship, so some aspects feel dated. Steam rooms and saunas are often out of order, and some AC units may not work properly, even if they are usually fixed quickly. Staterooms, in particular, can feel old, with few USB outlets to charge your devices, so be sure to bring an adapter. Rooms also lack a traditional mini-fridge, and include a cooler that often does not work well. They also have a safe that is so small that it cannot fit a laptop. Bathrooms are tiny, but at least feature a glass sliding shower instead of a shower curtain.

Food on board the ship can be hit or miss, and it is a bit disappointing that there are only four main specialty dining options: Chops Grille, Izumi, Chef’s Table, and Giovanni’s Table. For a more elegant, adult-oriented ship, one or two additional dining options would be very welcome. This is especially true since the Main Dining Room is underwhelming, and many guests even say that the food in the Windjammer buffet can be better. Guests also report that on most nights, you may have to wait around 30 minutes to be seated at the MDR, even with a pre-booked reservation, which is very frustrating.

Conclusion

Serenade of the Seas is a solid choice, especially for adults looking for something different in the Panama Canal, Alaska, or the Southern Caribbean. It gives guests in Panama and Colombia the chance to visit some of the most beautiful places in the world while enjoying great views from comfortable and welcoming lounges. The food could be better, sure, but if comfort is your top priority, you will enjoy your time on this ship.