Serenade of the Seas is the third of the Royal Caribbean Radiance class sisters. All four of these magnificent ships are built to blend a traditional, luxury, cruise lifestyle with up-to-date modern technology in an affordable, family friendly environment. Royal Caribbean are committed to offering their guests innovation and excellence during each and every cruise, they are also leaders in eco-friendly cruising. The gas turbine engines powering each Radiance class ship produces more efficient and higher cruising speeds as well as lower harmful emissions when compared with diesel fuelled cruise ships.
A post panamax vessel Serenade of the Seas is able to easily navigate the Panama Canal, as well as remaining a full ocean going vessel. She voyages the Mediterranean from Barcelona during the summer and autumn months, during the winter season she sails from Dubai to port locations in the Emirates, transferring to Southern Caribbean Island destinations during the spring.
The main dining experience onboard Serenade of the Seas is the Reflections restaurant, this beautifully indulgent space has its very own waterfall as a focal point. The menu offers a range of chef’s specials and alternative dishes for those passengers with restrictive diets, all of the food is expertly prepared, and to a very high consistent standard.
Of course Serenade like her sister ships comes with many of the Royal Caribbean signature restaurants. Notably the Windjammer, this buffet style restaurant has a relaxed feel for those passengers who wish to choose when they dine. With a bounty of dishes available and offered to guests from categorised stations (e.g. hot food, pasta, salads, desserts) the chore of queuing is considerably less noticeable. The Windjammer is classed as an informal eatery, with a relaxed, open and bright atmosphere, of course if you choose to dine at the Windjammer in your tuxedo or ball gown – the choice is yours.
The al fresco Seaview Café on board Serenade is worth mentioning, not just for the light meals it serves, it has some splendid views and has been described as one of those secluded, over-looked spots that reveals itself as a hidden gem on board the ship.
Portofino is a highly recommended restaurant; do book early for your table to avoid disappointment. The gourmet meals available are cooked to perfection, full of authentic Italian flair and often the chefs own creations make it onto the menu. Each dish is paired with a suitable wine and aboard Serenade of the Seas, Portofino offers some evening entertainment by way of the Mystery Theatre nights.
The extravagant steak house Chops Grille also appears on Serenade of the Seas, again make sure you book early to avoid any disappointment. If you are a couple in love, you’ll enjoy Chops Grille, and not just for the food. Although the restaurant is classed as a formal dining experience, the atmosphere is laid back, romantic and seductive, perfect for whispering sweet nothings across the table to your loved one. Whilst, of course, enjoying a wide selection of steaks and other choice-cut meats all cooked to perfection by the Chops Grille chefs.
For active guests there is a jogging track, half basketball court and gymnasium fully equipped and staffed to cater for all types of athleticism. If you are a beginner, be sure to seek the advice of trainers before using any of the state of the art equipment available. There is (like most Royal Caribbean ships) an outdoor rock climbing wall, not for the faint hearted, but for experienced climbers you will find it easy to scale, that being said there is something quite adventurous and novelty about scaling the wall whilst being at sea, it sure does make an interesting view one you near the top and is a great story to tell your friends.
Afterwards you may choose to pamper yourself in the Solarium, this location has been noted as another hidden gem on the ship, ofen overlooked by guests. You may wish to take a dip in one of the three available on-board pools. There are also three large whirlpools which make a lovely start to the evening perhaps with a glass of champagne before returning to your stateroom (now all relaxed) to get ready for the evenings entertainment.