Built in 2003, the third ship in Royal Caribbean’s Radiance-class series carries just over 2,000 guests, and by today’s standards is considered mid-sized and downright cozy compared to the cruise line’s newest megaships. Refurbished in 2022 ahead of its epic 274-night Ultimate World Cruise (Dec. 10, 2023 – Sept. 10, 2024), Serenade of the Seas now looks even better with its enhanced dining choices and entertainment options.
The Solarium: Even when the weather is cold or just rainy and gray, you can enjoy a swim or a relaxing whirlpool soak in this glass-enclosed, adults-only Solarium — and it features a bar, too.
Windows to the World: This ship features a preponderance of floor-to-ceiling glass walls that let lots of natural light stream in and provide priceless views of the sea and scenery. There are even glass-walled elevators that let you take in the view as you move between decks.
Buzzy Nightlife: Bar-hop among more than a dozen lounges and watering holes, from an English-style pub to the nautical-themed Schooner Bar or the hip, R Bar with its 1960s décor and cocktail menu. Check out the sprawling Casino Royale with its nearly 200 slot machines or catch a Broadway-style musical in the multi-level show lounge.
Varied Restaurant Scene: You can eat in the traditional dining room with its old-school feel, or experiment at one of the seven other eateries that include Italian, Japanese, and steakhouse specialty restaurants.
Couples: Pairs who enjoy pre-dinner cocktails, nice restaurants, and after-dinner entertainment can experience different venues every night of the week.
Families: The old chestnut, “there’s something for everyone,” certainly applies to Serenade. Adults can hunker down in the solarium or spa, while kids also have their respective spaces — a nursery for babies, a playroom for the 3 to 11 set, and a disco for teens. Together, the whole brood can enjoy mini-golf, a basketball court, a climbing wall, and a video arcade.
Cozy cabins: At just 164 to 167 square feet, standard inside and outside cabins are tight, so plan on spending lots of time out and about.