RenCruzes Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 October 27th will be my first RC on the Serenade of the Seas. Thanks to the YouTube channel I have learned a lot But I am already disappointed before I step on board.Can I verify the following? 1. There is NO pizza joint? 2. The last food option closes at 11 or 12 midnight? (Not including surcharge room service) 3. There is NO comedy club and appears there might be a comedian 3 nights on a 12 night cruise. 4. Chocolate Molten Cake sometimes on the dinner menu 5. I cannot order a BLT to save me life? Sorry, I am a Carnival girl and the things I have enjoyed appear to not be present on this cruise ship. I only chose it for the itenerary. Guys Burgers, Punchliner Comedy Club, Pizza Pirate 24 HOURS, Hot Molten Lava Cake (every night), The Deli WITH BACON, trying not to be a Debbie Downer. Thanks for any confirmations Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoski Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 Go with an open mind. We used to cruise Carnival and NCL but got a free offer on RCCL and love it. Yes they are all a little different but you will find things you enjoy. I do miss 24 hour snacks though. We are planning a Thanksgiving cruise on NCL and I'm finding myself disappointed before we go because of things they don't do the same as RCCL. I've decided to just go and be happy for a new experience. I loved NCL when we cruised them before so hopefully I will find that love again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyC Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 We spent 12 nights on Serenade last Fall. If you go up to the Cruise Compass section of this site, you can search for the Serenade compasses and that will give you complete details on what food offerings are available and the times. In the meantime, Park Cafe, located in the Solarium, is the late night eatery and yes they do serve pizza. They are open well past midnight. There is not a dedicated pizza only joint. Park Cafe will offer sandwiches, nachos, hot dogs, sometimes other foods in addition to the pizza. There is no dedicated comedy club either. I'm not into comedians so I didn't pay attention to how often there was one, but you can see the nightly entertainment in my October 2018 12 night sailing. Desserts vary each evening. If there isn't something you like in the main dining room, you can hit the buffet for additional offerings. I don't know about ordering a BLT - haven't tried it - but you can certainly make one in the buffet. Some of the things you are looking for Royal offers in the bigger ships. Sounds like an Oasis class ship may be more to your liking. RenCruzes, RWDW1204, ChessE4 and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Mistral Wind Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 I was on the serenade last year we had a 10 night cruise. It was great. I can tell you the service was Very good. They did have food venues open or would have remembered that. i love my late night snacks. RenCruzes 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Mistral Wind Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 16 minutes ago, KathyC said: We spent 12 nights on Serenade last Fall. If you go up to the Cruise Compass section of this site, you can search for the Serenade compasses and that will give you complete details on what food offerings are available and the times. In the meantime, Park Cafe, located in the Solarium, is the late night eatery and yes they do serve pizza. They are open well past midnight. There is not a dedicated pizza only joint. Park Cafe will offer sandwiches, nachos, hot dogs, sometimes other foods in addition to the pizza. There is no dedicated comedy club either. I'm not into comedians so I didn't pay attention to how often there was one, but you can see the nightly entertainment in my October 2018 12 night sailing. Desserts vary each evening. If there isn't something you like in the main dining room, you can hit the buffet for additional offerings. I don't know about ordering a BLT - haven't tried it - but you can certainly make one in the buffet. Some of the things you are looking for Royal offers in the bigger ships. Sounds like an Oasis class ship may be more to your liking. yep now i remember they did have the solarium with sandwiches salads and pizza very night late. It was very nice. KathyC, RenCruzes and 4ensic 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lawsmygame Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 3 hours ago, The Mistral Wind said: yep now i remember they did have the solarium with sandwiches salads and pizza very night late. It was very nice. I have been in the Serenade of the Seas and absolutely loved the crew and the ship. I would sail her again in a heartbeat. I am not a “foodie” (meaning it doesn’t have to be the best of the best), but the Park Cafe offered tasty late night snacks and, if I remember correctly, they offered great salads and sandwiches for lunch. It has been a few years and things may have changed though. I promise you won’t missed the things that you mentioned...pizza, molten cake etc. Enjoy your cruise! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChessE4 Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 12 hours ago, RenCruzes said: October 27th will be my first RC on the Serenade of the Seas. Thanks to the YouTube channel I have learned a lot But I am already disappointed before I step on board.Can I verify the following? 1. There is NO pizza joint? 2. The last food option closes at 11 or 12 midnight? (Not including surcharge room service) 3. There is NO comedy club and appears there might be a comedian 3 nights on a 12 night cruise. 4. Chocolate Molten Cake sometimes on the dinner menu 5. I cannot order a BLT to save me life? Sorry, I am a Carnival girl and the things I have enjoyed appear to not be present on this cruise ship. I only chose it for the itenerary. Guys Burgers, Punchliner Comedy Club, Pizza Pirate 24 HOURS, Hot Molten Lava Cake (every night), The Deli WITH BACON, trying not to be a Debbie Downer. Thanks for any confirmations On the smaller ships we have sailed there is a late-night comedy show on one night and a shorter, cleaner skit usually on the farewell show, and you've already noted there is some comedy entertainment. Ditto everything already stated; we never went hungry. Also, on other threads there have been detailed discussions about folks who raid the Windjammer or Park Cafe before they close so they have munchies later or a snack in the early AM. @Hoski hit the nail on the head in approaching each cruise with an open mind. Even on the same cruise line, there are differences by ship or itinerary in food and entertainment selections. What we try to do is to search out the unique features of the ship we are on. For example, I love the Radiance with, you guessed it, a nice chess set and pool tables aft. There was also a small inside cinema. The Serenade is the same class, so have a great cruise! RenCruzes and Hoski 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 As You have already said you are dissapointed before stepping on board, are you really going to let the fact you cannot get BLT or a pizza at midnight spoil your vacation? If you embark with this mindset your not going to enjoy it, you will find fault with everything cdixon22, RWDW1204, Ken23 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 13 hours ago, RenCruzes said: 1. There is NO pizza joint? You can get pizza from Park Cafe in the Solarium. 13 hours ago, RenCruzes said: 2. The last food option closes at 11 or 12 midnight? (Not including surcharge room service) Park Cafe is open late night. 2 or 3am 13 hours ago, RenCruzes said: 3. There is NO comedy club and appears there might be a comedian 3 nights on a 12 night cruise. No dedicated club, but comedians do perform on select nights in the main theater. RWDW1204, RenCruzes, cdixon22 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RenCruzes Posted August 3, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 12 hours ago, KathyC said: We spent 12 nights on Serenade last Fall. If you go up to the Cruise Compass section of this site, you can search for the Serenade compasses and that will give you complete details on what food offerings are available and the times. In the meantime, Park Cafe, located in the Solarium, is the late night eatery and yes they do serve pizza. They are open well past midnight. There is not a dedicated pizza only joint. Park Cafe will offer sandwiches, nachos, hot dogs, sometimes other foods in addition to the pizza. There is no dedicated comedy club either. I'm not into comedians so I didn't pay attention to how often there was one, but you can see the nightly entertainment in my October 2018 12 night sailing. Desserts vary each evening. If there isn't something you like in the main dining room, you can hit the buffet for additional offerings. I don't know about ordering a BLT - haven't tried it - but you can certainly make one in the buffet. Some of the things you are looking for Royal offers in the bigger ships. Sounds like an Oasis class ship may be more to your liking. Yes Kathy, thank you! I did see last years Compass and that began my confirmations of the differences. A BLT bursting with crispy bacon is amazing I am not a sandwich person, just a BLT person, lol. We'll just take this first RC cruise first before we talk about repeating. We adventured on a Princess a few years ago and have never returned. I appreciate your feedback. KathyC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RenCruzes Posted August 3, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 9 hours ago, Lawsmygame said: I have been in the Serenade of the Seas and absolutely loved the crew and the ship. I would sail her again in a heartbeat. I am not a “foodie” (meaning it doesn’t have to be the best of the best), but the Park Cafe offered tasty late night snacks and, if I remember correctly, they offered great salads and sandwiches for lunch. It has been a few years and things may have changed though. I promise you won’t missed the things that you mentioned...pizza, molten cake etc. Enjoy your cruise! I just remember our only Princess cruise and they kept telling me they did not have this or that, it left a bad impression despite us enjoying the actual vacation. Thanks for your input. We will see what we do miss but February will make up for it, sailing on Panorama so that will fix any absentees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RenCruzes Posted August 3, 2019 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 28 minutes ago, Ray said: As You have already said you are dissapointed before stepping on board, are you really going to let the fact you cannot get BLT or a pizza at midnight spoil your vacation? If you embark with this mindset your not going to enjoy it, you will find fault with everything Ray, we will see if the BLT and 24hr pizza break the camels back. I do want to enjoy my beautiful vacation without preconceived issues. Just trying to prepare myself. It helps lessen the pain like ripping a bandaid off. ChessE4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 Ive been to Paris 5 times! Why because i like it, however i went to Milan a couple of years ago, but i didnt prepare myself for a disappointing vacation just because milan didnt have the Eiffel Tower! each city in the world is different, so are cruiseships, different crew, different layout, different ports of call, different shows etc etc etc! you make the best of whats you have and enjoy new things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markm Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 Think you will enjoy Royal Caribbean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BB1 Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 I have never seen anyone expecting to have a bad time have a good time. The bad news is, you will have a bad time, you will be unhappy and you will have wasted your money. The good news is, you know what you like and what is important to you so the next time, you can find something that matches your criteria and enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, that's how we all learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FManke Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 Serenade is one of the great small ships in the RC fleet. We loved her so much, we booked another small ship, Rhapsody for a Greek cruise in 2020. Good things do come in small packages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skid Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 21 minutes ago, markm said: after cursing with Royal Caribbean After reading OP's sentiments, this has to be the most appropriate typo ever! JLMoran, Baked Alaska, Katiel53 and 1 other 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basil Posted August 3, 2019 Report Share Posted August 3, 2019 I have always fashioned myself a Carnival girl. I've been on both their big ships and their small ships. I then tried NCL, Princess. MSC, and RCL. I love every cruise line. Yes they are all a little different. I have never gone hungry. There is always food to be found, and plenty of things to do. With that being said, I am a little hard pressed to get back on a Carnival Ship. Best advice....Enjoy and have fun. cruisejunkie1960 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pen Posted August 4, 2019 Report Share Posted August 4, 2019 Reading your post, I have agree that you may need to research ships before you book next time. Royal Caribbean have ships to suit a variety of needs, you just need to select a good fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YOLO Posted August 4, 2019 Report Share Posted August 4, 2019 @RenCruzes & @Lawsmygame Hi and welcome both to the RCB forums! Keep in mind that the Serenade was launched in 2002 and is only 90K Tons. Which Carnival ships are you comparing it to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisejunkie1960 Posted August 4, 2019 Report Share Posted August 4, 2019 13 hours ago, basil said: I have always fashioned myself a Carnival girl. I've been on both their big ships and their small ships. I then tried NCL, Princess. MSC, and RCL. I love every cruise line. Yes they are all a little different. I have never gone hungry. There is always food to be found, and plenty of things to do. With that being said, I am a little hard pressed to get back on a Carnival Ship. Best advice....Enjoy and have fun. We are the same - we have more nights on Carnival than any other, but we've also sailed RCCL and Celebrity - they are all different and bring something unique to the table. The line we cruise has less to do with brand and more to do with itinerary, price, ease of accessing the port, availability of handicapped accessible cabins. But I will say that, at the moment, Celebrity is our favorite ; )) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basil Posted August 4, 2019 Report Share Posted August 4, 2019 My husband and I have a RCL cruise booked with the kids (all adults) in April. Between now and then him and I are trying to fing something on Celebrity. I am excited now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyfsu21 Posted August 4, 2019 Report Share Posted August 4, 2019 On 8/2/2019 at 9:21 PM, RenCruzes said: October 27th will be my first RC on the Serenade of the Seas. Thanks to the YouTube channel I have learned a lot But I am already disappointed before I step on board.Can I verify the following? 1. There is NO pizza joint? 2. The last food option closes at 11 or 12 midnight? (Not including surcharge room service) 3. There is NO comedy club and appears there might be a comedian 3 nights on a 12 night cruise. 4. Chocolate Molten Cake sometimes on the dinner menu 5. I cannot order a BLT to save me life? Sorry, I am a Carnival girl and the things I have enjoyed appear to not be present on this cruise ship. I only chose it for the itenerary. Guys Burgers, Punchliner Comedy Club, Pizza Pirate 24 HOURS, Hot Molten Lava Cake (every night), The Deli WITH BACON, trying not to be a Debbie Downer. Thanks for any confirmations I think Carnival has made some really great & strategic moves in the past few years with their ships venues. I think Guys Burger Joint is simply a grand slam! Same with the Blue Iguana Cantina & Alchemy Bar. They are playing catch up with the mega ships though for the most part. I think you will be disappointed overall in the Serenade since it’s an older & smaller ship (especially since you are comparing to Carnivals upgraded ships). You might get a better idea of RC if you sailed the Oasis Class ships. IMHO across the board there is no class of ships currently afloat that surpass the Oasis Class from RC in terms of activity choices, dining options, size, stateroom categories exc. Pen, ChessE4 and Skid 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjb1127 Posted August 5, 2019 Report Share Posted August 5, 2019 Each cruise line has different things they are known for. Royal is known for a roast beef sandwich called the Kummel wick which is served at Park Cafe. You should try it. That said if having a BLT is a make or break item for your vacation, then maybe it's best to stick to Carnival. Katiel53 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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