Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas – Old Ship, Great Itinerary

Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas was built in 2003 and last refurbished in 2012. It is a mid-size ship that can carry 2,476 passengers on 12 decks. I chose it for the Southern Caribbean itinerary that included Bonaire and Aruba, two islands I had not yet visited.

This 11-night cruise departed from and returned to Ft. Lauderdale. The Caribbean islands we visited were Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua. Since Aruba and Bonaire are located just off the coast of Venezuela in South America, it takes 2 sea days cruising there and 2 sea days back.

A Different Class Ship

I have been on all the Royal Caribbean Oasis-class ships and enjoyed that level of service, entertainment and food. It never occurred to me that the Radiance-class Serenade of the Seas would be different. Much different. I will explain later but first, let me tell you about the itinerary.

Aruba

After two full days at sea, we arrived in Aruba. It is an island country within the  Kingdom of the Netherlands located 18 miles north of Venezuela. Together with Bonaire and Curaçao, Aruba forms a group referred to as the ABC islands.  The population is about 116,600 and there are warm, sunny clear skies year-round. There are no main cities, only 6 districts. Oranjestad, the capitol, is the largest.

We always visit the shops that have sprung up at each Caribbean port. In addition, we took a tour that included an aloe factory and a natural bridge.

Aruba Aloe Balm

Founded in 1890, Aruba Aloe Balm NV has grown into a global company with an extensive product line. All of the products contain 100% pure Aruba Aloe Vera gel, a powerful moisturizer that nourishes and revitalizes the skin.

The factory, located on 150 acres of Aruba Aloe fields, cultivates and processes the aloe.  Here the fierce Aruban sun shines all day intensifying the plant’s natural healing qualities.

Natural Bridge

Before collapsing in 2005, the famous Natural Bridge was the largest and the most photographed of the bridges in Aruba. It is located between the Bushiribana gold mine ruins and Andicuri Beach. The remains of this bridge are still a tourist attraction in Aruba, with the adjacent intact Baby Bridge also meriting a visit.

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Casabari Rock Formations and Cafe

These remarkable geological formations add aesthetics to the landscape as well as provide excellent vantage points from which to better view the island. There is also free Wi-Fi available at the Casibari Rock Formations, along with a BBQ Bar & Grill offering snacks, cold drinks and shaded seating.

Bonaire

Bonaire, one of the ABC islands, has the least inhabitants of the three. It also has the least activities but is a paradise under the water. It has activities in some seasons, like the Bonaire sea jazz or the Regatta. But people usually go there to relax and have some zen moments. Windsurfing is also popular. Bonaire has over 22 beaches.

Grenada

Grenada, also called “Isle of Spice”, is an island country of the West Indies. It lies about 100 miles north of the coast of Venezuela. It is home to numerous nutmeg plantations.

Jouvay Chocolate

Grenadian single-source chocolate bars are made exclusively for The Cocoa Farming Future Initiative (CFFI), their nonprofit partner.

Local farmers own the chocolate factory. A converted former rum distillery built by French monks in 1774 houses the factory.

Directly behind the factory, in a lush tropical garden, lay the ruins of the monastery, and an ancient aqueduct.

Tours are free. We saw the historic building and the machines that make Jouvay chocolate. At the end of the tour, there was a chocolate tasting. We visited the store and came away with several chocolate bars.

Barbados

Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies. It was once British but is now an independent island country.

The Birthplace of Rum

Across the island, there are over 1,500 rum shops, Mount Gay Distilleries, in particular, has been churning out rum since 1703 in Barbados.

Rihanna

Mega-star Rihanna has very humble beginnings on the island of Barbados. She is a famous singer-song writer, designer, actress, and the face behind the trending brand Fenty Beauty. Rihanna frequently travels back to the island for the famous Crop Over carnival celebration

Pirates

Pirates did at one point dominate the seas in this region, terrorizing ships in the area. 

St. Lucia

The only sovereign nation to be named for a woman, the island personifies adventure and inspiration. The unique confluence of Caribbean, African, English, and French cultures creates an exquisite blend of food, music, and traditions.  Its coast is home to volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, luxury resorts and fishing villages. Trails in the interior rainforest lead to waterfalls.

Caribelle Batik

Caribelle Batik manufactures and sells a large variety of handmade batik products.

The Company was established in 1979 to create colorful batik clothing with hand-made care and flair. Caribelle still draws visitors from all around the world.

The batik studio and boutique are housed in 112-year-old Howelton House, the former home of a Victorian doctor.

Antigua

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) is an island in the Lesser Antilles. The expansive, winding coastline that made Antigua difficult for outsiders to navigate is where today’s trekkers encounter a tremendous wealth of secluded, powdery soft beaches. The coral reefs, once the bane of marauding enemy ships, now attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. 

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Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas

Serenade is a mid-sized ship built in 2003 and last refurbished in 2012.  There are 3 outdoor pools, a spa, casino, an included dining room, 2 alternative restaurants (extra fee) a theatre, and 4 bars/nights clubs.

Our balcony cabin was spacious and comfortable. What surprised me was the entertainment and food. We always eat in the main dining and I was disappointed with the food. Now, granted, I am picky but this food did not meet Royal Caribbean standards much less mine. Eventually, we gave up and ate in the buffet for dinner. That was a little better.

The other surprise was the entertainment. Royal Caribbean is known for its superb entertainment but this was not up to their standards either. It was a long cruise, 11-nights, so this impacted our enjoyment.

I had the feeling that Royal Caribbean was throwing all its money into the big, glamorous class ships and leaving the Serenade the bare bones.

Summary

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I booked Serenade of the Seas because there are not many Caribbean itineraries that go all the way down to Aruba and Bonaire. Although I am glad I visited those southern islands, I would not recommend the Serenade of the Seas.