Randell Tober
computechone@comcast.net

Age: 44
Occupation: Computer Sales and Service
Number of Cruises: 1
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Ship: Serenade Of The Seas
Sailing Date: December 13th, 2003
Itinerary: Southern Caribbean

Unfortunately this cruise was my family’s first cruise. I had picked Royal Caribbean thinking it would be the premiere cruise line serving the Caribbean. I’m not going to go into the intense details like some of the other reviewers have, but I hope that within a couple short paragraphs I can help others not make the same mistake we did.

Serenade of the Seas is an extremely impressive ship, very beautiful to say the least! We stayed in an Owner’s Suite and had second suite - Oceanview for our 4 children. The décor within the suites was definitely nice, but if you began looking at things a little closer, you’d soon find it to be on the cheap side when it comes to quality. On our second day, we had a lamp that was attached to an end table fall over at the base. After making several calls to attempt and have the lamp fixed or replaced, wires exposed, someone from maintenance finally came and removed the lamp, but never replaced it. The safe in the unit was pulled partially out of the wall. It took maintenance 2 days to repair it.

Unfortunately the food offered was something more like you’d find at the local buffet. The food was frequently cold and the service in the assigned restaurants hurried to say the least, and we were the second seating. An exception, “Chops” the additional $20 a person fee restaurant. That was absolutely outstanding.
After boarding the cruise, we were advised that a large group had booked on the ship. A group that comprised more than 2/3rd of the ships inhabitants. This made a huge difference in the day to day life on the ship. The music, the atmosphere, became geared to serve that group of people. Several staff members informed us that life on the ship usually wasn’t like what we were experiencing. The group was overall very loud and rude. Frequently running into you, cutting in the buffet lines etc...

I filed a formal complaint with Royal Caribbean after returning home. I contacted them by phone, mail and email. It took two months to receive a response. I received a call from a representative with RC. She informed me my comments would be passed on, but refused any sort of refund, gift certificate or voucher to be used towards a future cruise. She told me point blank “Royal Caribbean doesn’t do that”

I will NEVER go on another Royal Caribbean ship again. We spent almost $15,000 on this trip. Let me also mention the air arrangements made by RC were horrid to say the least. I would strongly recommend planning your own air.
 

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