rccl-vikser2

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Shelley McNeill
Email: smcneill@airmail.net
Age: 28
Occupation: Editor
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-VikingSerenade
SailingDate: 8/31/98
Itinerary: LA, San Diego, Catalina, Ensenada
FoodDiningRoom: 75
CruiseDirector: 70
CabinComfort: 75
FoodRoomService: 75
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 75
FoodLidoDeck: 60
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 70
FoodMidnightBuffets: 70
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 70
DeckService: 70
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 50
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 50
LoungeService: 80
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 70
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 70
OverallPortsofCall: 50
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 70
CruiseActivities: 50
Casino: 70
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 50
ShipCleanliness: 75
EmbarkDisembark: 60
DiscoNightclubs: 60
DeckSpace: 75
Stabilization: 50
ShopsOnBoard: 60
SpaceRatio: 75
OverallCruiseValue: 65
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 13 Jan 1999
Time: 13:56:17
Remote Name: 146.235.3.7
Remote User:

Comments

If you are someone who appreciates a Sandals resort, do not take this cruise. I didn't research this cruise before
hand because I had been told RCCL was a great line. Unfortunately, I discovered that this particular RCCL cruise
is the dive of the line.

While the dining service was super, I have to rate the food of that found at your local cafeteria. In the evening, food
was better, but for lunch and the buffets, expect something that taste like your grandmother's leftovers. I wouldn't
have paid to get this food. In fact, during lunches, it was getting to the point where I would have appreciated
McDonald's over RC's line-up.

The demographics were seniors. My husband and I (30 and 27 respectively) were bored. In fact, the only thing we
wanted to do was a team game. My husband and I didn't know anyone on the ship and didn't feel like soliciting
friends just to play this game. Never in my life have we been so bored. The entertainment was crummy, the pool
was overcrowded and uncomfortable, and the people they sat us with at our dining table were in their late 40s
plus.

The ports of call were disappointing. Ensenada rates up there with Tijuana. It looks like a war zone. We went on
one of the tours and the big highlight of the tour was to stop at the Corrona Beer Plant. Thank God we did, I
needed a drink just to deal with it. The blow hole....what a disappointment...I could have seen more excitement in
my bath tub releasing gas. San Diego....go shopping, its the only thing that thrilling in August...who wants to be at
the zoo in 100 degree weather? Catalina was nice, but you have to have a golf cart and they are extremely over
priced. Just a hint, there is no way you can do the tours in the time the cart rental places allow you. We tried
snorkeling and if you can believe it, this is the coldest August water I have ever been in. My faucet water in the
middle of February doesn't get this cold. The areas are extremely rocky. The whole thing was as unpleasant as it
gets.

I never get sick. I'm probably been boating and yachting more times than I care to count and I've never been as
motion sick as I was on this ship. In the shower on day two, when I was getting the traditional boiling hot water
one second, freezing your bum off cold the next, I was pounding my head against the wall wondering, 'When will
this agony end?' I took the motion pills before it started and still no relief.

In the morning, be prepared to be thrown out of your bed. We like to sleep at least until 8 a.m. on our vacation, but
with this boat forget it. It bangs against the port when it pulls in at 7ish a.m. Literally, one morning, it threw me off
my little bed. What a way to start the day.

As far as entertainment, I finally got the courage to sing karoke. I think I have a voice better left to myself, but after
a few drinks, when better to sing in front of a bunch of strangers? When the d.j. called my name, he made fun of
my outfit (saying it looked like I was wearing pj's) and had my mic turned off so I couldn't have a snappy
come-back. I actually didn't do a horrible job, but I decided to sang a 80's tune Trust me, no one in the room had
litened to anything past the early6 70s.

If you're considering a cruise, take a different one. This one wa horrible!

Name: James Cherrington
Email: excelwin@aol.com
Age: 39
Occupation: Self-Employed
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-VikingSerenade
SailingDate: 2'/12/99
Itinerary: San Pedro to Ensenada
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 80
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService:
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 17 Feb 1999
Time: 23:19:42
Remote Name: 152.163.213.57
Remote User:

Comments

This was a christmas gift to my wife and we could not have been more pleased with the whole experience. It was
over too soon! Getting aboard was easy and once in our room the information provided regarding activities and
schedules was coherent and relevant. The food at breakfast was quite good and the second seating dinner was
excellent and the variety was more than adequate. The service by the head waiter and his assistant was superb.
Their names are Guy and Alberto and they deserve recognition. We ate lunch only at the buffet on deck 10 and
it was somewhat pedestrian, but good none the less. I spent a lot of time in the casino playing black jack and
found the dealers to be personable they did not seem to be as predatory as those in Las Vegas.I only saw two
jackpots on the machines and overall they did not seem to be too loose. We spent a fair amount of time walking
around the ship and sitting on deck and had no trouble finding space to do both. The ride was smooth most of
the way, although by the time we circled the channel islands the water was a bit choppy but the ship only rolled
slightly. We have driven to Ensenada in the past so we knew what to expect, but it is still a fun and interesting
port. The variety of shopping, food,bars and tours in town should satisfy any taste. On the negative side, we are
not big drinkers so we were shocked by the amount of alchohol consumed, especially in the first day and a half.
The only other down side was the size of our cabin. Not having been on any other cruises we may have expected
too much, but there wasn't very much room to manuver or to sit. All in all the experience was an excellent one
and we cannot wait to schedule a longer trip either to Cabo or Alaska.

Name: Suzanne Neeley
Email: suzanne@gbis.com
Age: 32
Occupation: Domestic Violence Counselor/Administrator
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-VikingSerenade
SailingDate: March 22, 1999
Itinerary: Baja: Ensenada, San Diego, Catalina Island
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 100
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 100
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: 80
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 80
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 100
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 88
DiscoNightclubs: 100
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 04 Apr 1999
Time: 14:40:41
Remote Name: rno-max0-43.gbis.net
Remote User:

Comments

Review of the Viking Serenade

I just got back from my four day cruise on the Viking Serenade and I am already planning another cruise on this
ship. Frankly, there is something desperately wrong with anybody who has any complaints about this cruise. Now,
onto the review.

The ship is an older ship, and it shows in spots, but this is simply part of her charm. She is well-loved by her crew
and this shows in their constant efforts to improve her. She will be going into dry-dock sometime in April for some
few repairs before she resumes her year round cruising around the Baja. I had an outside cabin on B deck, one of
the lower decks. This was terrific for me, because it was away from most of the noise (except for the young college
girls down the hall…..) and also, it had portholes instead of windows. I liked this feature for its nautical feel and you
can drop the lids on them if you wish for less light in the mornings.

She has two dining rooms, an outdoor/indoor café and several bars. Of the bars, my favorite was the Schooner
bar, for its dark wood paneling and nautical decor. It was situated on the starboard side and was lined with windows
so you can look out into the open sea. The Magic Flute dining room is quite large, with a nautical, low ceiling, and
here you will really get the feeling of being on a cruise ship. My friend Judy went with me and we were seated at a
table next to the captain at his request. More about this later.

The Windjammer café on Deck 10 is a great place to just sit and watch the waves roll by and you will get the same
outrageously superb service as in the dining room. It has a teakwood deck and many outside tables which no one
minded sharing. It is really really odd, how Americans, who are unused to European seating, get used to this and
begin to look forward to it. If people think that this area looks dirty, they have never lived in L.A. The smog does
this and there really is nothing that can done about it. It's clean, but stained from the smog. Any upholstery will do
this in Los Angeles and any Los Angelino will tell you that. The Windjammer is where much of the socializing goes
on amongst the passengers. They serve afternoon tea here as well as numerous buffets throughout the day. The
waiters up here are just as attentive, just as ridiculously friendly as those in the dining room. They will not allow you
to stand in line holding your plate, but will take it from you, and ask what you would like, then dish it up for you and
lead you to your table, then will pull out your chair for you and lay your napkin in your lap. It is absolutely insane,
the level of service on this ship!!!! You never get the feeling that they are 'just doing their jobs'….all of the crew is
outstanding.

The pool is up top just below the compass deck. There is only one pool, due to the extensive remodeling that had
to be done. Remember that this ship was once a cargo ship and a car ferry, and was converted into a cruise ship.
This explains some of the structural anomalies of her deck plans and layout. The pool is small but pretty and it is
surrounded by deck chairs and tables, and at the forward end of this deck you will find the Sunshine Bar, and a
stage where a steel band plays non stop. It also has a retractable dome so that you can still swim in cold and
inclement weather. If you’re hungry, and you don’t want to get dressed, just cover up and wander through to the aft
end to the Windjammer and have a little something. I didn’t spend any time at the pool, (too busy eating and
touring!!!) but I am sure that if you asked, someone would deliver food to you there. The Hello Dolly Lounge and
the Bali Hai Showroom are where the shows take place in the evening. They are well planned, despite the fact that
the seating is all on one level. This is due to structural aspects that would make tiered seating dangerous for the
passengers. The seating has been planned to the best possible advantage for everyone. During the day, they
have Bingo in the Hello Dolly and dancing lessons of all kinds in the Bali Hai. They also conduct various port
lectures and shopping lectures here. The singles get together in the Bali Hai in the evening after dinner, although I
have to tell you, that during my cruise I went to the singles meeting, and there was only ONE GUY SITTING THERE,
LOOKING VERY, VERY SINGLE. The crew told me that I missed all the eligible bachelors by one week. *Sigh*.
However, I am told by the crew that this was an unusual occurrence , and that the place is usually packed on every
cruise. I think my experience with this had to do with the fact, that I happened to go during spring break and many
eligible singles avoided that week. A note here to single women on this cruise: If there are no eligible male
passengers for you to mingle with, don’t despair!!! The male members of the crew will never allow you to go
unnoticed!!!! They will tell you how beautiful you look on any particular evening (and throughout the day) and then
go on to say that they think you are losing weight since they saw you last!!! I am not kidding !!!! To me, that is the
ultimate: 'Oh Mademoiselle, you are looking so beautiful and you look so thin in that dress! Come Mademoiselle!
You must eat, you are too thin!' ALL AMERICAN MEN, PLEASE TAKE NOTES.....hahaha...

The food on this ship is outrageous and ranges from simple hot dogs to full seven course meals including filet
mignon. The wine list is extensive. If you can imagine it, it’s in that galley somewhere, and it is probably carved into
the shape of an exotic animal or flower. I counted no less than 13 to 16 organized eating sessions per day on this
cruise and if you time it right, you can hit them all!!! Organized Eating is the only way to describe this. To say that it
is ridiculous is an understatement. Eating on this ship is a frenzied and sumptuous affair, no slacking allowed.
However, it is all done in the finest, most elegant tradition you will ever see. The chefs on this ship pull out all the
stops at every turn and the waiters serve the food in as elegant a manner possible. I finally had to ask Riza, a
perfect host and waiter, 'When will we be allowed to stop eating?' He suavely replied, in heavily accented English
'oooo, Madamoiselle, you are much too thin, and I bring you slice of chocolate cake immediately.' He sauntered off
with that princely, elegant walk, to the galley and returned with the most decadent, self-indulgent slice of cake I had
ever seen. The Midnight Madness Buffet, which takes place on Wednesday night, is a study in self indulgence,
gluttony and art. It is truly ART in every sense of that word, and you have to see it to believe it. Everything is
sculpted into animals, art , flowers, plants, things, amazing!!!! INSANITY!!! The 'ShipShape' center is open most of
the time if you feel the need to work off some of this food. (Impossible, I tell you.) There is a ShipShape menu
available for those who need to watch their calories, etc. but who THE HECK WOULD WANT TO????? (I also
noticed that the heaviest door on the ship is the one leading to the work out room *smile* ) Every time I turned
around somebody was taking my picture for some reason and I bought most of them. The ship’s photographer is
very good at getting the best from you.

As far as activities go, if you can’t find something you enjoy, you are hopeless. There is a Belly Flop Competition, a
Quest scavenger hunt, Bingo, port lectures and shopping lectures, the casino for those who can’t stand having
money in their pockets, dancing nearly 24 hours a day, Las Vegas style cabaret shows, comedians and
entertainers, (Don Ware is hilarious and Michael O’Connor has to be seen to be understood!) games of all kinds
including the Newlywed game, the Not-so-Newlywed game, aerobics, weightlifting, power stepping or whatever
that’s called, swimming, and just laying around is also permitted.! There’s always more Organized Eating! If you are
alone and longing for conversation, go find one of the staff to talk to …they are all equally humourous and fun and
they will go out of their way to talk to you. Personally, I had to get off the ship just to get some rest!!!

Regarding the motion of the ship, it rolls quite a bit, being an older vessel. I liked it, especially at night, on going to
sleep. I found it very relaxing, although I am told that some people got a bit sea sick. It’s been two days since I
debarked and I am still enjoying the feeling of the rolling motion. The ship’s doctor, Dr. Ulf Andersson, was
available to me when I stubbed and sliced my big toe on a deck chair. He was outrageously funny and was kind
enough to pose for a silly picture with my toe. He gave me a short tour of the medical facilities and informed me
that he is capable of performing extensive surgery on board, including appendectomies, C-sections, intestinal
surgery, etc. He told me more than I really (blech!) wanted to know but I found it interesting. Doctors, nurses,
medical techs, should visit Dr. Andersson to say hello and get a tour for the educational value of it. He also turned
the ship upside down searching for fingertip band aids for my toe. Find a doctor on land who would do that!!! I
wasn’t charged for my visit, and he called me later on in the cruise to make sure my toe was healing properly. He
also informed me that the ship distributes Bonine and Dramamine tablets free of charge as a courtesy to those
guests who experience sea sickness.

I found the Life Boat Drill especially interesting. Andrew, one of the ships pursers was our instructor and he was at
once hilarious and informative regarding procedures, and safety on board. It was obvious that he was very
concerned for everyone’s safety but at the same time, he had fun with it. You are required to actually put your
lifejacket on and wear it for the duration of the drill. The drill is COMPULSORY (as is the organized eating….) and
you must attend. If you are trying to weasel out of it, they will roust you out, take you by the hand and lead you to
your muster station for the drill and stand there with you while it is being conducted. I saw this happen with my own
eyes to several slackers. They are good natured about it all though and try to make you feel as though you are
having fun in that contraption around your neck. Andrew will tell you that your life jacket is your personal property
while you are on board, that it belongs to only you and that you are free to wear it to the Captain’s gala if you wish.
He will even write your name on it in flowing script if you wish to personalize it. INSANITY !!!

All of this brings me to the real attraction of the Viking Serenade, and of RCI in general : THE CREW. I don’t know
where RCI finds their people, but they are all, AND I DO MEAN ALL, outstanding individuals. They are personable,
friendly, and polite with nary a hint that they expect anything from you. It is simply their understanding that they are
happy to make sure you have the time of your life and everything you want.

My waiter at dinner was Mihai, a delightful man from Transylvania in Romania, who informed us when we inquired,
'When do you sleep?' (they work hard!!!!and constantly) that , 'I am from Transylvania. We don’t sleep much.' Our
assistant waiter or busboy was Munoj from Delhi, India and he took great pains to give us his address and invite us
to stay with him and his family whenever we found ourselves in Delhi. He also explained to me that his "plan" is to
stay on board several years, learn the restaurant business and then go home to open India’s second Mexican
restaurant. If I had the money, I would invest in this guy!!!

Our waiter in the Windjammer was Riza from Turkey. The Windjammer is really a buffet, but the men and women
who work there behave as if it were a 5 star restaurant and treat you accordingly. Riza, a lovely gentleman with a
beautiful smile, was always there to greet us, and help us find a table, even before we had gone through the line.
He would then fetch whatever we wanted. One day, I went up there, and I saw him literally carrying an elderly
woman to her chair. He tenderly sat her down, then proceeded to chat with her and cut her meat for her, since her
arthritis was so bad, it was obvious she couldn’t do it for herself. He then spent about 10 minutes arranging her
table so that she could reach everything without stretching, and then simply talked with her, something I doubt her
companions thought to do. Her companions, two younger women, had watched her struggle mightily but hadn’t
lifted a hand to assist her and spoke nary a word to her! But for Riza, this woman’s cruise might have been a waste
of her precious time and money. This man was so solicitous that it made every person who has ever served me in
a landside restaurant look inept, and indifferent by comparison. He remembered how I liked my coffee, and insisted
on getting it for me, and everytime I turned around, there he was WITH MORE FOOD, telling me how thin I am,
which is far from the truth!!! Riza is also a hopeless romantic, as he would consistently invite me out on deck to
'admire the moon; to talk only Mademoiselle, to talk only!' He also blew kisses at me during the entire cruise and
made a point to kiss my hand on one occasion when I entered the dining room for the formal dinner. (Many of the
folks in the buffet double as busboys in the formal dining rooms) On the day we left the ship, my friend and I were
outside the cruise terminal, waiting for our shuttle to take us back to my car for the drive home. I was playing
around with my video camera and just panning the ship, not even recording, when I caught sight of Riza waving
frantically at me and jumping up and down up on the deck of the Windjammer Café, on board the ship! I waved
back and he blew more kisses at me. About 20 minutes later, Judy, my friend, elbowed me in the ribs and said,
'Look who’s coming …' I looked up and there was Riza beaming at me and waving frantically, walking toward us out
of the cruise terminal. He had come to say good bye and to tell me how much he enjoyed serving us. INSANITY!!!!

Cynics may say that the folks aboard are only doing this for tips, and there may be some small truth to that,
however, it has to be seen to be believed. And I find it hard to credit that when they behave this way even with
small children who have no money of their own, and their parents are nowhere in sight and with the elderly, most of
whom are on a fixed income and cannot afford tipping. Nor are they any different with people of obvious lower
economic status. Now I know what you are thinking, that I am being crude to say that there are class differences
amongst passengers. I am saying it because I am one of those people of limited budget, so I know what I am talking
about. (I did however, give every person who attended me $20 each for the four days, which I had budgeted for.)

Robert, our cabin steward, found my pajamas that I had left on my bed during the last night of the cruise. When I
returned from dinner, he had arranged them in the unmistakeable shape of a rose. INSANITY!!! A note of advice to
women cruisers: Leave your nightie on your bed and see what happens!!!

When I ordered a pot of tea from room service, it was served on a tray, but the tea bags were artfully arranged,
and the cup sat on a linen (yes!!! I am Irish, and I know Irish linen!!!), embroidered HANKIE!!!

One day, I had left my own handkerchief somewhere on the ship. I didn’t know where it was and thought it was lost
which was awful because it belonged to my grandmother and it is a one of kind work of art. When I went to dinner ,
it was sitting on my chair. It had been arranged into the shape of a butterfly! Who found it and who knew it was
mine??????? I asked, but received the cryptic reply from Mihai, the waiter, 'Someone who knows you,
Mademoiselle.' INSANITY AGAIN!!!

The Captain is a young (and handsome, ladies!!!). He is also single and available…J…..His name is Carlos
Pedercini and he is from Argentina so you should expect the musicians to enter the dining room and play 'Don’t
Cry For Me Argentina'. They will also serenade you at your table and will play anything you wish. Because our
waiter was Romanian, and because I had once lived there, I requested that they play Tchaikovsky’s Gypsy
Serenade, which they did with great aplomb and with almost gleeful delight, because, in their own words,'We don’t
get such unusual requests!!! Thank you !!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!' INSANITY…. Mihai was delighted also
and proceeded to dance with me around the room. INSANITY. Now a word about this delightful seating at dinner.
We had been seated with a very nice family from Washington state. But as my friend and I were on vacation from
our own kids, we politely sought out the maitre d’. I hadn’t even said anything yet, when he said, 'Oh
Mademoiselle!!! You are Mademoiselle Neeley???? I have been trying to get in touch with you! The Captain has
asked that you join him in his section…..You will be seated with Mr. And Mrs. MacNeil of New Zealand, next to the
Captain’s table…..I do hope that will be allright???' I tell you, folks, I nearly fainted! I don’t know how, but 'le
Capitaaaan……….' had discovered that we were domestic violence counselors on vacation and he wished to
honor 'the women who do such important work.' INSANITY!!!!

Once, when we were up in the Viking Crown lounge, a glassed in disco through which you can admire the sea, I
had remarked to Henri, a cocktail waiter from Jamaica, that they do everything except dance with you on this ship.
He raised an eyebrow, and promptly held out his hand…..We blew everyone off the floor with the hottest marange
(spelling?) anyone ever saw…he was a fabulous dancer and a good sport!! He then spun me into his version of a
Latin tango, complete with dips and he never missed a beat, and made me look like Ginger Rogers, except that I
am shorter, darker and rounder, but he didn't seem to care! INSANITY!!!

I was very busy filming everything on this cruise and the crew were good natured about appearing in the video.
They submitted to silly interviews from me like when I asked Lee, the purser, what was the craziest thing he had
ever seen put into a safe deposit box, he didn’t miss a beat and replied ON CAMERA, 'I don’t know what it was, but
it vibrated for three days.'

INSANITY!!!

About the Ports of Call:

You will spend all of your days in port. You will visit San Diego, Catalina Island and Ensenada. Because I used to
live in L.A., I only went ashore in San Diego because Judy had never been there and she wanted to go to the zoo.
So off we went to see the Panda’s and they really are wonderful. They are a severely endangered species and if
you are in San Diego I highly recommend you take the tour to the zoo. Remember that the pandas are fast losing
their habitat and the next time you get there, they may be all gone into the mists of extinction. You can get there on
your own, but it’s not as much fun since the tour guides that take you will tell you all the hilarious tales of the town
and its notables.

Catalina Island is probably one of my favorite places in the United States. It sits 26 miles from L.A. off the coast,
and it is well worth your time and trouble. The crew will tender you ashore, since it is too shallow for the ship to
dock. If you go ashore, take the tour of the Casino (you’ll be surprised and delighted) and spend some time just
wandering around Avalon, the only town. Go to C.C. Gallaghers for a cup of tea and piece of cheesecake where
you can sit at a table on the sidewalk and just watch the world go by. If you are like me and you like gardens and
peaceful places, take the Botanical Garden Tour. It leaves from downtown and goes by bus, so the only walking
you will do is from the pier to the town and around the garden itself. You will get a nice commentary from the driver
about Catalina Island, Avalon and some of the more colorful history of the Island.

In Ensenada, you can take the ship’s tours but here’s what I recommend: Take the shuttle off the pier to downtown.
When you get there, they will try to sell you a tour for $10.00 . My advice?? TAKE IT AND RUN TO THE TOUR
BUS! This is the same tour the ship sells you for $24.00 of La Bufadora (the Blowhole and the flea market) but on
the ship’s tour, they don’t take you to the museum which they will if you take this one for ten bucks. Well worth the
money and our tour guide, Raoul, was so informative and interesting. He is working on his degree in economics at
the University there and he will explain much about Mexican culture and people. It was obvious to me that he really
loves his people and is working on a career toward their benefit. He also speaks five languages and will give it to
you straight. I have been to Ensenada before, having lived in Southern California, but I never saw it in quite the
same way, and as a result, I can never be the same again . If you are looking for fun, lasting friendship and
pampering at a price you cannot beat, on the west coast, TAKE THIS CRUISE. It was unbelievable and I can sum it
all by saying this was my first cruise, and I WILL NEVER TAKE A LAND-BASED VACATION AGAIN.

I hope to go back in September for my birthday and this time, I will not even go ashore, but will stay on board and
relax, having fun with the crew.

I didn’t take my daughter, since she is so young, but I would definitely recommend this to those with children. They
practically take your kids from you when you get on board and take charge of their care and I was told by a fellow
passenger who took her kids, that she only saw them at meals and late at night. This doesn’t mean however, that
you should abandon your kids to these nice and competent folks because I saw more than one kid terrorizing the
crew. The kids definitely still need parental control. One kid, an obnoxious 13 year old, had decorated the elevator
with pizza which a crew member had to laboriously clean. When I caught up with that kid, he wished he had never
stepped foot on that ship! If he had been mine, I would have paddled him till he couldn’t walk anymore! But as it
was, I found his parents and they dealt with it promptly and severely.

I could go on and on about this cruise, but I will stop here and say: IT IS AN INSANELY WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE
AND YOU HAVE TO SEE IT FOR YOURSELF. Those people on that ship are all crazy and I can’t wait to join them
again in September. If I were younger, and had no child, I would love to join them in all that insanity and work with
them. They are truly, each and every one of them, ambassadors for their respective countries, and I have seen the
truth of that for myself. The ship’s crew, which numbers 625, represent 58 countries around the world and they all
seem to have found the secret to the age old problem of war between nations, colors, creeds. It is: Live together,
work together, laugh together, and pray together, each in his or her own language and above all else, LOVE EACH
OTHER. Peace and good wishes to all,

Suzanne Neeley

Name: Elizabeth Walker
Email: ewalker@tor.bdsys.com
Age: 45
Occupation: Technical Writer
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-VikingSerenade
SailingDate: Monday, April 19, 1999
Itinerary: San Diego, Avalon, Ensenada
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 100
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 100
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 05 May 1999
Time: 12:07:46
Remote Name: abd07ec6.ipt.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

This was our honeymoon cruise and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We needed a break after getting our new home ready and
doing all the wedding plans, and this cruise certainly gave us the relaxation we were looking for. My husband had never
been on a cruise before and he was completely satisfied. He loves to eat and he had no problem finding food at any time of
the day or night. He was pleasantly surprised to discover he could order two entrees at dinner! Some years ago I had been
on a Windjammer Barefoot cruise, a sailing ship, the La Fantom, but the two types of cruises are so different. We booked an
outside, midship, stateroom. I am glad we paid the extra for an outside cabin. Even if it is dark when you look out the window
and can't see the ocean, you at least know it is there. There were a couple of nights where some people complained about
rough seas, but we didn't experience the same feelings of roughness they did. I think it was because we were in an outside
cabin and midship. It felt more to me like being rocked to sleep on my old waterbed. If you tend to a bit of queasiness, I
would recommend an outside, midship stateroom. I had read this site and a lot of reviews from other ships beside the Viking
Serenade and felt it did help me to prepare. The most important thing I learned was to arrive early. And I mean early! We
arrived about 10 a.m. at the San Pedro Cruise Center. The only problem we had was the lady at the parking lot booth! She
said, you don't want to come in so early. There's nothing to do! They won't even start to check you in until after 11. Being
the stubborn and sometimes obstinate person that I am, I said, we don't care if there's nothing to do, we have books, we are
coming in early!

What did she expect us to do, drive around San Pedro for an hour? Yuck! Anyway, that obstacle behind us,
we found a good place to park and made our way to the terminal. We weren't even the first people in line! I had wondered if
the parking lady had given them the same spiel! We were, however, the second in line. We ended up talking to the people in
front of us and they become our good cruise buddies! They were a group of 5 and we enjoyed bumping into them
throughout the cruise. The actual process of getting our little blue boarding cards was quite painless. I believe getting there
early is the best thing to do. We ended up getting through very quickly and being the first in line to actually get on board.
Our cruise buddies were right behind us. Everyone was very nice and we enjoyed Loretta, the girl whose job it was to get us
in line and let us through when that time came. The women at the check-in desks were very nice and pleasant with a nice
good morning and have a nice cruise.

We finally got up to the loading dock! They of course let on passengers needing
special assistance and any passengers in their special cruise club first. But of the 'regular' passengers, we were the first!
The photographers are there to take you picture, and they are around throughout the cruise. We bought our pictures,
although some didn't. I am making a memory album of our honeymoon cruise, so I wanted all the memories we could get!
Some complained that they were a bit high, but I thought they were pretty reasonalbe. From the moment we stepped on the
ship, we had nothing but a great time. Everyone we came across was helpful and friendly. We have no complaints about any
of the staff. We were even surprised at our room. It was a lot larger than we had imagined. It was still small, of course, but
larger than expected. There was enough storage for everything. I even brought my hot curlers and there was a spot for
them! We discovered one of the reading lights did not work and we told Adolfo, our cabin steward, and he reported it
immediately.

The next day he asked if it was working alright now, and we told him, no, actually it hadn't been fixed. He
seemed upset and apologized. About two hours later we saw him again and guess what? The light was fixed! We were
pleased with his attention. We enjoyed the shows. We went to the variety show and the welcome aboard show. I liked the
Cruise Director. I thought he was terrific. Of course, as soon as you get on board there is a lunch buffet! The food I thought
was very good. I am always amazed at anyone who can serve good tasting and great looking food for a mere 2,000 people
continuously throughout the day and night! We had second seating. The other two couples at our table were also
honeymooners. I thought this was either great planning on RCI's part or a great coincidence! They were very pleasant and
we all enjoyed our meals together. One couple was from England and one from Oregon. That kinda leads me to our dining
experience in the dining room. From some of the reviews I had read on this site, I didn't expect very much from the head
waiter. Boy, those reviewers didn't have our head waiter Leo from Ireland! He was fantastic! Every night he came by each
table and talked to us and let us know what desserts were being planned, asked us how our day had been, and told us
about the singing waiters etc. I thought he was great! Our head waiter was Jeffrey, and he was absolutely fantastic also!
Andrea was our assistant waiter and you couldn't ask for more attention. They were so nice and on the second night already
remember what we preferred drinking with our meals!

Every meal was delicious and well presented. We really were spoiled!
Even the nicest restaruant here at home will not be able to come close to the attention and service we got from Jeffrey and
Andrea. One morning we tried the dining room for breakfast and our table was taken by the first seating people. We had to
sit at another table with another waiter. Andrea was still our assistant waiter and she recognized us even though we were at
another table. I was impressed. And even though we were at another table, Jeffrey came over and asked us how everything
was and if we were getting everything we needed. I thought that was very good and nice of him. We went to the lunch buffets
and they were wonderful. The snack buffet, which they call tea, was fun. The desserts were out of this world. The only
midnight buffet we made it to was the Gala Buffet. I had never heard of a buffet with a viewing! It was wonderful. You go
through it first to just look at the magnificient food and works of art the food is turned into! It was wonderful. I had been
stuffed from dinner, especially with a second seating dinner, and I could not believe I was standing in line and filling my
plate! I was afraid I might gain some weight, but with all the walking up and down the stairs, it all balanced out. We used the
exercise room a little bit. We went to a line dance class and we also went to the Cruise Crafts napkin folding class. My
husband did a great job and I've made him the official family napkin folder for dinner! We took the San Diego-La Jolla bus
tour in San Diego. The tour was nice, but the bus driver/guide is who made the trip. What a sense of humor and great
narrative style. He was fun and made the trip fun. In Avalon we got off the ship late because we had a late morning and had
breakfast brought to our room. Which was very nice.

We walked around Avalon on our own for a little while then went back
to the ship and had lunch in the dining room. We enjoyed being relaxed. In Ensenada we took the La Bufador trip. Well, it
was okay I guess. But I don't think I will ever get off at Ensenada again. What I really didn't like was the little kids surrounding
you when you get off the bus and the guide does nothing to spare you. But I expected that because of the other reviews I
had read here. The road that leads to the blow hole is lined solidly with shops and shop keepers calling out to you. On the
way back to the bus we did stop at one and saw a nice wrought iron hanging for our Southwest family room. We were
surprised that you have to pay 30 cents to use the bathroom. It was clean however. On Wednesday evening there was a
honeymooners cocktail party and we decided to attend. There was champagne and cake and it was very nice. There were
other couples who had gotten married on the same day we had. We even played bingo one day and had a lot of fun.

The
nice thing about a cruise is you can do or not do anything you want. Relax or be active as you want. We enjoyed it so much.
I don't have anything to really complain about. The ship had been in dry dock the week before our cruise and so a lot of
things were spiffy and new. They were still doing a bit of clean up here and there. The only thing I was disappointed about
was the cabin decorations. There were none. And it had nothing to do with anyone on board. About 6 weeks before the
cruise I called RCI and wanted to set up cabin decorations as a surprise for my new hubby! Well, the girl on the phone was
very nice, but, she told me that cabin decorations had already been ordered! So, I didn't order any. I couldn't however think
of who would have done that because no one we knew had ever been on cruises before and didn't know about that sort of
thing. Anyway, so we get on board and there are no decorations. Later I went to the Purser's Desk and they were very nice
and checked. From what they could find out none had been ordered! I was disappointed! But, there was a strange thing that
happended every evening. And I don't know where they came from or why. But, the first night we went back to our cabin and
found a plate of hors'doerves! Later, we came back and found a plate of chocolate covered strawberries! This happened
every evening and there was never a note. But what a special treat! We were however, very stuffed! I had also read a lot of
bad reviews about getting off the ship. The process was dictated by customs, so I don't understand why the complaints. Can
you imagine 2,000 people trying to get off at one time? I think there has to be some sort of system and I think it went pretty
well. Just take a book with you and relax. I really didn't want to get off the ship, because that meant our vacation was over!
Oh yes, I almost forgot, be sure to read the ship newsletter that will be delivered to your cabin every evening. There is a lot
of information in it. I didn't read the first one until the end! Ooops! I knew I had seen some information somewhere, but
couldn't remember where. It was in the first Compass which I think is good to keep and review! We had a great time and look
forward to another cruise!

Name: Shaunna Krieg
Email: blitz@futureone.com
Age: 38
Occupation: Teacher
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-VikingSerenade
SailingDate: May 24-28
Itinerary: San Diego, Catalina Island, Ensenada
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService:
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 100
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 75
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace:
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 12 Jun 1999
Time: 19:10:11
Remote Name: ppp2-209.phnx.dialup.futureone.com
Remote User:

Comments

First of all, this cruise was all we expected it to be. We had cruised before on Majasty of the Seas and
wanted our children to have a cruise experience. We opted for the less expensive cruise for them.
Although Viking serenade is an older ship, we found it to be very accomidating for our needs. We drove to
L.A. and parked our car in their parking lot. We had a map that took us right to where we needed to be
without any problems.

The embarkation was very simple and non-time consumming. One thing they did not
tell us when they gave us the cards was that the kids could use them for buying things also. They had hole
punched their cards because they were all under 21, but we thought it meant they could not buy
things...like beverages from the bar. We did promptly go to the pursers and have their ability to spend
taken from them. They do have a $10.00 sticker you can purchase and have put on their cards for
unlimited sodas on the ship. Do make sure that you ask about cancelling their ability to spend. We had
four teenagers, 18, 16, 15, and 13.

Kids like to take advantage. The disembarkation took forever! The did
not start lettin gpeople off the ship until after 10:30 a.m. Mind you, you have to leave your rooms by 8:30
and you sort of just wander. We had summer camp buses to catch for the kids back in Phoenix, and had
hoped for an earlier exit. Upon arival on the ship, we found our rooms, and we knew they would be small
so it did not bother us and then we went up to the buffet. The arrival buffet leaves much to be desired and
you think wow! I hope the rest of the week isn't food like this, and you are so pleased when it turns out to
be great the rest of the week. The kids (teenagers) loved everything. They had a Teen Club where they
had activities starting every night about 10:00p.m. They made new friends and are now corresponding
with them in chat rooms and by e-mail.

My oldest daughter who was 18 felt left out though, because the
Teen Club is just for 13-17. She was not allowed to participate...which left her to hang with mom and dad
on some evenings. We found it to be cheaper to handle the shore excursions ourselves rather than go
through the front desk. We snorkled in Catalina, and went to La Bufedore in Ensenada. I would highly
reccomend the shopping and trip to La Bufedora. The shops there were the best and the kids went crazy
with all the stuff. You won't want to miss the horseraces by the pool. They are quite fun and even though I
did not participate in the betting it was exciting and funny. The entertainment in the evenings after our
dinner was the best. I appreciate Royal Carribean keeping all shows family-safe. My kids still are talking
about the last night show.

The quality of the singer and entertainers was great and the varied
entertainment was good. Our cruise director was always funny and ours was his last cruise on the Viking
Serenade so the other staff members did something special for him on the last night. He was graduating to
a bigger ship. The food in the dining room was presented very beautifully and the waiters that worked our
table were so sweet and would bend over backwards to make everything just right. When we first arrived
they had put the kids at a different table than us (I wonder if my hubby did that on purpose), anyway, We
had it changed right after we got on the ship and they sat us by this window and everytime we ate we had
the ocean to look at. Our dining room experience was flawless. Overall the cruise was great...the kids have
been indoctrinated and we will do it again...just don't make any plans for getting off the ship any time early
on diembark day.

Name: Walt Lemons
Email: Hill549@aol.com
Age: 52
Occupation: Manager
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-VikingSerenade
SailingDate: May 24,1999
Itinerary: San Diego-Catalina-Ensenada
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 80
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 75
FoodMidnightBuffets: 75
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 88
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 89
LoungeService: 89
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 89
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 89
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 85
EmbarkDisembark: 89
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 82
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 89
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 14 Jun 1999
Time: 21:28:38
Remote Name: spider-wd031.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

The cruise is a real value. The staff is very good, and are willing to help with any small detail. This is not
the most elegant cruise, nor is it the greatest food, nor is it the greatest ports of call, but it is a good time,
with good people, at a good price. I feel that we got what we payed for as well as what we expected. When
you are on vacation, no suprises is a great thing.

The ship is somewhat noisy at night, and you can hear everything going on in the cabins next door. Need
to remember that they can hear you as well. Our cabin was on the 9th level, near the rear of the ship. This
location made the motion and engine noise very noticable. Pulling into port each morning was quite noisy
with a great deal of vibration. Our son and his wife were lower, and in the center of the ship, and did not
have the same level of vibration and motion.

Food was very good, but nothing to write home about. The dining room staff was friendly and helpful. Our
dinner service was a little on the slow side, and we felt a little rushed to make way for the later seating.

San Diego was a good stop. There were 6 of us traveling together, and we took a cab/van to La Jolla. It is
absolutly beautiful there. Cost was only $26 each way. The driver gave us his phone number, and we
called him to come and get us when we were ready to leave.

Catalina was not too exciting. Beaches are postage stamp size. Golf cart rental is okay, but expensive
($30 per hour) and you are limited where you can go. Our suggestion is to hit the island for a couple of
hours and go back to the ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon by the pool.

Ensenada is pretty cool for the shopping. It is fun to bargain and haggle with the merchants. The little kids
begging gets old quick, but you have to say NO THANKS. The Blow Hole is somewhat of a rip-off, but the
shops there are worth the trip. If you get real serious, you can get some great buys on gifts and stuff.
Check out the huge bargins on Pure Vanilla. Best place is the Gigantia Supermarket in downtown
Ensenada.

Overall, a good vacation and a great value. Don't expect this cruise to compare to the Holland America or
(in my opinion) even the Carnival, but do expect to have a good time.

Name: Stacey Chambers
Email: stacey3464@aol.com
Age: 35
Occupation: Homemaker
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-VikingSerenade
SailingDate: July 2, 1999
Itinerary: Ensenada
FoodDiningRoom: 78
CruiseDirector: 93
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 70
DiningRoomService: 93
CabinQuietness: 73
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 93
ShoreExcVariety: 89
FoodVariety: 89
DeckService: 73
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 73
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 88
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 93
WheelchairAccess: 70
ExerciseFacilities: 70
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 70
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 70
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 75
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 70
ShopsOnBoard: 88
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 06 Jul 1999
Time: 12:36:56
Remote Name: spider-tn024.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

We took the 3 day/4 night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Viking Serenade to Ensenada, Mexico. This was an anniversary gift
my husband and I gave to each other. Our plan was not to get off the ship when it docked in Ensenada since we've been to
Mexico many times and most of the time, when you've seen one Mexican tourist town you've seen them all. But, the
weather was really cold for this time of year - 60's and we hadn't packed anything but shorts and warm weather clothing.
So, we left the ship in search of warm clothes. Ensenada would probably be a nice town except that it is in a poor country
and it is so heartwrenching to see small children begging for money the moment you get into town. Our cabin was on the
8th floor and was pretty much what we had expected, small but clean. There was plenty of storage and drawers so it was
not cluttered. Our cabin steward, Lorna, was very effecient and our cabin was always promptly cleaned and made up while
we were away from it. The problem that we noticed about the cabin was that it was not very quiet. By this I mean that it
was not soundproofed very well because we could hear our neighbors in their cabins and since the seas were fairly rough
for most of the cruise due to the weather, the cabin had lots of creaks just as the hallway did. Our Dining Room Service
was superb, we had never been treated so well in any restaurant. However, I wish I could have said the same thing about
the food. I would put the food on the same level as Denny's or Coco's. Nothing spectacular. No Lobster or Crab. No Elegant
or Fantastic Deserts as I had been told by friends who had cruised before to expect. Our Waiter however, Nelson, was
always willing to replace any item that we didn't find to our liking. I wouldn't say that the food was bad, it just wasn't the
caliber that we had been told to expect. We explained this to our head waiter on the last night of the cruise, he told us he
wished we had told him earlier in the cruise and he would have been happy to send anything back to the kitchen that we
didn't like. I explained to him that I really appreciated this but that I thought he would have been sending food back all
evening since I didn't think this ship had the capability to deliver the caliber of food that other ships could. Anyway, sufice to
say that the food was acceptable, but not spectacular or lavish.

The Viking Serenade is an old ship that was not originally built to be a Cruise Ship. This however shouldn't have any bearing
on the appearance of the ship. The fine details of cleaning are missed on this ship. The brass and glass items on the ship
in the public areas, elevators and stair cases could have been cleaner and polished. The restrooms in the public areas were
barely clean, and several times I went to use one of them and found that there was no toilet paper available in many of the
stalls. The flags flown on the ship, that I assume represent the respective countries of the crew members, were tattered and
worn and it would have been a disgrace to display an American flag in this sort of condition. The crew members were
practically invisible on the various outdoor decks of the ships. Left over food and empty glasses sat for literally hours before
anyone came to pick them up and take them away. I felt that this was the one area where the crew could definately have
been more efficient.

As for the food outside of the dining rooms, the food at the Windjammer Cafe was no better than food found in a cafeteria. I
guess hence, the word cafe. Anyway, our first encounter at the Cafe came with the lunch buffet served the day we boarded
the ship. Very Boring!! There were maybe, 4 entrees, 4 cold salads, and for desert, cookies and jello! Not impressive!! We
ate in the Windjammer for breakfast one morning and the french toast was so tough, you had to cut it with a knife. The best
item I found at breakfast that morning was the oatmeal. One day, for lunch the Windjammer was serving hamburgers.
Hamburgers! I can get a hamburger anytime at McDonald's, Who wants to pay the price of a cruise to be pampered and be
served hamburgers? I was really diappointed in the food here, not much selection and poor quality to boot! Not to mention
that there is literally no table service at the Windjammer, serve yourself, everything! Also, I had heard that there is always
food avaiable 24 hours a day on a cruise ship. Well, maybe on other ships, but on ours the only food available 24 hours a
day was a very limited room service menu.

The entertainment in the lounges at night was one of the highlights of the cruise for us. The comedians and other acts were
really funny and very entertaining. In fact, we found ourselves wishing that these programs would run for a longer period of
time. The service in the lounges and was very good. There were lots of activities for the guests to participate in on the ship,
so if you wanted to do more than just laze around and relax, there was always something to do.

I would recommend a cruise to anyone for a great relaxing vacation getaway. But I would caution that you need to do
research beforehand and find out the particulars offered on each ship by each cruiseline. I wished I had! This particular
cruise through Royal Caribbean must be the economy class. Fortunately, we have heard from many friends and family
members that this is not the norm for most cruises, and we will probably spend the money to go on a longer cruise next
year on a larger ship and probably on another cruiseline.

Name: Tony Diaz
Email: tdiaz339@hotmail.com
Age: 24
Occupation: Student
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-VikingSerenade
SailingDate: June 18, 1999
Itinerary: 3-day Ensenada
FoodDiningRoom: 60
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 60
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 50
FoodLidoDeck: 60
DiningRoomService: 80
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 50
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 60
LoungeService:
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 70
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 20
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 60
CruiseActivities: 60
Casino: 40
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 60
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 40
Stabilization: 60
ShopsOnBoard: 60
SpaceRatio: 40
OverallCruiseValue: 65
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 09 Jul 1999
Time: 19:36:50
Remote Name: ci.arcadia.ca.us
Remote User:

Comments

I am writing about the three-day cruise to Ensenada, Mexico, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Viking Serenade departing Friday
June 18, 1999. This was my second cruise, the first being also three-day to Ensenada, but on Carnival’s Holiday, back in
June 1998. (If you’d like, see that review: Tony Diaz, 6-12-98). We boarded around 4:15 pm, went very quickly. However, I
still don’t understand why the tickets say boarding starts at 2 pm, when I found out later that you can board around 12 pm.
This also happened with the Holiday, ignore your tickets, you can board around 12 pm if you wish. Anyway, right away we
went up to our cabin, located on Club Deck. As usual, the elevators are slow and packed, one is out of order, so we opt to
walk the stairs, with one piece of luggage each. It was quite a difficult walk, made me work up a sweat, let alone that it
seems there was no a/c running. It seems this happened also on the Holiday; both ships feel warm once you board.

Anyway, back to our cabin, the first thing I discovered was how small the cabin is. The ones on Carnival are much bigger.
After we unpack, we explore the ship. The Viking Serenade is a rather small ship. We go the top, and look down. What an
impressive sight, to stand so many stories above the ground, and see all around. This is one of the neatest things of ships
and cruising, going to the top deck and seeing how high up you are, especially in port. Impressive, that these big ships can
float. Once you are out in the open sea, however, you cannot compare the height, as you have nothing to reference to. Now
comes the lifeboat drill, very well organized and informative. After that, we go back to our cabin to put the vest away, then I
go to the purser’s desk to sign up for the ‘charge card.’ Just made it, as they closed at 6pm, why they don’t stay open all
the time for this, I do not know. Anyway, as I am standing in line, I feel a slight vibration and realize we are moving. I wanted
to see us actually pull away from the pier, but missed it. It amazes me however that we pulled out at exactly the advertised
time of 6:00 pm.

The Holiday was supposed to leave at 5:30, but it is still docked. Slowly we pull away and eventually head
out past the breakwater. Right away, I can tell you this ship is moving a lot more than the Holiday was, lots of up and down
motion. It is now around 6:30, and are well past the breakwater. Looking back, I can see the Holiday’s smokestack,
apparently, it is still docked, well past an hour behind schedule. This happened to me last time, the Holiday departed quite
late, not good…………but I guess it’s not mandatory that it leave on time (unlike planes and trains, time is of essence for
them). We opted for the second dinner seating, sat with two other couples. Our waiter, Cecilio, was a very friendly Filipino
man. I can tell you already that the food was not that good, at least not as good as the Holiday. I opted for some Italian
pasta, very small serving. The bread rolls were quite hard and cold, I believe it could have been better. However, the
desserts were very good.

After dinner, we go out on deck, it is very cloudy and the clouds are very low, so low, that the
ship’s lights cast shadows on the clouds. Looking up, you could see the shadow from the smokestack, looked a little
spooky. Nothing but black out in the open sea, impressive. It is time to retire for the day, and as any night on a common
carrier, (train or ship) the first night is hard to sleep, I lied down around midnight, but did not fall asleep until 4 or so, and
having to wake up at 6:30, I slept very little. Surprisingly, I was not that tired in the morning or the rest of the day. We
headed to the Windjammer for buffet breakfast, again, food was quite small and cold. The croissants were cold, the
hotcakes (pancakes) fell apart. The sausages were quite greasy. The yogurts felt warm, despite them laying in ice, which
appeared to be melting. I had to eat plenty, as I was not sure at what time I would eat again.

We purchased the wine tour
that left at 9:30. This was really neat, the bus was actually air conditioned (to my surprise), and was a comfortable ride.
Very scenic up the coast, then turns inland and heads through a valley for the wineries. Quite a dramatic change from the
coast to the valley, even the weather. Cold and cloudy at first, then all of a sudden warm and clear. The highway was what I
call a ‘death highway,’ only one lane of travel for each direction with no shoulder with some up and downs with curves.
Several cars passed us as we were crawling up a grade around a curve, quite dangerous. Anyway, we turned down a dirt
road for a mile or two before we reached the winery, then the bus took us up a little narrow twisting incline to get a good
view of the valley. No way is this bus going to make it, but somehow it did. The tour was short but pretty neat, and since it
was quite warm, it felt so good to go inside one of the rooms where they store the wine, it was so cold, but with moisture. I
wanted to stay there all afternoon. We then sampled some wines and cheese with breads, I had plenty of that. Actually
was very good, I pigged out on the breads and cheese.

We left and arrived back in downtown Ensanada around 12:30 pm.
We were only given one hour of shopping, and had to be back on the bus at 1:30. Not enough time at all, at least two hours
should be provided. We arrived back to the ship around 2:00 pm, and had just enough time to take a look at the open house
of the bridge. We departed Ensanada at 4:00 pm. Tonight is formal night, but we didn’t bring any formal clothes, so opted
for the Windjammer. Food was not too good, the pizza seemed to be a cheap frozen kind, the kind you buy at a
supermarket, and not much everything else was better. The next day, Sunday, was at sea. I should say this was ‘stop at
sea’ day, as it appeared we stopped in front of Catalina Island for a few hours (9 am to 12 pm or so) then moved around it
and stopped in front of another island (I think it was San Clemente Island?) from around 4 pm to 6 pm. When I went on the
Holiday, the day at sea was really ‘at sea’, i.e., we were always moving, it seemed like we had really gone out to sea, as
there was not a single island or form of life in sight for the most of day. I think we should have really gone out to sea rather
than be around those islands. All too soon, our vacation is over.

We did not get off the ship until 10:45 am. All in all, here is
a brief summary: food was not that great: cold, small servings. Ship moved too much, lots of up and down motion. Rooms
were too small. There was not much entertainment. The Carnival Holiday is way better at all of these, even they gave you a
deck of cards and postcards of the ship, here on Royal Caribbean, none of that. I think in general that the Viking Serenade
is too old and too small, as it use to be a ferry. Rumors have it that it will be replaced by Monarch of the Seas (currently in
the Caribbean). If anyone knows any more about this, please let me know. If that is the case, I will go on it, as Monarch of
the Seas is a huge monster ship. I will try Royal Caribbean sometime again, but it better be better. For this three-day
cruise, I recommend Carnival’s Holiday instead.

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