As part of Royal Caribbean International’s extensive ship investment programme – which will see US$300 million spent on enhancing the facilities and guest experiences onboard ships across the fleet – Serenade of the Seas is the next ship scheduled for a refurbishment this November.
More speciality restaurants, new bars, a new baby and toddler nursery, flat-screen TVs in every room, plus a giant outdoor cinema screen are a few of the new features awaiting guests on Serenade of the Seas when she emerges from dry dock at the end of November.
Serenade of the Seas will be refurbished during dry dock in Cadiz, Spain, and will then sail from Barcelona, Spain, on an 11-night Western Mediterranean cruise departing 3rd December 2012. The ship will remain sailing from Barcelona throughout December, with a number of itineraries including a Christmas and New Year cruise departing Barcelona on Christmas Eve.
On 14th January 2013 Serenade of the Seas will head to Dubai, where the newly refurbished ship will offer a series of seven-night cruises calling at Fujairah, UAE; Muscat, Oman; Abu Dhabi, UAE and back to Dubai, where the ship offers an overnight stay in the Emirates. Guests sailing on this itinerary will also have the opportunity to join a four-night Arabian land tour.
Highlights on board Serenade of the Seas following her revitalisation will include:
- Outdoor movie screen
- New R Bar – an overhaul of the existing Champagne Bar featuring a retro 1960s vibe, complete with signature cocktails and trained mixologists
- Chef’s Table dining option – an exclusive and private experience co-hosted by the executive Chef and Sommelier for a wine pairing dinner of five courses
- Giovanni’s Table speciality Italian restaurant
- Izumi speciality sushi restaurant
- Rita’s Cantina speciality vibrant Mexican restaurant
- New Vintages wine bar
- Flat screen interactive TVs in all stateroom accommodation
- Wi-fi throughout the ship
- Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty programme members
- Various enhancements to the pool deck
Speciality Dining Packages
In addition to the increased dining experiences on offer, Serenade of the Seas will debut a series of Speciality Dining Packages. Guests will have the option of choosing the Royal Choice Dining Package, which includes dinner at Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi for $55 per guest, or the Chef’s Table Dining Package for $130 per guest, which includes all of the speciality restaurants as well as the Chef’s Table.
Serenade of the Seas will also offer additional dining deals at Giovanni’s Table. Groups of four or more can take advantage of the Celebration Dining Deal, which is valid for the first two nights of each sailing and allows groups of four or more to enjoy a meal plus a $30 beverage credit at a cost of $20 per person. Groups of eight or more can opt for the Set Sail Dining Deal, which includes dinner on the first night of their cruise for $14 per guest.
RCI is also expanding its partnership with wine producer Domaines Barons de Rothschild by offering the exclusive Lafite Wine Tasting Experience onboard. Available for $23 to $25 per person, depending on ship and itinerary, the experience, which was first introduced onboard Allure of the Seas, offers guests a unique tasting showcasing the renowned vintages from France’s Bordeaux region.
Developed in conjunction with Château Lafite Rothschild, the premier estate under the Rothschild name, and Master Sommelier John Blazon, the Lafite Wine Experience aims to expand guests’ understanding of growing regions within Bordeaux. An RCI cellar master leads the tasting, sharing details about the wines and the winemakers and the history and suggestions for food pairings. A souvenir packet allows guests to take a piece of the experience home with winemakers’ notes, recipes and more.
The Lafite Wine Tasting Experience is now available for pre-booking on select ships, including Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas.
