New’ Serenade of the Seas emerges from drydock

Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas has reemerged from a three-week US$29 million drydock at Navantia Ship Yard in Cadiz, Spain, with a host of new dining concepts, entertainment options and technology advancements originally introduced to industry-wide acclaim aboard Oasis-class ships. Serenade of the Seas, a Radiance-class ship, is the eighth ship overall to undergo revitalization since the line announced an extensive revitalization program in 2011, which will leave no ship untouched. Serenade of the Seas emerges from drydock with nearly double the dining options with the addition of five of the brand’s most highly acclaimed signature dining concepts, including Giovanni’s Table, Izumi Asian Cuisine, Park Café, Rita’s Cantina, and Chef’s Table. Guests interested in sampling these new venues will have the opportunity to choose from one of the new dining packages recently introduced. These include 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 specialty restaurants as well as the Chef’s Table. These packages can be purchased pre-cruise online at www.RoyalCaribbean.com or onboard. As part of Serenade’s revitalization, the Centrum – which is the focal point of the ship – was transformed into a new space featuring the new Centrum experience, which includes the addition of the 60’s-inspired R Bar as well as a multitude of entertainment experiences in the five-storey Centrum to include enriching daytime activities, nighttime entertainment and a new high-flying entertainment experience where aerialists glide through the atrium. In addition, the ship also features a new Concierge Club for suite guests, a Diamond Club for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members, the Crown and Castle Pub and the popular Royal Babies and Tots Nursery giving parents more opportunities to enjoy the ship’s highlights with peace of mind that their babies are being tended to by qualified care givers. Guests also will find that staying connected at sea will be easier with Wi-Fi availability throughout the ship and enjoy a host of technology enhancements that include flat-panel televisions in all staterooms, an outdoor LED movie screen on the pool deck, as well as a digital way-finding system. (http://www.cruisingpower.com)