ROYAL Caribbean International’s newly revitalised Serenade of the Seas recently anchored in Dubai, her new winter home.
Serenade of the Seas will be home ported in Dubai until mid-April, giving cruise enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the region on seven-night round-trip sailings stopping in Fujairah, Muscat and Abu Dhabi. Her visit follows three successful Middle East seasons by sister ship Brilliance of the Seas.
Lakshmi Durai, executive director Middle East, said guests would enjoy the exciting range of amenities and facilities on board the newly revitalised ship. “Today’s cruise ships are like floating resorts with all of the choices you would expect of a fine resort, but better because they take you to new destinations as well.
“Over seven days and nights, guests will marvel at the spectacular scenery on show in this part of the world and while the ship is in port, they can explore the charismatic towns and cities and learn more about the fascinating culture of the UAE and Oman.”
Royal Caribbean’s pre- and post-cruise packages and shore excursion programmes include desert driving, visits to mosques and local villages, and journeys to the mountains and wadis. Cruise guests can experience Dubai’s exciting tourism offerings, which includes famous shopping malls such as The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
Built at Meyer Werft yard in Papenburg, Germany. and registered in Nassau, Bahamas, Serenade of the Seas can carry 3,360 guests on double occupancy. She has 1,073 staterooms, 12 passenger decks and weighs 90,090 tons. All staterooms have Royal king-sized beds with a private bath and vanity area.
Helen Beck, regional director, said the Radiance-class ship had recently undergone a $29 million revitalisation at the Navantia Ship Yard in Cadiz, Spain, and now offers a host of new dining concepts, entertaining options and technological advancements.
“Serenade of the Seas is the eighth Royal Caribbean International ship to be revitalised. Announced in 2011, the $300 million revitalisation programme will make every ship our best ship. Each revitalisation takes around one month and includes adding new dining venues, more balcony staterooms, entertainment options such as an outdoor movie screen, technology enhancements and more,” Beck said.
After her revitalisation, Serenade of the Seas now has almost double the dining options, including five of Royal Caribbean’s most acclaimed signature dining concepts. Guests can choose from Giovanni’s Table, a trattoria featuring Italian classics served family style; Izumi Asian Cuisine, an authentic pan-Asian restaurant with a sushi bar and hot-rock cooking. Guests can also enjoy an indoor/outdoor gourmet market at Park Café, which serves made-to-order salads and sandwiches including the signature Kummelveck beef sandwich. Rita’s Cantina, a casual yet vibrant restaurant, offers Mexican appetisers. For a high-end experience, The Chef’s Table offers exclusive, private five-course dinners with wine pairings co-hosted by the executive chef and sommelier.
Serenade of the Seas offers a multitude of entertainment experiences, particularly for those seeking an adrenaline rush. The five-storey Centrum offers as daytime activities, dazzling night-time entertainment and a new high-flying show in which aerialists glide through the atrium.
Guests can post their experiences on Facebook and Twitter at any time with wi-fi availability throughout the ship and a host of technology enhancements such as flat-panel televisions in all staterooms, an outdoor LED movie screen on the pool deck and a digital way-finding system.
After her Dubai sojourn, Serenade of the Seas will return to Barcelona for 12-night sailings visiting Venice and Greece. In November 2013, she will return to North America and sail seasonally from New Orleans offering seven- and nine-night Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.