Serenade Of The Seas Solarium Pool 05042022 145720 scaled

How To Plan The Best Family Cruises On Serenade Of The Seas

This Radiance Class ship sets the stage for unforgettable family cruises

By Amanda Mesa | Published on February 9, 2024

Planning family cruises is one of my favorite things to do. Most of today’s top cruise ships offer an endless list of activities and experiences for guests of all ages, which makes my job so much easier. But while there are plenty of great options out there to choose from, Serenade of the Seas by Royal Caribbean is without a doubt one of my favorite ships to sail on with my friends and family.

First of all, it’s slightly smaller than many of the newest ships out there — which I’m totally fine with. I love the more intimate vibe that comes with cruising onboard a mid-sized ship like Serenade. That said, there’s still plenty for grown-ups and little ones to do onboard. Think epic pickleball battles, fun-filled rounds of mini golf with captivating sea views, sun-kissed pool days and early-morning climbs on the rock wall. And those are just some of the many cruise activities for families onboard.

Whether you’re traveling with adult relatives, small children or the whole extended family, this Radiance Class cruise ship offers something for everyone, every day and night of your family cruise getaway. Here are just some of the many things to do onboard.

1. Get In The Game Courtside

Serenade of the Seas has a huge sports court where guests can shoot hoops, square off in a volleyball match or even face off in a competitive game of pickleball. Equipment is complimentary and available to you on a first-come, first-served basis, and even little ones can get in on the action. If you’re traveling with kiddos who have plenty of energy, this is a great place to let them burn some of it off while scoring bragging rights. What’s more, you don’t need a reservation to take advantage of this space — simply show up and get ready to play.

2. Hit The Rock-Climbing Wall

The ship’s rock-climbing wall is one of its best cruise attractions for kids. Adventure-seekers aged six and up can strap into a harness and scale the 40-foot wall, no reservation required. The reward for making it to the top is an incredible view of the surrounding sights and glittering ocean waves. One of the best things about this activity is that it’s completely free for cruise guests, and you can return as many times as you want during your family getaway.

3. Unwind Poolside With Your Loved Ones

My favorite activity on any cruise — especially family-friendly cruises — is to post up poolside while everyone else chases their own thrills onboard. My husband and I usually hold down a couple of chaise loungers while our parents hit the ship’s boutiques, then check out their finds when they inevitably tire out and make their way back to the pool deck. Onboard Serenade of the Seas, the pool area alternates between super chill and party central, depending on what time of day it is. In the early afternoons, it’s not unusual for the cruise director to host DJ-driven pool parties, belly flop competitions and dance-offs here. In the early mornings, it’s all about tranquility and relaxation.

4. Drop The Kids Off At Adventure Ocean

If you’re traveling with young children, you’ll be pleased to know Serenade of the Seas offers Royal Caribbean’s award-winning youth program, Adventure Ocean. It’s like a dialed-up version of daycare-meets-summer camp, with all kinds of unique, supervised activities for kids aged three through 11. Kids are grouped based on their age, too, to keep them engaged while meeting other like-minded adventurers. Adventure Ocean is also complimentary to cruise guests. Cruising with a baby? You’ll find childcare options for little ones aged six to 36 months, too. It’s called the Royal Babies & Tots program, and it’s available for an additional fee.

5. Let Teens Hang In Their Own Private Space

One of the best cruise activities for teens onboard Serenade of the Seas is to hit the teen disco. This posh, cool space regularly hosts events for teenaged cruisers, like casual mixers to silent dance parties. Admission is free for cruise guests — just tell the teens in your travel party to check the Cruise Compass regularly for daily programming during your cruise.

6. Level Up Family Dinners Onboard

One of the things I love most about Serenade of the Seas is its top-notch food scene. My parents are picky eaters, while my husband and I prefer to try new things every chance we get. This ship hits the sweet spot for both of us, offering a great blend of familiar favorites and exotic flavors from far-flung places. As far as specialty cruise dining options go, there’s Giovanni's℠ Table, where the menu spotlights authentic Italian eats ranging from perfectly cooked pasta to savory entrees. There’s also Chops Grille℠, the ship’s take on a classic steakhouse where prime cuts are hand-seasoned and sizzled to perfection. And at Izumi, I can always count on yummy sushi rolls, addictive izakaya-style apps and other tasty dishes from the Far East. Of course, the complimentary options onboard are also great. Families will love the casual, fuss-free Windjammer, which serves up finger foods and a rotating selection of international fare, buffet-style. And for elevated family dinners, it doesn’t get better than the elegant main dining room, where every meal is a memorable multi-course feast.

7. Fill Every Evening With Encore-Worthy Theatrics

Serenade of the Seas wins big in my book when it comes to family-friendly cruise entertainment. In addition to themed parties and pop-up performances throughout the ship, you can look forward to Broadway-style shows every night of your sailing. There are two big ones onboard. The first is Vibeology, a celebration of music and dance that reimagines hits by Elvis, the Beatles, Cher and many more legends. The other big show is Stage to Screen, an homage to iconic productions that have transitioned from Broadway stages to Hollywood studios. All the shows onboard Serenade of the Seas are free for cruise guests — just make sure you reserve your seats at the Box Office or via the Cruise Planner app to ensure your entire party gets seated together.

8. Snuggle Up For A Movie Night Poolside

My husband and I are more into low-key nights these days, which is why we love the outdoor movie nights onboard Serenade of the Seas. After our parents have gone to bed, we grab some towels (or a blanket, if we remembered to pack one) and head out the pool deck to see what’s playing on the big projector screen. There’s something so soothing about watching a classic film while the stars twinkle overhead, and the cool sea breezes tousle your hair. It’s hands-down my favorite way to end any night onboard.

These are just some of the many great activities that make Serenade of the Seas a top choice when planning family cruises. See what else this unique ship has to offer, or start planning your family-friendly cruise by choosing the perfect itinerary.