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The Best Free Things To Do Onboard Serenade Of The Seas

An insider’s guide to the coolest included onboard activities

By Amanda Mesa | Published on January 25, 2024

Planning a great vacation while staying within budget doesn’t have to be stressful. All you have to do is look for a cruise ship that offers a solid list of fun free things to do and free places to eat, and you’re set! Now, there are plenty of options out there, but one of my favorites is definitely Serenade of the Seas. I prefer the low-key atmosphere of a mid-sized ship like Serenade to the nonstop action of a bigger cruise ship, so this Radiance Class ship hits the sweet spot for me. That said, despite its smaller size, it offers lots of great activities and restaurants at no additional cost. There’s a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, a mini golf course that offers some truly incredible views, multiple Broadway-style shows and enough nightlife to wear out even the hardiest partygoer. And because so many of the best things to do onboard are complimentary, this ship makes it easy to plan trips that feel like all-inclusive cruise vacations. Here are just some of the many free things to do onboard Serenade of the Seas.

1. Get In Hours Of Free Play On The Sports Court

One of my favorite things to do on any Royal Caribbean court is work in some time on the ship’s Sports Court (they all have one). Whether it’s shooting some hoops solo or organizing a volleyball or pickleball match with my friends and family, burning some calories in this sprawling space is a great way to fuel my competitive fire while staying on top of my fitness goals even during a vacation (it sure beats an hour on the treadmill). What’s more, access to the Sports Court onboard Serenade of the Seas is included in your cruise fare, as is equipment like basketballs, volleyballs and pickleball rackets. Simply show up and get your game on.

2. Become A Table Tennis Champion

Got speed and lightning-fast reflexes? Show off your skills in a nail-biting round of table tennis. Sometimes I like to just hang back and watch others go head to head instead — the table tennis zone onboard the cruise ship has hosted some seriously epic table tennis matches during my trips onboard, and watching two pros compete is simply awe-inspiring. Like the sports court, paddles and balls are complimentary for cruise guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. Pencil In Some Sun-Soaked Pool Time

If you’ve ready any of my other cruise guides, you know that the pool deck is my favorite place to be on a cruise getaway. In my book, it’s hands down one of the top free things to do on any cruise — and I’m partial to the pool deck onboard Serenade of the Seas. Head out in the early morning for your pick of chaise lounges and a tranquil, laidback vibe, but stay until the late afternoon for DJ-driven pool parties, bellyflop competitions, pop-up performances and other fun contests led by the cruise director.

4. Unwind With The Grown-Ups

If you’re traveling with other adults or just want a few hours away from the kids while they explore the ship’s many free things to do, head to the Solarium. This adults-only hideaway is home to a peaceful, lagoon-like pool and tension-taming whirlpools. It also offers plenty of comfy areas to unwind in the shade or the sunshine as you soak in dazzling views through the all-climate crystal canopy that surrounds the space. The Solarium open to guests aged 16 and older, so you can bring your older teens along if you like. Admission is also included in your cruise fare.

5. Sink A Put On The Fairways Of Serenade

My husband is a serious golfer, but even he can’t resist the call of a well-designed mini golf course. It’s the perfect way to practice your putting — and the course on Serenade of the Seas offers nine fun-filled holes complete with challenging obstacles, varying pitch and unexpected hazards. It’s also located on the cruise ship’s uppermost deck, yielding gorgeous views of the ocean or surrounding sights. Access to Fairways of Serenade — and balls and putters — is complimentary for cruise guests, and you don’t need to reserve a time slot.

6. Scale The Rock-Climbing Wall

I’m terrified of heights, but that hasn’t stopped me from scaling the rock-climbing wall onboard Serenade of the Seas. I feel super secure once the pros onboard harness me up. From there on out, it’s all about deciding my next move as I scramble my way up all 40 towering feet of this challenging beast. The reward at the end is well worth the effort — incredible views of the jewel-bright ocean and any landmasses we happen to be cruising by at the moment. Guests can access the rock-climbing wall for free whenever they like during a sailing, though I recommend hitting it around sunset for the prettiest light.

7. Refuel With Delicious Free Dining

One of the reasons why trips onboard Serenade of the Seas are pretty close to all-inclusive family cruises is that there’s plenty of free dining onboard. The specialty restaurants are great, don’t get me wrong — but you don’t have to purchase a Specialty Dining package to enjoy a wide range of delicious dining at no additional cost. There’s Windjammer, a buffet-style eatery that serves an incredible breakfast, lunch and dinner complete with rotating stations of international fare. There’s also Park Café, a casual deli-style spot that specializes in comforting soups, yummy sandwiches, made-to-order salads and decadent pastries. And there’s the main dining room, the ship’s most iconic restaurant that delivers complimentary formal dining every night of your sailing.

8. Discover Your New Favorite Wine

Whether you’re an amateur or a seasoned wine connoisseur, you should definitely consider checking out one of the ship’s free wine tastings. Check your Cruise Compass for a rundown of when and where these will take place during your sailing. Typically, the wine tastings onboard spotlight unique vintages from little-known or small providers, meaning you’re bound to try something you’ve never heard of before. Some of the wines showcased can only be purchased onboard, making them great gifts for someone special back home.

9. Catch A Musical During Your Getaway

Every Royal Caribbean ship offers showstopping original productions, but the two musicals onboard Serenade of the Seas are among my favorites. There’s Vibeology, a dazzling piece that celebrates legends in music (think Elvis, Sting, Cher and the Beatles, to name a few). And there’s Stage to Screen, a Broadway-worthy production that highlights musicals that have been adapted to films. Both shows are included in your cruise fare — just make sure you reserve your seats at the Box Office or via the Cruise Planner app if you have a group and want to be seated together.

10. Snuggle Up For A Movie Night Under The Stars

The pool deck transforms into a giant outdoor movie theater once the sun goes down and the stars twinkle to life. One of my favorite free things to do during a cruise is grab a beach towel or blanket, claim a lounge chair and try not to doze off as the film flickers across the giant project screen by the pool. My husband is usually out like a light within the first 20 minutes of the film, thanks to the gentle rocking of the ship and the feather-light touch of the sea breezes. I follow closely behind. It’s definitely some of the best-quality napping I’ve ever had.

There are plenty more free things to do onboard Serenade of the Seas — these are just some of my top picks. See what else the ship has to offer, or discover the perfect itinerary for your next budget-friendly escape.

Disclaimer: Complimentary activities are subject to change and may vary by market and sailing.