Serenade of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

We have just had the most amazing time on Serenade of The Seas. This was our first cruise and we really did not know what to expect, but we have now caught the bug and will definitely be cruising again.  The staff were exceptional, they cannot do enough for you. We ate in the main dining room every evening, as we did not feel the need to try anywhere else as the food was so good (contrary to some reviews I have read!). Our waiter Alrick was most attentive and every evening he would give us information on the port we were visiting the next day, offering hints and tips on the best way to get around the island, etc.  We drank in The Schooner Bar most evenings as we found this really relaxing and we were pleasantly surprised by the price of drinks on the ship - about the same (if not cheaper) than we would pay in the UK. We saw 3 shows - 2 by the Royal Caribbean singers and dancers, which were very good and we saw a Temptations Tribute act who were fantastic. We didn't bother seeing the comedians, as this didn't really interest us.  We didn't pre-book any trips because there was nothing that we really wanted to do, so we just got off the boat and did an island highlights tour with one of the many people who are waiting when you get off the boat. We always went in one of the little mini-buses and for about $20 each you get a 2 to 3 hour trip, showing you the main points of interest, stopping for photos etc. I would definitely recommend doing this, as it is far cheaper than booking it through the ship.  One thing I would recommend is that in your hand luggage you pack your swimming gear/sun lotion, as it can be quite late by the time you get your main suitcases delivered, and this means that you can take advantage of the sun/pool in the meantime. Also, I would pack something to wear that evening, as we didn't get our luggage until about 7.45pm and we had to be at the muster point safety meeting at 8.00pm and dinner at 8.30 - so it was a bit of a rush.  All in all we had a fantastic time and would definitely cruise with Royal Caribbean again.