Serenade of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Just returned from an 11 day fly cruise up the the North Cape and Fjords. The destination and Itinerary was fabulous and the reason for picking this cruise especially during early June which gave a truly land of. The midnight sun experience. Its a while since we cruised with RCI having previously sailed on the sister vessel Jewel of The Seas and the larger Independence. The ship itself is a fine sea vessel withn Yacht like lines and well thought out although it is in need of a refit in certain areas with carpets and furnishings beginning to show signs of wear. First the good points Topi the Finnish Cruise Director was perhaps the best of all we have encontered in twenty or so full cruise holidays with his unique styles and genuine involvement. If you like a ship with a covered Pool this is a big plus feature if the ship although don't expect the solarium area to have readily available loungers at busy times. RCI is losing its way in my opinion with its central atrium 70s night, as an example featuring on all three cruises we have taken with the line over the last 10'years and needs variation. Yes they have a modern innovative fleet the Serenade is not one of the latest megaships but I suspect the rip off hard sell is common accross the fleet. When I go on a cruise holiday I do not expect to be accosted to buy something wherever I move aboard the ship. The Shuttle bus transfers were poorly organised as was our shore excusion to the North Cape where coach boarding can only be described as disorganised chaos. The dining experince in the buffet restaurant at breakfast and lunch time was poor with very average service and lack of seating. There was little in the way of healthy food options offered on say P&O or Cunard . Food was also cleared away half an hour prior to published opening times and on occasion sweet trays removed before our very eyes as we walked up for deserts. Even in the main dining room where our table staff were attentive things like tea or coffee spoons did not exist which is poor. Whilst I liked the ship and the destination and must give credit to our cabin maid who really made an effort I will think long and hard before choosing RCI for a future cruise as poor customer service and a rip off attitude is not why I go cruising.