Serenade of the Seas emerges as the superior choice between these Royal Caribbean vessels, being newer (2003 vs 1997) with higher gross tonnage providing more space per passenger despite similar capacity. The Radiance Class ship features modern glass-heavy design with a 10-story atrium, 70% of activities included in fare, and state-of-the-art facilities including an advanced medical center. Its bright, spacious atmosphere combined with comprehensive amenities like retractable pool roofs and Broadway-style shows delivers better overall value. The ship particularly excels for families and adventure seekers wanting inclusive activities without additional spending.
Enchantment of the Seas offers a more intimate Vision Class experience but shows its age with dated décor and fewer included activities (67% vs 70%). While featuring solid amenities like rock climbing walls and bungee trampolines, passengers often face higher onboard spending due to fewer fare-inclusive options. The older ship provides familiar Royal Caribbean staples but lacks the modern polish and spaciousness of its newer counterpart. Choose Enchantment only if you prefer smaller, more traditional cruise atmospheres and don't mind potentially outdated facilities.
Specialty Dining Options
Enchantment of the Seas
Serenade of the Seas
Complimentary Dining Options
Enchantment of the Seas
Serenade of the Seas
Amenities
Enchantment of the Seas
Serenade of the Seas
Frequenty Asked Questions
Which ship is newer and what class are they?
The Serenade of the Seas takes the lead here, having launched in 2003 as part of Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class. The Enchantment of the Seas is older, built in 1997 as a Vision Class vessel. That six-year gap makes a noticeable difference when you step aboard.
The Radiance Class brought significant improvements in design philosophy. You'll notice Serenade's signature glass-heavy architecture and that stunning 10-story atrium that floods the ship with natural light. Enchantment, while charming in its own right, reflects the design trends of the late '90s with a more traditional cruise ship layout.
How do the ships compare in size and capacity?
Here's where things get interesting. Enchantment of the Seas is actually longer at 989 feet compared to Serenade's 965 feet. However, Serenade of the Seas has the advantage in gross tonnage at 33,500 GT versus Enchantment's 30,277 GT.
Both ships carry roughly the same number of passengers - around 2,250-2,252 guests at maximum capacity. The key difference lies in that space-per-passenger ratio. Serenade's higher gross tonnage means more breathing room, wider corridors, and generally less crowded public areas.
This translates to a more comfortable cruising experience on Serenade, especially during busy sea days when everyone's trying to enjoy the ship's amenities.
What activities and entertainment options do they offer?
Enchantment of the Seas Activities
- Rock climbing wall
- Bungee trampolines
- Interactive splash pool
- Adults-only Solarium
- Kids and teen programs
- Arcade and casino
- Multiple dining venues including Chops Grille
Serenade of the Seas Activities
- Multiple pools with retractable glass roofs
- Rock climbing walls
- Mini-golf course
- Broadway-style theater productions
- Adventure Ocean youth programs
- Full-service spa with Tahitian-inspired décor
- Comprehensive fitness center
- Various bars and lounges
The numbers tell part of the story: Serenade includes about 70% of activities in your cruise fare, while Enchantment covers around 67%. That might not sound like much, but it can add up when you're trying to stay within budget.
Which ship offers better dining options?
Both ships provide Royal Caribbean's signature dining variety, but they approach it differently. Enchantment features specialty restaurants like Chops Grille and Park Café, along with the standard main dining room and Windjammer buffet.
Serenade offers a more comprehensive dining experience with additional specialty options and generally fresher presentations. The newer galley designs and updated food service areas make a difference in both quality and variety.
The main dining rooms on both ships serve similar menus, but Serenade's more modern kitchen facilities often result in better food presentation and temperature control.
How do the cabin accommodations compare?
Cabin categories are similar across both ships, but Serenade's newer construction shows in the details. You'll find slightly more modern fixtures, better lighting, and improved storage solutions aboard Serenade.
Enchantment's cabins are perfectly functional, but some guests notice the wear and tear that comes with a ship that's been sailing for over 25 years. The bathrooms, in particular, show their age compared to Serenade's more contemporary designs.
Balcony cabins on Serenade offer better ocean views thanks to the ship's design, while Enchantment's exterior cabins can feel slightly more enclosed.
What about the overall atmosphere and design?
This is where the ships truly diverge. Serenade of the Seas embraces that bright, airy feeling with panoramic windows, glass elevators, and an open design concept. The 10-story atrium creates a genuine wow factor when you first board.
Enchantment of the Seas offers a more intimate, traditional cruise experience. Some passengers love this cozier atmosphere, while others find it feels dated. The décor reflects late '90s design trends, and some areas show signs of heavy use over the years.
Your preference here really depends on what kind of cruise experience you're seeking. Serenade feels more like a floating resort, while Enchantment maintains that classic cruise ship charm.
Which ship provides better value for money?
Serenade typically offers better overall value despite sometimes higher initial pricing. With more activities included in your fare and newer facilities, you're less likely to face surprise expenses.
Enchantment often attracts budget-conscious cruisers with lower base fares, but you might spend more once aboard since fewer activities come included. The older ship also means you're more likely to encounter maintenance issues or dated amenities.
Consider your cruise budget holistically - sometimes paying slightly more upfront for Serenade saves money in the long run.
What are the medical and safety facilities like?
Serenade of the Seas wins hands-down here with state-of-the-art medical facilities that include a helicopter landing pad for emergency evacuations. This advanced medical center provides peace of mind, especially for longer itineraries or older passengers.
Enchantment maintains standard cruise ship medical facilities that meet all safety requirements, but they lack the advanced capabilities found on Serenade.
Which ship should you choose?
Choose Serenade of the Seas if you want:
- Modern amenities and bright, spacious design
- More activities included in your fare
- Advanced medical facilities
- Better space-per-passenger ratio
- More contemporary dining and entertainment
Choose Enchantment of the Seas if you prefer:
- Lower initial cruise fares
- Intimate, traditional cruise atmosphere
- Classic ship charm
- Smaller crowd feeling despite similar capacity
Both ships deliver solid Royal Caribbean experiences, but Serenade's newer construction and thoughtful design improvements make it the stronger choice for most cruisers. However, if budget is your primary concern and you don't mind older amenities, Enchantment can still provide an enjoyable vacation at a lower price point.