Radiance class · Royal Caribbean · In service since 2003

Serenade of the Seas

Serenade of the Seas is a Radiance class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean, in service since 2003. At about 90,090 gross tons, it carries roughly 2,500 guests and ranks #25 by size in the 30-ship Royal Caribbean fleet we cover.

90,090 gross tons
2,500 guests
962 ft long

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Cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
Ship class: Radiance class
Entered service: 2003 (23 years ago)
Gross tonnage: 90,090
Guests: 2,500
Length: 962 ft (293.2 m)
Speed: 25 knots
Builder: Meyer Werft
Flag: The Bahamas
IMO number: 9228344

About Serenade of the Seas

Serenade of the Seas, the third Radiance-class ship from 2003, became famous for hosting Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise, a nine-month trip around the globe that ran from late 2023 into 2024. That kind of itinerary suits the ship: it is mid-size, glass-heavy and comfortable on long passages, with plenty of windows for sea days. The Solarium pool has a retractable roof, and the Centrum atrium is the social heart of the ship. Don’t expect waterslides or headline thrills; Serenade is about the destinations and a relaxed onboard pace.

Best for: Travelers who prioritize destinations and long, port-rich itineraries over big onboard attractions.

Serenade of the Seas highlights

Host ship of Royal Caribbean’s nine-month Ultimate World Cruise
Solarium pool under a retractable glass roof
Centrum atrium with sea-facing glass elevators
Rock-climbing wall and mini-golf
Viking Crown Lounge overlooking the bow

How Serenade of the Seas compares in size

Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.

Radiance class sister ships

Sailing with Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is the big-ship, high-activity line: surf simulators, water slides, ice rinks and Broadway shows on some of the largest cruise ships ever built. It suits families, groups and active couples who want a floating resort and a private-island beach day, and it’s less suited to anyone who wants quiet, small ships or an all-inclusive fare.

Read our full Royal Caribbean guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →

Where Royal Caribbean sails

Serenade of the Seas FAQs

How big is Serenade of the Seas?

Serenade of the Seas measures about 90,090 gross tons and is about 962 feet (293 m) long. That makes it #25 of 30 Royal Caribbean ships we cover by tonnage, and #148 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.

How many passengers does Serenade of the Seas carry?

About 2,500 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.

When was Serenade of the Seas built?

Serenade of the Seas entered service in 2003 and was built by Meyer Werft. Older ships are often refurbished, so ask about recent upgrades when you compare sailings.

What class of ship is Serenade of the Seas?

Serenade of the Seas belongs to Royal Caribbean's Radiance class, alongside Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.

Is Serenade of the Seas good for families?

Kids are a core audience. Adventure Ocean runs supervised, age-grouped programs for children 3 to 12 (with group babysitting late in the evening for a fee), and teen clubs give 12- to 17-year-olds their own lounge and activities. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Serenade of the Seas offers for your kids' ages.

Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.

Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Royal Caribbean official site.