Our family recently spent time over Thanksgiving on the Carnival Victory to celebrate my sister’s 40th birthday and my dad’s 65th birthday.
With a group of 10 of use with varying ages, we were all looking for something different to do on the ship.
One of the best amenities on the Carnival Cruise Line is their Serenity Adult Only area. (At this time the Serenity Retreat is available fleetwide, except for the Carnival Conquest and the Carnival Triumph.)
It is by far my favorite place on the ship.
While offerings vary from ship to ship, most feature plush lounging beds, oversized shade umbrellas, and pools and/or whirlpools.
When I was there it wasn’t too crowded but of course, that will vary with each cruise and on sea days it tends to be a lot more crowded.
The Serenity Retreat is open 24 hours a day during your cruise and I would often see folks there at night enjoying a quiet book read or a soak in the hot tub.
Although the area is accessible around the clock, the hot tub and bar hours are from 8 AM to 10 PM, but be sure to check once you’re onboard, as it can vary.
Carnival Serenity
My adult children are not yet 21 so they couldn’t enjoy the “serenity” of the lounge but it didn’t stop me from making my way up there for a little break from the busier areas of the ship. (Yes, I am a selfish parent!)
Serenity Deck seating on the Carnival Victory
Serenity Deck Seating
On each side of the lounge, there are covered areas to sit and chat with others (or by yourself) while still having views. I love the “bird nest” lounge chairs and would grab one of these when available.
The deck has a spa-like feel with black faux-wicker furniture with teal-colored cushions and sun-yellow shade umbrellas and guest towels.
Serenity showers on the Carnival Victory
Serenity Showers
Showers to appeal to everyone… notice the different shower head types! The showers above are on the Carnival Victory. Cruisers will be able to enjoy:
Hot Rain
Warm Carribean Waterfall
Warm Water Bucket
Oh I forgot what this one was!
Cold Rain
Large day beds on the Carnival Victory
Pick a side of the ship you want to be on and lounge on this lounge beds. There was one lady who made herself at home with towels, iPad, drinks, books, and more. She was there almost every day enjoying her serenity away from others.
Shaded deck chairs on the Carnival Victory
If the oversized lounge beds are not “your thing” then you may enjoy the area with regular sun-lounging chairs.
Adult only hot tub on the Serenity deck on the Carnival Victory
Serenity Hot Tubs
Two hot tubs for cruisers to enjoy with a lot of your friends. (Note – they are closed since the ship was in port.)
The water temperature for these hot tubs is truly hot as opposed to the ones that everyone uses. No small children means hotter water!
The hot tub hours are from 8 AM – 10 PM each are on your cruise.
Serenity Bar on the Carnival Victory
Serenity Bar
Thirsty? There is a bar to quench your thirst with juices, soda, adult beverages, and more. The bar hours are from 8 AM – 10 PM each are on your cruise.
If you are considering a Carnival Cruise and want to get away from the main crowd anytime during your cruise, consider heading up to the Serenity Retreat.
Pro Tip: If you are looking for “a little quiet,” go to the back of the Serenity area if your ship is configured where the chairs are near the water slides.
Carnival Serenity Photos
Smaller Carnival ships do not have the full-blown adults-only lounge and I was very disappointed when I made my way to the Carnival Serenity on Imagination looking for a cabana only to find a small area with lounge chairs.
The area on the smaller ships is adult only – 21 years old minimum, but the amenities are not as great as the longer cruises on the larger ships.
This didn’t stop my girlfriend of spending a few spare hours at the Serenity to enjoy some quiet reading time.
Carnival Serenity on Imagination
Carnival Serenity on Imagination
Carnival Serenity on Imagination
