Carnival Serenity Deck: Adults-Only Retreat at Sea

Away from children, music, and casinos is the Serenity Deck, an adults-only sun deck meant for chill, calm, and an occasional respite.

What Is the Serenity Deck?

Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

The Serenity Deck is an adults-only sun deck found on every Carnival ship. Basically, it's a calm outdoor retreat where adults aged 21 and above can chill, read a book, tan, or enjoy a quiet drink with practically none of those rowdy little cruisers in view.

Accessibility and Amenities

Situated on the outer decks of Carnival ships, the Serenity Deck may be reached via elevators that are not the main ones, so guests are advised to seek the next-to-wheelchair elevator with crew assistance.

Every Serenity Deck houses a bar from where one can get some cocktails or beer buckets, with signature drinks and sangria being available: by glass or by pitcher. It's a buy-whenever-you-want atmosphere at Serenity, so drinks are not free; hence, guests may be better off opting to order a la carte or go with a drinks package if they foresee constant sipping.

Complimentary Yet Subject to Availability

Being a free amenity for all qualifying cruisers, the Serenity Deck is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It is often fully occupied during peak periods, especially sea days, where arriving sooner rather than later works in one's favor.

One-of-a-Kind Insights and Practical Tips

• Free Access: Unlike paid retreats on some cruise lines, Carnival's Serenity Deck is free—though limited in use by deck capacity.
• Strict Adults-Only Policy: Those who are not 21 years or older are not permitted to enter. Moreover, on ships sailing international routes, those aged 18-20 are treated as minors and denied access.
• Fleet-Wide Feature: Adding Serenity to Carnival Inspiration was the first step in making this feature a company-wide standard; that is, it is fitted on all ships built from that point onward.
• Multi-Level Layouts on Some Ships: Larger areas of Serenity are found on Carnival Dream, Carnival Sunrise, and Carnival Radiance, the largest of the three being on Carnival Sunshine with its three-level spread. On the other hand, the Serenity locations at the front on certain ships may be subject to wind.
• Aft Serenity Perks: Serenity decks on Carnival Legend, Miracle, Paradise, Pride, Spirit, and Splendor are placed aft (at the rear), offering a more quaint environment sheltered from wind and noise, often with generational wake views.
• No Official Hours, But Rhythm to Follow: There really aren't designated opening and closing times—though usually the bar and the whirlpools close around 10 pm and reopen at 8 am. It gets busier at sunrise, while mid-afternoon tends to be more sluggish.
• No Reserves Allowed: Towels shouldn't be left to "reserve" loungers or daybeds. Usually after 40 minutes, if they stand empty, crew members clear the spot. Please let the crew know if you notice any abandoned personal items.
• Whirlpools Are the Norm; Pools Are Rare: Most Serenity Decks have a hot tub or two. Pools are on selected ships, i.e., Carnival Celebration, Jubilee, Legend, Miracle, Pride, Spirit, Splendor, Sunshine, and Mardi Gras.
• The Serenity Bar Awaits: Instead of trekking back down to the main deck, enjoy signature cocktails, sangrias, wines, and beers in the midst of serenity.
• Some Decks Have a Flower-Fresh Salad Bar: The "Fresh Creations" salad bar finds itself on Carnival Celebration, Jubilee, Horizon, Panorama, Vista, and Mardi Gras. Occasionally, guests get boxed buffet items too although not quite often.
• Towel Service: There is nobody who could claim the need to bring a towel before lunch service starts. Towels are distributed and collected by an attendant.
• Clad in Clothes: In spite of the adults-only status, the Serenity Deck is not clothing-optional. The guest must be covered, although topless sunbathing may be common on European cruises. It is still a staff discretion.

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Conclusion

Carnival’s Serenity Deck is a hideaway for adults who crave a little solitude while the cruise is full of life. With its layout changes, complimentary access, attentive services, and serene ambiance, it stands as a strong foundation for partying Carnival style.

• Get there early. You don't want to miss a spot to lie on.
• Respect the adults-only and dress code policies.
• Ask the staff if you see towels reserved or/or need help with accessibility.
• Check out all the different configurations, whether aft, multi-level, or pool-equipped Serenity areas fit your vibe.
• Have your drinks and light snacks handy think bar cocktails and fresh salads.