Comments Please: Activities at Serenity Bay

[inkkognito]

As I mentioned in my post when we returned home, I am curious to get some opinions on whether or not there should be activities (watercraft rentals and banana boat rides) at Serenity Bay (the adult beach). I don't know when it started, as we did not disembark in Feb., but on this trip they had a rental stand set up, with a water trike, kayak, sailboat, and banana boat. There didn't seem to be many people taking advantage of it, but the weather was iffy so maybe it's more popular when the sun is shining.
My opinion is divided on this...I might like to rent a kayak there, so it would be convenient (a lot of times we stay too long and run out of time to rent watercraft on the way back to the ship). But the water tends to be shallow there, and the roped off area is in the center, chopping off a good portion of the better swimming area and making it hard to get to the plane wreckage (a nice place to snorkel). Also, I don't know how well the motor boat will fit in with the "Serenity" (it was hard to judge, since only one group of people went out while we were there).
So what do you all think? Is it good to bring activities to the other side of the island, or should Serenity Bay remain quiet, with nothing but beach and water? Pros and cons? (I liked it when they started serving lunch and located a small merchandise cart down there, but neither of those are on the beach).
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[disboo]

I would not like any powered activities because of the noise. Kayaking would not bother me at all, but one of the joys of the adult beach is the total PEACEFULNESS. There are not many places in my life where I don't hear motors running. I say keep it serene!

 

[Michelle]

First of all, welcome back!

You know, the times I've been at Serenity Bay it really HAS been serene...very quiet. I could see them adding kayaks or other non-motorized activities there, but the banana boat ride would be an issue. Even at the family beach they don't do that nearby. Unless there is a way to put it far enough away from the beach so that noise is NOT an issue I would hope they would end that.

The non-motorized stuff is fine, though, it's quiet.

 

[justmestace]

I think that the "quieter" activities would perhaps be a nice idea, but if they want it to remain "Serenity" Bay, then they shouldn't have the Banana Boats there...as much as I love them! The whole idea is for adults to get away from the hectic pace and relax.

 

[Jeanny]

My first cruise will be in January, so I've never been to Serenity Bay, but I would think that just by the name, it should be just that = serene. If I want loud and a lot of activity, noise, people, etc. I'd go to the family beach... but by reading these boards, I thought that Serenity Bay would be and should be peaceful and quiet.

Just my opinion
Jeanny

 

[PammyK]

Went to Serenity Bay during my February cruise and thought it was kind of weird the way the beach was chopped up into sections. I didn't realize that this was a new change as I did not visit Serenity Bay in June. I thought the banana boat was a bit incongruous with the feel of the beach but kayaks don't bother me since they are not as intrusive as a motorized vessel.

 

[CRB#33]

Can you imagine being all excited about your outdoor Serenity Bay couples masssage and hearing the roar of jet skis?????

Yuck.

Kayaking would be lovely, but I don't know what to do about the issue of the snorkeling.

 

[MdmMim]

Another vote here for keeping the bay serene. Kayaks would be OK, but nothing that generates noise.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Add me to the list of keeping the adult beach serene. No motorized boats, banana boats, etc. !

 

[ducklite]

Another vote for no motorized craft. Kayaks, OK. ANything else, no way.

Anne

 

[perdidobay]

I also did not like the banana boats being in the middle of the water. If you have to have them there, move it over to the left of the beach in front of the bar....
the foot traffic and noise at the "booth" was bad enough if you were near it...

 

[plutojudy]

KEEP SERENITY BEACH SERENE!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES!!!!!!!
I cannot imagine listening to motors where it is supposed to be quiet and relaxing.
Last December I won a trip to Miami Beach. We did not spend any time on the beach because there were jet ski rentals and they
were very noisy. Also the area smelled from fuel and had fuel floating on the ocean.

I would like to see the characters (for a short time) come down for some photo ops.

 

[plutojudy]

Maybe we will just get off the ship to shop and eat, otherwise stay onboard and spend a quiet day at the pool.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Serenity Bay should stay true to its name.....Serene! I vote for no motorized water 'vehicles'. I like the quiet of the area.

 

[inkkognito]

Thanks for the comments, everyone!
I thought maybe I was just getting old and cranky (almost 40, you know!), but now I feel better that I'm not the only one. If the weather is nicer for our April cruise, it will be interesting to see how the rentals affect the "serenity" if there are a lot of people doing them.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Moosysmom]

Just got back from the Eastern on the 15th, and definitely no watercraft. 2 castmember's had their jet ski there but only to let people know they were too far out. It would not be relaxing with noise.

 

[aalan]

why does disney feel it has to squeeze an extra buck out of everything? i say NO MOTORS! go to the family beach for that stuff.

 

[cruzindon]

No, Barb you are not getting too old, Serenity Bay should live up to its name and remain quiet.

The family beach has plenty of motorized and non motorized activities for all. Serenity Bay should remain as it has since the beginning, a little quiet place for adults to relax and be served drinks in the water.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Now, if they could only get rid of the gnats/sand flies that keep it from being a Serenity Utopia for us!