Serenity Bay Is Now Less Serene...

[Empress Room]

The point of my OP was not to discourage anyone to take a DCL cruise or otherwise forego the Serenity Bay experience. Having said that, however, this new policy - intrusive, loud lifeguards (in fact, any lifeguards), jet skis and a buoy system that has narrowed the swimmable area from 25 yards right of the Castaway Air Bar to an area measurably in front of the sand bar - has made the experience less magical. It's not a close call. Having been to Serenity Bay over 25 times over the years beginning in 1999, the changes are noticeable and take away from the experience.

Since the lifeguards stated that their new stations and these new rules only went into effect within the previous two weeks prior to our October 9 visit, I remain hopeful that these changes will be reviewed and perhaps tweaked as guest feedback is received.

Too much regulation really does curb the freedom adults enjoyed on this beach.

 

[hoffman1]

We were at SB two days ago and the water was a lot deeper than our last few visits during this time of year (Oct. 2014, Oct. 2013). The new buoys and lifeguard were in place and the jet skis were parked by Castaway Air Bar (but we never saw them used while we were there, 12PM-3:30PM). While we didn't see anyone try to venture out to the sandbar, it never appeared above the water line while we were there - again the water was quite deep. Other passengers were enjoying their usual swim-snorkel-float no different than our other 12 visits to SB and no comments from the 3 lifeguards that we heard while we were there. It was another fantastic day at SB!!

When we were there in Sept., I thought the water seemed deeper as well but I thought maybe I was crazy. We always cruise around mid-Sept.

 

[Ariel484]

We were at SB two days ago and the water was a lot deeper than our last few visits during this time of year (Oct. 2014, Oct. 2013). The new buoys and lifeguard were in place and the jet skis were parked by Castaway Air Bar (but we never saw them used while we were there, 12PM-3:30PM). While we didn't see anyone try to venture out to the sandbar, it never appeared above the water line while we were there - again the water was quite deep. Other passengers were enjoying their usual swim-snorkel-float no different than our other 12 visits to SB and no comments from the 3 lifeguards that we heard while we were there. It was another fantastic day at SB!!

I was there too! What I wouldn't give to be back there now...

iambasicalyanna, DO NOT LET THIS THREAD upset you. Just like with TA, take it with a grain of salt. Go with the attitude that you had when you first booked. Don't look for anything negative. That's when you will be disappointed. Serenity Bay will be fabulous and you will have a great time. We have yet to be let down with DCL. (well, other than the fiasco on the Dream MV and the merchandise, hahahaha)

**applause**

 

[Quellman]

I think the one of the nicests part of Serenity Bay is the relative shallowness of it all. You can lazily lounge walk out, to the sandbar if the tide is out, sit down and have a care free time. To those asking about the sandbar excursion, there is a thread somewhere with pictures of it. They do not go to the one off Serenity Beach. It is a different one. It also doesn't look like a fun time. You just go out to a sand bar and hang out. No chairs, shade, or any amenities. They give you an alcoholic drink on the way back. Thanks, for nothing interesting. If the area is getting too shallow then they ought to dredge up some of the sand, but I don't think that will happen any time too soon. I doubt the number of people looking for open water swimming is quite minor vs. the number of people who want to lounge.

 

[skylynx]

So if the bouys prevent you from going to the sandbar, do they also prohibit you from going to the mock "reef" where the airplane engine and the only real "reef" type environment with the bigger and more exotic looking fish at Serenity Bay are? Even at high tide this was only neck-deep water whenever we visited.

 

[Empress Room]

So if the bouys prevent you from going to the sandbar, do they also prohibit you from going to the mock "reef" where the airplane engine and the only real "reef" type environment with the bigger and more exotic looking fish at Serenity Bay are? Even at high tide this was only neck-deep water whenever we visited.

Although we did not specifically seek out this area this visit, by the placement of the buoys, I believe that it is now off limits, unfortunately.

 

[runskyhy]

I was there too! What I wouldn't give to be back there now...

**applause**

Awesome photo!! Agree on the SB withdrawals this week... Ugh!! Did Serenity Bay seem emptier than usual for you? The last two Octobers it seemed like this beach was super-crowded but not last week when we arrived, there were a lot of empty chairs!

 

[Ariel484]

Awesome photo!! Agree on the SB withdrawals this week... Ugh!! Did Serenity Bay seem emptier than usual for you? The last two Octobers it seemed like this beach was super-crowded but not last week when we arrived, there were a lot of empty chairs!

This is the first time I have cruised in October, so I can't really compare...normally I cruise in July and it's WAY empty then.

 

[TAK]

Please don't let this conversation discourage you! In the big scheme of things, theses changes are relatively small. Serenity Bay is still going to be an incredible place to experience! Unfortunately for new cruisers reading these boards, it can sometimes be troubling. Remember that messages like these are all opinion and the truth is, you can't miss what you never had. I guarantee that you will love Serenity Bay! When I booked my first cruise on the Dream in her inaugural year I came here to learn as much as I could about DCL. Most of the reports were not favorable because they were comparing their Dream experience to what they had come to love in the classic ships. Since I had never experienced any DCL before, I got worried until I decided to sort fact from opinion while I was gathering information. That would be my advice to you. Sort fact from opinion. Turns out that most of what people complained about the Dream, is what I loved about the Dream! I've since been on the classic ships, and I really like them. But I LOVE the Dream and Fantasy! Don't let any of us take away from the awesome experience you are going to have on your cruise.........and I am confident you are going to to have an awesome experience!

This is a great post, and an excellent point about cruising in general. (None of my comments below relate to the OP, really, though. More directed at the person who's worried about enjoying their first cruise.)

When I was getting ready for my first cruise, there were certain things I was looking forward to SO MUCH, and after reading reviews online, I worried about whether something would ruin them, or change, or whatever. Since we're a childfree couple we're always excited about the adults-only options, and I thought I would love the adult-only beach. But I worried there'd be spill-over noise, kids sneaking in, anything that might ruin my groove. When we got to CC and to Serenity Bay? Perfect. Quiet. Peaceful. Nice. All my worries for naught. It was just as it had been described. And totally boring to me. We stayed about a half-hour, and spent the rest of the time on the family beach, which I'd sworn I wasn't setting foot on. Go figure! It was just more "beach-y" to me. More fun in the sun. To each their own, of course!

My point is, you won't know what you like until you get there. You can read what other people say, but that just tells you what they liked. You'll find out when you're there. There are lots of options. So don't worry, try everything you want to, and whatever you like, enjoy it as much as you can!

 

[DisneyGayl]

We were at Serenity Bay on 10/9 too! Since I haven't been to Castaway Cay in 10 years, I didn't realize the lifeguards and buoys were a new thing! I literally floated in Serenity Bay all day! However, I found it a little odd that there were absolutely no waves! I'm ashamed to say that I looked forward to when the lifeguards would drive out on their jet skis to make people move back to the other side of the buoys, because then we'd get some wave action!

Gayl

 

[skylynx]

While naturally there is no loss of pleasure for someone who either has never been to Serenity Bay or who has not visited in a long time, there is a certain sadness and sense of loss for those of us who have snorkeled the airplane engine reef from the beginning and watched each year or so how much more coral, plant formations, and bigger and more varied tropical fish have appeared. Visiting the "reef" and seeing how it has grown since last time we were there was a highlight of visiting Serenity Bay, so learning the adults are now corralled into a playpen of buoys and policed by jet ski lifeguards isn't good news.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

We enjoy all inclusive vacations in MX, Costa Rica etc. They, too, have buoys and ropes. If anyone crosses them, the lifeguard or dive shop will go out on a jet ski to send them back inside the roped off area. It just isn't DCL that does it. I've been going to CC for years. This change doesn't upset me. I just hope the smaller roped off area doesn't last.

 

[N365PA]

1 pebble of sand at a time, and DCL will be just like Carnival.

That being said, to those going on future trips, it still is a blast and have a great trip. I'm just sad to hear we cant go to the sandbar anymore.

 

[jahber]

1 pebble of sand at a time, and DCL will be just like Carnival.

That being said, to those going on future trips, it still is a blast and have a great trip. I'm just sad to hear we cant go to the sandbar anymore.

Aww, don't be so mean to Carnival. This week they had to miss a port stop on the Carnival Sunshine and the cruise director threw a wedding for a couple who had planned to marry in port. People act like Carnival is trash--but we've had great cruises with them. And they cost less. But I agree that it's sad that DCL keeps taking things away (with no commensurate drop in price).

 

[mevelandry]

Aww, don't be so mean to Carnival. This week they had to miss a port stop on the Carnival Sunshine and the cruise director threw a wedding for a couple who had planned to marry in port.

Wait, I thought only DCL had the «magic»!

(p.s.: Just joking, guys! "If you're not worth a laugh, you're worth nothing!")

Love that story. Sometimes I wish I could see the pictures...

 

[SailingSeas]

Just a side note; we were there the weekend of September 13th, and in a cabana. We were about to go snorkeling, when someone in our party (ex Navy, used to seeing them) noticed two sharks, right around the sandbar area. Several Guests saw them as well, and we all started shouting. We hit the call button, the cabin host came out, and immediately went to get the lifeguards. We are told one was pretty small, but the other one was troublesome (and would attempt to come in closer.) They spent the afternoon chasing them away from the sandbar area. We have also seen barracuda in the waters after a rainstorm as well, and a pretty sizable one. The lifeguards (on jet skis) did a great job of keeping the unwelcome finned Guests away. I'd like to think that Disney increased the patrolling in the area for our own safety, rather than to increase excursions (their internal mantra is Safety first.)

 

[chimo2u]

Another reason I'm keeping my cabana on the family beach and not booking SB!!!

 

[Empress Room]

Just a side note; we were there the weekend of September 13th, and in a cabana. We were about to go snorkeling, when someone in our party (ex Navy, used to seeing them) noticed two sharks, right around the sandbar area. Several Guests saw them as well, and we all started shouting. We hit the call button, the cabin host came out, and immediately went to get the lifeguards. We are told one was pretty small, but the other one was troublesome (and would attempt to come in closer.) They spent the afternoon chasing them away from the sandbar area. We have also seen barracuda in the waters after a rainstorm as well, and a pretty sizable one. The lifeguards (on jet skis) did a great job of keeping the unwelcome finned Guests away. I'd like to think that Disney increased the patrolling in the area for our own safety, rather than to increase excursions (their internal mantra is Safety first.)

Well, it is the ocean, and there have been nurse sharks and the occasional barracuda there since 1999 without real incident. They never bother anyone; in fact, the marine biologists who work with the sting rays have named the sharks and barracuda over the years. It was clear that the lifeguards' primary role was to enforce the no swim and no snorkel ban, not to keep the marine life away. Knowing PETA, chasing away sharks and jellyfish with jet skis would likely violate some kind of regulation or policy, resulting in a lawsuit against DCL!

 

[SailingSeas]

Of course, and anyone with Caribbean snorkeling on the beach that day was comfortable but wary, with the size of them. However, not all Guests have a ton of marine life experience or can react without panicking when there's a shark or aggressive animal in their face. To err on the side of safety is perhaps best. On this particular day, there were no snorkelers in the water outside of one Floridian couple way to the left near the rocks, no one on the sand bar after the sharks appeared, and the lifeguards were actively corralling the wildlife away from the sand bar. Again, this is just one experience, and I can only share what happened the day we were there. We'll be back in November, and I'm curious as well, to see what will happen. Love that sand bar.

 

[anricat]

I just got back yesterday off the Magic. We were at CC on Tuesday and the water was incredibly shallow at SB. I had brought my goggles to go for a swim but forget it. The water never got past my knees. It was mostly mid-thigh. We had a full moon that night so I wonder if the tides were different.

We walked out to the sand bar and it was beautiful. There was one lifeguard that came out on a jet ski at one point for a loop around the outside perimeter. She sort of shooed back in some people floating on rafts that had gotten way way out. They seemed to be dozing or sleeping or not paying attention. The half-heartely paddled in a bit closer. The lifeguard went back to shore and didn't bother them again. That was it. There were several large groups on various sand bars (there were more than one with the water being so shallow).