VIKING SERENADE

Royal CaribbeanShips Traveled OnCruise Ships
Written By Sean Glumace

January 2001 | 3 Day Cruise from Los Angeles, CA to Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

In January 2001, we sailed on a 3-day cruise from Los Angeles to Ensenada aboard the Viking Serenade (Royal Caribbean), a vessel renowned for its long history and transformative journeys across different cruise lines. This collection of images captures the ship docked in the port of Ensenada, Baja California. This gallery serves as a testament to the Viking Serenade’s enduring appeal and its role in offering memorable cruises.

The Viking Serenade, originally launched as the MS Stardancer and later known as the MS Island Escape, is a vessel with a rich history of service and transformations under different names and operators. Initially built for Sundance Cruises in 1982, this ship was designed to provide a blend of leisure and adventure, characterized by its ample amenities and vibrant onboard atmosphere. After transitioning to Royal Caribbean, it was renamed the Viking Serenade, undergoing significant modifications to cater to a broader audience with enhanced features and services. The ship's later life as the Island Escape under Thomson Cruises marked a continued evolution, focusing on casual, all-inclusive cruising experiences.

Information List

  • Name: Viking Serenade (previously Stardancer, later Island Escape)

  • Operator: Initially Sundance Cruises, later Royal Caribbean, and finally Thomson Cruises

  • Year Launched: 1982

  • Shipyard: Dubigeon-Normandie S.A., Nantes, France

  • Length: 185.25 meters (607.6 ft)

  • Beam: 27.01 meters (88.6 ft)

  • Draft: 6.8 meters (22.3 ft)

  • Speed: 19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph)

  • Tonnage: 40,171 GT

  • Capacity: Originally 1,400 passengers, later 1,512

  • Crew: 540

  • Facilities Include: Dining venues, bars, lounges, casino, and swimming pools

  • Unique Features: Known for its informal and relaxed cruising style, particularly during its tenure as MS Island Escape

  • Refits/Upgrades:

    • 1990: Refitted and renamed Viking Serenade by Royal Caribbean, transformed from a ferry to a cruise ship with expanded passenger facilities.

    • 2002: Refurbished and rebranded as Island Escape by Island Cruises, focusing on informal, all-inclusive cruising.

Sean Glumace

Sean Glumace, Chief Operating Officer at 2CPR Group, possesses over 25 years of experience in industry and education advocacy, pathway creation, curriculum, industry certification, and content for the classroom.

Having taught at the high school, college, and university levels, he also played an instrumental role as one of the Statewide K-14 Pathways Technical Assistance Providers in driving the success of the Doing What MATTERS initiative under the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.

https://www.glumace.com
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