Just back from AOS departed 8/30

[Sewkitty]

Just back from AOS cruise. Two days of sun, rest was cloudy, rainy, thunder and lightening storm. I am from So Calif so this was thrilling to me! It was the Caribbean so it was not cold and so what if humid. Lightening bolts were going sideways all night long one night. A lightening bolt even struck one the ship's communication antennas. Due to the storm Erica (sp) we could not stop in Antigua and were going to Dominica instead. Well, we could not stop there and stayed at sea for the day.

First day on board did look for the Chicken everyone talks about being served in the Windjammer. I have to agree with everyone else, it was dry . We did MTD and as soon as we got on board went straight to Mozart dining room maitre d' and made reservations for same time all week. I did notice that anyone that did not have a reservation, at least in the Mozart dining room, waited no more than 5 mins. Of course if you were a large group, maybe up to 7-10 mins.

We walked out of the 2 shows we decided to attend. We were not impressed and overheard some other passengers comment that the shows on Carnival, in their opinion, were much better. (They also stated Carnival is what you make it)

The food portions, presentation, and taste was good. One thing I did notice and others have commented also, is that the menu is the same as 11 months ago when we were on the same ship with little change.

Bag of laundry service special was $25 a bag. Only sent 2 pair of jeans for regular cleaning as only brought 3 prs due to weight limitations on luggage.

The photo service has changed. No more hunting high, low, here and there for your photos. Always in same plastic protector arranged in numerical order under your folio number on your seapass.

Hope this helps others with future bookings on this ship. Will probably look at Celebrity or Princess for other ports of call as we are not loyal to only one line. On our comment survey, we did mention that we wished RCI would change up there ports of calls, same ports all the time. Next cruise will be #34 for us.

[63galaxie]

Originally Posted by Sewkitty

Just back from AOS cruise. Two days of sun, rest was cloudy, rainy, thunder and lightening storm. I am from So Calif so this was thrilling to me! It was the Caribbean so it was not cold and so what if humid. Lightening bolts were going sideways all night long one night. A lightening bolt even struck one the ship's communication antennas. Due to the storm Erica (sp) we could not stop in Antigua and were going to Dominica instead. Well, we could not stop there and stayed at sea for the day.

First day on board did look for the Chicken everyone talks about being served in the Windjammer. I have to agree with everyone else, it was dry . We did MTD and as soon as we got on board went straight to Mozart dining room maitre d' and made reservations for same time all week. I did notice that anyone that did not have a reservation, at least in the Mozart dining room, waited no more than 5 mins. Of course if you were a large group, maybe up to 7-10 mins.

We walked out of the 2 shows we decided to attend. We were not impressed and overheard some other passengers comment that the shows on Carnival, in their opinion, were much better. (They also stated Carnival is what you make it)

The food portions, presentation, and taste was good. One thing I did notice and others have commented also, is that the menu is the same as 11 months ago when we were on the same ship with little change.

Bag of laundry service special was $25 a bag. Only sent 2 pair of jeans for regular cleaning as only brought 3 prs due to weight limitations on luggage.

The photo service has changed. No more hunting high, low, here and there for your photos. Always in same plastic protector arranged in numerical order under your folio number on your seapass.

Hope this helps others with future bookings on this ship. Will probably look at Celebrity or Princess for other ports of call as we are not loyal to only one line. On our comment survey, we did mention that we wished RCI would change up there ports of calls, same ports all the time. Next cruise will be #34 for us.

Did you happen to notice the costs for the Caricature artist?

[Sewkitty]

Sorry did not pay attention. He never seemed busy. Everytime we walked by, he was just doodling. DH just mentioned he does not recall posted prices

[OceanDreams]

Thanks for the quick run down of your cruise. Every little bit helps.

Do you remember what the prices were on the photo's that the ship took of the passengers?

OceanDreams

[chazg]

Originally Posted by OceanDreams

Thanks for the quick run down of your cruise. Every little bit helps.

Do you remember what the prices were on the photo's that the ship took of the passengers?

OceanDreams

I was on the same sailing with Sewkitty.

8 X 10's are $19.99
5X7 's are $9.99

They have a Package Deal based on a point system. I will look at home to see if I have the breakdown and post it later tonight.

Sewkitty, which shows did you walk out on? I didn't like the Unexpected Boys but the Temptations Tribute was awesome. We have seen the Ice Show before but it was still good. Did you go to Quest? If So what team where you on?

[DPurcell58]

We were in the Bahamas that week on the Carnival Pride, had a bunch of cloudy days and some rain showers. Interesting to hear it was the same, if not worse in the Caribbean.

[LovesToTravel47]

Originally Posted by Sewkitty

Just back from AOS cruise. Two days of sun, rest was cloudy, rainy, thunder and lightening storm. I am from So Calif so this was thrilling to me! It was the Caribbean so it was not cold and so what if humid. Lightening bolts were going sideways all night long one night. A lightening bolt even struck one the ship's communication antennas. Due to the storm Erica (sp) we could not stop in Antigua and were going to Dominica instead. Well, we could not stop there and stayed at sea for the day.

First day on board did look for the Chicken everyone talks about being served in the Windjammer. I have to agree with everyone else, it was dry . We did MTD and as soon as we got on board went straight to Mozart dining room maitre d' and made reservations for same time all week. I did notice that anyone that did not have a reservation, at least in the Mozart dining room, waited no more than 5 mins. Of course if you were a large group, maybe up to 7-10 mins.

We walked out of the 2 shows we decided to attend. We were not impressed and overheard some other passengers comment that the shows on Carnival, in their opinion, were much better. (They also stated Carnival is what you make it)

The food portions, presentation, and taste was good. One thing I did notice and others have commented also, is that the menu is the same as 11 months ago when we were on the same ship with little change.

Bag of laundry service special was $25 a bag. Only sent 2 pair of jeans for regular cleaning as only brought 3 prs due to weight limitations on luggage.

The photo service has changed. No more hunting high, low, here and there for your photos. Always in same plastic protector arranged in numerical order under your folio number on your seapass.

Hope this helps others with future bookings on this ship. Will probably look at Celebrity or Princess for other ports of call as we are not loyal to only one line. On our comment survey, we did mention that we wished RCI would change up there ports of calls, same ports all the time. Next cruise will be #34 for us.

Thanks for the review. Sounds like you made the best of your time and that's great. Hope to do the same no matter what weather comes our way. We are on AOS Sept 27th Antigua route.

[Jan_In_Maine]

I belive the deal with the pictures were 10 points for $80.00 --- each 8x10 cost 2 points (saved about $20 - 5 pictures instead of 4). Jan

[alexkrn46]

The cost of the caricature artist started at $39.99 but I did not see one person use his services.

The photos use facial recognition. The entertainment to me was ok, but I did see many people walk out.

[63galaxie]

Originally Posted by alexkrn46

The cost of the caricature artist started at $39.99 but I did not see one person use his services.

The photos use facial recognition. The entertainment to me was ok, but I did see many people walk out.

Wow, that's really expensive! When we sailed on the Millineum last year, they were free! My dh, dd, fil, and mil all had individual portraits done for the price of a tip!! I never realized what a great deal it was until now!

Thanks for the information!

Karen in Kentucky

[Sewkitty]

The 2 shows we walked out on were the Broadway shows. The opinion coming from the previous Carnival passenger included his perception that the Carnival ships are for the young crowd and they party. He added you make the most of it and that Is how I perceive and remember the Carnival line, but to have him say the shows are better shocked me. DH mentioned this cruise and the last one on AOS 11 months ago has not changed his opinion on the Broadway shows. He stated that it is almost like the routines are thought of at the last minute or maybe the dancers change frequently and do not get a chance to learn the routines. He so looks forward to good Broadway type shows and has even said the shows put on by the local university theater & arts dept is much better.

[OceanDreams]

Originally Posted by chazg

I was on the same sailing with Sewkitty.

8 X 10's are $19.99
5X7 's are $9.99

They have a Package Deal based on a point system. I will look at home to see if I have the breakdown and post it later tonight.

Sewkitty, which shows did you walk out on? I didn't like the Unexpected Boys but the Temptations Tribute was awesome. We have seen the Ice Show before but it was still good. Did you go to Quest? If So what team where you on?

Also, Jan in Maine ..... Thank you both for your responds. Really helps us out in our planning.

OceanDreams

[dooleymoe]

when was the laundry bad special offered, wife is freaking out when she found out no self serve laundry like our last princess cruise

[wolfcathorse]

Sewkitty - was the captain still Capt Ron Holmes?

[KTMay1917]

Originally Posted by Sewkitty

Just back from AOS cruise. Two days of sun, rest was cloudy, rainy, thunder and lightening storm. I am from So Calif so this was thrilling to me! It was the Caribbean so it was not cold and so what if humid. Lightening bolts were going sideways all night long one night. A lightening bolt even struck one the ship's communication antennas. Due to the storm Erica (sp) we could not stop in Antigua and were going to Dominica instead. Well, we could not stop there and stayed at sea for the day.

First day on board did look for the Chicken everyone talks about being served in the Windjammer. I have to agree with everyone else, it was dry . We did MTD and as soon as we got on board went straight to Mozart dining room maitre d' and made reservations for same time all week. I did notice that anyone that did not have a reservation, at least in the Mozart dining room, waited no more than 5 mins. Of course if you were a large group, maybe up to 7-10 mins.

We walked out of the 2 shows we decided to attend. We were not impressed and overheard some other passengers comment that the shows on Carnival, in their opinion, were much better. (They also stated Carnival is what you make it)

The food portions, presentation, and taste was good. One thing I did notice and others have commented also, is that the menu is the same as 11 months ago when we were on the same ship with little change.

Bag of laundry service special was $25 a bag. Only sent 2 pair of jeans for regular cleaning as only brought 3 prs due to weight limitations on luggage.

The photo service has changed. No more hunting high, low, here and there for your photos. Always in same plastic protector arranged in numerical order under your folio number on your seapass.

Hope this helps others with future bookings on this ship. Will probably look at Celebrity or Princess for other ports of call as we are not loyal to only one line. On our comment survey, we did mention that we wished RCI would change up there ports of calls, same ports all the time. Next cruise will be #34 for us.

Hey Sewkitty,
Glad you had a great trip. Sorry to here about Antigua, thats our favorite island. I have a couple of odd questions for you if you don't mind. These are just things that bring back memories and my wife and I are looking forward to next month.
2 yrs. ago on our honeymoon on embark day the Promenade had little egg salad sandwhiches, do you recall if they had them on embark day?
Has the jogging track been resurfaced on the top deck?
Did you by any chance see or meet a tall thin gentleman named Frank from Jamaica? He was our asst. dining room server 2 yrs ago and became instant best friends w/ my wife and I and was still to this day the nicest staff member we have encountered on a cruise. I doubt he still there but just curious if maybe he made it to full server or something
Thanks

[Sewkitty]

Sorry for late reply for everyone, have to work to pay for cruises

Laundry bag special came on Wednesday or Thursday.

Captain was Ron Holmes. I wish we had the captain on AOS we had last year on same ship. First announcements were Welcome Aboard Bla, Bla, Bla,.....and then "There seem to be a lot of children on board this trip, Parents, we are not your babysitters. We will not have children running in the hallways at all hours of the night. Please check with your passenger book in your cabin. We will adhere to these rules." Or words to that affect. We had kids running the halls at all hours of the night on our deck.