Adventure of the Seas Review - August 4 2012 Malaga

[Newtoncruise]

This was my first cruise out of Malaga and it has a brand new cruise terminal which is just a stones throw from the town centre. Just a ten euro taxi drive from our hotel.

 

We flew in 2 days prior to the cruise and stayed in the hotel Molina Lario which is a small very well located hotel in the old town with views of the port. We even saw the AOS dock early Saturday morning on embarkation day.

 

Malaga is a wonderful place to visit in its own right with many interesting restaurants and museums. Picasso was born here and there is a lovely museum and a tour of his childhood home amongst the many things to look out for.

 

So a very positive embarkation experience was enjoyed by my DW and 2x DDs.

 

However, it does not seem to compare in popularity to Barcelona. AOS was the only ship in! And there were very few UK and other Europeans sailing on this particular cruise! There were lots of Spanish on the cruise and we found that Spanish had become the main language for shows and announcements by the entertainment staff.....not ideal from our perspective and I will seriously consider sailing from the UK next time around to avoid such an overt bias.

 

I like a good mix of fellow guests as it is always interesting to meet and chat with lots of people from other nationalities. This opportunity was a bit limited here but those we did meet were brilliant. We felt a good relaxed atmosphere right through the ship.

 

We visited Valencia, Rome, Livorno and Ajaccio in Corsica with 2 sea days on a 7 night voyage.

 

We travelled in a grand suite for the first time after 3 previous cruises in balcony cabins. I have read many threads here about whether the extra cost of the suite was justified. If you analyse it on a dollar on dollar basis I am not sure there would be much of an argument for an upgrade but as a holiday experience I can wholeheartedly say that being a suite guest made it for us.......

 

All the little benefits and privileges that come in addition to the more comfortable room size really make the whole cruise feel a bit more special. The concierge and her fabulous lounge became a peaceful haven on the busy ship where you could sit relax and feel pampered. The complimentary drinks served here need to be taken steadily! As I found out to my cost on a couple of occasions.......

 

It looks like the GS will become our standard from here in...........try it if you can!

 

We toured under our own steam in Rome Valencia and Ajaccio and stayed on board in Livorno for a day of relaxation after a long day in the Italian capital.

 

more to follow

[truckmaker]

I look forward to reading the rest of yopur review, mainly becuase we will be boarding the AoS in January .... although not in a suite!

 

Thanks!

[garyb(uk)]

I look forward to reading the rest of yopur review, mainly becuase we will be boarding the AoS in January .... although not in a suite!

 

Thanks!

ditto here but in May from Southampton. We will be in a JS for the extra room but will miss out on the extra perks though the size of the room was our concern. Glad you seem to have enjoyed your trip.

[drarill]

Great start!!! Looking forward to the rest of your review!We will be cruising on the AOS for NYE!! Please tell us about the concierge and CD. Don't know if they will be the same after the TA. This is going to be our third cruise on the Adventure :)

[LBumb]

excellent start

[Tudorcruisers]

Good to read your review as we have just booked for 22nd Sept and have gone for a suite - can't wait. Hearing a lot of the passengers were Spanish could explain why the roll call is pretty empty. I had never come across one so quiet but that could be why. Thanks for posting your experience.

[louthebowler]

okay, waiting eagerly for more. we had looked at going around the med on liberty in october but decided to take our grandson on a land based holiday , so am having to get my cruise fix by reading about other peoples instead. its a pity you couldnt bring some warm and sunny weather back with you to this miserable wet wirral!

[fas64]

Done this ship 6 times 3 of which were this year 1 TA in a GS and 1 Europe in a D1 and 1 Europe in a GS. For 2 of us sailing a GS is only good value if you snag a great rate but saying that it's a great room.

[cruisecookie]

Do they now serve flavored water in the Windjammer on the Adventure?

[ollienbertsmum]

Do they now serve flavored water in the Windjammer on the Adventure?

 

I noted that they did not have iced tea, flavoured water ? Mmm possibly.

 

About sailing from Spain - we have done Malaga twice and Barcelona twice - Malaga attracted a much bigger spanish crowd. The AOS is not going to sail from there any more anyway I think because of this - bars and casino were empty.

 

If you want the typical cruise mix of nationalities then go from Barcelona. You don't have to "waste" days of sun and possibly get choppy seas in the bay of Biscay by sailing all the way down from Southampton.

 

I had a great cruise this year so am looking forward to the review re living it for me.