Adventure of The Seas Photo Review 4/19/2015 (S.Caribbean B)

[Siora7777]

Got a call from RCCL today and they asked us to upgrade to Owner's Suite #1292 (free of charge) and give up our 7688 and 7690. We booked these purposely well over a year before sailing. DH and myself in 7688 and 22yo DD and 12 yo DS in 7690. Please reassure us that "no" was the right decision. Your photos sealed it for us, do you agree?:confused:

 

I probably would have taken the upgrade. There's a video of 1592, opposite cabin of 1292 on YouTube. A more comfortable spacious room, big gorgeous bathroom with glass shower and tub. Balcony was a good size. I just don't spend that much time in my room even less on the balcony. Big L shaped couch. Win win scenario. But if you had to give up two rooms for one, that's probably not that good of a deal. You made the right choice.

Edited May 30, 2015 by Siora7777

[rose102798]

Wow, quite an upgrade- almost sounds like they double booked that cabin to make that "sweet" an offer, or you must love the casino ;)

 

Well, I'm not a suite dweller, so I can't commet on the general awesomeness of the Owners suite, but our steward told us, 7688 (7388) was the biggest balcony on the ship! For me, I'll take outside space over inside space everytime. Do you have much interest in the concierge lounge? (Or maybe you already have access?) Im not much of a "lounge" lizard myself, so access to that wouldn't matter to me either! I hope you love it as much as we did- there is just tons of room for 4 people (or more! ) on that balcony! ENJOY! :D

 

I agree with the outside space comment . . . we're the same. No interest in the concierge lounge -- as I understand it my 12yo would not be allowed? Deal breaker for us. (I think they wanted the extra beds from our cabins -- both sleep 3 and we are only 2 each) We really need the 2 bathrooms . . . truth be told. LOL

 

2 weeks from today -- CAN'T WAIT!!

[Familygoboston]

I agree with the outside space comment . . . we're the same. No interest in the concierge lounge -- as I understand it my 12yo would not be allowed? Deal breaker for us. (I think they wanted the extra beds from our cabins -- both sleep 3 and we are only 2 each) We really need the 2 bathrooms . . . truth be told. LOL

 

2 weeks from today -- CAN'T WAIT!!

 

Wow! Just looked at the video, while the room is impressive, the balcony is pathetic! 2 chairs no loungers! It's not any wider than standard! :eek:

Everything about it confirms why I would NEVER pay for a royal Caribbean suite (beyond Jr.) I just don't see the value! On other cruise lines you get a huge deck with custom padded furniture, even plunge pools, would not pay the premium for that on RCI, unless you really needed a cabin to fit 4 or more, or have issues managing the size of the regular cabin.

 

Two things come to mind- 1 you'll have multiple loungers on 7688 (if you make your own- you can move chairs from the other aft deck and put 4 on yours) 2- you'll have more privacy- with the Suite, your kids are still in the room , and unless your 12 yo or adult daughter is ok with brushing their teeth while one of you showers (hey I dont judge) you've still got the bathroom issue. For me, I'd make the choice you did every time! (And #3 kids have been allowed in the CL, but the people there will make your lives miserable for doing it, no matter how well dressed or behaved he is! ) You will be far, far happier on your balcony (send the 12 yo up to the WJ for a few plates of yummis) relaxing all by yourselves! It was wonderful family time! :D

Edited May 30, 2015 by Familygoboston

[Yorkvillain]

Fantastic review. Thank you.

 

I was all set to go to Holland House in St. Maarten on our next trip but now it looks like we HAVE to go to Cocoa Beach instead. #LobsterSalad

[Familygoboston]

Fantastic review. Thank you.

 

I was all set to go to Holland House in St. Maarten on our next trip but now it looks like we HAVE to go to Cocoa Beach instead. #LobsterSalad

 

Thank you for your kind words!

 

Shhhh, dont tell ANYONE else! ;) I do love it there, and it just doesn't get the same traffic because it's a bit of a walk down the beach to get there, and more expensive than the beaches to the south, but I'm still hesitant to publicize it for fear it will get overrun!

If you see my shades, let me know! Enjoy your cruise and your #lobster salad!

[Yorkvillain]

Thank you for your kind words!

 

Shhhh, dont tell ANYONE else! ;) I do love it there, and it just doesn't get the same traffic because it's a bit of a walk down the beach to get there, and more expensive than the beaches to the south, but I'm still hesitant to publicize it for fear it will get overrun!

If you see my shades, let me know! Enjoy your cruise and your #lobster salad!

 

Haha. I'll definitely be on the look out for your shades. And nice job with the Fitbit steps. I think you and I are the only ones that included our steps in our review.

Edited May 30, 2015 by Yorkvillain

[bobbie170]

Awesome review. We booked our cruise today for next year because of it! How would you rate the food?

[Familygoboston]

Haha. I'll definitely be on the look out for your shades. And nice job with the Fitbit steps. I think you and I are the only ones that included our steps in our review.

I hadn't noticed that, I'll have to look for it in your next review!

 

Awesome review. We booked our cruise today for next year because of it! How would you rate the food?

 

Wow, thanks! I hope you enjoy the cruise!

 

As for the food, it's so subjective, but I think sometimes the cruise ship tries too hard to be too fancy. The menus try to do things that are hard to translate across thousands of dishes and with ingredients that are sourced primarily to be affordable.

 

For instance, cuts of meat cannot all be prime, so sometimes people who eat it (I'm a vegetarian) find it tough at times. Also, we find the desserts are meant to be fancy but use somewhat "gelatinous" ingredients both to "last" longer and maybe for cost, but they don't have the richness of things made with real cheeses or creams (like the tiramisu in the dining room vs the one made at Giovanni's )In some ways, they'd be better to offer simple things like brownie a la mode, and keep it simple.

 

All that said, specific to Adventure, we found the vegetables are very nicely done, never overcooked, which is tough to do on that scale, so that's nice. Salads are always fresh and interesting. And I really love their soups, hot or cold, they are always good! Some of the fish bases they use for things like the lobster bisque are less sweet and creamy and more bouillabaisse -like, with a strong fishy aftertaste a lot of people don't like. But I found the actual seafood on Adventure this trip some of the best on the fleet, perfectly prepared. The shrimp and lobster was outstanding on this cruise compared to others. Lastly, maybe it's the Latin passenger base, but Adventure is much better at spicing it up with a little more flavor in their dishes. We've been on some ships where stuff is just so bland, on Adventure we found dishes well flavored!

 

I guess the best I can say is it's a little inconsistent. Some dishes are great, others disappoint, and for us desserts disappoint consistently ;). But if you aren't doing the cruise just for the food, it's edible, with enough variety that you can find something you'll like. We never went hungry and even if we skipped a course, there were enough courses to fill up on with salads and soups and appetizers that you could skip the entree and still have plenty to eat.

[Cel_cruise]

I hadn't noticed that, I'll have to look for it in your next review!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow, thanks! I hope you enjoy the cruise!

 

 

 

As for the food, it's so subjective, but I think sometimes the cruise ship tries too hard to be too fancy. The menus try to do things that are hard to translate across thousands of dishes and with ingredients that are sourced primarily to be affordable.

 

 

 

For instance, cuts of meat cannot all be prime, so sometimes people who eat it (I'm a vegetarian) find it tough at times. Also, we find the desserts are meant to be fancy but use somewhat "gelatinous" ingredients both to "last" longer and maybe for cost, but they don't have the richness of things made with real cheeses or creams (like the tiramisu in the dining room vs the one made at Giovanni's )In some ways, they'd be better to offer simple things like brownie a la mode, and keep it simple.

 

 

 

All that said, specific to Adventure, we found the vegetables are very nicely done, never overcooked, which is tough to do on that scale, so that's nice. Salads are always fresh and interesting. And I really love their soups, hot or cold, they are always good! Some of the fish bases they use for things like the lobster bisque are less sweet and creamy and more bouillabaisse -like, with a strong fishy aftertaste a lot of people don't like. But I found the actual seafood on Adventure this trip some of the best on the fleet, perfectly prepared. The shrimp and lobster was outstanding on this cruise compared to others. Lastly, maybe it's the Latin passenger base, but Adventure is much better at spicing it up with a little more flavor in their dishes. We've been on some ships where stuff is just so bland, on Adventure we found dishes well flavored!

 

 

 

I guess the best I can say is it's a little inconsistent. Some dishes are great, others disappoint, and for us desserts disappoint consistently ;). But if you aren't doing the cruise just for the food, it's edible, with enough variety that you can find something you'll like. We never went hungry and even if we skipped a course, there were enough courses to fill up on with salads and soups and appetizers that you could skip the entree and still have plenty to eat.

 

 

Your point about deserts is SOOO true! The brownie sundae on the kids menu (available to adults too!) is definitely the way to go!! Ask for your favorite cookie to top it off as well!

[Familygoboston]

Your point about deserts is SOOO true! The brownie sundae on the kids menu (available to adults too!) is definitely the way to go!! Ask for your favorite cookie to top it off as well!

 

Now this is why I am on cruise critic...I did not know this! On ships without Johnny Rockets or Ben And Jerrys- I'm doing this! :D

[Cel_cruise]

Now this is why I am on cruise critic...I did not know this! On ships without Johnny Rockets or Ben And Jerrys- I'm doing this! :D

 

 

The kids menu has some great choices....I think a hot fudge sundae as well? even for dinner - the chicken beast with gravy is really good! (I think you said you were veg, so maybe not for you - but wanted to share for others reading!)....if I can find a picture of the brownie deal I will add it!

[lauraodonnell86]

Great review! Well done! We LOVE the AOS!!

 

10 weeks B2B!!!???? I'm sooooo jealous!!! We are doing 2 B2B Jan 2016 on AOS. Havent done one before so it'll be an experience for us! It's our 7 year anniversary! Celebrating getting to the 7 year itch! ;) How does it work with getting off the ship and back on? Any other tips for us? Thanks!

[JimAOk1945]

We will be on the AOS in December. Is the kid's menu available to adults at lunch and dinner? Sometimes my wife doesn't see anything on the adult menu that she wants due to a sensitive stomach.

Edited June 2, 2015 by JimAOk1945

[Clarea]

We will be on the AOS in December. Is the kid's menu available to adults at lunch and dinner? Sometimes my wife doesn't see anything on the adult menu that she wants due to a sensitive stomach.

The kids menu is certainly available to adults at dinner. I've never seen a kids menu at lunch, but I can't see why it would not also be available to adults.

[JimAOk1945]

The kids menu is certainly available to adults at dinner. I've never seen a kids menu at lunch, but I can't see why it would not also be available to adults.

Thanks, Bob. It's good to know it's available to adults all the time at dinner, and it won't hurt for her to ask for it at lunch as well.

Edited June 2, 2015 by JimAOk1945

[Clarea]

Thanks, Bob. It's good to know it's available to adults all the time at dinner, and it won't hurt for her to ask for it at lunch as well.

Look at the Chocolate Brownie Madness on the kids dessert menu. We have that a few times per cruise when the adult dessert menu is not that interesting.

[Marylandteachergirl]

Hi familygoboston!

 

I have followed your Adventure and Allure reviews. Thank you for all of your hard work and descriptions. You have helped countless thousands, maybe millions plan...

 

I have been on AOS three times. This coming trip, we have booked Virgin Kayaks. Jill sent me an e-mail that the location has changed slightly. I just would like your input regarding if you think this will make getting a taxi/getting a taxi BACK to the ship more problematic??

 

Here is what Jill sent:

Please note that our location is in the process of changing. We will be moving to The Salt River Marina. Which will change the cost of your taxi ride. It will be slightly higher, but I suspect not too much. It's only 4 miles further down the road. Thanks!

 

Meet at 10:00am

Virgin Kayak

Rt 80

Salt River Marina, in Salt River National Park

 

Thanks so much! I appreciate your opinions!

[Familygoboston]

Hi familygoboston!

 

I have followed your Adventure and Allure reviews. Thank you for all of your hard work and descriptions. You have helped countless thousands, maybe millions plan...

 

I have been on AOS three times. This coming trip, we have booked Virgin Kayaks. Jill sent me an e-mail that the location has changed slightly. I just would like your input regarding if you think this will make getting a taxi/getting a taxi BACK to the ship more problematic??

 

Here is what Jill sent:

Please note that our location is in the process of changing. We will be moving to The Salt River Marina. Which will change the cost of your taxi ride. It will be slightly higher, but I suspect not too much. It's only 4 miles further down the road. Thanks!

 

Meet at 10:00am

Virgin Kayak

Rt 80

Salt River Marina, in Salt River National Park

 

Thanks so much! I appreciate your opinions!

Sounds like this is located in Christenstad, I haven't been, but at a minimum there are probably facilities like bathrooms that the current put in place did not have, and it was getting a bit trashy, being overrun by squatters. (Despite the fact that it is a national and local park I wrote about it on my blog.) So maybe that's the reason for a new place? :confused:

 

The only thing to be sure of is that the cabbie is coming back to get you at the spot they left you and that you know which cab was the one you took out. This isn't difficult in St Croix because a) they speak English obviously, and b) you pay in full for a cab to your destination to the representatives of the cab company at the cruise ship pier; they put you in a van with others going to your destination, so give yourself lots of time, in case it takes a while to "fill" a van.

 

They give you a plastic "boarding pass" for the return trip. So the cab is coming back for sure! You just have to make sure you know which cab is yours (ask for a number or take a photo of the license plate) At Cane Bay there were several and it was tricky figuring which similar looking cab and uniformed driver was ours! At the Marina, there may be fewer cabbies or more depending how close to the town of Christenstad it is, but you will definitely have a cabbie coming back for you and looking to collect that boarding pass!

 

I'll be anxious to hear your review of the tour with the new location! Have fun!

[Marylandteachergirl]

Okay then:). So, in your expert opinion, this shouldn't be a concern worth choosing a different activity for St Croix? We've only ever done Sandcastle Beach, and we got a taxi pass from the port area on our right as soon as we exited the gates. This may be the same place. I just want to be sure we make it back to the ship. We didn't have a plastic pass, just a paper ticket. Where would I look for the vans you used?

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

[Familygoboston]

Okay then:). So, in your expert opinion, this shouldn't be a concern worth choosing a different activity for St Croix? We've only ever done Sandcastle Beach, and we got a taxi pass from the port area on our right as soon as we exited the gates. This may be the same place. I just want to be sure we make it back to the ship. We didn't have a plastic pass, just a paper ticket. Where would I look for the vans you used?

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

 

I think you'd be fine, right by the pier, just inside those gate (probably where you were before) you'll see little tent canopies set up with the taxi companies. They will have signs, $x for Christenstad, $x for Cane Bay etc. You pay them and they group you with others going the same place, and then the van comes back for you and looks for those tickets.

[Marylandteachergirl]

Awesome!

 

Thank you for the confirmation!

[manders175]

Loved your review!! Just booked Adventure for next September for a Honeymoon Cruise and might have just booked that same "awful" cabin you stayed in!! ;)

 

Most of our ports are the same so it was nice to get your take and see what excursions you picked!!

 

Thanks again!! :)

[Familygoboston]

Loved your review!! Just booked Adventure for next September for a Honeymoon Cruise and might have just booked that same "awful" cabin you stayed in!! ;)

 

Most of our ports are the same so it was nice to get your take and see what excursions you picked!!

 

Thanks again!! :)

This is a great choice!! First, it's a popular choice for honeymooners, so you'll meet others! Second, that "awful cabin" with its " lousy balcony" is FANTASTIC for privacy for newly weds!! If you won't miss the pool, you can sunbathe and canoodle with out the masses! Lastly, no matter what cabin you have...the itinerary is great! There is so much to do, or not;) there are folks who do this itinerary every year and just hit a beach each day!!

 

Congratulations on your wedding and enjoy your special ( awful ) cabin!

[CapitalKyle]

Day 2 Sea Day

 

 

 

Hi Kathy! Oho! I wondered if we would sneak into your review :p We are the brightly colored line of gentlemen in the front row to the left :cool:

 

Thanks for letting me relive this awesome trip through your pictures! Turns out we were two decks directly above you, 9692.

[CapitalKyle]

Day 4 St Lucia Back on Board

 

She worked her way through the questions winning; a key chain, pony tail holders, a highlighter, a notebook necklace (have we seen ANYONE actually wear one of these?) luggage tags, visor, a disposable “part-paper-part-cloth-bag-you-get-for-free-at-every-convention-you’ve-ever-attended” tote bag and was finally at the one “gift” we knew she wanted- the Royal Caribbean Travel mug! We knew if she won the travel mug, she would retire a winner; like her parents she’s a calculated risk taker, not a gambler, and she knows when she’s got her deal and when to walk away.

 

 

 

 

The Travel Mug! <insert angelic choir here> Your DD and I have that obsession in common :D I won the same little diddy at the M&M on my very first cruise (Oasis, Apr 2014) and have been driving to work sipping coffee out of it every day since!