Adventure of the Seas review 09/18/2005 sailing

[lnew1gd1]

Hi All,

 

We just ended our cruise on the AOS 9/25/2005. What an awesome ship this is. Wish we were still on the ship! Background: I am 54 and DH is 58...but very young at heart. 6th cruise for me and number 8 for DH, our 4th cruise together (in the past 2 1/2 years). Did Holland America, RCCL, Princess and have a Carnival cruise planned for Feb 06. . We had a JS on Deck 10 on the hump and it was great! Lots of storage space and full bottles of shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion in the bathroom. White terry cloth bedroom slippers for him and her in the closet, nice touch. Nice balcony. Would definately recommend a JS for anyone condisering upgrading.

 

Want to give you some heads up on what to expect on the AOS.....

 

Tons of taxis at the airport. Make sure you get a voucher from the taxi calling people at the airport. That guarantees a set price. Ours was $15.00 total 2 people.

 

Embarkation was a little confusion and chaos....once you find what line you are supposed to be in it does go smoothly. We arrived about 2:30 PM and were on the ship before 3pm. Luggage didn't arrive until well after muster drill (8:30pm) so we had no clothes to change into for dinner. You may eat in the dinning room that day in your shorts or whatever you have on. They understand that most people don't have their luggage yet, so be prepared!! We weren't and I was in the same clothes since 5AM AND didn't even have my bathing suit in the carry on so we couldn't use the pools !!

 

Don't miss the World of Adventure Parade on the Royal Promenade Deck 5 at midnight no matter how tired you are. Wonderful!! BUT, get there by 11:30 pm for a good spot or you will end up behind other people and won't see much. We sat at a small table near the entrance to the Duck and Dog Pub. You are safe there because the people can't block the entrance to the pub so you get a great view. Front row seats or so to say. The staff does come around with a ribbon rope and asks passengers to hold the rope. This keeps peopleout of the parade area so no one gets hurt. There was a small parade band leading the parade, people on stilts dressed in costumes, and all kind of goodies. One of the staff members gave me and some of the people sitting near us tamborines to bang during the parade.

 

At 12:30 AM there is a Traffic Light party in Jesters nightclub. Fun, but we were beat by then, only stayed a little while and just went back to our suite to sleep.

 

No reservations are needed at Portofino's on the departure date so that's a good day to eat at the restaurant. Remember there is a $20.00 per person charge but believe me, it's well worth it. We both had the Filet Mignon and it was delicious, Meal and service were the best we had on this ship.

 

Day 2 at sea is the first formal night. Make sure you get your tickets today to attend the Ice Show, tickets are free but limited---first come first serve. if you don't get tickets then a waiting line forms outside the show until everyone with tickets enters. That is one awesome show...whatever you do, don't miss it. It is Tuesday and Thursday. 2 shows each day. Captain's reception and Gala Dinner this night. Battle of the Sexes Game show at 10:15 PM. The headliner show in the Theater is a comedian, just ok.

 

Day 3 for us was Aruba and this night is the Caribbean Theme night (casual). We didn't see too many people dressed in theme wear. We did the 7 1/2 hour off road jeep excursion and DePalm Island beach and snorkeling with DePalm Tours. Hot, dusty and rough. The snorkeling/water/beach sure felt good after all that sun and 95 degree weather all day. Found some shade and relaxed after lunch and snorkeling. Non alcoholic drinks were provided throughout the tour and lunch and drinks were provided at the beach.

 

Did you know that the Natural Bridge collapsed on Sept 2, 2005 after being there for 4,000 years (at least that's how long the guide told us it was there)? That evening we did the Latin Show in Town at the Crystal Palace Theater.....great show. If you like production shows this is one not to miss. The Love and Marriage game is tonight at 10:30....Oh my Gosh, hysterical...don't miss it.

 

Day 4 CURACAO

 

Today’s attire and theme is casual---50's, 60's 70's night. The Adventure Quest is tonight in Studio B on Deck 3 (Ice skating Rink was covered over with a wooden floor for this.) and, really guys, you have got to be there if you love to laugh and have fun! It's an adult version of a scavenger hunt. Then, that's followed by Dancin' Through the Ages at 11:15. Had a twist contest and more, we had a ball!

 

Shopped in town during the day, strolled around. Didn't do much here. The Platoon bridge is gone. Disappointed in not seeing that. We were told to make sure we took that bridge across to more shops. The ferry is running every 10 minutes and is free. Not bad transportation. Found a really nice little shop that sold hand made linens and spent a fortune in that shop.Today's entertainment is a production show called "Velvet Rope". Different but we really enjoyed it.

 

Day 5 at sea:

 

2nd formal night. The lobster dish is now called the "Fisherman's platter" and includes some shrimp. DH had the Prime Rib tonight and he enjoyed that. HD said it was one of the best cuts of Prime Rib he's had in a long time.

 

Honestly, we weren't impressed with the food selections, just so-so. Nothing very exciting on the menus unlike the other RCCL trips we have taken.

 

Tonight's headliner show is a "Tribute to the Temptations" Was pretty good if you like their music. Horse Racing at the main pool and the Men's International belly flop contest, slots tournament in the casino. By the way, even if you don't gamble you MUST check out the entrance to the Casino......glass floor with movie memorabilia....my favorite...Dorothy's red shoes from The Wizard of OZ. Be forewarned, the casino is kinda smokey. I am a smoker and it was getting to me! Slots were tight until the end of the cruise but, all in all, I won close to $500 profit over the 3 times I stopped in.

 

Day 6, St. Maarten

 

Smart Casual, Departure talk channel 14 TV.

 

Production show "Can't Stop the Rock" a tribute to all the best movie music through the last 40 years., Win-A-Cruise Bingo, Karaoke Idol finals, Latin Fiesta Parade Promanade Deck 5 at 10:45 PM. Latin Fiesta main pool deck 11 at 11:30 PM. Dancing and fun--Latin music. There is quite a number of Latins (most from Puerto Rico) on this ship. I had no complaints about anyone's behavior on this ship although we did hear some complaints that they were rude and very noisy in the halls at night.

 

We had been to St. Maarten and Orient Beach in December so we just rented a car and drove around the Island. We stopped at the Harley dealer for shirts and then drove to Oyster Bay. Dawn Beach was closed for construction of a new entry route and we couldn't stop there. We continued on and ended up back at Orient Beach. Since we were there in December, we really wanted to visit a different beach. Total nudity at the far end of the beach...adjourning Orient Bay Resort. You can rent a beach chair and umbrella on this beach for around $8.00 per person and that includes one drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).

 

Day 7 St. Thomas:

 

Casual night. Entertainment in the theater is another comedian.....can't remember this show so it must have been only so-so. Winner takes all final Bingo and the Late Night Adult Comedy show. This one I remember and we had a good time. Farewell Variety Show done by the cruise staff...cute. Even the Captain came to wave goodbye.

 

Must clear immigration before leaving the ship this morning. Painless proceedure. Make sure you have your birth certificate or passport, driver’s license or official state picture ID and your Seapass card. Only took us about 15 minutes of our time. LONG LINES but they move relatively fast.

 

We took a boat to St John's and did the beach and snorkeling at Trunk Bay. Beautiful area, great beach, clear water but not to many fish to be seen. I heard that the snorkeling is better in St. Thomas at Sapphire beach.

 

Sad night, disembarkation in the AM. We were given our number for disembarkation and it was a 3. Out of your rooms by 8AM. Sat for a bit in the lounge till our number was called and we were off the ship by 8:45 AM. Didn't have a flight till 2:40 PM so we checked our carry ons at the airport and took a taxi back into town. Went to the El San Juan hotel for some "strolling on the beach" time, lunch in the hotel and some Casino time. Won a little there but only about $80.00--in 5 minutes. The slots here were very loose this day. It paid for our taxis and lunch so we were happy. Beautiful resort!

 

Few other tid bits:

 

Johnny Rockets----I love Johnny Rockets so I couldn't wait to visit there to eat. There is a $3.95 cover charge pp. You get Onion Rings, Fries and what ever you order to eat for this cover charge. Drinks/milkshakes are extra. Limited menu compaired to the "real" Johnny Rockets. I was disappointed ---they didn't have my favorite burger, the Route 66, on their menu.

 

Great adults only pool area called the Solarium with 2 really nice, big hot tubs there. Quieter than the main pool area if you want some quite time.

 

Windjammer Cafe/Island Grill---good selection but found the food was usually only luke warm and some mornings the scrambled eggs were actually cold. But hey, feeding over 3,000 people is no easy task so who's complaining!

 

Loved the Promanade Cafe, open 24 hours. Pizza (just OK), snacks, small sandwiches, good coffee.

 

Didn't use the soda card so can't tell you if that was a bargain or not.

 

The dining room is absolutely beautiful. Service was good, selection wasn’t as good as we are used to having on past cruises. Nothing to write home about but the food was hot and very tasty.

 

Art Auctions a couple of days. We spent a tidy sum there! Got some beautiful Thomas Kinkade's and a Collins. Also won a beauty of a painting by a Russian artist during a drawing for people that purchase art on board.

Tons of pictures, everywhere we went there was a photo op (ship photogs). Even had a night where they took dress up Titanic pictures. We didn't do this one but saw other's pictures and they were really cool.

 

I could go on and on (oops, I did, didn't I. LOL) but then that would spoil all your fun. I am definitely jealous that I can't be there again. We would certainly do this ship again in a heartbeat.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Lynn from Northeast Pa.

 

[Fred C]

I was told that you cannot check in your luggage at the airport for an afternoon flight because of security reasons. How were you able to do this? I too have an afternoon flight and would like to check in my luggage and take a taxi to San Juan for a few hours.

[sailor05]

Great review! We all appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us.

[lnew1gd1]

I was told that you cannot check in your luggage at the airport for an afternoon flight because of security reasons. How were you able to do this? I too have an afternoon flight and would like to check in my luggage and take a taxi to San Juan for a few hours.

 

Hi Fred,

 

We flew on American Airlines and they have something arranged with RCCL so that for an extra $10.00 pp you can have AA take your main luggage to the airport for you after you find your bags and go through customs. We were notified of this service in our stateroom by a note from RCCL 2 or 3 days before departure. Very nice that we didn't have to handle our luggage after customs.

 

We still had our carry ons and when we arrived at the airport taxi drop off area (many hours before we need to be there) so we asked a security person standing outside if there was somewhere close that we could walk to for a few hours.

 

He told us that just inside the entrance doors there is a room to the right that we could check our bags till 8pm and suggested to us some places where we could to go walk around and eat. Nothing within walking distance of the San Juan Airport so we had to take another taxi back into the hotel/beach area.

 

The airport charged us $3.00 per bag to check them. Worked out great. The room is not marked and the door is locked so you have to knock on the door for entrance. We didn't think we had the right place so we asked an employee we saw and he sent us right back to that door. That's when we figured out we must have to knock for entrance. The room is locked for security reason.

 

There were other people that came into the room just after us and they had their full sized luggage with them and they were able to check those pieces also.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Lynn

[Ms.Fixit]

Thanks for the fantastic AOS review! I was on this ship a year ago and loved the itinerary so much that we booked another for this December. Reading your review brought back memories for us last year and just makes it more exciting for this December! We are planning to do a few things different this time, as we do not have our two young children with us this time. The main reason for this trip alone is relaxation and peace! Well, I really don't know how much R&R and peace and quiet, but I am just glad to get back on the AOS and totally relax and do what we want.

 

I haven't planned too many excursions this time, as we really did our own thing last time. In Aruba, I really enjoyed Palm Beach, so that is probably a go, but really didn't get to see much of Aruba last year, so that could change.

 

For Curacao, we just walked around town, crossing that floating bridge. We really didn't see the rest of the island, but here there are some really nice beaches on the other side. Still are unsure as to what to do here also.

 

St. Martin, we just took the water taxi over to the town beach and had a great day there and shopped too! This time I want to go to Orient Beach. I heard is was beautiful there with white powdery sand and that clear blue water! That is the plan!

 

St. Thomas, we had did the ferry to St. John's Trunk Bay also. Just a beautiful beach for the day. The only thing with going to St. John's is we really didn't have a chance afterwards to shop in town in St. Thomas, so we just stayed for a bit outside at the Havensight Mall area. This time we may consider Magen's Bay. Have you tried that beach yet???? I heard it was just as nice as Trunk Bay.

 

I have really no complaints about the food on the AOS. We just have to plan to "rest" more often this time and we should without the kids!

 

Thanks again for the great review......it made me really excited about planning again here.

 

Luann

[Fritz265]

I'm bummed out about the bridge collapsing. I was in Aruba ten years ago for our honeymoon and are taking our kids this time and wanted to get a family pic on the bridge to match our honeymoon pic there. Bummer.................... After 4000 years, it just couldn't wait another six months...

[snowmouse]

Thanks for the great review. We will be on AOS in Feb. I'm really bummed about the natural bridge, too. We were in Aruba a couple of years ago and didn't get over there, it was a must do for me this time. How weird, after 4,000 years you start to think it will always be there.lol.

 

How was your cabin? At the moment we are in a balcony on deck 6. I'm thinking this could be noisy from the promenade below?? We were on 8 last winter on the Mariner, very quiet. I'm considering upgrading to a JS, have never had one before. Any thoughts?

[rockyhou]

Thanks for the great review.

 

We are boarding in just three days and this is even making me more exceited. Thank goodness for this website keeps the whole cruise expierence even better.

[kcagg16]

I have a question about the port to the airport. I am trying to book my flights however, we are doing the route where we go to Barbados. We would like to book the 11:33 a.m. flight but I am afraid we will not make it. The next direct flight is at 5:20 p.m.. We are going in June, 2006 and I have heard that the airport can take up to two hours to check in. We are also flying American Airlines. Do you think we would make that flight?

 

Let me know what you think. Great review. My family and I can hardly wait.

[paulap70]

I would schedule that 11:33 AM flight. One of the things you will do upon check in at the cruise terminal is let RCCL know of your departure plans. They then issue the exit on the last day with those having early flights getting off the ship first. When we did your itinerary in April, they were beginning to dismiss people before 8 AM. The airport is only about a 15 minute cab ride, so I don't think you'd have a problem. Or, do what I do - instead of going home that day, stay in San Juan for another day or two. You'll be at a hotel before 10 AM, giving you a whole extra day of vacation. We've found this to be a relaxing way to ease back into our normal lives....

[lnew1gd1]

Fritz265,

The Natural Bridge that collapsed was the "Mother", the main, big natural bridge that was the main attraction in Aruba. There is still a smaller version called the "baby" that they took us to. It was still big enough to walk over (bunches of people on it when we were there and still not to crowded) and get some good pics so your kids will still get the effect and the pictures you wanted.

 

Snowmouse,

We loved our JS and we were right under the pool area on Deck 10. Didn't hear any noise except when we were on the balcony late one night. It was the night of the Latin Fiesta and the pool area was really rocking that night! They had a blast. Once we closed the door to the balcony to sleep we didn't hear a thing.

We are definately spoiled now...this was our 2nd time in a JS and, believe me, we can never go back to anyting less! Next time we plan on trying a Grand Suite....woo woo!

 

Ms.Fixit,

Yes, Magan's Bay beach is just as nice as Trunk Bay --- only difference I could see was that there were more people at Magan's Bay than Trunk Bay. But, we were the only ship in every port this time so there wasn't near as many people in any of the ports as there was in December. When we did St. Thomas in December and went to Magan's Bay there were 5 ships in port-------------tons of people everywhere.

Like I said, that beach is beautiful and is listed as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. They also have a new "nude beach area" at Magan's Bay ----- it's supposed to be away from the main beach area. Haven't been there so I am not sure how close it is to the main area. We were told about it by one of the tour people in December.

 

kcagg16,

 

I would go for the early flight if you have to. RCCL will make sure you are off the ship with the first group. But, I agree with paulap70, if you can extend you vacation for one more day then do it! Stay in San Juan and fly out the next day refreshed and relaxed.

 

Hope some of this info helps!

 

Lynn

[toriwc]

Lynn, which cabin were you in? We are in 1624 on AOS in June and thought yours sounds near by. I was hoping for your opinion on the cabin! TIA!

[Euclids]

Hubby and I are going on our 1st cruise on the AOS in January, it was nice to read some of the things to expect since we are cruise virgins.

 

RR - Euclids

[lnew1gd1]

Lynn, which cabin were you in? We are in 1624 on AOS in June and thought yours sounds near by. I was hoping for your opinion on the cabin! TIA!

 

We were in 1312 Starboard side. Your's is Port and to the left of the Royal Suite. Our JS would be to the right of the RS but on the other side of the ship.

 

Looks like you are a little closer in from the end of the hump toward aft, there is one more JS after you. We were 1st JS on the beginning of the hump toward forward.

 

We loved the suite. Lots of room to move around, plenty of storage--drawers, tall cabinet with shelving behind a door, another set of shelves above the mini fridge (fridge is stocked with 4 bottles of water, couple of cans of different flavored sodas, ginger ale, Snickers Bars and M&Ms), more closed storage with 2 high and deep shelves under the TV, 2 small end tables on either side of the bed with a small drawer and storage area below the drawer, really nice sized double closet with a few medium sized shelves in there also, small storage area with shelves on both sides of the mirror over the desk/vanity, a couch and 2 chairs and a small coffee table. Hair dryer is in one of the drawers in the desk/vanity in the room.

 

Nice bath, not huge but full tub/shower, very good water pressure, small storage area on both sides of the bathroom mirror (hidden behind mirrored doors) and a wide but not deep shelf under the sink area. Full sized shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. Lots of towels.

 

Bed was made into what I think was a king size when the two beds were pushed together. One night I could feel the seperation of the two beds but I told our cabin steward and it was fine after that. I don't really sleep well in hotels and beds away from home but most nights I was so tired I had no problem falling asleep quickly and staying asleep. Bed was high enough that we could store both our JUMBO suitcases and both our duffle size carry ons underneath and out of the way.

 

I was a little disapointed in the balcony. Loved the view from Deck 10 and location but the balcony view was broken up by a small (only maybe 1 ft wide) vertical strip of metal. Made the railing actually 2 different pieces. Nice length to the balcony but could have been a little deeper for my liking. DH liked the balcony and had no complaints. He thought the size was good. There were 2 chairs and a small table and one lounge chair on the balcony. Got a nice mix of sun and shade at different times of the day. Sliding glass doors to the balcony.

 

We would definately book this JS on this ship again. That's about it, hope this helps. If you have any other questions just ask. Glad to be of help if I can.

 

Lynn

[toriwc]

Lynn,

 

I never got the automated message that you replied. Thanks SO much for the very detailed description of the cabin. Exactly what I was looking for! I am glad you enjoyed your cabin and vacation so much. Thanks again :)

[lnew1gd1]

Glad that's what you were looking for. Have fun on your cruise and ENJOY, ENJOY!

[NFEB]

Lynn,

Thank you for all of your great info. However I do have one question...we are traveling aboard the AOS in June and, like you, we are on Deck 10. My wife is concerned about the noise from the deck above us. We are toward the rear of the ship beneath the Windjammer Cafe. Did you find nose from deck 11 to be an issue?

Thank you for your help.

Fred

[GARYBNKR]

We set sail on AOS Nov 27, 05. Can you give us any of the Cruise Staff's names? Captain? Cruise Director & Asst? This will be our 6th RCI Cruise & we love to renew old friendships. Anyone else on this sailing?

[showergirl5311b]

We set sail on AOS Nov 27, 05. Can you give us any of the Cruise Staff's names? Captain? Cruise Director & Asst? This will be our 6th RCI Cruise & we love to renew old friendships. Anyone else on this sailing?

 

We would also like to know who the Cruise Director is for AOS!:D

[GARYBNKR]

Do you have the cruise staff names?

[lnew1gd1]

Lynn,

Thank you for all of your great info. However I do have one question...we are traveling aboard the AOS in June and, like you, we are on Deck 10. My wife is concerned about the noise from the deck above us. We are toward the rear of the ship beneath the Windjammer Cafe. Did you find nose from deck 11 to be an issue?

Thank you for your help.

Fred

 

Hi Fred,

 

We had no problem with noise except for one night. We were near the pool area and the night of the Latin Fiesta the pool area was really "rocking" with fun and music. We were on our balcony about 1 AM and it was pretty loud. Once we went inside and shut the sliding glass doors we didn't hear any noise at all. We slept like babies on this cruise and didn't notice anything that was disturbing to our peace and quite at night.

 

One morning I was on the balcony really early to watch the sunrise. I did hear some moving of deck chairs and tables while they were cleaning but, again, once I went inside and shut the doors it was totally quiet.

 

Don't think you will have a problem.

 

Hope this helps.

[OnlyMe]

Lynn,

How or with whom did you arrange the $10 'thing' with your bags?? We tried this on Radiance in September and no-one we asked knew about it - they just told us that we couldn't do the direct baggage check through from the ship to our arrival airpotr because we are not US citizens. Thanks for any info.

[NFEB]

Lynn,

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my note. Your information is very helpful.

Fred

[lnew1gd1]

Lynn,

How or with whom did you arrange the $10 'thing' with your bags?? We tried this on Radiance in September and no-one we asked knew about it - they just told us that we couldn't do the direct baggage check through from the ship to our arrival airpotr because we are not US citizens. Thanks for any info.

 

The luggage transfer was offered to us by the shipline via a "notice of availability" in our ship stateroom 2 or 3 days before the cruise ended. It was only offered to American Airlines passengers and, we were told, that the offer was presented to AOS passengers directly from American Airlines.

 

Lynn

[ckrobyn]

Thanks for the info on 1312! We are cruising with my parents in January and that is the JS I booked for them :) We will be in GS 1324, a few doors down....close, but not TOO close! ;)