Reporting LIVE from Adventure - NOT!

[Oceans4]

Day 4 – Costa Maya

 

Many of you are anxiously awaiting the Costa Maya part of this review, so here we go.

 

As I said earlier, I didn’t expect much or know much about Costa Maya, and I looked into some highly-praised reviews (i.e Maya Chan) for an all-inclusive beach day, but I couldn’t get the whole group to commit, so I did further research on something to do that didn't require a reservation or commitment.

 

After reading about Krazy Lobster, we figured it was worth a try because it was not a set cost to get in, and if we didn’t like it, we could leave.   Did we go?   Yes.   Was it easy to get to?   Yes.   Did we dislike and leave?   A resounding NO!

 

After leaving the ship, we walked around the port area for about 20 minutes.   Wow, this is a lovely port with lots of great shops, some local entertainment, and great food offerings.   There is also a large pool with a swim-up bar, pool volleyball, and lounge chairs, which I understand is free.   The pool is beautiful.   There is also a dolphin encounter right there in the port, which is $125 and affiliated with the ship.

 

So six of the ten of us wanted to go to Krazy Lobster.   We bought our tickets for the tram ($3 each), and it took us right to the Krazy Lobster stop.   As soon as we walked between the buildings and saw it, we were thrilled.   We were taken to a table and chairs in the shade by the water’s edge, where there were also plenty of lounge chairs, and we were introduced to Alex, our waiter for the day, who was awesome and attentive.   We were given small free margaritas, and our group ordered the first of many buckets of beer.   These are the little 6 oz pony bottles, and they ordered the mini coronitas (corona) and another beer that I cannot remember – a bucket of 10 of them is $10.   Can’t beat that!   You can get full size bottles for $2, but the little ones stay colder and go down easy!   I don’t drink beer, but of the remaining five in our group they consumed 3-1/2 buckets of beer during our stay (35 little bottles!).

 

Immediately we were approached by locals selling items – a simple “no thank you” sends them on their way, but they are constant.   We did buy a few things!   Also, the ladies that do massages right there on the beach come up and offer massages for $20 for an hour.   That’s right, $20 for an hour.   I told them I would check back after I kayak.

 

Kayaks are right there and free (the guy that gets you set up just asks for a tip).   I took a kayak out for about 45 minutes, which was heavenly.   I love to kayak and stand-up paddleboard, but they didn’t have the SUP’s there.   After kayaking and swimming (no annoying seagrass at all!)

 

So I get back and tell the massage ladies I just want to do 30 minutes for $10.   She’s about 4 minutes into the massage and I tell her do the full hour.   She was amazing, and it was a highlight for me, having a massage under shady palm trees, hearing them sway, listening to the music playing, hearing people having fun, and for such a cheap price.   Haggling for souvenirs is fine and expected, but how can you ask someone who is going to use their strength for an hour to do it for less.  I heard a guy offering $10 for the hour, and that’s just sad.   I tipped as well, and it was truly heaven.   There's a reason massages are usually in a closed room - twice during the massage, my husband interrupted to ask me if I liked a necklace he wanted to buy me.   I said no and he bought it anyway.   He's a great guy and the second interruption was to tell me he bought it (that could have waited, right?)   Many years ago, he told me during our son's football games when my son was hurt that Mom should never run onto the field if her boy is hurt - leave this to coaches and dads, don't embarrass the boy.   I always heeded that advice through football, wrestling (ugh!), and baseball years.   Now it was my turn after the massage to tell DH that you NEVER interrupt a massage (and I even referenced his sports warning from all those years ago).   Everyone got a kick out of that!   Side note, my son’s GF paid $30 for 20 minutes in Cozumel on the beach the next day.   If you get to Krazy Lobster, be sure to treat yourself.   Try to wear a two-piece to get the maximum out of this.   I had a tankini on and she rolled it as high as she could, creating more of a bikini and rolled the bottoms down a bit.   I was a little concerned that more was showing than I would like, but I decided to just go with it, crack or not.   Her work on the neck and shoulders and upper back was incredible.   Life is short, get the massage!

 

We spent about 5 hours at Krazy Lobster.   We also had two big orders of chips and guacamole (so so good!) and two orders of chips and salsa (very fresh), and one order of chicken tacos (yum!)….so we didn’t order tons of food, but the total bill was $65 for six people.   An all-inclusive would be $55 each, and we all left happy and really loved this day.   I spoke with the owner/manager, Mauricio, and he was really sweet and so proud.   The place is huge, no reservation needed, and it’s one of many resorts along a boardwalk area.   Go ahead and take a walk, go in shops, do tequila tasting, enjoy it – we never felt unsafe.   You can even rent bikes to ride along the boardwalk – they are right there at Krazy Lobster.

 

To return to port, you have to get a taxi.   It’s $8 but can only take 4 people.   We were able to get a van for $12.   Mauricio walked us right back out between the buildings and grabbed a cab for us.  

 

Back in port, we walked around a bit, got a couple carnitas tacos, an ear of Mexican corn (spicy), and went in a few of the shops.   Then back to the ship for some relaxing in the Solarium and catching up with the other four of our group.

 

Summary – we absolutely loved Costa Maya!

 

Spoiler alert - Cozumel was the next day, and my report has nothing special in it, but I'll write it up anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Oceans4]

I'm just going to wrap this up.   

 

Our last port was Cozumel, and we did not make a plan.   My son and his GF had pre-booked Mr. Sanchos - we took them there in 2014 and had a blast.   Several ships were in port, and Mr. Sanchos was all booked up.   We had hoped to get off the ship and find some last-minute catamaran or something fun to do, but we didn't get off the ship in time to make that happen.   DH and I walked around a bit and then headed back to the ship.   I was really kicking myself for not booking an adventure, as it was a fairly boring day.   My brother and SIL are very adventuresome and headed off the ship early and walked very far.   My DH doesn't care for that, does not like shopping or getting overheated in the sun.   So our day was mostly spent around the solarium pool until everyone was back on board again.

 

Last day at sea was great - perfect breezy weather, and we spent time at the outside pools and mini golf.   

 

Other general comments before I debark....

 

Mini Golf - newer course - in great shape and something fun to do.   Always plenty of equipment available (ie pencils, scorecards, balls, and putters).   

 

Water Slides - I got to go down twice - used the blue side both times - the first time I flew down and out; the second time I was going at a snail's pace and then came to a sudden stop halfway down.  I think the water flow must have stopped, so that wasn't fun.   The line moves very slowly, and you can see the line through the clear spiral tower and decide - if it looks like half of the tower is full, you will have a long wait.   They are very careful and don't let anyone go until the bottom pool is completely clear.   also, on port days, the water slides are not open until around 3 pm.   We had a good amount of kids on our sailing, maybe due to schools and election day, so it was not easy to get through the slides quickly.   I would have loved to ride them again and again!   

 

Overall Ship Condition - This ship had a refurbishment in early 2018, and the ship is 20 years old - my opinion is that the ship is in incredible condition.   Everything looked new and nice, areas were clean and well kept for the most part.   In the evenings, some of the public restrooms needed a freshening up - overflowing trashcans and no TP, but everywhere else seemed great.   Even around the outdoor areas, someone is always coming around to pick up empty dishes and trash.   The crew/staff are polite, friendly, and helpful.   The bartenders were great, the staff at the gourmet coffee place were great.   We only saw our cabin attendant on the first day and never saw her again, but our room was always well taken care of when we were out.  

 

Casino - We love to spend time in the casino on a cruise.   I truly don't want to offend, but it is brutal to be in the casino and be so bombarded by cigarette smoke.  If sitting at a table (i.e. 3-card poker or blackjack), you simply cannot get away from it, and I'm not sure why all other inside areas are smoke-free but the casino.   We had to hang our clothes out on the balcony before going to bed.  I get it, the easy answer is to stay out of the casino, but that's part of our enjoyment too, and it just seems awfully unfair.   All in our group felt that way.    Please don't flame me (no pun intended) - I just feel I should have a right as a paying passenger to enjoy ALL of the areas of the ship, and more areas outside the casino should be made pleasant for the smokers.  

 

I would go on Adventure again in a heartbeat - I loved the ship and the crew!   I so missed cruising and have the cruising bug in me again.   Having said that, I want to say that my sweet dog was extremely blue the first two days we were home.   We have a vacation home, so in the last four years while we have skipped cruising, she has been included in all of our time away, and I think she thought we abandoned her, even though she was with family and loved.   Fortunately, she is back to her happy normal self now.

 

If you have any questions about the Adventure, please feel free to post.   I hope you enjoyed my review!   

[pisces68]

Thank you for your review! Loved it!

[Oceans4]

On 11/17/2018 at 5:39 PM, pisces68 said:

Thank you for your review! Loved it!

That's so kind of you, appreciate that you enjoyed it!    

[sdear]

On ‎11‎/‎12‎/‎2018 at 11:33 AM, Oceans4 said:

I meant to, I really did.  First of all, kudos to all those that do LIVE trip reports!  I have enjoyed reading them and waiting for the next installments whenever anyone does a LIVE report.  But I have to say that I was having way too much fun to stop each day and write.  So I apologize for the delay in publishing....and now we can consider this a post-cruise review, which I am putting together in segments.   For the purposes of sharing information to those that may need it, I'll post what I have put together so far and will continue as I can.   

 

Drumroll please.....here is what was supposed to be my “live” report of our 6-night Adventure of the Seas Cruise (November 4-10).

 

Since this was a 6-night trip (the shortest cruise ever for me, but it worked better for some of the other couples on our trip), we flew into Fort Lauderdale the day before.  There were four couples, two of whom were flying in the day of the cruise, and two couples in Fort Lauderdale a day early.  My DH and I met up with my brother and SIL in Fort Lauderdale and were sharing a hotel room together.  We arrived around 2:00 pm, and after settling in, my brother suggested we go out and walk around town and stop in a Mexican Restaurant that he heard was fun.  We were up for anything, and off we went.  (There is actually a point to this part of my story).  I won’t make you wait....

 

So we are out walking and my brother sees the restaurant, walks in and is immediately walking towards a guy and taps him on the shoulder.  We often run into people we know.....so guy on chair spins around and “surprise!”  It’s my son and his girlfriend surprising us by joining the cruise.  Of course we thought there was something more to come, especially since my son carried on two bottles of champagne the next day instead of wine.....but as I wrote this review while sitting in the airport, cruise is over, and the champagne was just for drinking!    All in good time though.....  Discovering them coming on the trip was amazing.  Her parents are our good friends and one of the other couples on the cruise, so we had surprising them on board.  

 

Okay, let me back up and start from the beginning.

 

Embarkation was a breeze.  No lines for any category of cruiser.  We were on board in 5 minutes, having arrived at the port about 11:30 am.  There was a delay on the shuttle from the car rental place next to the port (my brother had rented a car).  The other couple on the shuttle with us had the driver stop, as the guy could not find his wallet.  We searched high and low, finally turned around and went back to Avis, everyone searched the guy’s rental car, and no wallet.  They were not going to be on our ship, so we never found out what happened, but we felt so awful for the couple; what a dreadful feeling that had to be.  Later in the day when we watched the Carnival cruise leave the port, we couldn't stop thinking about that couple.   

 

CABIN:  We were in one of the new cabins (former peekaboo bridge) on deck 11 outside the gym and solarium.  We had JS 1106 and really liked it.  My husband hits the gym every day (I’d like to say I do too, but that let's be real - that would be a fib - good intentions (as evidenced by the amount of workout clothes in my suitcase, but I only made it twice.  I got plenty of exercise though, including bicep curls throughout the day.  Just kidding, I don’t drink much, but I did consume a few Johnny Rockets milkshakes.  Cabin was spacious, clean, and location, location, location!  We loved it.  There were storage areas that we never even used.

 

DAY ONE:  Just hung around a bit waiting to get into our cabins at 1:00 pm, dropped off carry ons and went exploring.  We wanted to be sure our reservations were all modified now that we were ten people instead of 8.  There was no problem doing that at all.   A few of us had drink packages, but since we are D+, it didn’t make sense for us to get any alcohol packages, since we are social drinkers only and would never get our moneys’ worth there.  I only had one drink at night (wine with dinner).  I got the Royal Refreshment package, and loved it.  Every day I went to Windjammer to get fresh-squeezed OJ (right at the entrance of WJ), took it back to the cabin, stopped at Starbucks or whatever that coffee place is for coffee, then enjoyed both on the balcony.    We did the BOGO specialty dinner and had Chops on night one and Giovanni’s Table on night three.  (they automatically assign night one and two for the BOGO, but if they can accommodate to another night, they do, so we switched Giovanni's Table to the third night).

 

THE SURPRISE!  Son and GF hid in a booth at Chops, and I had her parents come down and said there was a problem with reservation so I needed them both.  They came down, aggravated that there was a problem, and I told them we have to talk to the manager and walked back to the booth.  Well, the scream of joy was pretty loud, thank goodness we did this during the day and not at dinner as we originally thought we would do.    So all the surprises were done, and son and girlfriend could freely walk around the ship without worrying about hiding.   

 

CHOPS:
Dinner at Chops was very good - not quite as great as we remembered it.   Those that had the filet were really happy with it.   The crab cake appetizer was always a favorite of mine, and as soon as I saw it, I knew it wasn’t the same - it was smooth like a pattie.   Mushroom soup was my first course (amazing) and I asked the others how the crabcake was, and the answers ranged from "ok" to "not good".  My husband recommended I cancel it, it just wasn't like it used to be.   We had a variety of sides, served family style, and all were very good.   Our waiter Milich (sp?) made the experience awesome. He was fun, funny, engaging, and worked so hard to please us, and we are not difficult to please.    We noticed right away that there is no assistant waiter like there used to be - Milich did everything (order taking, drinks, clearing dirty dishes, serving, etc.).  That’s a lot of work, and he did it with a smile and professionalism.   He was wonderful.  As for the side dishes, the tater tots are fabulous, mac and cheese really good, asparagus cooked perfectly, sauteed mushrooms delicious.   The key lime pie at Chops used to be a favorite....not anymore.   It was a key lime meringue pie, but between the meringue and the key lime filling, there was a piece of sponge cake.   Nobody at the table seemed to like it, but I think we survived because the meals were so good.

MDR - My Time Dining
We ate at the MDR 3 times.   The food has slipped as others have said.   We certainly didn’t go hungry, but there were some dishes that were disappointing.  Just some random comments and thoughts on that as follows:

• French onion soup the first time was so salty it was almost inedible (confirmed by all at the table).   Did not get it again, but the next time we were there, others in our party said it was not as salty.  At least it should be consistent!  
• All of us noted the Caesar salad that first night in the MDR was warm/room temperature, rather than served cold.  Four of us that had the salad noted that a room temperature salad is not a good thing.   Future nights, the salad was cold and crisp.   Again, a consistency issue.
• The roasted tomato soup was excellent!
• We couldn't find the savory bites anywhere (those delicious little nuggets in a breadbasket), but having said that, the dinner rolls on the table are superb and there was a variety to choose from.   
• Creme brulee had good flavor but was really runny under the caramelized topping (both nights).
• Those that had the apple pie ala mode enjoyed it.
• Those that had the royal chocolate cake and the molten chocolate cake enjoyed it.
• The carrot cake was different, there was cream cheese frosting, but hard white chocolate on the top.   I didn't care much for it.
• Prime rib meal was very good, everyone enjoyed it
• One night when I didn't like anything on the menu, I ordered the grilled chicken breast - it was good
• My son thought the pasta carbonara in the dining room was excellent (much better than he had earlier in the week at Giovanni's Table)
• Shrimp cocktail was never good - always watery 
• The waitstaff was good, but we remember a time when water glasses were refilled without sitting empty and having to ask, breadbaskets were filled when empty
• After dinner coffee one of the nights in the dining room was served to 6 at our table, and the coffee was room temperature - instead of waiting for new cups and better coffee, they headed to Cafe Promenade for some coffee
• Vidalia onion tart, always a favorite of mine, is different.   It was very yellow and eggy.  First time ever I didn't finish it.
• Pasta Bolognese I ordered one night was great (as a side dish since I don't like potatoes), and the next night, it seems they put the pasta in the bowl, put the meat in the bowl, but never added the sauce.   It was basically plain noodles with crumbled met on top, no sauce at all.
• My son sent the lamb back, he said there was something not right with it at all.  

 

This will conclude my first installment, and I will continue when I can and will try to categorize as much as possible so I don't ramble too much!   Feel free to ask questions.   

PS:  After cruising once a year, this was our first cruise since 2014, so it was wonderful to be back on board and take a cruise.   We definitely noted changes that might seem more subtle to others than cruise more frequently.

 

 

 

 

Did you by chance have the surf and stream internet package? if so how was it?

 

[kurtp13]

On 11/12/2018 at 11:33 AM, Oceans4 said:

one of the new cabins (former peekaboo bridge)

I was really looking forward to the peekaboo bridge.    It doesn't exist anymore?

[Clarea]

1 minute ago, kurtp13 said:

I was really looking forward to the peekaboo bridge.    It doesn't exist anymore?

 

Still exists.

[Oceans4]

On 11/22/2018 at 8:05 AM, sdear said:

Did you by chance have the surf and stream internet package? if so how was it?

 

I did have the internet package, I believe it was $71 for the 6-night cruise.   I needed to be able to answer emails for work (if I felt like it, it was required).   I didn't do any surfing or post from the ship - mostly just checking emails, facebook here and there, and texting.    It worked great every time I needed it though.   There were no delays in service.

[Oceans4]

On 11/22/2018 at 9:56 PM, Host Clarea said:

 

Still exists.

I think it's either smaller or it was relocated.   I never actually investigated this, but I do recall reading that those new cabins (#1100-#1106) were built where peekaboo bridge used to be.   

[PghSunny]

On 11/12/2018 at 11:33 AM, Oceans4 said:

CHOPS:
Dinner at Chops was very good - not quite as great as we remembered it.   Those that had the filet were really happy with it.   The crab cake appetizer was always a favorite of mine, and as soon as I saw it, I knew it wasn’t the same - it was smooth like a pattie.   Mushroom soup was my first course (amazing) and I asked the others how the crabcake was, and the answers ranged from "ok" to "not good".  My husband recommended I cancel it, it just wasn't like it used to be.   We had a variety of sides, served family style, and all were very good.   Our waiter Milich (sp?) made the experience awesome. He was fun, funny, engaging, and worked so hard to please us, and we are not difficult to please.    We noticed right away that there is no assistant waiter like there used to be - Milich did everything (order taking, drinks, clearing dirty dishes, serving, etc.).  That’s a lot of work, and he did it with a smile and professionalism.   He was wonderful.  As for the side dishes, the tater tots are fabulous, mac and cheese really good, asparagus cooked perfectly, sauteed mushrooms delicious.   The key lime pie at Chops used to be a favorite....not anymore.   It was a key lime meringue pie, but between the meringue and the key lime filling, there was a piece of sponge cake.   Nobody at the table seemed to like it, but I think we survived because the meals were so good.

 

 

 

 

Great report.  I was on the same sailing with two friends, and I think we might have been at the table next to you at Chops.  We were at the first table, immediately inside the door which was pretty annoying.  I swear it was the worst table in the place. It was incredibly noisy (we could barely hear each other without yelling) everything seemed to echo to our space.  I can't remember our waiter's name but a lady at the large table next to us cancelled her crabcake (like I said, everything echoed to our table, from all over the restaurant).  The filet was good, but the atmosphere of the restaurant left a lot to be desired. 

 

Other than that, we had a great time!  I agree with your comments about the ship, it is in fabulous shape.  

 

[PghSunny]

On 11/22/2018 at 8:05 AM, sdear said:

Did you by chance have the surf and stream internet package? if so how was it?

 

Not to hi-jack Oceans4's report, but I purchased surf and stream and I used it daily to check email, imessage and facetime my family.  It worked really well.

[Oceans4]

On 11/26/2018 at 10:06 PM, PghSunny said:

Great report.  I was on the same sailing with two friends, and I think we might have been at the table next to you at Chops.  We were at the first table, immediately inside the door which was pretty annoying.  I swear it was the worst table in the place. It was incredibly noisy (we could barely hear each other without yelling) everything seemed to echo to our space.  I can't remember our waiter's name but a lady at the large table next to us cancelled her crabcake (like I said, everything echoed to our table, from all over the restaurant).  The filet was good, but the atmosphere of the restaurant left a lot to be desired. 

 

Other than that, we had a great time!  I agree with your comments about the ship, it is in fabulous shape.  

 

that's too funny....we were a group of 10 with a 7 pm reservation, and I did cancel that crabcake after seeing how they looked and on my husband's advice.   I don't get hung up on issues like that - there's always something else to find.   My goodness, those tater tots could be a meal in themselves....they were so good!   We enjoyed Chops and mostly our waiter, who was so great.   

[Oceans4]

On 11/26/2018 at 10:13 PM, PghSunny said:

Not to hi-jack Oceans4's report, but I purchased surf and stream and I used it daily to check email, imessage and facetime my family.  It worked really well.

Agree....never had a problem with internet on my ipad.   Feel free to add on to anything in this report!   No worries about hi-jacking!   I'm glad you agreed that the ship was in great shape and that you had a good cruise!

[georgiacat]

enjoyed your review.

[Oceans4]

4 hours ago, georgiacat said:

enjoyed your review.

Thanks so much!   I imagine it would have been so much better with pictures and daily updates....next time I'll try harder.   I need to get permission from the dog before I leave her again though.