Feeling Nostalgic- 1 month ago, 10/28/07 AOS

[MindyM]

It's 30 degrees and snow on the ground. One month ago today, I was on Adventure of the Seas. Anyone else?

[lizstas]

We will be sailing on AOS 1/6 and was wondering if you would suggest a day for Portofino's. Was there a weak menu day in the dining room?

How was your sailing? I've heard more bad press lately regarding this ship than good. We are a group of 24 family/friends with a few first timers joining us. I'm praying and hoping for the best but have to admit I am worried.

How was the entertainment? The best entertainment--hands down that I've seen was onboard the Freedom last year--unbelievable. Awesome ship too--loved those hot tubs.

[MindyM]

We had an amazing time. It sounds like a lot of these people who complain have only ever been on mainland USA. There are lots of different people and cultures and you just need to learn from them, not judge. My kids had a great time in kids club. Only a few kids spoke English, but they didn't care. They even learned Spanish. The dining room was wonderful (and not crowded). The casino was a blast and also not crowded and neither were the clubs and bars. St. Maarten and Aruba are two of the most beautiful islands. No one was rude to me.

This is the second time I've been on AOS and the only difference was that this time it was less crowded. I went in March last time. Have a great time and don't worry what anyone else said.

Did you enjoy Freedom. I am going next year?

[MindyM]

Thursday was a great night for Portofinos. It's the 2nd formal night, but the food is much better at Portofinos.

[lizstas]

Everything on the Freedom seemed a step above--wave rider, water park for the kids, hot tubs, boxing ring, and most important was the Entertainment. Honestly, the best entertainment I've seen on any of the cruises I've been on. Our cruise did have the "Norovirus" so we couldn't even board ontime--we were bused to Parrot Jungle in Miami for most of the day with lunch/refreshments, etc. all courtesy of RCL. Many complained on how things were handled, etc. They had to scrub our ship down and had to do something with several thousand people. I think considering--they did a great job. Only problem I had was they were using bleach every day on the door handles, hand rails, etc with no warning signs. Many people, including us, ruined many clothes. They did give compensation on the spot if it were in the $20 range. We had clothing damaged total worth about $100. We never received anything....I didn't follow up after the cruise so that's my fault. I did fill out a claim but nothing ever happened. Due to all these inconveniences we did receive a 20% voucher toward our next cruise so that's was put toward our Adventure sailing.

You will enjoy the Freedom very much--even with all the crazy things going on--passengers quarantined, areas closed, etc. we still had a good time. The wave rider ended up being closed due to the illness, dining room for lunch closed (made the Windjammer crazy) but again--we loved the Freedom and would sail her again in a minute--I am just not crazy about that Western route. On our stop in Montego Bay we took the bus tour recommended by Ken Rush (he sent his mother on it) Our bus was approached by a drugged out guy at a stop sign just outside the port gates---the driver pulled out a huge macheti from under his seat and stuck it out the window at this guy. We were scared to get off the bus. He tried getting out to stop at the beach, shop, etc. He said not to worry they don't bother locals, everyone knows how important tourism is and how you can bother tourists. He then proceeds to tell us that no one would bother anyone on his bus because he also carried a 38. The bus was full with our group and another couple...no one got off the bus and we did the circle right back to the ship! If the driver has to pack a machetti and a gun to go to work--why would we feel safe? I would never get off on that side of the island again. If you ever go to the Ocho Rios side Peat Taylor is a well known local tour operator. We toured with him twice and feel very safe with him....beautiful country but just crazy when you can't freely walk around--why bother to get off the ship in my opinion.

I have sailed out of San Juan before--absolutely loved the Serenade and her itinerary. Actually have sailed the Serenade twice and she is my favorite ship. Unbelieveable captain and crew---unbelievable--Captian Johnny from the Mariner is another of my favorites (Mariner is my favorite Voyager Class ship). We were fortunate enough on our Serenade sailing to Hawaii that we were able to have a tour of the bridge. The captain is very personable, very welcoming, if you haven't sailed her--I highly recommend it plus the itinerary is awesome. I'm hoping Aruba and Curacao are as beautiful as Barbados and St. Lucia--breathtaking...loved St. Lucia.

I'll update you when we get back but hopefully, we'll have as good a time as you did. I'm with you and do feel some of this stuff is blown out of proportion, I also think when you are "looking" for things to be going wrong, they will.

[MindyM]

As far as the entertainment, I have seen better RC performers and shows, but the Vegas acts were amazing.

Sounds like you had a great time, even with the illness. It's great that RC took care of this health threat and also made it pleasant for you. The van sounds horrific. We have been to all of these islands before on Navigator, but this is the only time we can travel since the kids are off from school.

Have a great crusie. I can't believe I have to wait another 11 months:(