All Things Adventure of the Seas ¡Olé! Edition

[daliflor]

The first parade took place on the first night on board AOTS, after 11pm, by the Royal Promenade.

 

 

 

Parade, Royal Promenade (Adventure of the Seas - June 3, 2010)

 

 

Parade, Royal Promenade (Adventure of the Seas - June 3, 2010)

 

 

Parade, Royal Promenade (Adventure of the Seas - June 3, 2010)

 

 

Parade, Royal Promenade (Adventure of the Seas - June 3, 2010)

 

 

Parade, Royal Promenade (Adventure of the Seas - June 3, 2010)

 

 

The Parade concluded with colorful interior fireworks.

[daliflor]

The first parade took place on the first night on board AOTS, after 11pm, by the Royal Promenade.

 

 

 

The Parade concluded with colorful interior fireworks.

 

 

Parade, Royal Promenade (Adventure of the Seas - June 3, 2010)

 

 

Shortly after the Parade concluded on the Royal Promenade (Adventure of the Seas - June 3, 2010)

 

 

 

 

[Jolimont]

I do love a parade! Thanks for all the photos, clearly my kind of thing! :) Those costumes are really impressive! Is the music good too?

[daliflor]

I do love a parade! Thanks for all the photos, clearly my kind of thing! :) Those costumes are really impressive! Is the music good too?[/quote]

 

Yes, it is (most of the time).

[peteukmcr]

I do love a parade! Thanks for all the photos, clearly my kind of thing! :) Those costumes are really impressive! Is the music good too?[/quote]

 

Yes, it is (most of the time).

 

Thanks for taking the time to write your review and for posting all those photos! We missed the parade (cannot remember what we were doing at that time on the first night - think we were up in the Blue Moon club on deck 14).

 

I must admit I agree with the decoration of Adventure being a little eclectic, especially some of the art work on the stairs.

 

I also agree a bit of a lack of 'WOW' factor, but I think that's because we have sailed on the 2nd generation Voyager class ships (Mariner & Navigator) and the 1st generation (Voyager, Adventure and Explorer) were designed a little differently, especially in the Windjammer and Portofino areas.

 

I think I prefer the Freedom class ships and have sailed on Freedom twice and we are booked on Liberty next year.

 

Having said that, I would still be onboard any Voyager class ship than being at work:D

[peteukmcr]

As confirmed by one of my Spanish customers, the VAT rate in Spain will increase by 2% to 18% with effect from 1st July 2010.

 

The current rate of 7% levied on restaurants and hotels will increase by 1% to 8%.

 

The rate of 4% for essentials and medicines will remain unchanged.

 

If these increases are are implemented on the rates charged by RCI on sailings of Adventure out of a Spanish port and that do not visit a non-EU port, then I suspect the rate on goods purchased from the on board shops to increase to 18% and the rate on bar sales, mini bars and speciality cover charges to increase to 8%.

 

In effect an alcoholic drink will now have 23% added to the base price (8% VAT and 15% gratuity).

[dutchclogs]

As confirmed by one of my Spanish customers, the VAT rate in Spain will increase by 2% to 18% with effect from 1st July 2010.

 

The current rate of 7% levied on restaurants and hotels will increase by 1% to 8%.

 

The rate of 4% for essentials and medicines will remain unchanged.

 

If these increases are are implemented on the rates charged by RCI on sailings of Adventure out of a Spanish port and that do not visit a non-EU port, then I suspect the rate on goods purchased from the on board shops to increase to 18% and the rate on bar sales, mini bars and speciality cover charges to increase to 8%.

 

In effect an alcoholic drink will now have 23% added to the base price (8% VAT and 15% gratuity).

 

Drat. Just in time for our cruise 10 July! But thanks for the heads up Pete, forewarned is forearmed. I wonder if we will have to pay more for our pre booked hotel? grrr...

[Lobbylin]

As confirmed by one of my Spanish customers, the VAT rate in Spain will increase by 2% to 18% with effect from 1st July 2010.

 

The current rate of 7% levied on restaurants and hotels will increase by 1% to 8%.

 

The rate of 4% for essentials and medicines will remain unchanged.

 

If these increases are are implemented on the rates charged by RCI on sailings of Adventure out of a Spanish port and that do not visit a non-EU port, then I suspect the rate on goods purchased from the on board shops to increase to 18% and the rate on bar sales, mini bars and speciality cover charges to increase to 8%.

 

In effect an alcoholic drink will now have 23% added to the base price (8% VAT and 15% gratuity).

 

I do wonder that with all these extras added to our purchases, the usual nickel and diming and the terrible US$/EURO-GBP exchange rate, how long will it be before people are put off cruising out of these Spanish ports?

 

I was travelling with my mum who is not a big drinker, so my on board account was relatively small, but it's usually a lot bigger! I also have a USD bank account and save for cruising, buying USD when the rates are good but my stockpile will run out in the next year, and I then may have to re-think cruises vs land tours in Europe especially, if the exchange rates remain so poor.

 

Linda:)

[Lobbylin]

 

I also agree a bit of a lack of 'WOW' factor, but I think that's because we have sailed on the 2nd generation Voyager class ships (Mariner & Navigator) and the 1st generation (Voyager, Adventure and Explorer) were designed a little differently, especially in the Windjammer and Portofino areas.

 

I think I prefer the Freedom class ships and have sailed on Freedom twice and we are booked on Liberty next year.

 

Having said that, I would still be onboard any Voyager class ship than being at work:D

 

Along with Pete and Daliflor, I did not find that "WOW" factor on this particular cruise, but that is because I have cruised on the Navigator and did have that WOW factor the first time round on that ship, and the AOS was pretty much identical.

 

Don't get me wrong, I had a good time, but generally, I try to avoid cruising on the same ship again and again for that very reason. Half the fun is experiencing new things so I will probably try the other class of ships going forward.

 

I have a cruise booked on the Jewel OTS in the coming months, which will be our first on the Radiance class ships, so I look forward to that.

 

Linda

[Lobbylin]

Thanks for posting your photos - they brought back some good memories!! Looking at the position where you were standing to take those photos we must have crossed shoulders at some point!

 

Your comments on the numerous pool chair hogging announcements did make me smile - they must have made that announcment in several languages at least 4 times in one morning if I remember correctly!:D

 

My only other niggly complaint that I forget to mention is that smoking seems to permitted in so many indoor places (the Schooner Lounge / the Blue Moon Lounge / Casino, and I am sure people were smoking in the bars on the Promenade also) - I guess I am spoiled with the smoking ban in the UK.

 

As a point of difference, one of the the entertainment staff, Holly did a session on explaining Tarot card reading which was different to the usual entertainment and fascinating, so a big thumbs up for that. You will see it advertised in the Compass.

 

I also didn't feel like I was being "hounded" by photographers at every turn on this cruise and managed to easily avoid all the obligatory photos.

 

Linda:)

[Bobal]

I do wonder that with all these extras added to our purchases, the usual nickel and diming and the terrible US$/EURO-GBP exchange rate, how long will it be before people are put off cruising out of these Spanish ports?

 

Linda,

I think you're absolutely right on that one. We've already said that after our 2 cruises this year (which both happen to be from Spanish ports and within the EU :() we will look to cruise from elsewhere or take a cruise which travels outside the EU. It's just yet another expense which we're reluctant to pay.

[Jolimont]

Linda,

I think you're absolutely right on that one. We've already said that after our 2 cruises this year (which both happen to be from Spanish ports and within the EU :() we will look to cruise from elsewhere or take a cruise which travels outside the EU. It's just yet another expense which we're reluctant to pay.

Is this VAT rule not in place when a ship sails from France or Portugal or Italy?

Personnally I would really like it if more ships stopped in North Africa, there are some very nice places in Morocco or Tunisia, probably Algeria too, but it's not as safe for tourists.

[daliflor]

June 3rd, 2010 - Embarkation was quick on the Adventure of the Seas leaving from Barcelona (Terminal B):

 

 

 

 

To the left of the above image, there was a free Lemonade stand (it was removed by 2pm after we got in)

 

 

As Pete indicated earlier, here (at the check in) we also completed the short Health questionnaire.

 

 

 

A Fountain Soda Package can be purchased for the cruise (as part of your package, you'll receive a complimentary Coca-Cola souvenir cup).

The package includes fountain sodas and juices at all bars, lounges, dining rooms and private destinations.

 

 

Because the VAT, you can not make reservations for Portofino Italian Restaurant online, prior to the cruise.

However, you can make the reservation while boarding the ship (or once aboard).

There's a $20 surcharge for this alternative restaurant (plus VAT as Pete detailed in his earlier review).

[daliflor]

If you have kids under 12 years old, they will get their muster braceletes (wristbands) while boarding the ship:

 

 

Note that Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program has age-specific facilities and programs supervised by youth counselors for Aqaunauts (age 3-5, must be toilet trained), Explorers (age 6-8), Voyagers (age 9-11), Navigators (age 12-14) and Teens (age 15-17).

 

A new program for infants and toddlers 6 months to 3 years, in partnership with toymaker Fisher-Price, offers children accompanied by an adult 45-minute playgroups involving storytelling, creative arts, music and a variety of Fisher-Price learning toys and games:

 

 

Organized activities are offered from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with group baby-sitting from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for a fee.

Teen centers are now open past 2 a.m.

 

 

Private babysitting is offered from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., provided sitters are available, for children from six months old at

a fee per child per hour, with a minimum of three hours and an additional fee per hour charge for each additional child.

 

[peteukmcr]

Fantastic photo of Adventure at the terminal, thanks for sharing!

[daliflor]

In the past, I personally used various ways to get to the ship in Barcelona: the cruiseline's airport transfer one time, then a cab from La Rambla or the local bus from Port Vell- close to Columbus Monument (statue).

 

This time around, we had plenty of time in our hands, so we decided to walk from La Rambla to the ship by crossing the bridge (following the sea wall all the way in).

 

Here are some images of the AOTS ship and the surroundings the day of the Embarkation, June 3rd 2010 (around noon time):

 

 

Adventure of the Seas (view from Port Vell, June 3rd 2010)

 

 

 

 

The bridge we crossed that day to get to Terminal B (where AOTS was docked on June 3rd 2010)

 

 

Adventure of the Seas (view from the bridge, June 3rd 2010)

 

 

Celebrity Century and RCI Adventure of the Seas (view from the bridge, June 3rd 2010)

 

 

Celebrity Century (view from the bridge, June 3rd 2010)

[daliflor]

RCI Adventure of the Seas ship and the surroundings - Embarkation day, June 3rd 2010 (early afternoon):

 

 

Adventure of the Seas (view from the bridge, June 3rd 2010)

 

 

Adventure of the Seas (view from the bridge, June 3rd 2010)

 

 

 

 

Celebrity Century and RCI Adventure of the Seas (view from the bridge, June 3rd 2010)

 

 

[daliflor]

RCI Adventure of the Seas ship and the surroundings - Embarkation day, June 3rd 2010 (early afternoon):

 

 

Celebrity Century (view from the bridge, June 3rd 2010)

 

 

Celebrity Century and RCI Adventure of the Seas (view from the bridge, June 3rd 2010)

 

 

Celebrity Century and RCI Adventure of the Seas (view from the bridge, June 3rd 2010)

 

 

Celebrity Century and RCI Adventure of the Seas (view from the bridge, June 3rd 2010)

 

 

 

Adventure of the Seas, Terminal B (view from the bridge, June 3rd 2010)

 

[daliflor]

RCI Adventure of the Seas ship and the surroundings - Embarkation day, June 3rd 2010 (early afternoon):

 

 

Adventure of the Seas, Terminal B (view from the bridge, June 3rd 2010)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adventure of the Seas, Terminal B (view from the bridge, June 3rd 2010)

[daliflor]

On a second thought and in all fairness to RCI, the "WOW factor" probably came before this 4 nights cruise from Barcelona -

exactly one week before the sail away when they upgraded us for free from a Promenade mid ship cabin on floor 7 to a Junior Suite on floor 9, mid ship also.

 

 

Here is the description and "official" photos of a JS on AOTS:

 

Junior Suite with Balcony - Also referred to as Superior Ocean View Suite

 

Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), private balcony, private bathroom with bathtub and a sitting area (some with sofa bed)

(277 sq. ft., balcony 69 sq. ft.)

 

Also includes minibar, vanity area, hair-dryer, TV, phone, computer jack, vanity table with an extendable working surface

for laptop computers and 110/220 electrical outlets.

 

Some have sofa beds and can accommodate 3-4 guests. Some can also accommodate a rollaway bed or Pack 'n Play.

 

-

[daliflor]

Here is the "real" Junior Suite that we got (on floor 9, mid ship, AOTS):

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - entrance door with door viewer

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010)

On the above image - the door to the left goes to the walk-in closet; the door to the right goes into the bathroom

 

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - spacious walk-in closet

 

[daliflor]

The Junior Suite that we had on floor 9, mid ship - 4 nights cruise from Barcelona on the AOS, starting June 3rd 2010:

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - entrance and door to the bathroom

(in the mirror, the door to the walk-in closet)

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - spacious bathroom

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - toiletries items supplied

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - spacious bathroom with bathtub

 

[daliflor]

The Junior Suite that we had on floor 9, mid ship - 4 nights cruise from Barcelona on the AOS, starting June 3rd 2010:

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - the door pictured goes into the walk-in closet

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - Tea kettle

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010)

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010)

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - the mini fridge under the TV

 

[daliflor]

The Junior Suite that we had on floor 9, mid ship - 4 nights cruise from Barcelona on the AOS, starting June 3rd 2010:

 

 

Junior Suite (277 sq. ft.), 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) -

Two twin beds converted into queen-size, sitting area (some with sofa bed) and private balcony (69 sq. ft.)

(also private bathroom with bathtub and walk-in closet)

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) -

Two twin beds converted into queen-size, sitting area (some with sofa bed) and private balcony (69 sq. ft)

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) -

Two twin beds converted into queen-size, sitting area (some with sofa bed) and private balcony (69 sq. ft)

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) -

Two twin beds converted into queen-size and sitting area (some with sofa bed)

 

 

Junior Suite (277 sq. ft.), 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - sitting area (some with sofa bed)

and private balcony (69 sq. ft)

[daliflor]

The Junior Suite that we had on floor 9, mid ship - 4 nights cruise from Barcelona on the AOS, starting June 3rd 2010:

 

 

Junior Suite (277 sq. ft.), 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - private balcony (69 sq. ft)

 

 

Junior Suite (277 sq. ft.), 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - private balcony (69 sq. ft)

 

 

Junior Suite (277 sq. ft.), 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - private balcony (69 sq. ft)

 

 

Junior Suite (277 sq. ft.), 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - private balcony (69 sq. ft)

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship (Adventure of The Seas, June 3rd 2010) - view from our private balcony after Embarkation in Barcelona

 

 

Junior Suite, 9th floor, mid ship -

View from our private balcony after Adventure of The Seas sailed away from Barcelona on June 3rd 2010