All Things Adventure of the Seas ¡Olé! Edition

[meandmaboy]

Please be gentle first time poster here. Finally booked for 23rd November & really looking forward to the trip, it will be me, partner & my 16 year old moody teenage son.

This is only a 5 night cruise, but partner has never cruised before but son & I have been Portsmouth to Bilboa more times than we care to remember, & there's no comparison whatsoever i know !

We'll be flying from Glasgow, spend the night in Malalga & then join the ship.

Everyone assures me that teenage son will enjoy himself, should I buy him a soft drinks package ? & if so how does that work out price wise.

Thanx in advance.

E

[Jolimont]

Welcome to the Olé Edition meandmyboy! Daughter was only 10 last time we cruised and she never wanted to get off the ship, not even for excursions. Older kids are harder to predict, but ships provide great entertainment for everyone. Some of the teenagers moap around a fair amount, but they do that no matter where they are, so I wouldn't worry too much. It's YOUR vacation, you have fun first!

[cinnamon]

Please be gentle first time poster here. Finally booked for 23rd November & really looking forward to the trip, it will be me, partner & my 16 year old moody teenage son.

This is only a 5 night cruise, but partner has never cruised before but son & I have been Portsmouth to Bilboa more times than we care to remember, & there's no comparison whatsoever i know !

We'll be flying from Glasgow, spend the night in Malalga & then join the ship.

Everyone assures me that teenage son will enjoy himself, should I buy him a soft drinks package ? & if so how does that work out price wise.

Thanx in advance.

E

 

Welcome to CC, I will try to be gentle. :)

The soda package is quite costly so it depends how much your son is likely to drink. From memory it costs about $1.50 per can, plus the 15% gratuity which is added to all drinks. You can find out how much the package is on the RCCL website. It may be that it would be a good idea for him as then he can order drinks as often as he likes and at least you will know how much it will all cost in advance.

 

From reading reports on here, how much he enjoys himself may depend on how many other teens are onboard. I think cruising is a wonderful way for mixed generations to holiday as you can be together as much as you want or as little as you like, but there is something for everyone. Of course, 23rd November is in the middle of a school term, so there may not be too many youngsters. I do hope you have a great time and feel free to use this forum for questions as many of us are quite experienced cruisers.

 

Cinnamon

[meandmaboy]

Many thanx to both JOLIMONT & CINNAMON,for welcoming me to the forum.:) I do realise that going in November there may be less teenagers for him to mix with, but it was the only date that we could all fit in,so we will make the best of it,have been to Spain @ this time of year before & @ least know what to expect weatherwise.:cool:

In know its only a short cruise but really looking forward to getting on the ship & seeing all the things that you have all been good enough to post about.

Who knows maybe next year our paths may cross.:eek:

[cublet]

Hello All,

 

I was rash enough to start a threat all of its own for the above sailing - so far there are three of us on it, a couple flying from Germany (doing a B2B) and me.

 

I'll be flying out the day before the cruise (and back the day after) staying at the Hotel Don Curro both times. I see it has been reported favourably by other CC members.

 

I booked a JS for this sailing as I thought it a cheap/crafty way of getting two C&A points - I'll be Diamond for my August 2011 Independence sailing.

 

There's nowhere on this cruise I've not been to before so I think I'll just walk down the gangway, test the air and get back on board.

 

I am looking forward to SPACE. The Celebrity Eclipse is very narrow and almost everwhere feels like being in a corridor.

 

I read on an earlier page of the ship running out of tea. That's nothing. The Brilliance (out of Barcelona) ran out of orange juice in Seville!

 

Best wishes,

 

Cublet

[Jolimont]

I read on an earlier page of the ship running out of tea. That's nothing. The Brilliance (out of Barcelona) ran out of orange juice in Seville!

Lovely meeting you Cublet, the orange juice thing made me laugh! That would be pretty bad indeed!

[truffles2]

 

 

I read on an earlier page of the ship running out of tea. That's nothing. The Brilliance (out of Barcelona) ran out of orange juice in Seville!

 

 

 

 

:eek::eek:

[cinnamon]

As long as the Diamond lounge doesn't run out of wine ;)

[Jolimont]

As long as the Diamond lounge doesn't run out of wine ;)

Don't be selfish, lots of us don't get to go to the Diamond lounge! No running out of booze whatsoever!

[cublet]

Don't be selfish, lots of us don't get to go to the Diamond lounge! No running out of booze whatsoever!

 

Hello,

 

On the Navigator OTS, 2007 from Southampton on its maiden season to the med, they ran out of half bottles of red wine. Not that it affected me of course - I mean, what is a half bottle for??

 

Best wishes,

 

Cublet

[Nelbr]

Just found this thread and decided to post my comments on my 4 day cruise to Ibiza on AOS last June 3rd to June 7. I've seen quite a few similar reviews, so I will just try to add what was different for me.

 

I cruised with my wife and my two 3.5 year old twins. It was our first cruise and we loved it. For us, the WOW factor did set in. My wife, who did not want to cruise before, came back asking for more.

 

I will use the review format from Peteukmcr as I found it a pleasure to read. Hope he doesn´t mind.

 

 

Thursday, 3rd June

 

Woke up very early in order to take the 8:30 AM AVE from Madrid to Barcelona.

 

Arrived in Barcelona at 11:30 and took a taxi from Saints station to port. Our taxi driver did not know how to get to port, but finally arrived. Charged us EUR 20,00 instead of EUR 12,00 shown in the meter.

 

Must have arrived at the terminal slightly after 12:00 PM. It was peak boarding time. It took us more than one hour to process (luggage+security+check-in). We were told that our cabin #2350 was ready and were given the sea passes. We peeked at duty free, got the bracelets for the kids and boarded the ship.

 

Left some things in the room and went for lunch at the WindJammer. On the way, bought the Soda package just for myself on the Royal Promenade and got Ice Hockey tickets for Sunday session. In the restaurant, it was hard to get seats at around 2:00 PM.

 

After compulsory drill, we went to the Adventure Ocean to enroll the kids. They got their faces painted and we left to explore the ship. Took some pictures of the ship leaving Barcelona. My wife wanted to peek at the stores, so we went down to the Royal Promenade.

 

Went to the room to get some rest and get ready for dinner. There was a message telling us that our pre-paid Bormes tour in preferred Spanish language had been cancelled due to lack of interest. Went to Explorer's desk and found out there was an English tour. Tried to get booked there, but no place available. I complained that I should have been transferred but nothing could be done. Went back to my room to ask my wife if she wanted to do Toulon instead. Checked the in-room TV system and booked a tour of Bormes (the unavailable one). It confirmed us without any problem.

 

Was afraid that I would be charged for the tour (as it had been pre-paid), but no. In fact, I was reimbursed for the pre-paid tour and charged again, same amount. Not a problem here.

 

Went for dinner in the MDR. Had second round dinning option at 9:15 PM. Got seated with a Spanish family. Very friendly, they loved to see our kids. Food was quite good. We were quite happy for our first day but also very tired, as it had been a long day since we left Madrid. We went to sleep.

 

 

Friday, 4th June

 

Woke up around 7:00 am once they started annoucing our arrival in Toulon. We had the speaker system on the room to off, but the corridor speaker was very loud and we could hear it in the room. And the communications were in several different languages, lasted for almost half an hour.

 

Got to the WindJammer for Breakfast around 10:00 AM. Lots of people and hard to find a place. Found a family about to leave a table and guarded it until we could seat. Great breakfast buffet, gorgeous views of the Toulon port from the Windjammer.

 

Took the kids to Adventure Ocean, planning to leave them as we were heading to Bormes ourselves. Well, the kids didn´t want to say and cried. And we were told that they could not accept our kids if they were crying. I guess any kid their age would cry, so it seemed like an unreasonable policy (for small kids anyway). After half an hour of stress, finally managed to talk to the supervisor who accepted our kids. Later we were told that in 5 minutes they were playing and not crying anymore.

 

Managed to leave less than 5 minutes before scheduled excursion. Surprise, the bus had plenty of empty seats (and we had been told it was full...). Not only that, the guide was speaking in English and Spanish. I was still not happy that my tour had been cancelled the night before, as the reasons given (no Spanish and no place available) had proven all false.

 

We had no problem joining the bus and we liked the tour. We had chosen it because it was not very long (around 3.5 hours), did not leave very early and took us to a small provence town. We did not want to leave the kids for too long. Furthermore, it was reasonably priced. Well worth it, really. For us, being docked in La Seine sur Mer instead of Toulon was not an issue at all.

 

Gorgeous weather. Sunny and not windy. Warm but not too much.

 

Arrived in the ship around 4:00 PM. Run for the kids and they were happy playing. We left them there and went for a quick bite at the WindJammer. It fell like paradise. Empty seats everywhere :)

 

We recovered the kids in time to see the ship leaving port from the Swimming Pool. Went to the cabin for resting and get ready for dinner. As it was formal night and we had no formal attire, we decided to skip the Captain´s welcome reception and went to Johnny Rockets instead. Didn't really like the burgers, but dancing waiters was fun. Kids played a little bit on the arcade machines and we went down for 70s party. And then, to bed.

 

 

Saturday, 5th June

 

Got to sleep a little more, as no annoucements were made early in the morning. Ibiza arrival was only scheduled for the afternoon.

 

Had breakfast on the WindJammer around 10:30 AM. Impossible to get seats as usual.

 

Proceeded to pool with kids. Lots of fun, though seats were hard to find. We settled for seats on the shadow but near the pool.

 

Went back to WindJammer for lunch. Impossible to get seats. The fight continues. Made a note to come earlier the next day.

 

Took the kids to Adventure Ocean. This time they did not cry. And the staff recognized them from the day before (probably the younger kids in their group) and enthusiastically received them. We were told they would be taken to Johnny Rockets for dinner (for free) as we had booked the Alt Villa tour ourselves.

 

I do agree with some comments that more excursion options should be given in Ibiza. It was not a problem to us, first timers there, but we have a feeling that there must be lots of interesting things to do. We were told about sunsets on the café del Mar and also saw the glass bottomed ships on port. Besides the beaches, of course.

 

Anyway, the tour was very good and we specially liked the option to return to ship on any shuttle bus without paying. Meaning, we could stay longer in Ibiza and come back any time we wanted.

 

We did hurry up in order to catch the pirate parade on the Royal Promenade (our kids were participating in it). We arrived at 10:00 PM for dinner in the MDR but it was not a problem. Our table was there and our table guests were already eating and were delighted to see us. Food was very good.

 

We went for the pool party night and buffet (but no more food, thanks). It was lots of fun dancing on the pool at night and the kids loved it.

 

 

Sunday, 6th June

 

We woke up late again. And this time, we arrived late for breakfast, almost 11:00 AM. Good thing is that there were places available.

 

As the kids wanted, we went to the pool again. Less people. I guess most people were either partying at Ibiza, or maybe, hung over after too much partying. Had a lot of fun watching the Belly Flop contest, but refused to participate despite my wife's insistence.

 

Went for late lunch, around 3:00 PM and no problem finding place at the WindJammer.

 

Headed straight for the Ice Hockey show and really loved it, despite arriving late and getting bad seats.

 

Did a quick tour of the ship, visiting some places we had not even seen yet and took some pictures.

 

Went to the parade on Royal Promenade for the kids to enjoy (this was the second parade of the cruise). We had missed the first one.

 

Left the kids at the Adventure Ocean one more time and headed to the Casino while my wife went packing. Managed to lose US 80,00 on BlackJack and was saved by my wife. She put the remaining US 20.00 on a slot machine and on her third run got a BAR BAR BAR thing. Recovered about US 65,00 :cool:

 

Picked up the kids and went for our last dinner in the MDR. Loved the waiters farewell.

 

 

Monday, 7th June

 

We got assigned a reasonable 8:30 AM disembarkment time slot. But at the time of leaving, I notice I was being charged US 70,00 for pool towels. We had been in the pool twice, and we got towels and returned them always on the same day. Went to reception to complain. There was a line of about ten people. I waited. A woman came and asked for people with billing problems. Everyone raised their hand. She asked “Towels?” and we all said yes. She than proceeded to remove the charge from everyone, but I wonder how many people had this and did not notice until later.

 

Leaving the ship was very quick. Our luggage came in minutes. We left the terminal and took a cab (no lines at all). We were at Saints station in 15 minutes. This time, we paid around EUR 12,00 as indicated in the meter. No extra charges, but we tipped the driver. We think honesty should be rewarded.

 

Took the AVE back to Madrid as next day was back to work.

 

 

 

Conclusion:

 

We loved it and we want more !!!

 

Yes, there were some issues, but in general things were solved.

 

Service was great. Really great. In the restaurant, in the cabin and in general.

 

The soda package was a better deal than expected as the waiters would serve my kids on my account (I did not buy them a soda package).

 

The WindJammer needs to be twice as big. Really !!!

 

Chair hogging should be more strict.

 

And it should be easier to win at BlackJack :D

 

 

I have posted a review here on Cruise Critic (First time is a charm). I also took a video of the trip. While it is a family oriented video and it is in Portuguese, feel free to take a peek and comment. It brings us great memories.

 

[cinnamon]

Thanks very much for the comprehensive review. I think you may become addicts to cruising like many of us on these boards. :)

[PeteMan]

Thanks to everyone for making this a great thread. We're due to join the ship on Sat the 14th Aug and have the following questions....

 

1) Which days are the formal nights? I assume that as this is a European cruise that people aren't getting too dressed up (as per our Navigator cruise from Barcelona last year).

2) How long does it take to get from Malaga airport to the port? Is it a clear route or are delays possible? Any idea what the cost of a taxi is for 3 persons?

 

Thanks, Pete

[Jolimont]

Thanks for a great review Nelbr! I canno wait to try the AOS myself starting on Saturday!

 

Husband and I are in Granada today, we visited the Alhambra and it was wonderful and hot all at once! Well worth a visit, but it gave me a bit of a workout in this heat!

 

We also went to Madrid which was lovely, but our car got broken into and lots of things got stolen, inclding my husband's suit. He bought a replacement black dress shirt, but no time to get a new suit and get it adjusted. So hopefully we'll be able to go to formal night without a suit. He won't buy a tie here either, says they're loud!

 

Anyway, we're having a great time ahead of our cruise. Can't to see the ship in Malaga!

[sandbox]

Quote....How long does it take to get from Malaga airport to the port? Is it a clear route or are delays possible? Any idea what the cost of a taxi is for 3 persons?

 

The Taxi trip should take about 15-20 min max as there is a new road that cuts out most of Malaga city.

I would expect delays around 2pm as the road do get quit bad with siesta traffic around then.

The taxi should be around 20-25 euros for all.

Enjoy you cruise :)

[Bobal]

Can anyone cruising in the next few weeks with older teens please let me know what time the teen get-together takes place on the first night. We've booked our MTD slots for more or less the same time each night but I know that the teen meeting may clash with our first night booking (at 8.30) so I can make it earlier if necessary to allow my 17-year old to get to the teen club. Thanks :)

[PeteMan]

Quote....How long does it take to get from Malaga airport to the port? Is it a clear route or are delays possible? Any idea what the cost of a taxi is for 3 persons?

 

The Taxi trip should take about 15-20 min max as there is a new road that cuts out most of Malaga city.

I would expect delays around 2pm as the road do get quit bad with siesta traffic around then.

The taxi should be around 20-25 euros for all.

Enjoy you cruise :)

Thanks. Our return flight is at 4pm so I think we'll book the late checkout and leave the ship at around 1pm after lunch.

 

Pete

[PeteMan]

Anyone know when the formal nights are for the 7 day Sat - Sat Malaga cruise?

 

Cheers, Pete

[cinnamon]

Thanks. Our return flight is at 4pm so I think we'll book the late checkout and leave the ship at around 1pm after lunch.

Pete

Pete, I am not sure you would be allowed to leave the ship as late as that. I think all departing passengers have to have disembarked before the ship can be cleared to embark the new passengers, usually around 11.00 am.

[peteukmcr]

Pete, I am not sure you would be allowed to leave the ship as late as that. I think all departing passengers have to have disembarked before the ship can be cleared to embark the new passengers, usually around 11.00 am.

 

If it's on offer there is now a late departure option available at all European ports for $35 per person that allows people to stay onboard until 90 minutes before sailing.

 

Extract from one example for Barcelona:

 

With the Late Departure Program you can:

- Relax inside your stateroom until 9:00 am on the day of departure.

- Enjoy some of your favorite onboard services up to 90 minutes prior to the ships scheduled departure time.

- Lounge by the pool or bask in a whirlpool.

- Unwind in our Solarium, Day Spa or Fitness Center.

- Enjoy lunch in the Windjammer Café.

Please note: No exit and re-entry to the ship will be permitted on the day of departure. For your convenience, personal credit cards will be accepted for onboard purchases throughout the day.

Enjoy all the programming offered to our guests coming onboard - a buffet of delicious offerings in our Windjammer, complimentary lemonade, iced tea, water or coffee (specialty coffee excluded), as well as sodas for guests who purchased a Beverage Package for their cruise. On select ships, guests wishing to purchase drinks at one of our many bars may use their credit card to do so. Why not spend a few more hours in the sun, treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment (subject to availability), or utilize any of our public lounges and have a relaxing last day with us? It’s your vacation, you deserve it.

Please note you will need to leave your stateroom by 9:00 am on the morning of departure. Late departure guests will have access to all public lounges and the pool deck. Luggage for guests purchasing the late departure option will need to be placed outside their stateroom the night prior as is requested with our normal departure process. Bags will be off-loaded with all other luggage and stored in the terminal under supervision. Upon departure, your luggage will be available for pick-up. An onboard lounge will be available for hand luggage, however guests must retrieve carry their own hand luggage and other personal items from the ship on their own upon leaving.

Taxis will be available at the terminal upon departure. Guests who have booked transfers through Royal Caribbean International will have the option to request a later transfer upon signing-up for the Late Departure Program. Contact the Guest Services Desk for more information.

Please note: This program has limited space available

[cinnamon]

Thank you for the update Peter, I stand corrected. :)

 

Corinne

[PeteMan]

Hi,

 

Anyone know which are the formal nights for the 7 day Sat-Sat Malaga cruise?

 

Cheers, Pete

[peteukmcr]

Thank you for the update Peter, I stand corrected. :)

 

Corinne

H Corinne, please don't take offence I wasn't correcting you, I just wish I'd known about it back in May!

[Bobal]

Hi,

 

Anyone know which are the formal nights for the 7 day Sat-Sat Malaga cruise?

 

Cheers, Pete

 

On a 7-night the formal nights are usually the 2nd and the 6th night. Hopefully someone who's been on a 7-night on Adventure will come along and confirm this :)

[cinnamon]

H Corinne, please don't take offence I wasn't correcting you, I just wish I'd known about it back in May!

Pete, I wasn't offended, hence the smiley face.

We actually decided to stay the night in Malaga after the cruise as the only Airmiles flight available was at 10.30 am and we were concerned that it was too early. Managed to get a night in the Barcelo hotel, free on Airmiles, so we have time to enjoy the city for 24 hours.