All Things Adventure of the Seas ¡Olé! Edition

[Bobal]

I'm still trying to get around to writing my review and will post here when I do, but am happy to answer any questions. Just to confirm we had a fantastic cruise - one of the best we've had.

 

I wonder what happened to Jolimont who started this thread - she never came back with a review :confused:

[cinnamon]

I wondered about that too. Can you tell me how you got to the port? We are dropping off a hire car at the airport after our pre-cruise stay and were intending to get a taxi. However, we have been a bit offput by reports of them being expensive if you can't speak Spanish and negotiate with the driver.

 

Thanks, Corinne

[cublet]

Hello,

 

I've never felt sea-sick, until I went to the new 'improved' Royal Caribbean web sites (both UK and USA) where there was much too much movement.

 

When on the Eclipse, people with bar packages were not affected by the Spanish VAT when drinking in Spanish waters.

 

I've looked on the US & UK web site for drinks packages but all I can see are ones for soft drinks or wine.

 

Does anyone know if RCCL change the price of their drinks packages for cruises wholly and originating in Spanish waters?

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

[kernow]

Hello,

 

I've never felt sea-sick, until I went to the new 'improved' Royal Caribbean web sites (both UK and USA) where there was much too much movement.

 

When on the Eclipse, people with bar packages were not affected by the Spanish VAT when drinking in Spanish waters.

 

I've looked on the US & UK web site for drinks packages but all I can see are ones for soft drinks or wine.

 

Does anyone know if RCCL change the price of their drinks packages for cruises wholly and originating in Spanish waters?

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

 

RCL doesn't do the same drinks packages as X, only the soda and wine packages and neither of these can be purchased pre cruise for cruises sailing from Spain. You have to purchase them onboard with the Spanish VAT added.

 

Julie

[Bobal]

I wondered about that too. Can you tell me how you got to the port? We are dropping off a hire car at the airport after our pre-cruise stay and were intending to get a taxi. However, we have been a bit offput by reports of them being expensive if you can't speak Spanish and negotiate with the driver.

 

Thanks, Corinne

 

We got a taxi from the airport to the port and it cost 25 Euros. The taxi driver didn't speak English but there was a lady who was coordinating the taxi rank and we asked her what the price would be before we got in the taxi. They are metered, but you never know! You should write down the name of the port and ship on a piece of paper to show the driver. The taxi back to the airport cost 30 euros for some reason (probably because we didn't ask :rolleyes:), however that was a lot cheaper for 4 of us than the staggering $26 per person which Royal Caribbean were charging for their coach transfer.

[Bobal]

 

Does anyone know if RCCL change the price of their drinks packages for cruises wholly and originating in Spanish waters?

 

 

All drinks and speciality restaurants incur a charge of 8% Spanish VAT for cruises which originate in Spain and which do not leave the EU. I'm not sure how long this has been in force as we travelled from Barcelona in October 2008 and don't remember having this charge then.

[kernow]

I wondered about that too. Can you tell me how you got to the port? We are dropping off a hire car at the airport after our pre-cruise stay and were intending to get a taxi. However, we have been a bit offput by reports of them being expensive if you can't speak Spanish and negotiate with the driver.

 

Thanks, Corinne

 

 

If you don't want to chance a taxi we have booked a transfer with http://www.transfersdelsol.co.uk

 

We used them last year and were very pleased, they are English ex pats so no language problems. They are charging 30 euros from our hotel in Torremolinos to the port, the same price as last year.

 

Julie

[cublet]

RCL doesn't do the same drinks packages as X, only the soda and wine packages and neither of these can be purchased pre cruise for cruises sailing from Spain. You have to purchase them onboard with the Spanish VAT added.

 

Julie

 

Hello,

 

When starting from the UK, I came to an understanding with the barman when in Spanish waters. He would bill me and I would pay the next day (or when further out to sea) but I would give him an extra tip.

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

[cinnamon]

If you don't want to chance a taxi we have booked a transfer with http://www.transfersdelsol.co.uk

 

We used them last year and were very pleased, they are English ex pats so no language problems. They are charging 30 euros from our hotel in Torremolinos to the port, the same price as last year.

 

Julie

Thanks Julie. I have sent them a message for a quote. It is useful to know that they are Brits. Not that I am anti Spanish, but then we know there will be no language barrier.

 

Corinne

[cinnamon]

If you don't want to chance a taxi we have booked a transfer with http://www.transfersdelsol.co.uk

 

We used them last year and were very pleased, they are English ex pats so no language problems. They are charging 30 euros from our hotel in Torremolinos to the port, the same price as last year.

Julie

Julie, they have returned a quote of 35 Euros from the airport to the port, which is more than taxis charge, so we have turned it down and will take our chances with the despatcher on the day.

Corinne

[Lawrence22]

I wondered if someone could answer this question for me. I have only cruised the caribbean so far and this will be my first Med cruise (Nov 8th 5 day)

If I want to gamble in the casino but do not want it put on my sea pass account do I need to bring US dollars? Or will the casino accept Euro? Thanks in advance:)

[cinnamon]

Lawrence, I don't think you can use Euro for anything onboard. They will change your money for you but I am sure RCCL take a big cut in order to do so. I believe that if you take cash out on your sea pass card that they charge a fee for that too. If you are keen to gamble I would be inclined to get some dollars before you leave home at whatever place you normally get foreign currency from.

[NorbertsNiece]

I wondered if someone could answer this question for me. I have only cruised the caribbean so far and this will be my first Med cruise (Nov 8th 5 day)

If I want to gamble in the casino but do not want it put on my sea pass account do I need to bring US dollars? Or will the casino accept Euro? Thanks in advance:)

 

Hi, returning the favour :)

 

Everything on board is in $$. If you take cash in the casino you will be charged 3%. There will be an ATM on board however you will be charged for taking $$ there too depending on the card you are using. I suggest you bring $$ traveller cheques with you which can be exchanged at Guest Services if you don't have $$ already. You can change currencies at Guest Services but again the exchange rate will not be favourable.

[meandmaboy]

:D

There seems to be a lack of interest in the Adventure now. No new reviews for a while or chat on here. I am sailing on her in 10 days! :)

 

Hi Corrine,

I'm still hanging on in here till my cruise,which is still ages away for us, will hopefully get to see Bobal's review & maybe a few tips from you on your return.

 

Back to silly questions again, I see people were posting about using currency, will dear son be able to use machines in gaming arcade with $$ if we bring them ourselves or do they get some kind of card specifically to use & then its charged to the seapass ?

 

Anyway enjoy your cruise & Bon Voyage from us here in Glasgow

Evelyn:cool:

[Lawrence22]

Thanks folks I'll get some dollars before I leave home then.

[kernow]

Julie, they have returned a quote of 35 Euros from the airport to the port, which is more than taxis charge, so we have turned it down and will take our chances with the despatcher on the day.

Corinne

 

That does sound expensive particularly as I would think its a longer distance to the port from Torremolinos than from the airport. Perhaps they have to pay a fee to pick up at the airport or something.

I'm sure you'll be fine with a taxi, we just picked one up at the airport to our hotel last year with no problems.

 

Julie

[medviewtwo]

Hi, Corinne,

- an alternative, for your consideration:

The Airport's brand new underground local railway station has just opened this week. It's 30meters from Arrivals at Terminal 3. Get your ticket, €1.60ea., from the Automatic Machines PRIOR to boarding - or it's a fine - for the 12min. journey to 'Maria Zambrano' Malaga's Main-line Station. Trains are every 3mins. and 33mins. from the Airport. There are plenty of Taxis available here, and the fare for the 10mins. journey to the Cruise Terminal should be under €10.

Food for thought...

Bryn.

[cinnamon]

Thanks very much Bryn. I have had an email from Teralin who posted earlier on this board and she told me the same. I think this is what we will do when we drop off our car. :)

Corinne

[labmonkeys]

We're thinking of using the train too - the rail website says the fare is 1.35 EUR each way Mon-Fri and 1.50 EUR each way on Saturdays and holidays. It also recommends that you should try to have coins, not notes, and if possible, correct change for the machines!

[Bobal]

My review has just been posted - here's the link if anyone is interested http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=72566

 

Please feel free to ask any questions :)

[heatherb1958]

Hi, Corinne,

- an alternative, for your consideration:

The Airport's brand new underground local railway station has just opened this week. It's 30meters from Arrivals at Terminal 3. Get your ticket, €1.60ea., from the Automatic Machines PRIOR to boarding - or it's a fine - for the 12min. journey to 'Maria Zambrano' Malaga's Main-line Station. Trains are every 3mins. and 33mins. from the Airport. There are plenty of Taxis available here, and the fare for the 10mins. journey to the Cruise Terminal should be under €10.

Food for thought...

Bryn.

 

That is brilliant to hear. I didn't even realise there was a new station due to be opened when we used the 'old' one on the 28th Aug and 4th Sept. I did comment to my DH that they had to be building one as the current one was so disabled unfriendly with no lifts/ramps to the platform.

Will be able to check it out soon enough:).

[heatherb1958]

My review has just been posted - here's the link if anyone is interested http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=72566

 

Please feel free to ask any questions :)

 

Hi Anne, we are following each other around today:D.

Great review. I found the crew onboard to be exceptional under trying circumstances , they were always smiling, loved Roberto at the Windjammer entrance:D

[kernow]

My review has just been posted - here's the link if anyone is interested http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=72566

 

Please feel free to ask any questions :)

 

Thanks for the review, its great to hear that overall you enjoyed the cruise. Like you I'm a bit worried about what to expect.

 

Please can you tell me more details about the segway tour in Sardinia. I first read about it in another review and it sounds like something we might try.

 

Julie

[Bobal]

Please can you tell me more details about the segway tour in Sardinia. I first read about it in another review and it sounds like something we might try.

 

Julie

 

The Segway was really fun. The tour people are right by the place where the port bus drops you, you can't miss them. You sign up for whatever time you like, although they're keen to fill the early slots as they need a minimum number to make it worthwhile. 4 of us decided to go so managed to book a slot for later in the day.

 

The session costs 25 euros and lasts for one and a half hours. They take you off to an area by the port entrance to give you instructions and let you practice and when they're happy everyone can cope the tour starts. They also give you a helmet to wear and earphones with a commentary. In fact the Segways were very easy to use after only a short time of practice.

 

The tour takes you around the old parts of town to places you probably wouldn't find just strolling around, and climbs very high - you get some amazing views. There are a few stops along the way when the commentary is describing a building, although there is actually more music than commentary (which I really enjoyed but the kids found cheesy :rolleyes:).

 

You will climb higher than you could hope to walk in such a short space of time. One of the stops gives you a fantastic view of the ship. There are 2 guides to accompany you and they are quite strict about keeping in line and using the Segways properly. I hadn't planned to go - it was the teens who were keen to do it - however I loved it and am so pleased I went. Highly recommended and really good value. :)

[kernow]

Thanks for the info, as long as the weather is OK I think we'll give this a try, it sounds fun.

 

Julie