Just off Adventure of the Seas 3/24-3/31/2013

[Duddy]

Thought I would start a thread for all the folks who just sailed AOS 3/24/2013. Our group had a wonderful time and we met some great people. Some on the ship, some at the Wednesday M & M and some just exchanging ideas through the CC Roll Call.

 

Anyone who recently sailed on AOS, please join us here as well! :)

 

Please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions (before you forget them ;) ) Shipboard activities, island experiences and excursions, boarding, debarkation, etc. And yes, you know we all want to see some pictures LOL Hopefully some of us can even get together in the future for another cruise! We're going again that's for sure!!

 

I can't wait to hear what you have to share :D

 

~Bob~

[Mach1]

We are sailing on the AOS on April 7th...would love to read a review and your experiences!! Our roll call is beyond excited and we are ready to set sail :D

 

 

Many thanks ;)

[Duddy]

We are sailing on the AOS on April 7th...would love to read a review and your experiences!! Our roll call is beyond excited and we are ready to set sail :D

 

 

Many thanks ;)

 

Hope you have a great time!! I will try to get some of my own thoughts here in the next few days. In the meantime, check out these threads:

 

1. This was our Roll Call. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1554603

2. This one is specifically for those who have sailed or will sail on her http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1799453

3. This one is very timely with your upcoming packing. Read this one first. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1797756 If you see some things you like and need to order from ebay or Amazon, you don't have much time. I recommend the Belkin USB surge thing. A must-have in my opinion.

4. This one is very long but if it doesn't get you excited, well you need to check your pulse LOL http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1788318 Robyn kicked butt on this one! Note: She did the "live" update for back to back cruises. Please keep that in mind as you "cyber-sail along with her"

 

~Bob~

[vikqueen]

Thanks for setting this up! I'm working on my pics and will post soon! I had a really great week!

[depwife]

I sailed with Duddy on the March 24th AOS cruise and LOVED it! The AOS was great! No complaints from my family.

 

My reviews:

• Port check in -This was SMOOOOOOTH! We arrived late, on purpose. We were hiking in El Yunque that morning and didn't get to the port until around 2:45/3:00. We waited maybe 30 minutes to check our bags, maybe 10 minutes to get through security and didn't wait AT ALL to check in! No line whatsoever!!!
  
• Excursions - We only did one excursion with Royal Caribbean; the others we did on our own or with private tour companies.
  
  • St. Croix - we walked over to Rainbow Beach. Got there early so we could get beach chairs and umbrellas. Great spot! Killer rum punch - HOLY SMOKES!! :eek: Took a taxi back to port.
    
  • St. Maarten - we took the Loterie Tree Farm Adventure with the ship. Lots of fun with zip lining and adventure courses. If you haven't zipped before or are afraid of heights, this is not for you (in my opinion).
    
  • St. John's Antigua - we took Eli's Eco Tour with Adventure Antigua. If you Google Eli's Eco Tour in Antigua, you will find it. Highly rated on Trip Advisor and WELL worth every penny!! Great island tour on a catamaran, a stop at Hell's Gate (climb, swim, snorkel or stay on the boat), a trip to a private beach with a nature walk to the top of a hill with an incredible view, a delicious lunch back on the boat (chicken, salad, pasta salad, drinks, banana bread), and then time for snorkeling. Would definitely do this trip again!
    
  • St. Lucia - we did the island tour with Cosol. If you are not interested in snorkeling and want to really see St. Lucia, DO THIS!!!!! It's an all day excursion, literally. You will be very well fed throughout the day. You will see beaches, mountains, rainforests, banana plantations, villages, waterfalls, volcanoes...you'll even get to snorkel at the base of the Pitons! The guys at Cosol are great, the tours are wonderfully executed and the experience is unforgettable!
    
  • Barbados - We weren't sure what we were going to do this day, especially since it was Good Friday and almost everything was closed. We spoke with one of the Managers at the port shopping and she recommended The Boatyard. It's at Carlisle Bay, just a short taxi ride from the port. For $12 US per person, you get beach chairs, umbrellas, a free drink, water activities (trampoline, ice berg, rope swing, dive platforms) and a shuttle back to the port!!!! There is a bar/restaurant (prices on the menu are in Barbados dollars). And just 3 minutes down the beach is an area where you can swim out to snorkel with the turtles (for free!)!!
    

  [*]Cabin Review - We stayed in room 7650. This was a port side, mid-aft balcony room. Great unobstructed view, QUIET!, and barely felt any movement. Only bad thing I can say is that we heard some vibrations, but it wasn't anything we couldn't live with. It almost helped me fall asleep! LOL

Nothing bad to say about the ship, the staff, the itinerary, the food....we really enjoyed our cruise and the AOS!

[cariad1000]

Does anyone know the outcome of the incident in St Lucia when the young lady collapsed on the gangway? We could see everything from our balcony but our stateroom attendant didn't know whether they managed to revive her. I just can't get her off my mind and hope everything worked out for the rest of the family who were distraught.

[NorbertsNiece]

Full blog in sig below with pics from B2B :D

[Duddy]

Does anyone know the outcome of the incident in St Lucia when the young lady collapsed on the gangway? We could see everything from our balcony but our stateroom attendant didn't know whether they managed to revive her. I just can't get her off my mind and hope everything worked out for the rest of the family who were distraught.

 

Not sure. I believe they were removed from the ship. I heard it was a 11 or 14 year old girl (depends on who you talk to) who passed out from rum punch on/after a catamaran tour? I think that explains the family leaving with their luggage.

 

I do hope she is well. We arrived back to the ship late and she was not moving at that time in the ambulance.

 

Turns out our driver was pulled over and received a ticket. We also passed by an overturned cement truck. Was an eventful day :eek:

 

~Bob~

[Duddy]

I sailed with Duddy on the March 24th AOS cruise and LOVED it! The AOS was great! No complaints from my family.

 

 

Ok just to set the record straight, we were only on the same cruise; each with our OWN families :cool: In case spouses are reading this ;) LOL

 

~Bob~

[john kaz]

where is the blog with pics?

[john kaz]

Full blog in sig below with pics from B2B :D

 

where would this blog be with pics

[nancronin]

John Kaz - If you go to Norbert's Niece and click on the "HERE" at the end of the line where it says Adventure B2B, it will direct you to the thread with her blog and pictures - great reading and wonderful pictures.

[AF-1]

Thought I would start a thread for all the folks who just sailed AOS 3/24/2013. Our group had a wonderful time and we met some great people. Some on the ship, some at the Wednesday M & M and some just exchanging ideas through the CC Roll Call.

 

Anyone who recently sailed on AOS, please join us here as well! :)

 

Please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions (before you forget them ;) ) Shipboard activities, island experiences and excursions, boarding, debarkation, etc. And yes, you know we all want to see some pictures LOL Hopefully some of us can even get together in the future for another cruise! We're going again that's for sure!!

 

I can't wait to hear what you have to share :D

 

~Bob~

 

Did u fly in the day before? Where did u stay?

[depwife]

Ok just to set the record straight, we were only on the same cruise; each with our OWN families :cool: In case spouses are reading this ;) LOL

 

~Bob~

 

LMAO!!! Yes, I should have been more clear in that statement. LOL we were on the same cruise, different families. LMAO! :D

[vikqueen]

Ok, I'll start trying to get some pics in here. We flew down 2 days early and stayed at the San Juan Marriott. It was very convenient to some great restaurants (Bar Gitano was our favorite!) and shops and an easy distance from the airport, OSJ, and the pier. My brother was able to check in at 2:30 when he arrived, we came in at 5 and were able to go right to our room as well. We were in the "cabana" section so we were lower down and our "view" was all palm fronds with glimpses of the pool and ocean. My brother two doors down could see more of the ocean. When my sister came in the next day she got a room in the tower on the 10th floor with sweeping ocean views, all the same category. I didn't mind our view, it was pretty and private, but if you want to see more ocean ask for the tower if you are booking a "partial view room."

 

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The room itself was nice, and the staff were very friendly. The best thing about this hotel besides the location were the beds - really comfortable!! I missed them during the cruise.

 

The beach and pools were nice. The water is a bit rough here, its fun for playing in the waves but really stay near the shore!

 

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[vikqueen]

Saturday we had a great breakfast at Ben and Jerry's (really!), they had wonderful fruit, good oatmeal, and delicious egg sandwiches right on the beach by La Concha, an easy 5 minutes walk from the Marriott.

 

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We then took a cab to Old San Juan for a self-guided walking tour. We started up at El Morro and right away it felt like a festival with all the people flying kites on the greenway in front of the fort! It was killer hot, though, so we tried to pace ourselves and drink a lot of water, we all still got sunburned even with lotion on, I think we sweated it off!

 

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The park rangers were very friendly and helpful!

 

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[vikqueen]

We then worked our way down many pleasant squares and past colorful streets and many stray cats. We stopped by the Cathedral of San Juan to see where Ponce de Leon was buried. We tried to go to Don Q but for some reason it was closed, even though the hours listed on the door said it would be open. We finally took a nice break at the Parrot Club for lunch, it was very good and the restaurant is so colorful and lively!

 

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Then we went back to the hotel to swim and relax before heading out for dinner.

 

The next day, Sunday, was our day for the cruise! My sister and Nephew and brother spent the morning on the beach while my family went to tour the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in Santurce. It is a quick cab ride away and it had great local art as well as a lovely garden, it was a fun way to pass an hour and a half. The docents there were friendly and helpful, very excited to try to share insight into the art.

 

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[vikqueen]

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[hummy0605]

We were also on this cruise - absolutely fantastic from start to finish. This is the first time we have been to the Caribbean and hopefully not our last. We were celebrating our silver wedding anniversary with our friends and had a balcony cabin each deck 6 (6324 & 6326) location ok but a bit of noise with people coming and going from lifts.

 

We flew into Philadelphia the day before and stayed at the 4 points Sheraton airport hotel - just be pre warned that nobody at airport to meet you and you just wait for airport shuttle bus which is easy. We then checked in and took a cab into city - did the liberty bell etc and then took a cab to the rocky statue and steps - yes we sang the song and ran up the steps with lots of other tourists too. Took another cab back into 4th street and had a great meal at ricks bar with locals.

 

The morning after we skipped breakfast and took the shuttle bus back to airport. It is busy so make. Sure you give yourself plenty of time.

 

Arrived at San Juan and we took the shuttle and were on board for just before 1pm. Surprisingly easy after the reviews we'd read. We are platinum and this was our friends first cruise but they got through before us so don't know what happened to our perks!

 

Had an walk round but we knew where things were as similar to voyager and then went to windjammer for lunch.

Able to get in cabins at 2pm and our luggage was delivered about 5pm. Just don't do what I did before we left - I had a trauma a with weight and stuff was in and out etc - I couldn't understand how my cases were weighing 23 each but felt lit and didn't look as bulging as every one else's. when they were weighed at airport turned out they were 10kg each instead of 23kg and I had put my weighing scales on pounds instead of kilos! At least we hadn't overpacked and only took essentials ( and in that my husband had two suits plus his tux and I had two long dresses and dresses for every night).

 

We had main dining on Vivaldi deck 3 and our waiter was petgin and assistant waiter was camila ( brilliant and we had a great time with them). Food excellent.

I suffered this cruise with swelling feet and yes it was me sat on floor in lobby bar with bag of ice on them - got some funny looks but hey ho - loved aj's compulsion too and followed them round ship.

 

Went in casino couple of times but no great wins but enjoyed it.

 

Met bingo jerry again from our time last year on splendour - went to the two parties for returning guests and enjoyed them.

 

Didn't go to the meet & mingle this time and sorry we missed meeting everyone on here but we were out every day. We did our own excursions and loved every one of them - details below.

 

St croix - got off ship and just walked along bay to left and chilled on a gorgeous beach - $5 each for bed and brolly right at waters edge. Delicious rum punch.

 

St Maarten - wanted to do sea trek but only one space on ships excursion - asked at tourist information as we got off and we could do it a bit cheaper and there was space at 1pm. We bought some watches at duty free shop and gifts and then walked down to pier to get boat for sea trek - this was fantastic and the photos are brilliant.

 

Antigua - overcast today and a bit of rain. -be warned you get mothered to death by taxi drivers as you walk up the street - just saynountil you find one you have a connection with or like - we got doctor d and he took us down to nelsons dockyard $8 entrance ticket and then we went to St. John's beach - the weather cleared and had a great couple of hours there.

 

St Lucia -we wanted to go horse riding so asked at tourist information - someone was there within 10 minutes and he took us to Holiday riding stables - we had a brilliant guide who took us through the forest and up to Atlantic coast and beach - we had a drink in Marjorie's bar where Amy winehouse used to go and then our guide took saddles off so we could ride in the sea - brilliant day again.

 

Barbados - we got off and went to the taxi stand - we had a brilliant driver called Annette who took us to feed the wild monkeys by side of golf course then we went to paynes bay beach - we went out on a boat and snorkelled with sea turtles then went to a wreck - had a couple of hours on beach then headed back - we have done so many out of the ordinary things and have packed so much in.

 

We dressed up every night because we love doing it but it is up to each person what they want to do - first night I wore a long silver gown and second formal wore a long burgundy gown.

 

Went in johnny rockets as well but be warned you don't need breakfast beforehand and go as soon as it opens so you have time before dinner at 8.30pm.

 

Departure day was smooth and we left at 10.30am as had Rci airport transfers - remember when you get to airport to go through agriculture check and get orange stickers on before you go to check in desk otherwise they will send you back - our cases were checked in all the way through to Manchester so once we got to Philadelphia we just had 1 1/2 hur wait for connecting flight - came off at same gate too so just waited there.

 

Flight ok but still had trouble with feet and legs swelling but ok now back home.

 

Fantastic cruise - fantastic ship and staff and now looking for next years so hopefully on a 12 nt Europe on adventure in August 14 from southampton

[vikqueen]

Ok, finally time to board! We got to the port at 2 PM, which was not what I had originally planned, I thought to go later since 2 was the recommended time to arrive and I thought it would be super crowded. We were "binged" and on board in 20 minutes from the time I stepped out of the cab, I timed it! I was very impressed with the smooth embarkation.

 

We went to our rooms and dropped off our carryons and then went to explore the ship. It didn't seem too crowded yet, we played a little putt putt.

 

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We had booked our trip through AMEX Platinum and I would like to give them a shout out for their great service and perks. Those of us in mini suites got $300 on board credit and those in a balcony got $100 OBC, there was no problem it was listed as a credit when we boarded. We also received a free bottle of champagne per room, priority boarding, everyone got to eat at Portofino's for free on the night of their choosing and we all had a free meal at Johnny Rockets (not including beverages). The kids also received free pop packages so I think we got a lot of value from our TA.

 

I really liked the size of the Adventure, it was very easy to get around and its layout was well thought out. The design was overall pleasing, especially in the dining room, but some of the art work was downright frightening. Really:

 

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Our waitstaff was wonderful, Sherlin and LaChana were so friendly and welcoming, they really were our favorite thing on board! They gave us great service and made us feel at home.

 

In other places service seemed very slow. For example, the last full day (sat) we ordered a bottle of wine with lunch in the Windjammer since I still had too many left on my wine package (!!). I ordered before everyone went to get their food and waited for the waitress. Everyone returned, ate all their food, my husband went to get me something to eat, I finished, and we still hadn't received the wine. If they didn't have my card I would have left! Beverage service seemed slow in other areas too. But all of the employees were very friendly, I think they may just be short staffed.

[vikqueen]

Hummy I am so glad you enjoyed the cruise! It was a great week! Thanks for your review!

[vikqueen]

Our first port was St Croix. We had reserved a beach day at Sand Castle on the beach. You can see a live webcam here: http://www.sandcastleonthebeach.com/BeachCam.cfm

Its just a short walk from the ship to the shuttles that will take you to the beach (about a 5 min drive) for $6 round trip/ person. We reserved two chairs, an umbrella, and a rum punch for $25. They set you up on the beach where you will have a beautiful view of the Adventure of the Seas!

 

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There are many shells on the beach which are fun to go through. The beach has a small, rocky drop right at the edge, but then it is sandy in the water past that.

 

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We had a fun, relaxing day for our first beach day! They made virgin punches for the kids' free drinks. The pour for the adult drinks was generous. We had packed a small water ball and frisbee and those small purchases really paid off for hours of fun at every beach we went to!

 

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[Duddy]

Our first port was St Croix. We had reserved a beach day at Sand Castle on the beach. You can see a live webcam here: http://www.sandcastleonthebeach.com/BeachCam.cfm

Its just a short walk from the ship to the shuttles that will take you to the beach (about a 5 min drive) for $6 round trip/ person. We reserved two chairs, an umbrella, and a rum punch for $25. They set you up on the beach where you will have a beautiful view of the Adventure of the Seas!

 

There are many shells on the beach which are fun to go through. The beach has a small, rocky drop right at the edge, but then it is sandy in the water past that.

 

 

We had a fun, relaxing day for our first beach day! They made virgin punches for the kids' free drinks. The pour for the adult drinks was generous. We had packed a small water ball and frisbee and those small purchases really paid off for hours of fun at every beach we went to!

 

 

Interesting. We went there also. The lunch was outstanding! However we were dissappointed with the beach part of it. There was only one tiny bathroom for every one on the beach. Amazingly though, it was never crowded but I guess I got myself worried that it would.

 

We only got the beach pass, not the umbrella or the drinks. I was a little put out when they said we did not have free run of the beach and had to sit in just a 30-yard stretch. Sorry, I am used to taking nice long walks on the beach.

 

Our fault through, we forgot towels from the ship and there were not enough to go around for our group. After the "sit between the umbrellas" thing, I was not about to rent towels on top of that. I suppose I was expecting more. The website hyped it up as a resort and it did not come across that way to me.

 

Not horrible, but I would not do it again. Except for lunch. The fish taco was mmmmmmmmmmm :D

 

~Bob~

[vikqueen]

Bob,

I understand your disappointment. It was great that this was the first beach since every one after that only got better! But we did think it was an easy, non expensive fun day!

[vikqueen]

Next up, St Martin! My favorite thing about this cruise was the port-intensive schedule, I loved waking to a new, beautiful view out my window every morning!

 

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Today we booked a tour with Bernard's tours. We had a private tour for the 6 of us and I was glad we could control the schedule. David was our guide and he was very friendly, funny and informative, as well as a safe driver. He provided us with rum punch, beer, soda and water.

 

He took us to an iguana farm which I thought would be cheesy but I found to be pretty fun!

 

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We also stopped by a spot where we could hold sea urchins and other aquatic animals.

 

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