Bit of a Blog – Adventure of the Seas – Westbound Transatlantic – 4th November 2013

[beachbuddy]

The Adventure is the only ship I know of that do a CC lunch and then only on their TA

It has always been excellent hope they still do it in the spring.

 

We only had a CC luncheon once and it was on the Celebrity Silhouette on a 12 night Caribbean cruis. It was very nice and the Captain came around to chat with all of us.

 

Patty

[Canadian Tyler]

Looove that chocolate souflee!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Missus Makkem]

We only had a CC luncheon once and it was on the Celebrity Silhouette on a 12 night Caribbean cruis. It was very nice and the Captain came around to chat with all of us.

 

Patty

 

Should have said on RCI ships.

[beachbuddy]

Should have said on RCI ships.

 

LOL....that's okay....RCI owns celebrity........LOL

[crisndeefromde]

Have you seen our favorite two spanish gentlemen about the ship?

 

Hope you are feeling better.....can't wait to hear more

[campbell51]

Loving your blog Linda as always

[NorbertsNiece]

Yes! The gents are out and about!! :D

 

Thanks to everyone for hanging on in there with me this trip.... soooo miss posting the pics..... will be a marathon when I get home....

 

This is so repetitive, really sorry. When I post the Compasses on my return you’ll appreciate how much activity there actually was on board. All the pics to share too. Getting on line with the laptop has been the worst experience yet…. I get to cut & paste what I’ve previously written; if I’m lucky I can open Hotmail or say hi on Facebook to the family before I get kicked off. I’ve started checking in via their computers so I can actually respond to urgent emails. I’ve pretty much given up trying to upload pics.

 

So. Walk. Breakfast. This was a fail this morning. I’ve taken to have berries with yogurt in the morning…. That was fine…. I then asked for poached eggs… whilst the plate was hot the eggs were just off frozen…. I didn’t want to send them back and honestly I wasn’t hungry so I decided to just slip out after I’d had my coffee….. I’d just reached the stair and was up the first few when I heard someone calling behind me…. One of the waiters wanting to know what was wrong…. I explained that the eggs were cold and that I really wasn’t bothered.

 

Rehearsal for the Flash Mob. Have just about got it off pat. Beyonce, Beatles, Michael Jackson.

 

Captain’s talk begine with the Bugs Bunny theme today…. Lots of facts and figures regarding speed and distance travelled. His talk is always followed by a repeat in German.

 

I’ve an invite to a Galley Tour Buffet for lunch. Guessing it’s Diamonds. The display of food was fabulous; we all waked through first and then were called in table by table. By the time my table got called in most of the Sushi display had been demolished!! (you’ll see from the photos just how much there was!) Some people have plates and plates of food in front of them….. I’m surprised there is anything left!!

 

The Enrichment Lecture is on Memory & Sleep. Again I drop off occasionally…. I notice the people on either side of me do the same and from talking to others we are not alone…… the Doc says memory is so much better after a good night’s sleep….that could account for so much where I’m concerned!

 

It’s the last Bingo session where our C&A coupons can be used so I give it a go….. I’m nothing if not consistent where not winning is concerned! It’s a pleasant enough way to pass a half hour… they have freebies to give away too but my ticket is never called :(

 

On board shopping….. just a few thoughts…. They sell walkie talkies in the shop. Every day / evening there are ‘specials’. So many watches and watch sets. T-shirts, sweatshirts. The $10 items are overpriced imo. They have a silent auction on ’Fiori’ (?) jewellery….. there’s nothing there I fancy at all. Some of the costume jewellery is quite nice but at $50 for a ring I’m not at all tempted.

 

Formal night tomorrow again (3). I’ve just realised there’s been no lobster on the main menu (I get to see the following night’s menu). Just on the ‘specials’.

 

I’m going to head out to try and post this now…. I can reserve my seat on BA now and would like to give that a go…. I’m flying United to Washington DC (IAD) on Sunday then IAD- LHR on Tuesday.

[krev]

Hello again NN, I followed your blog last year, once again very enjoyable. We did the same b2b as you did last year, we went Jan/Feb of this year. We are booked in AOS in Sept for a 16 night Western Med, can't wait, we really like Adventure. Sure hope we have the same Captain, I wonder how we can find out his Sched? Enjoy the rest of your travels.

 

 

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[ckrobyn]

Have you seen our favorite two spanish gentlemen about the ship?

 

Hope you are feeling better.....can't wait to hear more

 

Oh yah!!!! Those two are quite dapper :) I believe they take the transatlantic and remain onboard all winter. FYI, they sail in an inside cabin.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[happy trailer]

Hi! Enjoying your blog :-). I keep meaning to ask you- do/did you have relatives in New Jersey? If so- pls write me at miriamcarit at hotmail dot com :)

[Missus Makkem]

LOL....that's okay....RCI owns celebrity........LOL

 

And I didnt know that?

so will just say Royal Caribbean if that helps.

[crisndeefromde]

Oh yah!!!! Those two are quite dapper :) I believe they take the transatlantic and remain onboard all winter. FYI, they sail in an inside cabin.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Oh yes found that out two years ago and they have a cabin for their trunks and outfits next to them. But hey if you are spending six months on board royal is going to do something for you. I think they got on board earlier this year also. Love seeing their grand entrance each night and the outfits they have on....

[NorbertsNiece]

Formal night tonight. Just showered and sitting here with an episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S on the TV chillin’.

 

I’m awake early this morning and in a good enough state to get out and have my walk…. 7am and the locals are out sunbathing already. I’m actually ready for breakfast before the dining room is open! I try and post yesterday’s blog and get kicked off pretty much as soon as it’s posted. I head to the Online Centre so I could check my seat on the BA portion of my flight home; it’s slow but doable.

I carry my phone around with me as I can make notes throughout the day to help me write this up. Have you ever had that thing where you get a sign on your phone that you’ve 2 voice messages and no sign who tried to call? I did that thing where I figure if it was important my kids would SMS but then knowledge that there’s 2 messages for me eat into my consciousness. So I call the voice message centre. I’ve forgotten my passcode. I get locked out. None of the SMS Vodafone have sent me contain a contact phone number. SO. I go back to the online centre and I log on, again. Find the Vodafone number on their website and call them. Easy. They reset everything. Then I have to dial in again. 1 message is an old one from a friend that I didn’t listen to or delete (we SMS-ed) and the other is one of those, ‘We have been trying to contact you with regards to xxxx press 1 to contact us press 2 for us to stop sending you these messages…..’ I get these random cold callers with regards to an accident I’m supposed to have had or money the banks owe me or whatever….. sigh.

 

I’ve over 20 people signed up for the slot pull. Yesterday I’d cleared it with the Casino, out of courtesy I thought I would give them a heads up. That caused all sorts of problems. Seriously. The girl behind the counter couldn’t advise me so would I please come back and speak to Ana later. Later I speak to Ana who has to clear it with the Casino Manager. I eventually got a call clearing the group. Shrug. 11 of us eventually make the event. We had 25 minutes of fun and came away with nothing but we’d had a good time. Thank you those of you who turned up!! I forgot my boa….. went back straight away to get it and they’d already got it behind the counter!

 

Captain’s tune of the day : ‘Popeye the Sailor Man’.

 

I go to the solo’s lunch….. maybe 28 of us altogether…. It’s nice to continue to meet new people. There’s a ‘Meet the Stars’ session in the theatre which is really poorly attended. This team finish their contract in San Juan…. So the new crew are heading out to board on Sunday. I then head to Guest Services as it’s their quiet time…. I’ve no WOW card….. forgot to ask for it on boarding…. They don’t have any. Drat. I had the funniest moment though….. whilst the GS fella has disappeared to find out if I have transfers included with my air fare the guest standing to my right starts his conversation with the GS girl as follows : ‘On Monday my friend came to GS to tell you that we had just seen a UFO and we were wondering whether the Captain had reported seeing anything.’ You need to know that DD2 works / plays around anything sci-fi so my attention is perked. I’m unable to keep shtum and say to the man, ‘Excuse me. I couldn’t help but overhear what you just said, what happened?’ I’m also trying to bite my tongue and avoid putting my fist in my mouth. Apparently he and his friend saw a silver coloured cigar shaped object zoom past the ship, broad daylight, above one of the pools, 445pm. My GS fella comes back and by the time I’m done the UFO spotter has gone…. Some time later when I go back to the desk to get an update on my airport transfer I speak to the GS girl involved who has made a report….. We’ll never know…..

 

Went to watch the Guest Talent Show. The final act is Bjorn (the dance teacher) leading his troupe of Bollywood guests / dancers. I’d missed all the classes. It looked like they’d had a lot of fun.

 

I meet a lady by the pool. We’ve chatted before and I actually sit by the pool and chat for a while. That’s a first.

 

Float a boat competition. A few days back Cuddy had held a meeting on the Prom deck for those interested in entering the build a boat competition…. It had to be made totally out of recyclable material on the ship. They are holding the final this afternoon so I head over and start taking pics of the boats…. I am then invited to become a judge…. Me…. Like I know anything about boats; I can float…. And I do recycle at home…. But as a Judge I am next to useless. So there I am, armed with a clip board enquiring as to the materials used of each vessel, how long it took to build and the thoughts behind its name. Having investigated the build each boat is then required to float with 3 bean bags on board…. They all pass that test. Cuddy, Drew and I add up our scores and the winner is announced. Pics to follow inevitably! I’ve had a lot of fun.

 

I’ve arrange to meet the lady I’d been chatting to by the pool for dinner. She’s down for My Time but hasn’t eaten once in the MDR….. she thought she had to make a reservation. I wait for her at the appointed time and she doesn’t show. I sit at my usual table regardless. I’m happy to chat to others. Only for the longest time I am alone. It’s Formal night and I’ve actually eaten my sushi and regular starter before anyone else sits down with me…. I do have a pic of the empty table!

 

There’s been no Lobster at all this week…. Apologies if I’ve mentioned this before. I enquire of Jesus, my wonderful table waiter, and he informs me that in Europe they’ve not served it and in fact may be taking some on board in St Thomas….. Another thing I’ve registered is that my room steward never left out the wash bag offer for me. Not that I would have used it but I am aware of its absence. Previous cruisers will be aware because of the coupon in the booklet…. Am wondering if others have had the opportunity….

 

It’s a glorious day today. We have arrived in St Kitts and I will be going ashore shortly. Have a good day wherever you are x

[Clarea]

...There’s been no Lobster at all this week…. Apologies if I’ve mentioned this before. I enquire of Jesus, my wonderful table waiter, and he informs me that in Europe they’ve not served it and in fact may be taking some on board in St Thomas….. ...

Hi Linda. We got off the Legend TA from Barcelona this week and also had no "free" lobster for the entire cruise. Smooth sailing!

Edited November 14, 2013 by clarea

[shipshape sam]

Thanks for the posts! Just was thinking how we all seem to like to see pictures of food and hear about food.....and drinks....:)

[pspercy]

We only had a CC luncheon once and it was on the Celebrity Silhouette on a 12 night Caribbean cruis. It was very nice and the Captain came around to chat with all of us.

 

Patty

 

We had a CC lunch on Vision TA last April, Captain stopped by and so on.

[JM-1972]

Loving your blog. Really makes me want to do a TA! Anymore menu pics? I am desperate to see the menus from Day 7 - 14 as I can't find them anywhere on line.

Edited November 14, 2013 by JM-1972
S

[KayentaJane]

Thanks for this review/report. It's perked up a dismal day at work.

[cruizefam]

Hi NN, loving your blog - reading it is just about the highlight of my day !

We are a family of 4 with 2 daughters, booked onto Adventure, although not for almost a year. My wife is on a GF diet, so its making interesting reading.

Have there been any formal evenings yet ? My girls (who will be 19 and 12 on cruise date) are already discussing shoes, colours and styles (it is going to cost me a fortune). I suppose its one of the few occasions when being a man is a definate advantage, I think I may wear my black tux!!

Thanks for taking the time to post, and hope you're feeling better.

 

3 of us Gluten Free - myself & now 2 adult girls - (one daughter is the new vp of fundraising for CSA for Canada & the US) We have been traveling gluten free for over 8+ years now, much time on RCCL. Gluten Free has really evolved over the last couple of years!! They have a gf sign on their menus and you will know what you can order safely. Your wife will pre-order her meal the night before so they can check all ingredients and make it in a different area. (But dont leave your guard down, mistakes can be made) If there is something your wife might want, have her ask and they maybe able to make it gf for her.

Have a great time on your family cruise! Enjoy NN's gluten free food porn! :)

Edited November 15, 2013 by cruizefam

[onlyonetrevorfrancis]

Wearing my Royal British Legion poppy I attend the memorial service in the theatre…. There is a Pastor on board who has been leading services all week. I pay my respects and leave…. It’s a very Christian service and I don’t feel comfortable.

 

I thought these services were non-denominational, very poor form if you were made to feel uncomfortable for turning up and wanting to pay your respects on Remembrance Sunday. I hope you raised this with someone.

 

Great report though.

[JasonTehGreat]

I am considering doing a TA from Southampton to Florida or wherever in 2015, how was the weather overall? Was it cool in Southampton then got warmer at sea?

 

I ask because I am 30 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis and cold really has an effect on me.

 

Also, what kind of joke did the guy make about Elton John's husband at the tribute show? I would have been incensed if it were a homophobic joke.'

 

 

Thanks,

 

Jason

[PattyG12]

Also, what kind of joke did the guy make about Elton John's husband at the tribute show? I would have been incensed if it were a homophobic joke.'

 

I would THINK that would be over the top ... I would HOPE they have more class than that!!

[NorbertsNiece]

Quick post from phone as Vodafone seem to think I am in Europe. Pics of all menus and in fact all pics will follow on my return home. No chance of doing that with WiFi this trip.

 

Southampton weather was dry and and cool. Warmed up daily currently mid 80s.

 

Am not going to repeat joke here Jason was very poor taste. And I'm comfortable with most humour.

 

I've been in to town and currently in WJ having breakfast. More later from laptop. X

Edited November 15, 2013 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Right now. I got kicked off the Wi Fi as soon as I’d posted yesterday’s blog. This is totally ridiculous. Need to check my bank and will have to go to the Online Centre now. I would say ffs but then I’d have to explain what that stands for. So I won’t.

 

I’d walked my laps before we docked…. Was lovely to walk around and see land most of the time. We are followed in by P&O Ventura. Once they are tied up passengers were able to disembark. I went to breakfast and then posted Wednesday’s blog. I love the ship when she’s empty. There’s such a peaceful atmosphere everywhere….. it’s not totally emptied but pleasantly void-ish. I do some wandering looking at the art.

 

I’ve arranged to meet CC people for a ‘Fun Lunch Time Tour’ with Beulah from Welcome Tours. I head down and sit on the pier enjoying the firm ground! I wait past the meet time and have sent a few people down to the meeting point. When I get there it’s packed! She has clearly made arrangements independently with others from Adventure and probably Ventura but she is going to accompany my group….. which actually fills a 15 seater…. In fact there’s no room for me! Chaos is ensuing as well as it appears one driver doesn’t have the correct paperwork…. It’s very hot and a mutiny on the bus I am is about to take place. We do eventually head out to Palm Court Gardens. We wait and wait for Beulah and the CC bus to arrive. 4 passengers have had enough and walk back to the ship. Beulah arrives as I am about to give up. She is very apologetic and proceeds with a tour of these beautiful gardens which are laden with herbs. She asks for a $1 donation to charity and it seems that not all of us are willing to pass over $1. One of us makes up the difference. We are caught in a massive but swift downpour. The tour then proceeds to Timothy Hill which overlooks Frigate Bay with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean on the other. Fortunately we get there before the majority of tour buses do.

 

The CC people who travelled with Beulah had a super time; she was very forthcoming with history and facts about the island for them. Unfortunately our bus was not so fortunate as our driver was less verbose. I’m glad that the CC readers who came out with me had a good day…. I felt very responsible for their wellbeing. It’s a great taste of St Kitts for just $10. I had to pay $1 for a bottle of water….. if looking at booking something independently check out if drinks are included as I know Royston, for example, does include drinks in his tours. At Timothy Hill there are vendors with soft drinks and beer as well as fresh coconuts.

 

I wander about the port area on our return. I look for baby clothes…. Something for my little grand boys would be super…. The eldest is into pirates….. but there’s nothing remotely suitable for them here…..

 

Lunch in Windjammer….. Ajay, who was the chef who lead the Indian food demonstration, shows me round and tells me what I can have. Rehearsal for Flash Mob in Studio B itself….. sooooo much bigger than rehearsing in Jesters. We will be dancing with Drew’s Crew but they don’t rehearse with us. I go to watch the singers and dancers in their penultimate performance of the Las Vegas show…. The entire cast will be heading out at the end of the contracts when we get to San Juan. I actually quite enjoyed it. Dinner with friends in MTD….. Grandpa is 80….. absolutely amazing…. he actually won the Mr Muscle competition! He’s travelling with Lisa, his daughter, and we laugh loads. I am incredibly touched by how Jesus, the waiter, treats Grandpa and cuts up his food. I have acquired a WOW card that may have found its home. Oh, whilst I think of it…. I’ve chatted a few times with the Housekeeping Manager…. She tells me that the WOW cards DO mean something…. At the end of the month they can be traded in for something relatively substantial; they also participate in a Wheel of Fortune game with them.

 

We are missing one of the dancers from our Flash Mob. She has had a fall (on board) and cracked her knee cap…. I saw her return to the ship with her leg in plaster this afternoon having been treated ashore. I hope to be able to catch up with her. The dance music begins…… a few of Drew’s Crew appear and start to dance…. Then more join in….. then some more…. Then our music starts….. and we’re up out of our seats and busting our moves…. I have no idea what I did (but I AM wearing the boa!)….. a friend has managed to catch a pic of me with my arms up in a ballet pose…. At least it seems I had them up at the same time as everyone else…. We take our bows and head back to our seats. I have a certificate!

 

Then it’s time for Quest….. Drew has this sewn up well and truly. So very funny. Somehow he manages to flash me a little wave and a while later he comes over for a hug. There’s nothing new in the tasks…. Erm…. I don’t want to spoil it for others…. But yes, I did. There was photographic evidence but I have requested it be deleted…. We didn’t win but the boa did make an appearance in the ‘something fake’ category. And in the very final challenge…. It’s currently 1am and I’m still super-hyped.

[MrFunInTheSun]

Right now. I got kicked off the Wi Fi as soon as I’d posted yesterday’s blog. This is totally ridiculous. Need to check my bank and will have to go to the Online Centre now. I would say ffs but then I’d have to explain what that stands for. So I won’t.

 

hahaha. You crack me up. You can still say it. :D