Review of Adventure of the Seas - Southern Caribbean - March 2015

[colesc15]

Hi everyone! I've read reviews before, they've gotten me through to my cruises, so I felt like it was only right to write one my self.. We just got back a few days ago, so I wanted to do while it's still all fresh in my mind.

 

Just to lay out who we are, myself (26) and fiancé (22) are by no means veterans of cruising, but for our age, going once a year now for the last few years has made us no longer newbies. This was my 7th cruise, and 4th with Royal Caribbean. This was also my fiancés 4th with Royal as well. We were in a Grand Suite, 1324. This cruise was going to be special, as I decided in January that I was going to propose to my girlfriend on this cruise, and I was going to be doing it on the balcony of our room.

 

We drove from Green Bay WI to Chicago to stay the night at the Westin O'Hare Thursdays afternoon. We arrived at the hotel around 7pm with no issues. The hotel was pretty nice, but nothing that special. We got a great hotel rate, and we were able to leave our car at the hotel for the entire 10 nights we were going to be gone, and that was included in the hotel fair. We just hung out for the night, and went to bed knowing we had to get up pretty early the next morning to fly out of dreaded O'Hare. We woke up around 5am and got ready, got on the hotel's free shuttle, and got to O'Hare and got checked in. They are pretty efficient with checking in, and we grabbed a quick bite to eat for breakfast, and got to our gate.

 

The flight, with American Airlines, left right on time. We were in one of their older planes, so we had just the overhead TV's, and a 4.5 hour flight ahead of us. I've flown mostly Delta in my life, and one thing I wasn't a fan of with American, they didn't offer a single free snack on the entire flight. They came through once and offered a soda, and that was it. I paid the $5 or whatever it was for a bag of Gardetto's since I was starving.

 

We landed in Puerto Rico around 2, got our luggage, and grabbed a taxi. We were staying at the Condado Plaza Hilton, and it was I believe a $15 taxi ride plus bags and tip. The Condado area is gorgeous, and totally recommend staying here. The hotel itself was pretty nice. When we checked in, I paid an extra $20 a night for a ocean front room and it was totally worth it. We got the room on priceline a few months back for fairly cheap. The hotel has an 18% resort fee, which I didn't really see the point in as we only went to their pool and the casino. We crashed fairly early this night as it had been a long day.

 

Saturday we woke up fairly early (I'm more of an early riser than my fiancé, so I just went out on the balcony and watched the ocean). Once we were up and ready for the day, we decided we wanted to go to Old San Juan and just wander around. We asked how far it was, and it was about 2 miles, so we decided to walk there. The road and navigation was easy, but it got hot real fast. The temperature was about 82 today. We made it to Old San Juan with no issues, and went through the shops and saw some sites, and after a few hours, was ready to head back to the hotel. We took a taxi back home as we didn't want to walk back, and I believe it was around $15 again.

 

Once back at the hotel, we laid out by the pool for a while, and then ate at the hotel resteraunt. It had pretty good food, a little pricy, but wasn't bad. The weekend was filled with bikers and athletes since the Iron Man Competition was there this weekend. We sat out on the balcony late that night and watched Jewel of the Seas and a Celebrity ship sail away.

 

Sunday came and it was finally OUR time. We booked this cruise almost a year ago, and we were antsy to go after a long cold Wisconsin winter. We woke up and got ready, and headed to the port around 10:30. The bike marathon had traffic backed up, so it took a little longer to get to the port than normal, but nothing too bad. We arrived around 10:50 and only had to wait inline for maybe 10 minutes. Once the doors opened, we got straight to the counter taking advantage of the Suite line, and then we waited in the chairs for maybe another 10 minutes, and before we knew it, we were in the Windjammer eating lunch. One complain about the windjammer, we didn't eat it in much the entire cruise, but every time we did, the food was never "hot". My burgers each time during the week were "luke warm" at best. The cookies were pretty good though.

 

After eating, we went out and laid by the pool until our rooms were ready right on time. We went to our room, and our bags were there waiting for us. We spent the time unpacking in our gorgeous Grand Suite, and then went back out to the pool deck until Muster time. After muster time, we needed to start getting ready for dinner at 6:30. We had My Time Dining at 6:30 each night, so we had the same waiter each night. We had a table for 2, but the table for 2's are so close, you can talk to the others if you wanted. We met two other couples, and we sat by them the entire week, and became good friends. Our waiter and assistant, Joaquim and Vinson, were both AWESOME. They always made sure we were good, and they knew our preferences after the first night. After dinner, we relaxed and went to the upper deck for sail away. We ended up going to the welcome aboard show, and the comedian was HILARIOUS. After the show, we decided to call it a night and went back to our room and sat out on the balcony and went to bed around 12:30.

 

The next day, we were in St Thomas. Again, I'm an early riser, so I put on the robe from the room and went out on the balcony to watch us sail into port. Carnival Valor and a Holland ship joined us this day. We had a tour booked with Godfrey's tour, and for $35 it was well worth it. The tour took us all over the island, and we ended up at Meagan's Bay for a few hours, and then they picked us back up and took us back to the ship. Tonight was the first formal night, and I had a big surprise.

 

We got dressed and ready, and we were sailing away from St Thomas. The sun was setting, and I called my then girlfriend out on the balcony. I had her leaning on the railing looking at the sunset, and when she turned around, I was down on my knee with her ring. She knew NOTHING about it at all, and didn't expect it at all. No one back home knew either, so it all worked out good. I had the ring in my wallet since we left, and the box was in my suitcase stuffed in my dress pants. She almost found it once in Puerto Rico when she was looking for something, but thankfully she didn't. We've been together for nearly 4 years, and St Thomas has always been a favorite, so it all worked out perfectly. (She said yes, if you couldn't tell :)) We went and took some pictures, and then went to dinner. If I remember correctly, there was another show tonight, and then an adult comedy show with the same comedian as the night before. We went to both, and they were both really good. We went to the casino for a little bit in between the show and the midnight comedian, lost some money, and then called it a night.

 

The next day we were in St Kitts. We've been to St Kitts before, just last year, and we weren't all that crazy about the island, so we didn't have anything planned. We slept a little later today, took advantage of the suite full breakfast and had it delivered to our balcony. We got off the ship for a little while, walked around, and got back on and laid by the pool. After the pool, we got ready for dinner, went to one of the shows, hit up the casino for a bit (yes, starting a theme I know), and then ended on our balcony watching the ocean, and calling it a night.

 

The next day was a sea day, so we slept in again (until like 8), and ordered the suite breakfast again. We then took full advantage of the suite reserved pool seating, and baked in the sun for the day. The pool activities were in full force, and it didn't look like their were many chairs left. One of the pools got closed midway through from a parent letting their young kid in with a diaper and it didn't really work. Ugh. The usual dinner, show, casino, and balcony before calling it a night. At about 11am there was an "alpha, alpha, alpha" announcement and a little while later the captain came on and said we needed to make a medical emergency stop, but since we were in the middle of the leg to Aruba, the nearest island was Curacao, so we were going to arrive at 11pm to drop the guest off, and make it to Aruba the next morning for 8am. The entire day we were going about 24 knots to make it to Curacao. It was so weird seeing the ocean go by as fast it was. The sea was calm as can be, which helped. We were at Quest when we got to Curacao, so we didn't see much.

 

Day 5 was Aruba, and we rented a jeep for the day to tour the island on our own. It was absolutely beautiful. The island is so different compared to other Caribbean islands. It's such a small island, we never got lost or felt in trouble. We went all around the island, saw the light house, the natural bridge, etc. Stopped at Baby's beach for a while, and then headed back around 4 as the car rental closed at 5. Once back, we went up to the room to drop off some of our stuff, and then got back off the ship to shop for a bit. We had dinner reservations at 6:30 in Gionvanni's that night, so we got back on and got ready for dinner. I wasn't all that impressed with Giovannis, and I'd much rather have Chops. We had a voucher from our Travel agent for Giovanni's, so if we had to pay for it, I definitely wouldn't have. It wouldn't have been worth it. The normal show, balcony, and sleep around 12:30.

 

Day 6 we were Curacao, and this island was gorgeous! We had a tour booked with Irie's Tour, and it was AWESOME! We were late getting off the ship as the ship wasn't cleared by the port for nearly 45 mintues after we were supposed to be. The captain made an announcement we'd stay in port an extra half hour to make up for lost time, so our full day with Irie on one of the big open air buses was great. They took us all over the island, and to some of the most gorgeous beaches. They had a full cooler stocked with beer, water, and soda for the day. Would highly recommend Irie's Tour if in Curacao.

 

Day 7 was a sea day, and we couldn't take a lot more sun as we were pretty sunburnt, so we hung out by the pool just for a tiny bit, and then went to the balcony of our room and watched the ocean pass and took a nap. We went to casino, went to our final dinner with our friends we met, took the typical "last night" pictures, and packed, went back to the casino for a bit, and then called it a night. At around 3am that night, the announcement woke us up.. The captain saying he's sorry for waking us up but we would be making another emergency evacuation, this time by helicopter, so we'd be stopping while this happens, but would still make it back to San Juan on time.

 

We had a 3pm flight out of San Juan, so we ate breakfast and stayed on the ship as long as possible. We got off around 10:15 and headed to the airport. Our plane on the way home straight to Chicago was much newer, maybe only a year old. Each seat had its own TV in the headrest, which made the flight a lot faster. We got drinks offered to us twice, but still no simple bag of peanuts or a cookie or anything.

 

All in all, it was an AMAZING cruise like usual! I'm ready to go back already, as we're supposed to get about 4 inches of snow tonight. I know it's a wordy review, but if you made it this far, kudos to you! If you have ANY questions, let me know!

[kftw]

Congratulations on your engagement!

 

Thank you for your review too.

[Lisa&Neb]

congrats on the engagement. We were on that cruise with you - did you go to the meet and mingle? I'm still trying to figure out who everyone from CC was there. We were in a Royal Family Cabin at the aft and loved every minute of it. I totally agree with the Windjammer food not being HOT - except when people left the tongs IN the food item and not on the plate in front, then those things were extremely hot (but still not the food!)

[SMN73]

I remember you asking for ideas on where and when to propose. Sounds like it was perfect. Congrats!!

[Coralc]

Nice review! And congratulations on the engagement. :)

[happymanitee]

Congratulations and thanks for the review. I can only cruise once a year, so the reviews help bridge that gap for me :)

[colesc15]

congrats on the engagement. We were on that cruise with you - did you go to the meet and mingle? I'm still trying to figure out who everyone from CC was there. We were in a Royal Family Cabin at the aft and loved every minute of it. I totally agree with the Windjammer food not being HOT - except when people left the tongs IN the food item and not on the plate in front, then those things were extremely hot (but still not the food!)

 

Lol completely agree about the tongs!

 

And no, we didn't make it to the Meet and Mingle. I usually take part in the roll call leading up to the cruise but don't usually take part in the Meet and Mingle.. Usually never enough time

[Cruise_Anne]

Was the Jeep rental a ship excursion or private rental? Looking to do that when we cruise again!

[MrSmoofy]

Congrats!

 

Excellent timing for me on your review. We sail this exact cruise on May 16. It's our first on RCI but have been on many Carnival ones, so I have some questions for you :)

 

In St. Kitt's was the Senic Rail Tour offered? If it was and you've not done it you missed out. I've done it and want to go again but seems they are not offering it and not telling me why.

 

I've not been to Aruba or Curacao these excursions you did can you tell me more? Were they through RCI and if now how do you find and book them?

[BonnieSte]

Congrats not only on the engagement but being about to keep it secret to make it even more special!

 

I am going on the Adventure next month and can't wait. This winter has been more brutal then usual in the Northeast. So thank you so much for this review!!

[golf43]

Congrats on your engagement. Love your review. We are going on the Adventure next month.

[cruiseapril]

Great review and congratulations.

 

How did you like Magen's Bay Beach?

 

Glad you enjoyed Aruba and Curacao.

Which beaches did you go to in Curacao?

Did you snorkel?

[Luv06012012]

Yay! Congrats on your engagement! It sounds like you two will hold special memories of it!

 

This May is our first time back on Adventure after being engaged on her in 2009....I can't wait!

 

I'm totally cracking up about the tongs....Not only is it not sanitary if they fall all the way in, but they are impossible to touch! Yet the food is not...too funny!

 

Thank you for this little trip report. It does help feed the frenzy while waiting.

[colesc15]

Was the Jeep rental a ship excursion or private rental? Looking to do that when we cruise again!

 

The Jeep rental was not through royal. We just rented from a local company and did our own thing for the day. It was amazing

[colesc15]

Congrats!

 

Excellent timing for me on your review. We sail this exact cruise on May 16. It's our first on RCI but have been on many Carnival ones, so I have some questions for you :)

 

In St. Kitt's was the Senic Rail Tour offered? If it was and you've not done it you missed out. I've done it and want to go again but seems they are not offering it and not telling me why.

 

I've not been to Aruba or Curacao these excursions you did can you tell me more? Were they through RCI and if now how do you find and book them?

 

The Jeep tour was not through the cruise, it was a local rental. Irie tour was also booked directly, not through royal. We try and book local since it's so much cheaper and you typically get more for your buck. I do my research on here and trip advisor

[colesc15]

Great review and congratulations.

 

How did you like Magen's Bay Beach?

 

Glad you enjoyed Aruba and Curacao.

Which beaches did you go to in Curacao?

Did you snorkel?

 

Magens Bay is one of our favorite beaches. If you owe white sand and gorgeous water, you'll love it. There's no jet skiis or anything either which makes it nice.

 

In Aruba we went to baby's beach which was nice.

 

In curacao we went to kinip beach, which was about 45 minutes from the ship. It had the most blue water I've ever seen. There was two others we went to that were gorgeous too but I can't remember the names. We didn't do any snorkeling

[cruiselife4me]

Congrat's!! How romantic.

 

We are sailing on her in Feb. 2016...how was the suite? Did you go in the concierge lounge or anything?

 

Mary

[bigque]

We are going on Adventure with the same itenerary in October and we are booked at the same hotel. I see you made a few comments about it, but overall how did you like the hotel?? Was there any night life in the hotel?

Congrats by the way! :cool:

[nimbex1970]

More congrats sent your way:D

 

Any feedback in the main dinning room? Reviews are showing that quality is slipping as well as service. Our Adventure cruise in May is with my mom, and I don't want her to be disappointed. She's not a steak eater, so chops is out, we love giovanni's... but mom would be ticked if we missed out on main dinning and the food and service isn't as bad as some suggest.

[BobbyD]

 

Any feedback in the main dinning room? Reviews are showing that quality is slipping as well as service. Our Adventure cruise in May is with my mom, and I don't want her to be disappointed. She's not a steak eater, so chops is out, we love giovanni's... but mom would be ticked if we missed out on main dinning and the food and service isn't as bad as some suggest.

 

We were on the same cruise as well. One of our best cruises! We were in a group of 12 and loved the ship and itinerary. For a 14 year old ship, I thought it was in fantastic condition. As far as the MDR, we had an awesome waiter and asst. waiter who handled our table of 12 flawlessly. Food was excellent, in my opinion. Typically came out hot and well-prepared.

[Rubywith]

Congrats on your engagement!! :) My husband and I (Grandma and Grandpa) were part of the Lisa & Neb in the Royal Family Suite. Since there were not many pictures posted we took loads so can email if anyone would like them. Beautiful ship, great itinerary. Took advantage of the Bridge Tour and other 3 did the Galley Tour. Captain Tony was exceptional in letting us know what was happening with the medical emergencies we experienced. Swimming with the Dolphins with 3 generations was unbelievable. Looking already at another cruise.

[colesc15]

Congrat's!! How romantic.

 

We are sailing on her in Feb. 2016...how was the suite? Did you go in the concierge lounge or anything?

 

Mary

 

The suite was awesome! That gold card goes a long way on the ship. We were right by the elevator. We didn't use the conceirge lounge this cruise. We went in there the first night and it was so packed we never returned

[colesc15]

We are going on Adventure with the same itenerary in October and we are booked at the same hotel. I see you made a few comments about it, but overall how did you like the hotel?? Was there any night life in the hotel?

Congrats by the way! :cool:

 

The hotel was pretty nice. The outside area is really gorgeous. It's near quite a bit. The nightlife I didn't see a lot of, but maybe we missed it

[colesc15]

Congrats on your engagement!! :) My husband and I (Grandma and Grandpa) were part of the Lisa & Neb in the Royal Family Suite. Since there were not many pictures posted we took loads so can email if anyone would like them. Beautiful ship, great itinerary. Took advantage of the Bridge Tour and other 3 did the Galley Tour. Captain Tony was exceptional in letting us know what was happening with the medical emergencies we experienced. Swimming with the Dolphins with 3 generations was unbelievable. Looking already at another cruise.

 

What bridge tour did you do? We did the 1030 Saturday morning one. It was nice doing without a cost

[colesc15]

More congrats sent your way:D

 

Any feedback in the main dinning room? Reviews are showing that quality is slipping as well as service. Our Adventure cruise in May is with my mom, and I don't want her to be disappointed. She's not a steak eater, so chops is out, we love giovanni's... but mom would be ticked if we missed out on main dinning and the food and service isn't as bad as some suggest.

 

The main dining room was perfect! The food was great and our waiter was amazing!