Adventure B2B Trip & Ultimate Beach Review 4/16/16 - 4/30/16 (photo bomb)!!!

[AZAficionado]

Following! Thanks for the review.

DING! Welcome aboard! You are most welcome.

[AZAficionado]

Great review and gorgeous pictures, gotta love that iphone. This review is gonna keep me entertained til my B2B in September. Thanks for writing it.

 

 

Cindy

I'm so happy you are enjoying it!! Thank you for the generous compliments. I'll pass them on to my iPhone by not dropping it as many times today as I usually do. :eek:

 

Enjoy your B2B in Sept.

[AZAficionado]

St. Croix, U.S.V.I. (Day 3):

17°42'51" N 64°53'10" W

 

We woke up to a partially overcast sky, which was a nice change.

 

I generally don't use many of the "perks" I've earned. But I do use the Diamond Lounge for breakfast, mostly because of the coffee machine there. Two Splendas, one press on Macchiato, and two on Espresso makes a mean cup of joe.

 

Today's destination was Rainbow Beach, which showed up quite a bit in my pre-cruise research as a great beach. It is also very close to the pier, but not so close that you are swimming with the propellers and stabilizers. You can see it in the photo above - it is the last beach on the far left. There was a free shuttle bus that ran the length of the pier. Taxis were waiting at the end of the pier and offered up Rainbow Beach for $6 round trip. I figured if I walk to places like Rainbow Beach, it will reduce my risk of needing the free shuttle on the pier.

 

Warning: Random ship photo!!

 

One of the buildings we walked past in town.

[AZAficionado]

Rainbow Beach:

17°43'47" N 64°53'16" W

 

Eighteen minutes later, we had arrived!

 

A small, but very nice beach. Rhythms is the restaurant/bar/facilities and they had just about anything you'd want or need. They were renting chairs for $5, loungers for $10, and umbrellas for $10.

 

I tried to get a shot of the local wildlife (an iguana), but he was a bit camera shy.

 

The beach itself is very nice. The sand is plenty fine and extends quite a ways out into the water. However, large corals and rocks stick out of the sand under the water. They aren't sharp and you don't need water shoes. The tide was rather strong, requiring some timing in getting in and out of the water. The depth varied greatly from one spot to another, so one minute you can stand and the next you can't. The water was colder than St. Thomas, but after a few minutes, it was nicely refreshing. Overall, a great beach, especially considering the short distance to the pier.

[AZAficionado]

We decided to grab some lunch at Rhythms.

 

The menus.

 

I switched from Red Stripes (on the beach) to a mojito. These guys can make a great mojito.

 

To eat, I had to get one of the daily specials: 1/2 BBQ chicken with fries and slaw. I saw and smelled them cooking the chicken earlier and was sold on it then. It was fantastic and the BBQ sauce contained just enough jerk and island spices to remind you that you're eating island food.

 

Coming up is more on-board activities...

[cruiseapril]

Yummy food photos.

[AZAficionado]

Yummy food photos.

Not to be a stickler, but the correct pronunciation is "Foooood Poooorn" while drooling, using a sort-of-Homer Simpson voice. :cool:

 

Glad you are enjoying! There is plenty more porn, I mean pictures yet to see.

[AZAficionado]

We walked back to the ship and hung out on the balcony. You can see my "office" where I take daily notes for these reviews.

 

We decided to stop in at the Diamond Lounge, for a few appetizers and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. It is a nice perk, but quite often my tastes in wine/booze isn't on the limited list.

 

Dinner did not get photographed, again. Bad reviewer, bad! Sorry. I had a Caprese salad, which was nice. The tomatoes were fresh and the mozzarella was OK. Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella it was not. But then, this is a cruise ship not a bistro in Italy. I had the Roasted Pork Chop, which was quite good. It was well seasoned and nicely juicy.

 

Dessert was Tiramisu, one of my favorites. It was fine. I'm a bit of a Tiramisu snob, so there was no way this was going to live up to my expectations. While this tasted like Tiramisu, it lacked all the textures you usually expect to find. It was more like a layered Tiramisu moose. Still, very tasty.

 

Late night, I hit the champagne bar for a Vesper Maritini (half Bombay Sapphire, half Ketel One, and some Lilet). A very nice Martini, especially when order "shaken, not stirred". Just a side note on Mr. Bond and his martini preference. They stir martinis to avoid chipping and cracking the ice, which causes it to melt faster and water down the drink. So, the guy is ordering a watered down drink and we all think that's cool. Of course, he will have to kill several bad guys a few minutes after drinking the martini, so maybe he's just drinking responsibly.

[AZAficionado]

Then things got a little crazy at the Champagne Bar and everyone starting requesting that the bar tenders make them something different or special. SolsticeAZ ended up with a very fruity cocktail (that has no name) that went down very easy. The other bartender tried it using a straw, to figure out what was in it. After a moment, he looked at her and said "Good Night." Yea, it was strong.

 

I ended up with a really delicious and spicy drink (also no name) made with Mescal and Sriracha. My mouth burned for several minutes after finishing the drink. I was in heaven.

 

Last call was a custom mint & chocolate martini with sprinkles on top for SolsticeAZ. They had her at rainbow sprinkles.

 

A got a pseudo-Cosmo to lessen the burn. This is the aspect of R-Bar that I really enjoyed from my last cruise - the mixology. While this isn't technically an R-Bar, they are using the R-Bar menu.

 

Back in the cabin, I noticed a special drink offer with the Day 4 Cruise Compass that is worth talking about. Actually, it is probably worth talking about alcohol in general.

 

Alcohol Packages:

 

Here's the skinny: Most drinks on board are likely going to cost you around $10. All the mixed drinks on the "standard" menu are listed at $10. Everything on the R-Bar/Champagne menu is listed at $12. To be honest, these aren't crazy prices. Just scroll back up the Ritz-Carlton menu where most drinks are $15 (only one is $14). In Tucson, AZ, at local restaurants, a martini will run me between $10 and $15 depending on the locale. Royal is going to add an 18% gratuity, but if you don't want someone to spit in your glass (or worse) before pouring your drink, you'd best tip something similar no matter where you are. Bottom Line: the drink prices are typical "service industry" prices - aka nightclub, restaurant, resort. They will never be in the same neighborhood as your corner liquor store or dive bar prices.

 

Yes, there is a package, several in fact. The one that covers booze (up to $12) is the Premium Package and is the package we both bought. There is a Select Package that only covers beer and some wines. There is the Ultimate Package, which is just the Premium package plus non-alcoholic stuff. I paid $49 a day for the Premium Package. An 18% gratuity was added, making it $57.82 per day or $404.74 each week. The simple math says that five $10 drinks a day means the package is more economical than just buying the drinks. With any of the packages, if you order something that is not "covered", you only have to pay the difference. For example, my Remy XO's in the cigar lounge ($14) cost me an additional $2 each time I order them.

 

So, about this special offer. You could buy a drink card which had 10 drinks on it for $85. The offer didn't say, but I'm pretty sure it covered drinks up to $12 in price just like the Premium Package. Also, an 18% gratuity would be added, making the final cost $100.30. It's a great deal, but you have to wait until Day 4 to buy it. It didn't seem very popular, but it is an option.

 

Alright, enough about the economics of booze.

 

For those of you who aren't keeping score at home, here is how the beach competition is going:

 

1. Magen's Bay, St. Thomas

2. Rainbow Beach, St. Croix

 

It know it was another late (1:00+ am) night, but stick around for Antigua...

[dani negreanu]

Relishing every word. Following avidly :)

 

P.S. I'm afraid that our Jewel cruise next year is chartered "under" us, so at least I'll get to see some of the islands through your eyes & words, thank you for taking the time to do this.

[AZAficionado]

Relishing every word. Following avidly :)

 

P.S. I'm afraid that our Jewel cruise next year is chartered "under" us, so at least I'll get to see some of the islands through your eyes & words, thank you for taking the time to do this.

Thank you for the kind words. And you are most welcome!

 

I hope you still enjoy the islands you do get to see.

[PRIDE]

Did you or notice anyone taking extra bottle of water out of the diamond lounge or concierge lounge to drink when getting off the ship at the various destination. Thanks in advance.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[PompeySailor]

Excellent review

Keep the "drink porn" flowing:)

 

Thanks for all the great photos

 

Happy Days!

[AZAficionado]

Did you or notice anyone taking extra bottle of water out of the diamond lounge or concierge lounge to drink when getting off the ship at the various destination. Thanks in advance.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

I didn't see any bottles of water at either the Diamond Club or Concierge Club during the entire two weeks, so no.

 

I "bought" plenty of bottles to take to shore (they are covered by the Premium package) both at bars and from the guys down by the gangway. The bottles I bought from bars were often cracked open by the bartender, but that behavior was hit or miss, depending. I also had 12 bottles of Evian as a Diamond perk for the two weeks, so we actually had problems getting rid of the bottles of water before the cruise was over.

[AZAficionado]

Excellent review

Keep the "drink porn" flowing:)

 

Thanks for all the great photos

 

Happy Days!

Thank you for the kind words. I'm your food and drink porn supplier. You know there will be more coming. ;)

 

Before the cruise, I was wondering if the package was a good idea with all the days in port. Looking at the photos, I think it worked in our favor.

Edited May 6, 2016 by AZAficionado
Because certain words get turned into ****

[twcricket]

Loving your review. I sailed on Adventure in September and am sailing on her again in 2 weeks. Will have to spend some time at the Champagne Bar this trip, we usually get our martinis in the Viking Crown Lounge.

[PRIDE]

I "bought" plenty of bottles to take to shore (they are covered by the Premium package) both at bars and from the guys down by the gangway.

 

 

I am new to cruising - What/Where is the gangway? Also do you know if they sold water in the duty free store? We are planning to arrive between 1030-1100 to board so I will have plenty of time to leave the ship and go back and forth if needed to the duty free store and stock up. Thanks in advance.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[PRIDE]

Loving your review. I sailed on Adventure in September and am sailing on her again in 2 weeks. Will have to spend some time at the Champagne Bar this trip, we usually get our martinis in the Viking Crown Lounge.

 

 

This request is to TWCRICKET - Can you please scan a copy of the duty free flyer and the name of the duty free store? Can you take a pic of the following items and also the prices of the following items in the duty free store: Ginger Ale, water, soda, and juices. I would greatly appreciate it so much. The information will determine if I need to buy before we arrive at the pier. Thank you so much in advance.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Clarea]

I am new to cruising - What/Where is the gangway? Also do you know if they sold water in the duty free store? We are planning to arrive between 1030-1100 to board so I will have plenty of time to leave the ship and go back and forth if needed to the duty free store and stock up. Thanks in advance.

The gangway is where you get on and off the ship at ports, usually deck 1 on Adventure. They will announce where the gangway is at each port of call.

 

The duty free store in the terminal sells bottled water.

[twcricket]

This request is to TWCRICKET - Can you please scan a copy of the duty free flyer and the name of the duty free store? Can you take a pic of the following items and also the prices of the following items in the duty free store: Ginger Ale, water, soda, and juices. I would greatly appreciate it so much. The information will determine if I need to buy before we arrive at the pier. Thank you so much in advance.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

Will try to remember. We don't usually stop in there.

[AZAficionado]

Loving your review. I sailed on Adventure in September and am sailing on her again in 2 weeks. Will have to spend some time at the Champagne Bar this trip, we usually get our martinis in the Viking Crown Lounge.

Glad you are liking it. I hate to say it, but the Viking Crown was pretty empty most times I went by there, even during "happy hour". I can see why Royal has slowly been re-purposing that part of the ships.

[AZAficionado]

I am new to cruising - What/Where is the gangway? Also do you know if they sold water in the duty free store? We are planning to arrive between 1030-1100 to board so I will have plenty of time to leave the ship and go back and forth if needed to the duty free store and stock up. Thanks in advance.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

As clarea said, the gangway is typically on Deck 1, either "midships" (aft elevator shaft) or forward (fore elevator shaft) depending on the port of call. However, the gangway for embarkation/debarkation is on Deck 4 with a series of ramps leading from the terminal up to Deck 4.

 

I know that people can depart the ship on Embarkation day, but these are often visitors who are attending a wedding or some other event on board. I honestly don't know if you can leave the ship once on board. I also don't know if you can exit to beyond security (where the duty-free shop is located) and then pass through security again. I don't see why that wouldn't be possible, but I could see Royal refusing it because embarkation is enough of a mess without passengers getting on and off the ship multiple times.

[AZAficionado]

Will try to remember. We don't usually stop in there.

I didn't stop in there either.

[AZAficionado]

St. John's, Antigua (Day 4):

17°7'11" N 61°50'45" W

 

We awoke to heavy clouds and light rain. Not the end of the world, but it did change what folks were doing and I think influenced the cab drivers. The plan was to go to Valley Church Beach in Jolly Harbor. For just two of us, the cabbie wanted $25 each way! He said if it was 4 people, it would be $8 per person, each way and take about 20 minutes. Sorry, no sale. It turned out to be a good call, since it started seriously raining later in the day.

 

Before departing the ship, I took a few photos.

 

The gym, which is small but contains plenty of machines on which you can hurt yourself, or get buff, depending.

 

The hot tub inside the gym.

 

This is just outside Giovanni's Table, the Italian specialty restaurant. Caio! Bonus points if you get the reference. Hint: It's the European Dream.

 

The Adventure of the Seas crest.

[AZAficionado]

A couple of guys hanging out over the Solarium.

 

They brought out a steel drum band to welcome us.

 

We ended up taking a 2 1/2 hour tour of the island for $25 per person. It was interesting a good way to spend time on the island while it rained on and off. I did my best with pictures, but it is especially difficult on a moving bus, through windows that have rain drops on them. You aren't missing much, as Antigua is not the prettiest island I've been to. We ended up passing by Jolly Harbor at the very end of the tour, just a few miles from the port. The cabbie from earlier was entirely full of cow excrement.

 

This is a fairly new cricket stadium that was a gift from the Chinese government. You can't see it from the photos, but this stadium is not only huge, but is first rate. I wonder what China got in return for their "gift"?