For all those who have booked or are going to book the AOS - read this!

[ckrobyn]

Hey CKRobyn, I was looking at your pictures of AOS and noticed you stayed at the Marriott.....have you stayed elsewhere in SJ? are there a lot of resturants within walking distance 5-10 minute walk of this property?

 

Our cruise is in May....presently have a room pre-cruise booked at the Courtyard Isla Verde.....will be staying 4 nights post cruise.....haven't decided if we will book the post 4 nights at the CIV or try something else.

 

Hi txskier :)

Yes, we stayed at the Marriott Stellaris and loved it! We are booked again pre-cruise for the night of Feb 23/08. We have also stayed at the Marriott Courtyard Isle Verde, and also one night at the Intercontinental. There is basically nothing within walking distance of the Courtyard or the Intercontinental. There is TONS within walking distance of the Stellaris - as it is located directly on the Condado. There are many restaurants, some well known (Wendy's, Subway, Baskin Robbins etc) and there is a Walgreens right across the street.

 

My recommendation based on your questions, is definitely the Stellaris. Not to mention it is a stunning full service property that was recently completely renovated :) The Courtyard is nice, but the Stellaris is nicer! I'm sure you are already aware that the Stellaris's cost per night reflects the fact it is a full service Marriott!!!!:rolleyes:

 

If you have any other questions - I am happy to answer!

[ckrobyn]

Anyone know who the current CD is? :rolleyes: If not, I will find out in a few weeks ;)

[jltnova]

Current CD is Mike S. (he has a last name I won't even try to spell). He was really entertaining and great with the Quest and sports stuff. His whole team was everywhere and really fun.

[sealeggs]

We are booking this ship this week for the second time in 2 years. We did the Aruba route last May and are doint the Barbados route this may. Can't wait we are going with more people this year. As I am always talking about cruising, so some of my family are going for their first time. I know they will be hooked as soon as they see the ship upclose and personal.

[ckrobyn]

We are booking this ship this week for the second time in 2 years. We did the Aruba route last May and are doint the Barbados route this may. Can't wait we are going with more people this year. As I am always talking about cruising, so some of my family are going for their first time. I know they will be hooked as soon as they see the ship upclose and personal.

 

 

Have a great cruise!!!! :)

[txskier]

Hi txskier :)

Yes, we stayed at the Marriott Stellaris and loved it! We are booked again

My recommendation based on your questions, is definitely the Stellaris. Not to mention it is a stunning full service property that was recently completely renovated :) The Courtyard is nice, but the Stellaris is nicer! I'm sure you are already aware that the Stellaris's cost per night reflects the fact it is a full service Marriott!!!!:rolleyes:

 

If you have any other questions - I am happy to answer!

 

The difference in price for the week in question is only about 20 dollars per day.....looks like the Stellaris....thanks for your input

[frito58]

Cough, cough, a WHAT? :eek: An Ohio state flag???

 

Pardon me while I get slightly seasick.

 

"Hail to the victors valiant. Hail to the conquering heros. Hail, Hail to Michigan the champions of the west."

 

I feel much better now. Thank you.

 

Do they have a football team in that state up North:eek: :D :rolleyes:

[ckrobyn]

The difference in price for the week in question is only about 20 dollars per day.....looks like the Stellaris....thanks for your input

 

Wow - if that is all the difference there is in cost...I would definitely go for the Stellaris :D You made a great decision!!!!

[KillaFee]

Hey guys! Just back from my wedding cruise on the AOS and we had the time of our lives. Thanks to the AOS we now have 24 more people severely addicted to cruising! We had PERFECT weather every single day and the ship is in fantastic condition. It also seemed like there were many more activities going on this week than in previous cruises, or that could just be that it just felt like alot was going on because I was getting married, LOL, but they really did have tons of stuff going on. The passengers were just like they have been on every other cruise I've taken - a complete mix of people, and we had no issues with anyone. Lobster was served...I don't care because I'm a vegetarian but my sister-in-law got FIVE ORDERS (seriously!! And she's tiny!) so I couldn't easily NOT notice that it was being served, hehe. Captain Tommy is definitely the youngest captain I've ever encountered. What is he, like 18? :p He was awesome! The cruise director Mike was allright and the entertainment was great!

 

The ONE complaint that I have is for sure the food. UGH. I know what you're thinking....food is subjective...which is true, but I've now come to the sad conclusion that it's near impossible to be a healthy vegetarian while on a Royal Caribbean ship. And let me tell you, I am not picky. As long as there's no meat in it, I will consume it....but oh man, there wasn't a dish being served that didn't have a nice thick coating of oil or grease - blech! "Make a salad!" you say, well I did, every day....and then I'd put gloppy, fatty dressing on because there were no other options. It's just weird that they have three different kinds of artificial sweetener (for people watching their sugar and calorie intake) but not one single low calorie or low fat dressing. Hmph. Anyway, that is definitely a complaint of mine that I hate to make, but I have to make it because I felt like I was just eating garbage day and night and I don't like to do that! I used to LOVE and look forward to all of their different veggie things but they've lost their minds with the vegetarian stuff that they are serving. The asian fried tofu was served with a cream sauce - who does that? It's like they were adding fats and creams randomly to everything. Okay okay i'll stop - I can't believe I'm complaining this much but it really made for a frustrating week of eating. I was on the Explorer 4 months ago and everything was definitely not prepared the same way as on the AOS. Very strange things going on in that department...hmmmm....

 

ANYWAY besides that everything was absolutely perfect. Love, love, love the ship. All of the staff went above and beyond, as usual. Our first suite experience was amazing and I'm not looking forward to going back to an inside or balcony after staying in a Grand Suite, that's for sure!!! :p Our suite attendant, Amelia, went out of her way to make sure everything was taken care of, and she has such a sweet personality. I wish I could have spent more time chatting with her, to be perfectly honest! We're didn't spend one single minute in the Concierge lounge because we were so busy doing other things and when you're traveling w/24 other people it's difficult to take off for very long, but DeeDee called us at least once a day and left these really long voicemails. I couldn't decide if this was annoying or helpful, but whatever! We had such a great time I wanted to chime in about how much I love the AOS! If you have any questions, feel free to ask away!

Laura

[ckrobyn]

Hey guys! Just back from my wedding cruise on the AOS and we had the time of our lives. Thanks to the AOS we now have 24 more people severely addicted to cruising! We had PERFECT weather every single day and the ship is in fantastic condition. It also seemed like there were many more activities going on this week than in previous cruises, or that could just be that it just felt like alot was going on because I was getting married, LOL, but they really did have tons of stuff going on. The passengers were just like they have been on every other cruise I've taken - a complete mix of people, and we had no issues with anyone. Lobster was served...I don't care because I'm a vegetarian but my sister-in-law got FIVE ORDERS (seriously!! And she's tiny!) so I couldn't easily NOT notice that it was being served, hehe. Captain Tommy is definitely the youngest captain I've ever encountered. What is he, like 18? :p He was awesome! The cruise director Mike was allright and the entertainment was great!

 

The ONE complaint that I have is for sure the food. UGH. I know what you're thinking....food is subjective...which is true, but I've now come to the sad conclusion that it's near impossible to be a healthy vegetarian while on a Royal Caribbean ship. And let me tell you, I am not picky. As long as there's no meat in it, I will consume it....but oh man, there wasn't a dish being served that didn't have a nice thick coating of oil or grease - blech! "Make a salad!" you say, well I did, every day....and then I'd put gloppy, fatty dressing on because there were no other options. It's just weird that they have three different kinds of artificial sweetener (for people watching their sugar and calorie intake) but not one single low calorie or low fat dressing. Hmph. Anyway, that is definitely a complaint of mine that I hate to make, but I have to make it because I felt like I was just eating garbage day and night and I don't like to do that! I used to LOVE and look forward to all of their different veggie things but they've lost their minds with the vegetarian stuff that they are serving. The asian fried tofu was served with a cream sauce - who does that? It's like they were adding fats and creams randomly to everything. Okay okay i'll stop - I can't believe I'm complaining this much but it really made for a frustrating week of eating. I was on the Explorer 4 months ago and everything was definitely not prepared the same way as on the AOS. Very strange things going on in that department...hmmmm....

 

ANYWAY besides that everything was absolutely perfect. Love, love, love the ship. All of the staff went above and beyond, as usual. Our first suite experience was amazing and I'm not looking forward to going back to an inside or balcony after staying in a Grand Suite, that's for sure!!! :p Our suite attendant, Amelia, went out of her way to make sure everything was taken care of, and she has such a sweet personality. I wish I could have spent more time chatting with her, to be perfectly honest! We're didn't spend one single minute in the Concierge lounge because we were so busy doing other things and when you're traveling w/24 other people it's difficult to take off for very long, but DeeDee called us at least once a day and left these really long voicemails. I couldn't decide if this was annoying or helpful, but whatever! We had such a great time I wanted to chime in about how much I love the AOS! If you have any questions, feel free to ask away!

Laura

 

Laura - firstly, congrats on your wedding!!!!! :D I want to see pics of you in that stunning wedding dress - plus I want the details on your beach wedding!!!!

 

So glad you loved the AOS! I do understand about the food....my parents are also non-meat eaters and have a tough time eating healthy when they cruise.

 

Now that you had a GS you are spoiled for life! Tell your new DH that a suite is the only way to go every time you cruise!!!

 

Thanks for popping in here and sharing your experience - be sure to let us know when you get your pics posted ok??

 

Welcome back!

[txskier]

CKROBYN> back to the hotel choice..... between the Marriott and the Intercontinental......? The Intercontinental is less than the Marriott

Which one would you go back and stay for 4 nights?

[KillaFee]

Laura - firstly, congrats on your wedding!!!!! :D I want to see pics of you in that stunning wedding dress - plus I want the details on your beach wedding!!!!

 

So glad you loved the AOS! I do understand about the food....my parents are also non-meat eaters and have a tough time eating healthy when they cruise.

 

Now that you had a GS you are spoiled for life! Tell your new DH that a suite is the only way to go every time you cruise!!!

 

Thanks for popping in here and sharing your experience - be sure to let us know when you get your pics posted ok??

 

Welcome back!

 

Thanks! What a great week! If you click on my webshots link all the way at the bottom of my sig you'll see about 1/2 of the pics so far - webshots is taking forever to load right now. Phew!

[nancez]

Killafee, great pictures of the AOS...thank you...looks like you had beautiful weather! Congratulations!!!! GO PATS!

[toonjie]

CKROBYN> back to the hotel choice..... between the Marriott and the Intercontinental......? The Intercontinental is less than the Marriott

Which one would you go back and stay for 4 nights?

 

How much less? Check out Tripadvisor, right now the Courtyard Marriott is rated higher than the Intercontinental, where the Stellaris is #4 of all hotels in San Juan. I'd go with the Stellaris unless the Intercontinental is a lot cheaper. Both are really nice though. I always just see what I get bidding on Priceline for "resort," there is no need to pay over $150 a night if it's not peak season.

[ckrobyn]

CKROBYN> back to the hotel choice..... between the Marriott and the Intercontinental......? The Intercontinental is less than the Marriott

Which one would you go back and stay for 4 nights?

 

If you are asking for a choice between the Intercontinental and the Marriott Stellaris - I would still stay at the Stellaris because it is close to everything. The Intercon is a lovely hotel, but it is in Isle Verde (a 2 min cab ride from the CIL) and there is nowhere to walk in the evenings, whereas the Stellaris is on the Condado with an array of shops and restaurants.

 

I'd stay at the Stellaris for 4 nights in heartbeat!!! :)

[ckrobyn]

Thanks! What a great week! If you click on my webshots link all the way at the bottom of my sig you'll see about 1/2 of the pics so far - webshots is taking forever to load right now. Phew!

 

 

Laura - I just looked at your pictures on Webshots and I just have to say what an absolutely gorgeous bride you were!!!! It looks as if the weather was 100% perfect - the color of the water, the sky, the sand and the canopy on the beach are amazing!!!!

 

Congrats again! :)

[KillaFee]

Laura - I just looked at your pictures on Webshots and I just have to say what an absolutely gorgeous bride you were!!!! It looks as if the weather was 100% perfect - the color of the water, the sky, the sand and the canopy on the beach are amazing!!!!

 

Congrats again! :)

 

Awww thank you! The weather WAS perfect. There was not one single thing that could have been better on that day! I'm still in shock at how perfect everything was and I want to do it again! :D

[mikeqube]

What is there to do near the Marriot Stellaris? I'm staying there this coming Saturday before we leave on the AOS on Sunday. Is there anything walking distance from there? My plans we pretty much drinking and playing craps.

[ckrobyn]

What is there to do near the Marriot Stellaris? I'm staying there this coming Saturday before we leave on the AOS on Sunday. Is there anything walking distance from there? My plans we pretty much drinking and playing craps.

 

Mike - there is plenty to do within walking distance of the Stellaris. You will be staying right on the Condado which is home to many nice boutiques, bars and restaurants. You can enjoy a drink in the hotel bar, and I am quite sure the craps table ( if there IS one in the Casino at the hotel) will be more than happy to take your money!!! :p I have been in the casino at the Stellaris, but since I don't play craps I can't recall if they have it there???

 

Have a wonderful cruise!!! :)

[cruiser217]

Another hotel question- Is the Marriott Courtyard in San Juan Miramir (I think that's how you spell it)good for one night? I'm staying there before i get on AOS. How far is that from the pier where AOS docks? How much would this cost in a taxi? Ckrobyn, thanks for starting this thread. It helps me answer so many of my questions about AOS. I can't wait to go on now!!!

[ckrobyn]

Another hotel question- Is the Marriott Courtyard in San Juan Miramir (I think that's how you spell it)good for one night? I'm staying there before i get on AOS. How far is that from the pier where AOS docks? How much would this cost in a taxi? Ckrobyn, thanks for starting this thread. It helps me answer so many of my questions about AOS. I can't wait to go on now!!!

 

Cruiser217 - I have not personally stayed at the Courtyard Miramar, but I do know that it is pretty close to the Port. I have a friend staying there for one night pre-cruise in Feb 23rd, and we did some research - it is about a 10 minute cab ride to the port, and the cost should be somewhere around $7-10. I think you will do just fine at this hotel for one night!

 

You are welcome for this thread! As you can tell, I am a big fan of RCI, and the AOS is my favorite ship :)

[Shar27]

Cruiser217 - I have not personally stayed at the Courtyard Miramar, but I do know that it is pretty close to the Port. I have a friend staying there for one night pre-cruise in Feb 23rd, and we did some research - it is about a 10 minute cab ride to the port, and the cost should be somewhere around $7-10. I think you will do just fine at this hotel for one night!

 

You are welcome for this thread! As you can tell, I am a big fan of RCI, and the AOS is my favorite ship :)

 

 

March 1st.....wrong week.;)

[ckrobyn]

March 1st.....wrong week.;)

 

Have we not discussed the fact you are a lunatic today??:p :p

 

You're right....it IS March 1st. I have no idea who is staying there on the 23rd ;)

[sealeggs]

ckrobyn, I have an excursion question for you. Do you know if they operate the Jolly Roger out of Barbados or any ports of call as an independent company. We booked last night and didn't find it on any of Royals excursion list. Any help is appreciated.

 

Thanks Sealeggs

[ckrobyn]

ckrobyn, I have an excursion question for you. Do you know if they operate the Jolly Roger out of Barbados or any ports of call as an independent company. We booked last night and didn't find it on any of Royals excursion list. Any help is appreciated.

 

Thanks Sealeggs

 

Hi Sealeggs - I have heard of Jolly Roger, but have not personally done any of their excursions. It may be an excursion independant of the cruise line. I wish I could help you...maybe someone else will jump in here who can???