"Live" from Adventure of the Seas - January 15 - 25

[Dr. VP]

Hi - I can't recall the exact time but I believe it is sometime this winter season.

[CruisinEars]

Thanks for taking us along. I am thoroughly enjoying your pictures and report. I am now talking dh into doing the AOS out of San Juan. He is actually on board for that suggestion. Just need to find the time now.

[swmichigan cruiser]

If you think about it tell the concierge you had on the prior cruise that the Anderson's say hello. Its been over two years but that person did a great job even though they couldn't make the coffee machine work. Thanks Bob

[xosweetiexo]

I am new to these boards and I am REALLY ENJOYING your posting! I am sitting in my living with a HUGE smile on my face looking at all of your pictures. I have never been on a cruise before and will be going on my 1st cruise in August out of PR on AOS of course :) I look forward to continue reading your posts!!! I hope you are enjoying your vacation!!!

[BuyReallyLow]

If you think about it tell the concierge you had on the prior cruise that the Anderson's say hello. Its been over two years but that person did a great job even though they couldn't make the coffee machine work. Thanks Bob

 

If it was Ana - I have already contacted her and reconnected!! I'll make sure to say hello from the Anderson's!

[BuyReallyLow]

Dodgeball was a bit of a stinker…. They had enough teams for four – but not enough for 5. I was on the list for the 5th team. One of the teams did let an old man play, and the team won its only 3 games. The team finished 3rd – so I’ve added a Bronze Medal to my Silver from earlier. Maybe I’ll go for a Michael Phelps (isn’t it funny that until this year, we would say I would be going for a Mark Spitz).

Moving on with our mini review of the decks on Adventure of the Seas:

 

Deck 5: Deck 5 is a deck that most of us find we spend a lot of time on. Starting at the fore we find the Imperial Lounge. While I was wandering around they had the Art Auction going on (I avoid that like the Plague). Tucked to your right is one of the nicest rooms on the ship – the Connoissuer Club. This Cigar and Cigarette smoking lounge looks like something straight out of a classic club. Obviously this is a room where the mighty can congregate and smoke/toast their successes. Since I have not had any (nor do I smoke any longer) I can walk by. But it is certainly worth a stop for its leather, bookcases and beauty.

 

Behind the front lifts is one of the fames of the Voyageur Class ships – the Prominade. This “main street” mall serves as the internal focal point of the ship. Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, A Pizzeria, numerous shops, liquor stores, general stores, and two bars – a sports Bar (Gravity) and British Pub are there for the thirsty. The Captain makes many of his addresses from here, along with nightly parades, etc. It truly is the focus point of the internal energy of the ship

[BuyReallyLow]

Who is this guy, and what is he pointing at?

 

Past this you come to Guest Services, where you go to get questions answered, and where you can book excursions thru Royal Caribbean. Across the internal stairs you will find one of our favorite haunts – the Champagne Bar.

In the aft, you will find the upper level of the dining room – the Mozart Level.

Deck 6: Although you will find mostly cabins from Deck 6 – 10, normally there is on additional element on each deck. On Deck 6, you will find Business Services

[BuyReallyLow]

Deck 7: On Deck 7, you will find a comfortable Library. The books are to loan (also a good way to lighten your luggage is to leave your current read behind.) There is also a daily Suduko and group of Trivia Questions.

Deck 8: On Deck 8, we find the Internet Café – Royal Caribbean Online. On Adventure, there are numerous Hot Spots where you can use your wireless laptop. Here is the location you can use Royal Caribbean’s computers to check email, etc. The pricing is as follows:

· .55/minute, unless you buy a package price:

o $28.00 for 60 minutes (.47/minute)

o $38.00 for 90 minutes (.42/minute)

o $55.00 for 150 minutes (.37/minute)

 

Can you guess which level I am utilizing? J The Hot Spots are the Viking Crown Lounge, the Solarium, the Royal Prominade, the Schooner Bar, and the Conference Center. The Concierge Lounge is also a Hot Spot, but that is not open to everyone.

 

Tonight is Formal Night, so the wife is getting even more beautiful than normal. I am waiting for my cleaning to arrive. I packed a larger amount of dirty laundry than normal, so I sent a pretty packed bag off for cleaning. There is a coupon in the Diamond Package that allows us $5 off laundry when we utilize $25 worth of services. That’s easy for me! It’s the first picture night, so I’m sure the lines will be long. Tip – there are photos on almost every night – but the 2nd formal night is often much shorter….

 

Before dinner, we’ll be taking in the complimentary drinks in the Concierge Lounge. This opens daily (except Day 1) at 4 PM and goes until 8:30 PM. It can be very busy, since it is open to any Suite higher than Junior Suite, as well as any Diamond or higher club member. The Voyageur Class ship has a relatively large Concierge Lounge, but it is only 1 – and If there are quite a few Diamonds, it can get crowded.

 

At a bit before 6 PM we started heading for the dining room. The lines for the formal night pictures were already beginning – as a matter of fact we were the last couple to be seated.

[BuyReallyLow]

Darrell and Jane, our new friends from the Hershey Pennslyvania area (and Cruise Virgins) Carl & Kathy, also from the same area of Pennsylvania (he being a firefighter) and our good friends Scott & Amy all looked fantastic. Tonight our waiter Balkan had started to warm up. Last night he was very professional but a bit cold – tonight we began to see his true personality coming thru. He was personable and engaging, while maintaining the professional attributes that all of us want in a good waiter. Our sides hurt as we had stories regaled on us from all sides – Darrell & Jane and Carl & Kathy are the kinds of people you hope you get matched with at your dinner table. They are good people, having a good time. Our resident carnivore Scott said that tonight’s special Filet of Beef was the best meat he has had in the dining room. It was so good he ordered a 2nd.

We had hoped to make it to the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Reception, but looking down from the sixth floor, it was wall-to-wall people. We like people, but not that much to spend time this evening standing in that sort of line.

 

We also missed one of our favorite activities – Name that Tune Trivia. Too bad, because Amy was raring to go on classic TV tunes.

 

The Headliner – It’s all about the Music – Starring Domenick Allen from the legendary Rock Group Foreigner was quite an experience. First off – I believe we all understand that music is personal. What some people enjoy, others find revolting. Mr. Allen is a very talented musician. During this stage show, he plays 3 instruments, along with singing. He plays a mean Saxophone, Oboe, and what he is known for – Guitar. Mr. Allen was a guitarist for the rock group Foreigner and has played shows in Las Vegas, Broadway and London’s east side. He was also on TV’s “Days of our Lives”. His stage show is entitled “It’s All About the Music”, and he uses the time to tell you how “riffs” bring us all together. Wow, what a deep introspective comment. Although the music was well done, his ability (or curse) to cross so many various music types had many in the audience confused. I focused especially on a kind 70+ something lady who was obviously thrilled to be out on Formal night, and was sitting clapping her hands while he played from Bennie Goodman to “Take the A Train.” For those who do not know his past, this would be fine – he is energetic – almost to the point that depending on your mood, you want to break out laughing when he shows one of his various stage faces for dynamic effect. But the real thrill was going back to the elderly lady when he felt obligated to go into the classic rock of his youth – Foreigner – with his Guitar. She suddenly threw her hands over her ears and sat – looking horrified – as this most likely 55 – 60 year old guitarist gyrated like he was on stage at Madison Square Garden. He certainly could play – but the effect on the crowd was “interesting”. If you have a chance to see him, be forewarned.

 

Our Cruise Director Mike opened the show again, and did a fantastic poem using cards. A large part of the bit was making this sometimes lewd poem “acceptable” for the children in the audience. It was very funny, and a highlight of the show. Did I tell you how funny Mike was…… J Go for Mike – keep your expectations of Domenick low – and sit in an end seat for an escape route if he is not your cup of tea.

 

We had planned to stay awake for the late night comedy of Tony Daro, but instead opted for some fresh air on the Helipad, looking at the stars without the horrible light pollution. After that, we took in our first 9 holes of my DW and I’s regular tournament on the Adventure Links. BTW, I am currently up by 1 – even though she got a hole in one!!

 

From there our friends Scott & Amy left us – and we proceeded to our favorite late night haunt – the Champagne Bar. Victoy from Jamaica served us fine Kir Royales – we actually brought one back to the room to enjoy on the balcony before retiring. The Champagne Bar was quiet last night. It had been busier (according to Victoy) during formal night pictures, but now it was only occupied at one table in the corner. It is interesting how different cruise weeks adopt different bars. At least last night, they had not adopted the Champagne Bar as of yet.

 

As it approaches 1 AM, we are looking forward to Aruba tomorrow. We don’t plan on any major sightseeing event (like most other ports) – instead we are hoping to get to a Resort for a day at the beach in a Hammock. But that is for tomorrow – and tonight is dimming.

 

I walked only 6749 steps today. What a slug.

 

“From now” advised Epictetus, “practice saying to everything that appears unpleasant: “You are just an appearance and by no means what you appear to be.” Use the powers of your imagination, the old Roman sage is saying. See behind the veil of things. Everything matters along the road, but what matters deeply is what is invisible and must be seen with the inner eye.

 

 

We usually don’t look, we overlook.

- Alan Watts

Tomorrow – Aruba!!

 

[Kikkycat]

Thank you for more report and more pictures! It's all very exciting to me!

 

A question for you: we are interested in knowing if any microbrewed beers are available anywhere onboard. Have you seen anything?

[smw0621]

Excellent post...thaks! We set sail on the same cruise Feb 1st and I can't wait.....please let us know what you do on the islands.

[Deborito]

Excellent post...thaks! We set sail on the same cruise Feb 1st and I can't wait.....please let us know what you do on the islands.[/quote

 

We are leaving for San Juan tomorrow night and will be on the Adventure next week. We will try to keep it in good shape for you:D Have a great trip!!!

[MARTYsmom]

I'm really enjoying all the details and pics. What a wondeful writer you are!! I feel as if I'm sailing with you.

 

We still have 2 months until we sail so take good care of her for us.

 

I lookd forward to your next post.

 

Enjoy the warm and sunny weather.

[smw0621]

Deborito - please take care of the ship...I can't wait!

[miss nikki]

Great review! I totally enjoy reading it! We'll be sailing on 5/31, and it's our first time on RCI - I truly cannot wait :)

Thank you so much for writing this!!!

[BuyReallyLow]

If there is a trick to meaningful travel, it is learning to see for yourself. To do this take practice and a belief that it matters. The difference between pilgrim and tourist is the intention of attention, the quality of the curiosity.

The traveler soon learns that it is difficult to unlearn a lifetime of habitual seeing, the ordinary perception that gets one through a day at home but is inadequate to the task of comprehending the suddenly unfamiliar, strange, even marvelous things.

Tiny Aruba, smallest island of the ABC Dutch West Indies off the coast of South America, is an unusual cruise port. If you're standing on an upper deck as the ship approaches, you realize that Aruba is flat (highest point is only 617 feet) and arid. Later you learn the soil is so poor that basically all foods have to be imported, usually from Venezuela, some 15 miles away.

 

Aruba's topography and vegetation are unusual for a Caribbean island. On the south and west coasts are miles of beautiful whitesand beaches, among the finest in the world. They're rimmed by placid seas offering visibility as deep as 100 feet. The northern coast--the windward shore--is wild. rugged, and pounded by crashing surf. The isle's interior is a miniature desert strewn with huge rock formations and a variety of cacti, frequently grown in tight alignment to create cactus fences.

The Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda discovered the island in 1499, but the Spanish, hungry for gold, didn't linger. The Dutch took control in 1636, Oddly, in 1824 gold was discovered and was exported until 1916. Historically part of the Netherlands Antilles (which includes the neighboring ABC isles Bonaire and Curacao, plus St. Maarten, St. Eustatius, and Saba), Aruba became a separate entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1986. yet retains strong ties to Holland and the Dutch West Indies.

 

 

The island is about 20 miles long and six miles across at its widest point with a total area of 70 square miles. Aruba's compactness makes it an ideal port-of-call. Oranjestad, the capital, is located on the southern (leeward) coast near the west end of the island. It has typical Dutch Colonial architecture painted in pastel colors. Unlike some ports, the dock area is within easy walking distance of the downtown area. Leisurely strolling along L.G. Smith Boulevard, official name for the waterfront street, you get a close look at the colorful harbor. First is Royal Plaza Mall, then the market where every morning fresh produce is brought to the island by small boats from nearby Venezuela.

Our plan for the day is to venture to the Renaissance Aruba and get a day-pass to their private island just off shore. The passage to the island begins right in the hotel lobby – here you catch the boat that ferries you to the private island. Once on the island, you have 40 acres of private beach to yourself. The Renaissance limits the number of day passes issued, and they can’t be reserved in advance. If you are able to secure a pass, you are in for a wonderful, memorable, relaxing day. Hours can be (have been) spent swinging in a hammock under palm trees to avoid the very strong mid-day sun (your only 6 degrees above the equator).

 

[BuyReallyLow]

We left the ship at 9:00 A.M. and since we were docked, we quickly were able to move onshore. You are routed thru an inside shopping area (becoming the norm at every port) and then into the main shopping district. To get to the Renaissance, turn right on the main drag. It is maybe four blocks down on the left (away from bay) from the port entrance. It is just past the Crystal Casino. Once inside, you will need to take the escalator to the 2nd floor, which is check-in. The price is $75.00 per person. The price includes a drink of your choice (normally $7-$10 dollars), a main course lunch ($10 - $17) and a desert Hagen Das Ice Cream Bar ($5.75). Also impossible to price is that it is not crowded or busy. In fact, it’s quiet. Once we arrived, we settled in for a morning of sunning, reading, and floating on our mats in the lagoon. The beach is the very fine white sand that Aruba is so known for. The beach is almost a zero level pool – it is shallow – up to my waist out 40-50 yards. While floating, you are escorted by schools of Angel fish – about 5-8” long – beautiful white and silver. They do not nibble or bite – they just appear. Inches from their domain, I rejoice in the beauty that is the sea. I have never scuba dived, worried that it would simply be too restricting to fully experience the sea. I so wish I could have now – to join these Angels as they lead the way.

 

 

 

 

The morning drifts away this way, until it is time for lunch. Tropicoladas flow and lunch is served. My DW gets a club on wheat – I get Jumbo Shrimp served with spicy sauce. I sampled both – and they were fantastic!! And the ice cream bar was scrumptous as well. We splurged and purchased a large basket of Onion Rings for all to enjoy. Around your feel, the tile teems with small birds who bed like the family dog for scraps. Competing with them is the nature rulers of the island – the Blue Iguana. In the restaurant – they are the little guys (and girls). They are quick, cute, blue, and able to munch french fries with the best of them. We could have watched them for hours (in fact, we did for over an hour).

Afternoon was more of the same – although I found a wonderful spot with a hammock….. and took a siesta. Vacations are different for everyone – and for many it is the experience – “what did I do”? May I share that doing nothing is just as important. To slow one’s breathing, to bring up your sense of awareness – our oneness with everything around us – is vital, and importance. This tranquil paradise… the palms swaying gently beneath puffy partly cloudy skies…. The birds moving amongst the trees…. Makes one aware. It raises your consciousness. It brings you back to the core. We are all one. Is this heaven? I’ll leave that to others – but the idea of a heaven on earth is a concept that is glorious to contemplate.

 

The call that brought us here was a call to pay closer attention to the sacred source of our lives. After all the preparation, the arduous journey, the force that called us here is asking for something vital only we can give. What is it? What can we give back? Has our amazement been amazed yet? Consider the marvel of our arrival.

 

An inch of surprise leads to a mile of gratefulness.

- Brother David Steindl-Rast

Tonight – Portofinos and the Ice Skating Show

 

[mjeffv]

Thank you so much for the incredible review. We feel we are there with you. Alas, we must wait another 75 days.

 

If you get a chance, can you tell us if there are stairs all the way aft on deck nine and 10 - near 9390. We see them on other decks except 9 and 10. Just curious how easy it will be for us to climb to the Windjammer.

 

Thanks.

[ckrobyn]

BRL - Thanks for taking us to Aruba with you!!! :D I have always been curious about the Renaissance and the private island. Did they have a pool over there too?

Quick question - did you notice yesterday (first day at sea) if there was an area by the pool bar that was reserved seating for suite guests? Someone on the Liberty last week is reporting that the area adjacent to the pool bar on both sides (where it is graduated seating on levels) is now being roped off and reserved for those in Grand Suites and above. Wondering if this has been implemented fleet wide?

Thanks again for the fabulous live reports!!!!!!:)

[uksimonusa]

BRL, I too have enjoyed your descriptive posts. But as I will be in San Juan to greet your ship when it returns, actually waiting to board it after you've left, my big question is which bar/bartender makes the best drinks :D

 

I'll keep reading until we leave early Friday to head to San Juan, might try and get into Pamela's

 

Seek out Yadira, call her Brian,!! and Shelly Ann, tell them Simon and Heather said hello and they will "Look after you"!!

[ricge01]

Seek out Yadira, call her Brian,!! and Shelly Ann, tell them Simon and Heather said hello and they will "Look after you"!!

 

Many Thanks, I will look for "Brian"

[bdoster]

Love your writing and your observations...travel is as much about the journey as the destination, I can tell you love the journey.

[Nothin' But Sun]

Many Thanks, I will look for "Brian"

 

George and Pat, make sure you tell Becky(Kikkycat) when you find "Brian". She too is searching for a good bartender:)

Sue

[nziggy]

Really enjoying your posts on the AOS! It looks like an awesome ship! We will also be on the AOS on 2/22/09 and am looking forward to it. I am new to posting but not new to cruising! Thanks so much for posting all of the photos that you have been sharing with all of us. They are awesome to see and experience before we go on there :)

[cruisinunlimited]

Love your daily reviews!Will be on the ship 3/22/09. Will be our third time on AOS. Last time we were on we did the luggage valet program, but now getting conflicting information as to what airlines participate. If you could let me know if US Air is still a participant...would be greatly appreciated! And one more request, who the captain will be on the 3/22/09 cruise.

 

Thanks..Karen