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

[LTyler]

LOVING all your pictures and reviews!!! 11 more day for me!!!! :D hope your trip goes nice and slow!!

[Moon&Stargazer]

BRL: Just wondering, what does NOOTS society stand for? Noticed it on one of your previous posts~

Thanks,

Kate

[theump]

Back in the car, we head down the mountain. We stop to take in the Big Tree Trail and walk to La Mina Falls. If you have always dreamed about swimming in a waterfall, having the water cascade onto your back, massaging you, then you are in luck. You can have that experience at La Mina. This beautiful 35 foot waterfall is one of the most popular places to visit while in the rain forest. Luckily there are two trails that lead you to La Mina Falls. One is La Mina trail, and the other is Big Tree trail.

 

Unlike many other rain forests around the world, El Yunque rain forest is not full of huge old trees. The lush and beautiful mountain is actually covered with many different types of young trees, but most of them are only 15 to 50 years old. This is because El Yunque has been cleared a few times - sometimes by natural causes like hurricanes, and sometimes by unnatural causes like lumbering. However, if you walk the Big Tree trail, you will be able to see some of the large 200 to 300 year old trees that once made up the whole area.

 

Some of the facts about this trail: Big Tree trail is about 0.8 miles long one way. It starts at about 1800 feet and descends to 1640 feet, making it only about 160 ft drop in elevation. It is a fairly easy trail, except for those steps, so it has a "Moderate" difficulty rating. The trail head is located at the large parking lot at KM 10.4 on Road 191. It will take about 45 minutes to get to La Falls from the trail head, walking at a good speed. If you are a slower walker, or want to take your time and read the informational placards, it will take longer. There are some rain shelters with benches along the trail, so you can rest or get out of the rain. The trail is paved with asphalt or concrete most of the way. If you are planning on going into the falls, wear your bathing suit while hiking. There is no changing area at the waterfall.

 

 

 

 

When you start walking on this trail, it is natural to stop at every placard sign that you come to. Another approach would be to read half on the way down and half on the way up. This way, you have an excuse to rest while you read the signs on the way up! The placards discuss all sorts of things about rain forests in general, and this one in particular. The trees, birds, insects, lizards, and plants you are seeing along the way. Take your time to look around and listen to the forest, it is a magical place, that is full of beauty. It seems longer then the indicated mileage as you anticipate getting to the waterfall. You can hear the waterfall long before you actually can see it.

 

We’re done. It is wonderful. It is beautiful. Although we were not blessed with the glances of the fantastic promised views, we are enthralled by the day, the efforts, and the rewards. It is now time to limp back to San Juan to prepare for our dinner… but that is the next post!

 

If you would like to see more pictures from the rainforest, visit my Photobucket album -

http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/BuyReallyLow/

 

 

 

I'm TheUmp and Love the Pics. My DW & I were there in 2007 after sailing on the Granduare of the Sea. Love the trip and had to see 2 things on the island, La Mina and rain Forest and Roberto Clemente's Sports Camp for boys. We are orginally from Pittsburgh and he was my hero and also somone i met a few times.

 

As you say the walk is not real hard but tiring specially the day you get off the ship. Took muchlonger than expected to walk it, everyone we saw coming back kept saying butiful about another 20 mins. There were many 20mins but I stop and look around and take plentry pictures.

 

Did not see any pepole swiming so thought I would try to post a couple. Here are a couple of my favorites, specially of What I call the Waterfall Rain Girl

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=102790&stc=1&d=1232600935

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=102791&stc=1&d=1232600935

 

The Ump

John:cool:

[BuyReallyLow]

BRL - I asked this a few pages ago, but you may have missed it.....

 

Is there reserved seating on the pool deck for suite guests?

 

Loving your Live report!!!!! Thanks for taking us with you!!!

 

I'm sorry about not answering, but the Internet has been tempermental lately (Like right now!) No, no saving of pool chairs - that is an experiment on Liberty, but according to people on board, it may be considered fleet wide, along with other changes.

[BuyReallyLow]

BRL: Just wondering, what does NOOTS society stand for? Noticed it on one of your previous posts~

Thanks,

Kate

 

Not Oasis of the Seas.....;)

[BuyReallyLow]

I've not been on a ship with a restaurant like Portafino's. I know it costs extra but can you explain a little?

I read where you said it was "$20 for all this". What is all this?

 

Is it the appetizer, soup/salad, entree, dessert? All that wonderful food for a measly $20!

 

Thanks,

Love the posts, Sailing in 39 days!

 

The $20 covers everything except your Alcohol if you order a drink. It has been increased to $25 on some ships - but it is still $20 on Adventure. It includes the Appetizer, the main course, deserts, everything. And of course you can order multiples if you just can't choose one item....

 

BRL

[BuyReallyLow]

We are cruising AOS on 3/8 can you tell me if there is a shampoo dispenser and/or soap in the shower on this ship? Great review!

 

Thanks!

 

There is a soap dispenser in the shower of our Junior Suite. I would assume it is the same for other cabins as well.

[BuyReallyLow]

Willemstad, Curacao

Wednesday, January 21st

87 degrees

The purpose of a vacation is to make life more meaningful. Through sacred travel, individuals can find the path to the divine, the ultimate source of life. The essence of the sacred way is “tracing a sacred rout of tests and trials, ordeals and obstacles, to arrive at a holy-place and attempt to fathom the secrets of its power.” As Francis Huxley points out in The Sacred, it is precisely through the sharing of this sacred territory that people have come not only to discover the idea of their origins and their destiny, but to have experiences of it that reveal the meaning of our lives.

Our experience today will be in Curacao. Famous for its fine liqueur made from the sweetened peel of bitter oranges and for its sunny climate and secluded beaches, Curaçao has a rich and diverse history, which explains the international flavor of its culture and the curious mixture of Old and New World charm. The people claim descent from over 50 different ethnic backgrounds, and the native language, Papiamentu, is a creole mixture of Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, English, French, African, and some Arawak Indian.

 

Curaçao's strategic position at the base of the Caribbean has also made it an important crossroads for global commerce and connected the tiny island with many of the important persons and events in world affairs. Amerigo Vespucci, Alonso de Ojeda, Peter Stuyvesant, the notorious Captain Bligh, Simon Bolivar were all drawn into Curaçao's colorful past.

Today however, it is mainly the sun and the natural beauty that bring people here. With an average rainfall of less than 22 inches a year, the weather is almost guaranteed to be sunny all the time, and the constant tradewinds help to keep the island cool. Of course, when we arrive in port – it is overcast, with a light mist falling. Not to worry – the day turns sunny. But it was an unpleasant start. There are 38 different beaches to choose from -- some that are sheltered by towering cliffs, others with deep caves created by the pounding surf, and still others with wide expanses and modern facilities.

We hope to experience both the desert and the beauty of the sea. We have chosen, after much investigation, to use Curacao Actief as our guide, taking the full day Desert and Cave Tour. The boards on this site give them high marks. The rate for this tour is $80 per person.

We were attracted to this tour for a couple of reasons. First, we’ve got a good share of water on this trip (yesterday in Aruba, our event in St. Thomas). Second, the idea of riding a Land Cruiser thru a foreign land, experiencing the desert and the numerous open caves on the North side of the island. We are brought from place to place in a Land Cruiser, which adds to the experience. This is rugged country – and fantastic for those looking for an experience that is a bit more physical.

Our guide for our journey is Howard. He is assisted by his friend Byron. Howard is an outgoing, happy man in his mid 40’s. It is obvious from the beginning that Howard is interested in making sure you get every enjoyment from the trip. “Do you want to get Muddy or Dusty” was his first question – his smile broad and inviting. I believe he enjoys the blank stares he receives back. The description of this adventure is a bit vague. We are sure we’re going to see some desert. We have been told that we will enter caves. We’ve seen pictures of the Land Rover on a dirt track. These things all happened. Be prepared – you WILL be off-road. You WILL be jolted. You WILL wish for a comfortable seat! You WILL enjoy it immensely!! We are also blessed to be joined by Afcka (sorry about the spelling) and Marcos, her boyfriend. They are both from Holland – and we enjoyed spending the day with them learning about their country. Afcka is an intern with Actief Curacao (She works on the website), so it was nice to have their spirit along for the adventure. Marcos has flown in to spend a couple of weeks with her. They had quite a list of items to do during his visit!!

 

We head into the wide-open planes of the "mini desert" visiting various ancient caves along the rugged northern coastline and discovering the geological history of Curacao. Howard stops the Land Cruiser often to point out various plants, features, and history of the island. He has lived on Curacao for most of his life – and relishes in sharing his love of his island, its people, and its character.

The first stop is Roi Rincon, a park with various walking trails and the remains of some Caiquetio Indian settlements, the original inhabitants of Curacao. The park contains rare natural spring water pools, tropical birds, iguanas. It also contains a tree that if water is dripping off it, you may get a rash from the tree. The leaves contain a toxin that can irritate your skin.

 

[BuyReallyLow]

We enter the arid wide-open desert plaines. We pass the airport, where American AWAC planes are stationed. The plains open up to reveal Cactus, Aquave Plants (which are used to make Tequila), and Acadia Trees. Due to the prevailing winds, all the plants/trees are influenced by this constant force, growing in strange patterns. In some cases, they actually grow parallel to the ground instead of vertically.

A tunnel which leads up to a higher level terrace where you’ll find plenty of cacti and great views of the planes below.

 

 

Bull’s Eye, a giant dartboard circle of stones that was the former U.S. Air force training site during WW II, where pilots and bombardiers practiced for the bombings of Arnhem.

[BuyReallyLow]

Curacao is made up of coral formations. It is not Volcanic like many of the other islands of the Caribbean. This coral is dissolved over time, creating many caves. Kueba di Brua is the largest of the caves, with several bat inhabited chambers and impressive stalagmite and stalactite formations. Flashlights are handed out, as we head in. Howard demonstrates the formation of the Stalagmites, and plays a interesting tune on the formations. This cave was used for voodoo rituals by former slaves on the island.

DW and Howard stike a pose in the "Bat Cave"

A tranquil picnic lunch is served in the shade of one of the caves or at a natural spring in San Pedro. The lunch is sandwiches, with Curry Chicken and Tuna Fish, along with Potato Salad and Cole Slaw. It is not fancy, but it is good and filling. Also is the always present Lemonade and Water.

[BuyReallyLow]

Back in the Land Cruiser, we head further north into Curacao’s wilderness along the undeveloped coastline.

We arrive at Boka Ascension, which is reached by a narrow 4x4 trail, this gorgeous isolated bay is home to herons and gulls, and is one of the few bays where sea turtles can frequently be spotted from land. This is also where a manatee was seen in 2005.

 

[BuyReallyLow]

A highlight of the day was at the Supladó Crater, Nature's own Jacuzzi where you’re free to take a soak in the warm seawater pool beside the crater, which on rough days shoots wave driven spray 30 feet into the air.

As our tour moved toward its end, Howard asked if we wanted to pass over the Monumental Bridge. This high bridge is one of the last of its kind in the world. From these heights, we were offered excellent views of Willemstad and our ship.

It was a wonderful day. It is a bit hard on the body due to the off-road nature, and one has to remind themselves that all of natures beauty is not eye popping and close to each other. But if one is mindful, the gaps between the attractions is filled in beauty – especially the opportunity to see this island from the interior, away from the tourist shops and artificial “clean”. It is also wonderful to experience the views of islanders toward their island and the world. We leave our tour with a much better understanding of this fair island. If only all of us could have the passion that Howard has for this island, its people, and its beauty. Actief Curacao is an upcoming tour guide operation – it’s been in business a bit over two years. If your looking for an adventure, and have your body in condition to take some beating – this tour will be wonderful for you!

Upon returning, we were able to participate in one of our favorite rituals – the catcalling applause for the last stragglers coming on board. 95% of the “participants” take this in the spirit of the calls – with smiles and waves. But once in a while… like the wife of the 2nd couple today….. there is a heads-down determination to get onboard. Maybe the husband in this case dallied too long in one of the drinking establishment. Maybe the shopping was just too good. Either way, they were last on board. Four others did not make the ship at all – they were left behind. They now have the obligation of finding placed to stay in Curacao, then flying to St. Martin and getting back on board. Since tomorrow is a day at sea, they will need to find a place to stay in St. Martin as well. An expensive decision to get lost, get drunk, lose track of time etc…. But it is still fun to welcome those that made it back!

The “Welcome Back” party was held tonight. Due to the passengers who missed the ship, the captain was not able to join the festivities. It was the normal event - “Who’s been on the most cruises” type of things with a bottle of Champagne to the winner. The drinks of choice (gratis) were Champagne, Fruit Punch, Yellowbirds, etc. This is our first cruise after qualifying for Diamond, so upon our arrival in the room we find the coveted Diamond Pins. Ah…. the perks of frequent cruising….

It was nice to catch up with Carl, Kathy, Darrell and Jane again at dinner. They took a chance on renting dune buggies (from a ship source) while in Curacao. They were pretty disappointed – the buggies were not allowed to leave the asphalt and it turned into a game of “follow the leader”. But lesson learned. After that it was another turn at Trivia, tonight being 70’s night it was a “Name that Tune” adventure using 70’s music. My DW lives for this stuff, and helped us to a strong 2nd place finish out of 10+ teams. This was the best attended Trivia we have ever seen – the Schooner Bar was overflowing. It can get pretty smoky in there – so breathers be aware!!

El Gaucho was the entertainment tonight. We have seen him twice before, and he is not to be missed if you have not seen him. But since we had….. and our bodies were still recovering from our adventures…. We decided to take a quick swing thru the Casino. DW broke her daily winning streak by contributing $20 to the slots with no reward. It was then off to the Golf Course for our evening nine (very windy this evening – made of interesting putting), then off to the Champagne Bar – where this time we simply bought a bottle – and back to our room for our evening ritual of looking out over the water and counting the stars… and out blessings… It was a wonderful day.

In travel, every experience is uncanny. No encounter is without meaning. There are signs everywhere, if only we learn how to read them. In “A Pilgrim,” the narrator can choose to regard the neo-pilgrim on the road as just peculiar or as a messenger. So can we each time we meet a stranger – or even strange behavior – on the road. Howard, you’re a strange character – but we love you! Be well and good luck.

“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 sacred 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 walked over 12,000 steps today. Tomorrow beckons – it is another Day at Sea – so relaxation is again the key.

Until tomorrow…

For more pictures of Curacao and Actief Curacao Desert and Cave Tours, view our Photobucket Album - http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/BuyReallyLow/Curacao%20-%20Adventure%20of%20the%20Seas%20-%2001-21-09/

[CRUISNDIVA]

Thank you for taking time out of your vacation to do this for us, I am really enjoying your posts :D

 

If you have a minute would you be able to check and see if Asti Spumante Champagne is available :confused:

 

Thanks again and enjoy the rest of your cruise :)

[Moon&Stargazer]

BRL: Thanks so much for updating all of us daily! I am greatful you are taking time out to do this~ Was on the Adventure this past April, and will be again this October. I have a question about cell service.. how is the cell service on the ship, and Aruba? What carrier do you have?

Hope you had a great day!

Katie

[BuyReallyLow]

Thank you for taking time out of your vacation to do this for us, I am really enjoying your posts :D

 

If you have a minute would you be able to check and see if Asti Spumante Champagne is available :confused:

 

Thanks again and enjoy the rest of your cruise :)

 

Purchased Champagne last night (a bottle) and did not see it as a choice in the Champagne Bar. The least expensive for purchase is $42.00. The most expensive is Dom, which is $184 (I think).

[BuyReallyLow]

BRL: Thanks so much for updating all of us daily! I am greatful you are taking time out to do this~ Was on the Adventure this past April, and will be again this October. I have a question about cell service.. how is the cell service on the ship, and Aruba? What carrier do you have?

Hope you had a great day!

Katie

 

 

I have not used my cell phone while on board - there is a service, but the per-minute fee was pretty steep. I can call using Yahoo phone using the Internet for about .37 a minute versus between $6-10 a minute. I saw some phones working on board in Curacao, but not Aruba. But I will ask around tonight.

[BuyReallyLow]

At Sea

January 22, 2009

84 Degrees

Keeping to the main road is easy, but people love to be sidetracked.

- Lao Tzu (6th century B.C.E.)

We can plan only so much. Then we must let go and trust in Kairos, the old god of synchronicity. The wandering French essayist Jacques Reda reminds himself before he leaves his Paris apartment every Sunday morning for his long strolls around the city to see one new thing. This is quite a challenge, but as someone dedicated to seeing something new in the old he has learned to notice what others ignore.

To see this way is to move closer to the secret heart of the world. It is an indirect movement, represented throughout the world as a spiral, the symbol of the life-force itself at the crossroads of time and space.

The practice of soulful travel is to discover the overlapping point between history and everyday life, the way to find the essence of every place, every day: in the markets, small chapels, out-of-the-way parks, craft shops. Curiosity about the extraordinary in the ordinary moves the heart of the traveler intent on seeing behind the veil of tourism.

In other words, as the Bronx oracle Yogi Berra said, “If you come to a fork in the road – take it!”.

With this being our second day at sea, we continue our examination of Adventure of the Seas. Let us be like Reda – looking for the one new thing. Now one new thing may mean something different to each person – so I’ll attempt to cover things the best that I can.

Deck 9: This is our home deck. Wandering this deck, you will find picture boxes, shadow boxes, and various art. As noted in an earlier post, the art is not to a theme – which is a disappointment. I loved spending quiet time on Freedom examining the various art – the items we walk by without a glance. Deck 9 is home to one element that people utilize – the Concierge Lounge – my home away from home. This week, we are blessed to have Robert, From France, as our Concierge. He is filling in admirably for DeDe who is on Vacation in her native Turkey. Soft Spoken with a quick smile and a gentleness that belies his passions, Robert is quick with your drink. He also has a much forgotten trait – his ability to listen. He pays attention – looks you in the eye. This trait is not seen often, and will serve him well in his future as a Concierge or whatever he desires to do. The Conceirge Lounge is a delicacy onboard – an oasis of quiet in the storm of 5,000 + people. Royal Caribbean has a challenge on its hands – a good challenge, but a challenge nonetheless. How do you reward the loyal Royal customer (Diamonds and above), while maintaining a sense of distinction for the Suite guests? Most hours the lounge is quiet – but during the complimentary Happy Hour it is chaos. There are a small number of Diamonds on the ship this week (85ish), even so chairs are at a premium. Often another area is opened for Diamond overflow, but this week it is just too small of an overflow to warrant. As a frequent Suite Guest and now Diamond, I have been collecting thoughts on this issue from passengers, staff, and management of Royal Caribbean (both onboard this week and thru correspondents in Miami and on other ships). I know it is something that the management of RCCL is looking at very closely – meeting as recently as last week. They are ready to rollout some new initiatives – and some are being test trialed on various ships (Liberty being one – Adventure during the past week has been testing others, and other ships are also doing trials). I’ll have more to post on this during later posts – and I’m sure that my thoughts will be controversial, but I hope that by reading my posts thus far you can see into my heart and know that although they are my opinions, I mean no harm.

 

 

Deck 10: Mostly Suite Cabins – No public space

Deck 11: Beginning Forward, you have a hidden Gem found first in the Voyageur Class Ships – the Peek-A-Boo Bridge. Windows look down into the bridge area, where you can see the helm and some of the many systems used to keep this huge ship on course.

 

 

Immediately behind you find the Shipshape Center – Popular with those who are trying to maintain a level of fitness in this vessel of gluttony! Most every kind of equipment is here, including its own whirlpool, Steam Room and showers.

 

A quiet Adult only area, the Solarium offers more shade, along with its own pool, Jacuzzi tubs, and bar. It is a very windy day today, so this area is getting heavy use since it somewhat sheltered from the wind.

[BuyReallyLow]

The Main Pool is always busy during days at Sea. The sea of tan towels holding chairs is evident today. Served by the Pool Bar, it is the outside heart of the Adventure of the Seas.

Moving Aft, we come to the Dining area, with the entrance to Portofinos, and the main entrance to the Windjammer Café and Island Grill.

 

[BuyReallyLow]

Deck 12: Our last full deck on board, from the Fore we have the Shipshape Spa. My DW and I have never utilized this area, but as we move thru life, and experience more aches and pains (I swear I can pull a muscle playing Ping-Pong!), it becomes more appealing. Johnny Rockets is found here, along with the Video Arcade, Adventure Ocean and Adventure Beach for children. There are different areas for different age levels. Having brought our daughters on board in the past, the Voyageur Class ships are PERFECT for families with kids of any age.

[BuyReallyLow]

Deck 13: All of the items on Deck 13 are found in the aft of the ship. The Sports Court is found here, with its Basketball Court, In-Line Skating Track, Adventure Dunes Putt-Putt Golf Course, and Golf Simulator

Deck 14: The highest deck, here you find the Viking Lounge, the Blue Note Club, and side bar the 19th hole. You also have two small rooms for playing games or cards. Outside of this area you find the Rock Climbing Wall.

 

[BuyReallyLow]

Deck 15: A small staircase takes you to the Skylight Chapel, used for vow renewals, weddings and such.

For the traveler traveling a great distance and at great personal expense, the image of a path coiling into a labyrinth as the destination nears is a powerful one. Fear, sacrifice, confusion, betrayal, theft, even death are the invariables travelers are loathe to think about. The sheer physical exertion of a thousand-mile walk to a saint’s tomb can evoke strong emotions of resentments and doubt; the loss of money, passport, or a travel companion can threaten a long-planned journey. You may have been given wrong directions, or perhaps were deliberately entrapped by con artists. Your baggage may have been misdirected and not returned to you all week. You may feel savaged with disappointments about the people with whom you are fated to travel on a group trip. Unaccustomed loneliness, unfamiliar food, unexpectedly kitschy architecture at the shrine you have dreamed of visiting all your life, high wind levels that keep you from enjoying your day in the sun – all these disappoints can result in the confusion, frustration, and chaos that have been symbolized for centuries in the image of the labyrinth.

And yet, as Aldous Huxley has written, “Experience is not what happens to you, it is what you do with what happens to you.”

Ask yourself what form your clew will be as the inevitable darkness and dismay descend on your journey. Patience, silence, trust, and faith are venerable qualities of the traveler, but more important is the practice of them. Today is the perfect day for such practice. It’s not perfect outside. It’s full of travelers who also are trying to STUFF a vacation into their busy lives. Slow down. Pay attention. Find the quiet corner.

No one ever escaped the shadowy corridors of a labyrinth without them.

Later today/tonight…. 2nd formal night and the nights entertainment.

[ckrobyn]

awesome!!!!!!!

[Justme50]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us.

My husband and I (and 3 other couples) will be sailing on the AOS the week of March 15th, 09. It is our first cruise ever because I get motion sickness very easily. The doctor has given me the patch to wear behind my ears for the duration but I am still leary. In your opinion, do you think I will be alright? I dont want to ruin anyone elses holidays, including mine so if you have any hints in that department, I would be ever so grateful!

Belated Happy Birthday! Mine is two days before we sail.

Thanks again!

[Cruisingjer]

You also can try and pick up sea bands, someone from our group used them and said they worked. Bonnie(sp) also works well, but you need to get the non drowsy. Both can be picked up at the local drugstore.

[Justme50]

Thanks, I'll do that :)