Adventure of the Seas Review 4/12/2015 (A-itinerary)

[MrBill923]

We got back last week from this sailing and I thought I would write a short review. I am not a writer or photographer, so I will stick to the facts (with a few opinions). I still have the compasses. We are in our 50’s, and this is our 5th cruise, third in the last six years. We are from the Chicago area, and we cruise for fun and relaxation, not to be waited on hand and foot. The appearance of the ship doesn’t matter, what is important is where we are going.

 

We stayed at the Hilton Double Tree the day before. The hotel was beautiful and staff friendly. We got to the port at 12 noon, and were on board by 12:45pm. There was a line to drop off bags outside. Once inside the line was shorter and out of the sun. Check in was quick and friendly. We walked around the ship and thru the stinky casino and then to find our dining table. It was a six top next to the window. We went up to the Windjammer and had no problem getting food and finding a table. Waiters were walking around servicing the tables. Cabins were open by 2pm, and we had our luggage by 4:30pm. We spent time on decks 11 and 12, and had no problem getting drinks from the bars, and there were always bar waiters around. Muster was at 5:45 and lasted about 20 minutes. I will mention here before I forget – that there were announcements every day. Several mornings at about 8AM the Captain started his announcement with some annoying song, before he rattled on about where we were and about the day. Really a loud song!? Bobby the Cruise Director also made a few announcements during the day. They were repeated in Spanish.

 

Our cabin was #8290, and was neat and clean all week thanks to O’Neil. He was so friendly and accommodating to us coming and going, and sleeping in late some mornings. He received a WOW card from us. The cabin was in good shape with plenty of storage. The balcony was smaller than we like, but had new chairs and table. These balconies are not as big or open as on the Freedom of the Seas. We did not spend a lot of time out there. It’s like being in a box with a window cut out.

More later.....

[MrBill923]

We had 8:30 seating and ate in the dining room every night. Our waiter was Tomas, who was good but had just started a new rotation and I think was a little of sync. The assistant waiter must have been new, as he was friendly but not doing things the proper way (no big deal). The first night we were the only ones at the table. The second night another nice couple (from downstate Illinois) arrived. The third night another couple joined us, but they had been seated here from MTD temporarily. Not sure why. The next night a different couple joined us (newlyweds from Chicago) that had asked to switch tables after the first nights because they were seated at a table with all Puerto Ricans that did not speak English. That is just crazy that RCL would arrange that table like that. Anyway, our three couples had a nice time at dinner each night and saw each other around the ship, and even went to some shows together.

 

 

The shows and entertainment for the most part were good. Of course we went to the Quest, and the Love and Marriage show – where our table newlyweds tried to get on stage. They didn’t get picked, too bad because they would have been great up there. The best entertainer was Finis Henderson. He did an amazing assortment of songs over many decades and some really good impressions.

More later....

Edited April 25, 2015 by MrBill923

[dacsmom]

Looking forward to your review. I am on the Adventure in October.

[MrBill923]

We did three excursions thru RCL. When I have time I will write reviews on the RCL website for others to see, since there are not many reviews there for people to read when trying to decide. We did: Kayak, Hike and Snorkel in St. Thomas, Cat Sail and Snorkel in St. Kitts, and Aqua Boat tour on Curacao. On Aruba we got taxi to Palm Beach and walked the length of it twice stopping at resorts and shops. We had lunch on a pier and had great fresh fish sandwiches at Bugaloe.

We had two sea days on this sailing with four ports. The ship overall is in good shape. The pool decks have the usual amount of chair hogs, and people who just get up and leave without removing their towel. Laziness (just rude) I guess, as towels can be used without a seapass card. When leaving the ship you have to check out the towels with your seapass card. When leaving the ship they also usually have a water bottle station.

Overall the Main dining room food was good to very good, and we always could find something we like. The plate presentation was gourmet, but the food sometimes lacked enough flavor. The desserts were the same. The Windjammer had variety, but sometimes you have to check the different four “areas” for different food choices. We never had a problem finding a table, and the waiters were always around to clear dishes and get drinks.

After the first few hours on the first afternoon, we had spent $30 on three drinks; we decided to get the Premium Drink Package for both of us. It was $408 per person with the tip included (18%). It was just easier; we never had a problem getting any drink, and got bottle water everywhere. I might have broken even considering the cost of drinks, but my wife drank mostly wines by the glass and she would have been better off with the Select Package.

 

more later...

[MrBill923]

Correction from last post, we did four RCL excursions - the fourth was the Sunset Sail in Aruba. We were not impressed with this one as the captain and deck hands were boring. We mostly motored around in a large oblong cirlce waiting for the sun to set. the sail was up just for show. When the sun was setting we were almost back to the port and the captain would not turn the boat slightly so we could all get a good look at the sunset. We had to look at it over the back of the boat. Our other excursions were very good except the Aqua Boat Tour - we would not do that again.

Continuing....

Disembarking was slow and long. Since we had a late flight we were in no hurry to get off. We had number 42 and waited in a dining room for our 10:15am time. At about 11am we got called to move. They had 4 customs officer in this big hot warehouse. One officer worked the “Premium” member line; one worked the “Porters” line. That left two officers for everyone else. It took about 30 minutes, and then we went outside to find a taxi. We were in a taxi and on the way to the airport in just a few minutes.

 

The most negative thing we encountered were passengers from Puerto Rico. I would guess the ship was +50% filled with passengers from Puerto Rico. Many of them were rude and inconsiderate of other passengers. They walked around in large groups sometimes just stopping in the middle of common areas blocking the way. They were also loud and annoying in the middle of shows. Many of them had young kids that should not even be on the ship, and they were at shows disrupting others around them. This was not just my opinion, but the opinion of many. I understand everyone is there to have fun, but let’s all be considerate of others around us.

 

OK, so this review was not short. Overall it was a pleasant and fun cruise. Staff was all friendly except a few. The BEST service member we met was Francis Laborode (?) the bar waiter that we saw in the dining room, Jester’s, and the pool deck at all different times of the day. He was fun to be around, and he quickly learned our favorite drinks. He told us jokes and showed us a few tricks in the dining room. He got a WOW card too!

 

Yes, we would sail this ship again, but not anytime soon, and probably not out of Puerto Rico.

 

[Emmysmomma9]

and agree with your reviews. Mine is in the "Member review" section. We saw O'Neil almost every time we went in or out of our cabins. He was so nice and always greeted us with a warm hello. You were lucky to have him. We may pass on San Juan departures in the future as well. We did have a great time- thanks for the review.

[MrBill923]

Emmysmomma9, Thanks for your comments. I liked your review as well.

[CruiseTobey]

My wife and I were on the same cruise and also noticed the large amount of latin passengers; I would estimate closer to 75%. However, I had absolutely no issues with any of the passengers. In fact, my wife and I prefer the San Juan embarkation because the majority of the passengers are fun-loving and seem to enjoy life. We love to watch the passengers dance when the band plays latin jazz in the Blue Moon lounge.

 

I guess "to each his own" applies here. The Eastern European passengers on the other hand... ;)

Edited April 27, 2015 by CruiseTobey

[cruiseapril]

Enjoyed your review. Will your port reviews be on here also?

 

About Aruba- where did you go to start your beach walk?

[DeadPhish]

I don't think it matters where you leave from or who is on board. You are always going to have a number of rude passengers.

[MrBill923]

Some people like to know which side the ship docks on. I tried to research this before we departed and not much info was available. So here it is:

San Juan -- port side against pier.

St. Thomas - the Captain backed the ship in, so Port side against the pier.

St. Kitts - Starboard against pier, but Jewel pulled in across from us - so we couldn't see anything!

Aruba - port side.

Curacao - port side.

I can tell you that our cabin was on starboard side, you will want Port!

[MrBill923]

cruiseapril: Here is brief recap of the ports: St Thomas-every ship goes here, plenty of shopping close to port. We took the RCL "Kayak, Hike, and Snorkel" excursion. It was very good; St. Kitts-there is shopping within 3 minutes of the ship, kind of like the city center with shops all around. We took RCL Catamaran Sail and Snorkel. It was good and there were lots of fish; Aruba-we took a taxi right outside cruise terminal to the Holiday Inn resort near the northern end of Palm Beach. Across the street are several little shopping areas and restaurants. After walking around the shops, we went thru the Holiday Inn out to the beach and headed south. There are many resorts and many water sport business. Lots of activity, with several vendors approaching us for rides, chairs, etc. They were all friendly but wanted our business. We just said no thanks and kept walking (no big deal). Near the Radisson resort there is a pier that sticks out over the water. In there is the Bugaloe restaurant. Great food and you can't get a better atmosphere! The waitress gave us a tip: just to the right of their place is the RIU resort that is closed for renovations. In front of there is a place to rent chairs and water sports. You can rent their chairs for $5 each and they will put them over in front of the RIU were there are still the grass huts you can use for shade....the shade is free! That night we did the RCL Sunset Sail with "Red Sail" company. We were disappointed in the Captain and crew. In Curacao-there is a wonderful shopping area about 5-6 minute walk toward the city. Follow the path to the right after you get off the ship. There are lots of shops and restaurants over there. We did the RCL Aqua Boat Tour. It was OK, but wouldn't do it again. Hope this answers your questions.

Edited April 28, 2015 by MrBill923

[racerxspeedy]

Some people like to know which side the ship docks on. I tried to research this before we departed and not much info was available. So here it is:

San Juan -- port side against pier.

St. Thomas - the Captain backed the ship in, so Port side against the pier.

St. Kitts - Starboard against pier, but Jewel pulled in across from us - so we couldn't see anything!

Aruba - port side.

Curacao - port side.

I can tell you that our cabin was on starboard side, you will want Port!

 

Great info! We are on port side, but I do not believe we will have any other ships in port with us. Should have a great view.

[cruiseapril]

Thanks for the Aruba information.

 

When we were in Aruba a few years ago, we took a cab to the Radisson and went to the beach bar. We thought we might return and get a Radisson day pass another year- but don't know if they still have them.

[Familygoboston]

Enjoyed your review- I think we had similar views, of the ship, I love how you sum up the dining room with gourmet presentation with less than gourmet food. I found Adventures food MORE flavorful than most other ships, and it was more consistently good than other ships (as you can imagine, I was disappointed on those ships) so overall we had a more favorable impression.

 

I like that you included how the ship was docked, people do care to know that, and I made notes too for the Caribbean "B" itinerary we just did. I'll add it to my my review too, and then people will know for booking (although they frequently change if things need doing on one side of the ship or another)

 

Glad you had a good cruise! Thanks for the report!

[MrBill923]

One thing I forgot to mention is...we had heard the wait staff is rated on the customer survey, and if they are not rated a '10' on the survey they are given negative points. So if they get a 10 fine, if they are given a 5 or 7...they are given negative points for their review, even if they have some 10's they are down graded. Anyone else heard of this? Hardly seems fair.

[cjdixon4]

One thing I forgot to mention is...we had heard the wait staff is rated on the customer survey, and if they are not rated a '10' on the survey they are given negative points. So if they get a 10 fine, if they are given a 5 or 7...they are given negative points for their review, even if they have some 10's they are down graded. Anyone else heard of this? Hardly seems fair.

 

I've heard all sorts of tales about the controversial dining room "rating" system. Not really sure what's true or false about it. You'll probably need to begin a separate thread to get comments on that topic...there may already be some posted somewhere. BTW, great review of your sailing. I'll be onboard Adventure on May 16.

[PHXscuba]

Some people like to know which side the ship docks on. I tried to research this before we departed and not much info was available. So here it is:

San Juan -- port side against pier.

St. Thomas - the Captain backed the ship in, so Port side against the pier.

St. Kitts - Starboard against pier, but Jewel pulled in across from us - so we couldn't see anything!

Aruba - port side.

Curacao - port side.

I can tell you that our cabin was on starboard side, you will want Port!

 

Good to know ... now I want to exchange our starboard cabin for a portside.

 

PHXscuba

[BoopTennis]

we are considering the cabin you were in, #8290, did you happen to get a photo of the balcony? specifically the view as you look outward? (you mentioned it being like a box with the window cut out)

 

thank you

[MrBill923]

I have a picture but not sure how to post. The balcony on Deck 8 is better than deck 6 from what I have heard. We were on the Freedom a few years ago and this was smaller and had more metal. The balcony wall bottom was steal about 2' high, then glass for about 2' then open. The side walls were solid steal and could not be opened to other balconies. I could stand and lean out and see toward the front and back of the ship without falling overboard!

I guess I am spoiled by the Freedom balcony.

[big al]

I have a picture but not sure how to post. The balcony on Deck 8 is better than deck 6 from what I have heard. We were on the Freedom a few years ago and this was smaller and had more metal. The balcony wall bottom was steal about 2' high, then glass for about 2' then open. The side walls were solid steal and could not be opened to other balconies. I could stand and lean out and see toward the front and back of the ship without falling overboard!

I guess I am spoiled by the Freedom balcony.

 

FYI- your balcony on the AOS was 52 sf..on the Freedom, similar one is 65 sf, pretty big difference..BTW, I had friends go on the AOS Feb .'14, and said the MDR food was the worst they ever had on 8 RCI cruises..also entertainment was the worst..so bad, when I invited them to join my DW & myself for our AOS cruise this Nov, they both said, "not even if it was free" ...needless to say, they were not happy..loved the ports & staff were fine, but hated the food & shows sucked they said...thoughts? I know both food & shows are subjective..BTW, he said the shrimp cocktail was awful ( their fav appetizer)..fast forward after the AOS, 4 months later they went on the NCL Breakaway, where they said food & shows were the BEST they ever experienced in 15 cruises on RCI, Celebrity & Princess...I was just on the new Regal Princess and our balcony was 36 sf, so, yes, you are spoiled with the FOS, LOL!!

 

Big Al

[lettrich]

Hi, could you be specific about what you did not like about the aqua tour. We were planning on doing that excursion when we are on the ship in August but based on what you said may reconsider it. Thanks!

[GottaKnowWhen]

FYI- your balcony on the AOS was 52 sf..on the Freedom, similar one is 65 sf, pretty big difference..BTW, I had friends go on the AOS Feb .'14, and said the MDR food was the worst they ever had on 8 RCI cruises..also entertainment was the worst..so bad, when I invited them to join my DW & myself for our AOS cruise this Nov, they both said, "not even if it was free" ...needless to say, they were not happy..loved the ports & staff were fine, but hated the food & shows sucked they said...thoughts? I know both food & shows are subjective..BTW, he said the shrimp cocktail was awful ( their fav appetizer)..fast forward after the AOS, 4 months later they went on the NCL Breakaway, where they said food & shows were the BEST they ever experienced in 15 cruises on RCI, Celebrity & Princess...I was just on the new Regal Princess and our balcony was 36 sf, so, yes, you are spoiled with the FOS, LOL!!

 

 

 

Big Al

 

 

On our TA on AoS and earlier on our first cruise out of San Juan my wife had lots of shrimp cocktail. One of her fav foods and no complaints onboard. I never had a decent steak, but I never really thought I would. I like Celebrity, but if we do another RCCL, I will look for AoS again as my first choice.

[marmstro]

and agree with your reviews. Mine is in the "Member review" section. We saw O'Neil almost every time we went in or out of our cabins. He was so nice and always greeted us with a warm hello. You were lucky to have him. We may pass on San Juan departures in the future as well. We did have a great time- thanks for the review.

 

 

O'Neal was our stateroom attendant when we were on board for two weeks on January. I completely agree - he was wonderful. I loved how pleasant he was and how he was always singing as he went about his job.

[Uri1961]

Correction from last post, we did four RCL excursions - the fourth was the Sunset Sail in Aruba. We were not impressed with this one as the captain and deck hands were boring. We mostly motored around in a large oblong cirlce waiting for the sun to set. the sail was up just for show. When the sun was setting we were almost back to the port and the captain would not turn the boat slightly so we could all get a good look at the sunset. We had to look at it over the back of the boat. Our other excursions were very good except the Aqua Boat Tour - we would not do that again.

Continuing....

Disembarking was slow and long. Since we had a late flight we were in no hurry to get off. We had number 42 and waited in a dining room for our 10:15am time. At about 11am we got called to move. They had 4 customs officer in this big hot warehouse. One officer worked the “Premium” member line; one worked the “Porters” line. That left two officers for everyone else. It took about 30 minutes, and then we went outside to find a taxi. We were in a taxi and on the way to the airport in just a few minutes.

 

The most negative thing we encountered were passengers from Puerto Rico. I would guess the ship was +50% filled with passengers from Puerto Rico. Many of them were rude and inconsiderate of other passengers. They walked around in large groups sometimes just stopping in the middle of common areas blocking the way. They were also loud and annoying in the middle of shows. Many of them had young kids that should not even be on the ship, and they were at shows disrupting others around them. This was not just my opinion, but the opinion of many. I understand everyone is there to have fun, but let’s all be considerate of others around us.

 

OK, so this review was not short. Overall it was a pleasant and fun cruise. Staff was all friendly except a few. The BEST service member we met was Francis Laborode (?) the bar waiter that we saw in the dining room, Jester’s, and the pool deck at all different times of the day. He was fun to be around, and he quickly learned our favorite drinks. He told us jokes and showed us a few tricks in the dining room. He got a WOW card too!

 

Yes, we would sail this ship again, but not anytime soon, and probably not out of Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

 

Hello!!!

 

I am Puerto Rican and I definitely understand that we are sometimes loud and especially when we are having fun, we do like to travel in groups and are very family oriented so that's why some cruisers do have some issues with us. However, I have heard a lot of cruisers say how much fun they have with us. We are very welcoming. When you cruise from SJ you can expect a lot of Puerto Ricans, especially during spring break and summer. If you travel during the school period, you do not see too many of them with family. You might want to consider that in the future. AOS is a wonderful ship and San Juan port is awesome. Please go back and enjoy!!. I find it difficult to find Puerto Ricans that do not speak English, we are a commonwealth of the US and now everyone speak the English language very well. Maybe they were the older generations (70 year old's) who even speak a little. My son is going on May 9th as a college graduation and I will be returning on October 10th and cannot wait.

 

Please have a wonderful future cruises!!!