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

[bilyclub]

What is needed is a running count of the good and bad. I will cast my vote in December.

[dutchess43]

I was on the AOS 8/24/08 & found none of the rudeness that was has been reported. The morning of the cruise we took 2 free tours around the city & everyone on the trolley & bus was plesant & friendly. The day before the cruise we stayed at the sheraton in Old San Juan ate at two Puerto Rican restaurants near the hotel we had some of the best food & servcie was great. Went to the Barcardi rum factory on our own took the ferries & every one was helpful & friendly. I told DH that if we ever cruise out of S.J. again I am booking 2 days before the cruise because I did not have shopping time. I definatley will be leaving out of S.J. again if I have the chance.

[ckrobyn]

I was on the AOS 8/24/08 & found none of the rudeness that was has been reported. The morning of the cruise we took 2 free tours around the city & everyone on the trolley & bus was plesant & friendly. The day before the cruise we stayed at the sheraton in Old San Juan ate at two Puerto Rican restaurants near the hotel we had some of the best food & servcie was great. Went to the Barcardi rum factory on our own took the ferries & every one was helpful & friendly. I told DH that if we ever cruise out of S.J. again I am booking 2 days before the cruise because I did not have shopping time. I definatley will be leaving out of S.J. again if I have the chance.

 

Glad to hear you had a great cruise! :)

[Murphy]

Thanks - a few more questions...

How far in advance can you make reservations for the specialty restaurants?

...

 

I am on the Feb 8, 2009 sailing and the specialty restaurant online reservations opened up about 2 weeks ago. So, in my one experience, it looks like 4 months in advance...

[toonjie]

Just got back from our cruise on the adventure of the seas. This was our 3rd cruise with royal caribbean with the other two having left our of miami. I can honestly say I will more than likely never go on another cruise that leaves out of puerto rico. They were the rudest bunch of people that I have ever met. We went with a few other couples and everyone that I talked to was really annoyed. I don't know how many times I got cut in front of or ran into. Sorry about my little rant but just a warning for anyone that is thinking of going on it. Everything else about the cruise was pretty great.

 

Just checked the meet & mingle for your sailing and everyone is saying they had a great time, no mention of rude people. I guess you have to remember, rude people are everywhere and in 5 cruises out of San Juan I've never encountered any more there than anywhere else, in fact, I've found the people in Puerto Rico to be extremely friendly. Hopefully you just ran into the wrong people at the wrong time.

[ckrobyn]

I am on the Feb 8, 2009 sailing and the specialty restaurant online reservations opened up about 2 weeks ago. So, in my one experience, it looks like 4 months in advance...

 

Murph!!!!! (((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))) :)

 

I can't believe you are sailing on MY ship without me!!!! :(

 

We had dinner at Portofino twice last time we were on the AOS and it was amazing - hope you booked it?

[ckrobyn]

Just checked the meet & mingle for your sailing and everyone is saying they had a great time, no mention of rude people. I guess you have to remember, rude people are everywhere and in 5 cruises out of San Juan I've never encountered any more there than anywhere else, in fact, I've found the people in Puerto Rico to be extremely friendly. Hopefully you just ran into the wrong people at the wrong time.

 

 

Toonj - How's the baby? :)

[Murphy]

Murph!!!!! (((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))) :)

 

I can't believe you are sailing on MY ship without me!!!! :(

 

We had dinner at Portofino twice last time we were on the AOS and it was amazing - hope you booked it?

 

Now, now Robyn, you KNOW I invited you! Your family won out over me, remember?? ((((((((((((((((((hugs, right back at ya!))))))))))))))))))))

 

Yes, 6 of the 10 of us are booked for the "plain" Portofino's dinner. Chris didn't think they would allow us back in for the Mystery Dinner after our experience with you last time!!!

[ckrobyn]

Now, now Robyn, you KNOW I invited you! Your family won out over me, remember?? ((((((((((((((((((hugs, right back at ya!))))))))))))))))))))

 

Yes, 6 of the 10 of us are booked for the "plain" Portofino's dinner. Chris didn't think they would allow us back in for the Mystery Dinner after our experience with you last time!!!

 

LOL!!!! That was quite the experience wasn't it? :rolleyes:

 

You will have to leave me a note onboard somewhere - I am on the week of February 22nd.......:o

[Murphy]

LOL!!!! That was quite the experience wasn't it? :rolleyes:

 

You will have to leave me a note onboard somewhere - I am on the week of February 22nd.......:o

 

 

I'll have to think of a good place to hide it... but maybe I'll just leave it with the concierge to be on the safe side!

[ckrobyn]

I'll have to think of a good place to hide it... but maybe I'll just leave it with the concierge to be on the safe side!

 

 

That would work perfectly - I'm sure DeDe will make sure I get it :)

 

I'd tell you my cabin #, but who knows what you might do in there!!! LOL! Kidding!!!!:p

[pumkinsmom]

We just returned from AOS last night. Out of 3100 there were about 1200 PR pax. Didn't really see any more rudeness, cutting in line, bumping, or other things that we normally see on any other cruise from any other pax regardless of nationality. Was there some ? , of course. It is not something that I would let bother me anyway. We had a wonderful time.

[toonjie]

Toonj - How's the baby?

 

He's doing great, thanks! So are mom and dad, but a little sleep deprived!

 

Here's some pics from a proud papa:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ckrobyn]

Toonj - He is absolutely adorable!!!! :)

 

Don't worry, those sleepless nights don't last forever....usually only 18 years!!!! LOL!!! Kidding :rolleyes:

 

My daughter will turn 12 next month and honestly it feels that the time has just flown by so quickly.......I never really paid attention to the passage of time until I had a child which is something you can actually measure it against.

 

I see you have a cruise booked - with or without the little guy?

[roe2ship]

Just got back from our cruise on the adventure of the seas. This was our 3rd cruise with royal caribbean with the other two having left our of miami. I can honestly say I will more than likely never go on another cruise that leaves out of puerto rico. They were the rudest bunch of people that I have ever met. We went with a few other couples and everyone that I talked to was really annoyed. I don't know how many times I got cut in front of or ran into. Sorry about my little rant but just a warning for anyone that is thinking of going on it. Everything else about the cruise was pretty great.

Wow...that is too bad that you have chosen to NEVER cruise out of PR again...imo that is one big loss!

 

Anyhow, thanks for your very interesting first post here on CC.:rolleyes:

[toonjie]

Toonj - He is absolutely adorable!!!! :)

 

Don't worry, those sleepless nights don't last forever....usually only 18 years!!!! LOL!!! Kidding :rolleyes:

 

My daughter will turn 12 next month and honestly it feels that the time has just flown by so quickly.......I never really paid attention to the passage of time until I had a child which is something you can actually measure it against.

 

I see you have a cruise booked - with or without the little guy?

 

Thanks! This cruise is just Grandma and me and the bigger kids. The way it broke down this time we would have had to pay $1,200 for Josiah so the plan is to do one next spring when it's just Grandma and me and DW and Josiah. With the single surcharge, it's only $200 more over what grandma would have to pay by herself.

[cookie225]

hi i would like to ask all these AOS experts here:p a question....i read somewhere on the threads that there is latin dancing on the AOS, but is it every night ? is it in a separate lounge? I've taken 8-9 cruises so far and have all been with Carnival. I think my first choice is going to be the AOS but latin/music dancing is important to us because we party all night:D would this be a good choice or should i take a ship with a "boleros" lounge........thank you

oh and by the way Toonjie & ckrobyn.....ill be asking more questions soon....:confused:

[satxdiver]

hi i would like to ask all these AOS experts here:p a question....i read somewhere on the threads that there is latin dancing on the AOS, but is it every night ? is it in a separate lounge? I've taken 8-9 cruises so far and have all been with Carnival. I think my first choice is going to be the AOS but latin/music dancing is important to us because we party all night:D would this be a good choice or should i take a ship with a "boleros" lounge........thank you

oh and by the way Toonjie & ckrobyn.....ill be asking more questions soon....:confused:

 

Yes there is latin/music dancing in the lounge on the top deck (I forget the name). It is the one with all the windows overlooking the ship and it is every night. Like you I also like to party until the wee hours but prefer the disco.

[toonjie]

Yes there is latin/music dancing in the lounge on the top deck (I forget the name). It is the one with all the windows overlooking the ship and it is every night. Like you I also like to party until the wee hours but prefer the disco.

 

It's called Blue Moon and there is nighty Latin dancing from around 9:45pm until the wee hours.

 

Satxdiver, I envy your upcoming Sundancer cruise! I'm a Naui & SSI instructor. I'm hitting Cayman and Cozumel on our upcoming cruise, can't wait to blow some bubbles on those great wall dives!

[green eyed lady]

Toonjie,

That baby of yours is just adoreable! How old are the older kids that get to go on your next cruise?

 

Robyn,

You misinformed Toonjie...those sleepless nights don't end at 18...by then he'll have his driver's license and then Toonjie and DW will get NO sleep...lol ;)

[moofus]

I wanted to thank you so much for all the good info on AOS.

I have sailed on Royal 17 times and have never been disappointed. I also have never stepped onto AOS and was a little nervous, not sure why, but after after reading some other posts and concerned about the age of the ship, and having never traveled during Christmas...This year for Christmas, DH & I, and DB & SIL are going out of SJ on AOS Dec 21st. The whole family was booked since last Feb, but everyone else bailed when the economy went south. The other reason I was a little nervous is because DB has sailed Royal only once, and wasn't impressed. He seemed to like Princess better and has actually said the food on Carnival is better... and I was with him on that cruise and really must agree with him on that particular sailing, as I thought the food on Royal had taken a little bit of a nose dive. Never felt that way since and have never left the dining room hungry.. but anyway he wasn't so gung ho about sailing on AOS. So those are all the reasons I was a little nervous.

Anyway, I am so darned excited... only 69 days to go I think.

DH and I are flying to SJ the day before and staying at Condito Plaza or the Embassy suites in OSJ. AND we have an OS which I am really excited about.

DB and SIL are flying in the day of the sailing:eek:

They like to live on the wild side, so I'll be on the deck watching them race to get on the ship before they close the doors:D

Anymore info on AOS and SJ will be greatly appreciated. I do read that there is a club on the deck above my Suite and I hope it won't be too noisy,, but I don't go to sleep much before 2-3 when the casino is open!

Thanks again,

The Moof

[ckrobyn]

I wanted to thank you so much for all the good info on AOS.

I have sailed on Royal 17 times and have never been disappointed. I also have never stepped onto AOS and was a little nervous, not sure why, but after after reading some other posts and concerned about the age of the ship, and having never traveled during Christmas...This year for Christmas, DH & I, and DB & SIL are going out of SJ on AOS Dec 21st. The whole family was booked since last Feb, but everyone else bailed when the economy went south. The other reason I was a little nervous is because DB has sailed Royal only once, and wasn't impressed. He seemed to like Princess better and has actually said the food on Carnival is better... and I was with him on that cruise and really must agree with him on that particular sailing, as I thought the food on Royal had taken a little bit of a nose dive. Never felt that way since and have never left the dining room hungry.. but anyway he wasn't so gung ho about sailing on AOS. So those are all the reasons I was a little nervous.

Anyway, I am so darned excited... only 69 days to go I think.

DH and I are flying to SJ the day before and staying at Condito Plaza or the Embassy suites in OSJ. AND we have an OS which I am really excited about.

DB and SIL are flying in the day of the sailing:eek:

They like to live on the wild side, so I'll be on the deck watching them race to get on the ship before they close the doors:D

Anymore info on AOS and SJ will be greatly appreciated. I do read that there is a club on the deck above my Suite and I hope it won't be too noisy,, but I don't go to sleep much before 2-3 when the casino is open!

Thanks again,

The Moof

 

Moofus (love that name!!!!)

 

I am so glad you are sailing on the AOS :) Trust me, you will have a fabulous cruise. The ship is in excellent condition and the crew are outstanding. You made the right decision to book this cruise - the southern itinerary is awesome! I have always found the food on the AOS to be very good. I am not a "foodie", but everything I have tasted been yummy.

 

Glad you are flying in the day before the cruise. I haven't stayed at either the Condado Plaza or the Embassy Suites. If you want honest reviews, take a look at them on www.tripadvisor.com As far as some of your group flying in the day of the cruise - it can be stressful especially in the winter when your flight originates in a snow prone area. My folks have arrived in San Juan the day of the cruise for the past 2 years and have been very lucky - I have waited with bated breath until I see their cab pull into the port! Hopefully everything will go smoothly for your group :)

 

Which OS do you have? All of the OS's are located on deck 10, and there are no clubs (that I know of) on deck 11 - just the pool and the Windjammer. I usually book a cabin on deck 10 (will have a GS in February) and have not heard any noise from above - with the exception of the odd deck chair scraping by the pool, but that is almost always during the day.

 

Be sure to visit the Concierge Lounge and say hi to DeDe for me - she's fabulous!

 

Have a wonderful cruise!!!!!!

[moofus]

I am in 1298, but an waitlisted for 1314.

Will definately be spending time in the Cl... DB and SIL won't be able to go because they don't have a suite and are only platinum. Maybe De De will let us bring them in during an "off" time, in the morning for a coffee or something.

I'll tell her you said hello.

We had Maritza on our last cruise to Alaska, and she was the BEST,,, to us anyway.

I am sure my DB and SIL will make it on time. They have a direct flight out of Ft Lauderdale and should arrive in SJ at 1PM.

We couldn't get a direct and used FF miles so we could fly home First class, so we had to go the day earlier. I like taking First/Business class the day we get off the ship since I am so depressed ( especially when they throw you off like old luggage first thing in the AM)... so on the way to SJ, I don't mind going Coach since I am so excited about going.

Will keep monitoring this thread

By the way, where do you stay in SJ?

[ckrobyn]

I am in 1298, but an waitlisted for 1314.

Will definately be spending time in the Cl... DB and SIL won't be able to go because they don't have a suite and are only platinum. Maybe De De will let us bring them in during an "off" time, in the morning for a coffee or something.

I'll tell her you said hello.

We had Maritza on our last cruise to Alaska, and she was the BEST,,, to us anyway.

I am sure my DB and SIL will make it on time. They have a direct flight out of Ft Lauderdale and should arrive in SJ at 1PM.

We couldn't get a direct and used FF miles so we could fly home First class, so we had to go the day earlier. I like taking First/Business class the day we get off the ship since I am so depressed ( especially when they throw you off like old luggage first thing in the AM)... so on the way to SJ, I don't mind going Coach since I am so excited about going.

Will keep monitoring this thread

By the way, where do you stay in SJ?

 

Moof -

 

I have stayed at the Intercontinental as well as the Courtyard by Marriott in Isle Verde. By far, my absolute favorite hotel is the Marriott Stellaris Resort and Casino located directly on Ashford Avenue, on the Condado. There is no doubt that hotels are a small fortune in SJ, but I can tell you from personal experience that the Stellaris is an outstanding hotel with great amenities, recently renovated and some good restaurants and shopping right outside the door.

 

I have tons of pics of the AOS as well as the Stellaris. They are in my albums on www.webshots.com do a search under ckrobyn101 and you will find them :)

[lustatsea]

Just wanted to share my thoughts...I did a back to back on her in 2007. The first week was great The second week was no so good they ran a special in SJ and the ship was full of them it was nice but different. I said Ill never sail her again..Well guess what I did her again this year First let me tell you she is a beautiful ship Love the islands crew is very very good Love the captains hummor. I think it is a hit and miss I have opened my eyes that if I let anyone ruin my time its my fault All I can say is go on this cruise you will never be sorry....I loved it so much I booked my 2 week cruise for next year I cant wait.People dont listen to the negitivity.You can hear that all day..There is some people in this world that will never be happy about anything...... I say hurry make your reservations ............. Dont second guess