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

[Clio1610]

Hi there :)

Yes, I am a HAPPY AOS cruiser - thanks for noticing ;)

 

Cabin 9622 is a D1 balcony in an excellent location (center hump) so yes, it is very close to the elevators. Don't worry about noise, the cabins are behind a wall so you won't even hear the elevators at all.

 

You picked a wonderful ship :D

 

Thank You ckrobyn !!!

 

So happy to hear your thoughts - as I booked it yesterday !!!!!!

 

Have a wonderful cruise on AOS !!!

 

Best Regards Clio x

[kaybeeeeeee]

OK is there any rhyme or reason to those that get the lounge and those that don't? We are on Deck 10 starboard and my inlaws are on the same deck but port side. Mom can't stand for a real long time without her back hurting and the lounge would be perfect for them. I know Muster Drill isn't that long, but I'm just watching out for her and hoping to minimize any possible back problems.

 

Olemissreb....speak to them ahead of time and I'm sure they'll look after mom. Explain to them about her back problems and I'm hoping they will find a place for her to sit during muster.

[olemissreb]

Olemissreb....speak to them ahead of time and I'm sure they'll look after mom. Explain to them about her back problems and I'm hoping they will find a place for her to sit during muster.

 

Thanks. I'll do that.

[ckrobyn]

Thank You ckrobyn !!!

 

So happy to hear your thoughts - as I booked it yesterday !!!!!!

 

Have a wonderful cruise on AOS !!!

 

Best Regards Clio x

 

Great news!!!!! Did you book 9622?

[karensi]

On the AOS Muster is held outside, as it always was on all ships, unless of course your station happens to be inside. We saw no movies, only live staff with their instructions and roll call of cabin numbers. :D

I just sailed her for two weeks in December and we did the usual Muster drill as always. Only difference was NO more life jackets.

 

"No more life jackets", thats the best news I've heard yet about my cruise :D

 

Sailing AOS 2/21/2010 :)

 

Karen

[Alexis]

OK is there any rhyme or reason to those that get the lounge and those that don't? We are on Deck 10 starboard and my inlaws are on the same deck but port side. Mom can't stand for a real long time without her back hurting and the lounge would be perfect for them. I know Muster Drill isn't that long, but I'm just watching out for her and hoping to minimize any possible back problems.

 

They do have deck chairs there for the people who can not stand up. Tell them to get there early and explain to them that your Mom can not stand.

Don't wait until it is too crowded. ;) They will let her sit.

(You probably will not have the same Muster stations being on different sides of the ship, so just make sure they get there early and then you go to yours.)

[olemissreb]

They do have deck chairs there for the people who can not stand up. Tell them to get there early and explain to them that your Mom can not stand.

Don't wait until it is too crowded. ;) They will let her sit.

(You probably will not have the same Muster stations being on different sides of the ship, so just make sure they get there early and then go to yours.)

 

Thanks! I'll pass the info on to Mom and Dad. I wasn't sure how they divvied up muster stations. If we are in different ones it's kind of funny since Mom and Dad are in a JS 3 or 4 cabins down from us, but just on the opposite side. Interesting.

[Alexis]

Alexis, as you know we did the B2B a week before you and this is exactly what we experienced. The first week we were in the lounge (no movie) the 2nd week we were out on deck. They did check off cabin numbers.

 

In 29 cruises, we got an inside Lounge Muster Drill just once. :o With life jackets and real people doing the whole rundown.

All 28 others were out in the heat. :rolleyes: :D

 

 

Pat, we did two weeks on AOS mainly because it was a different itinerary on the second week. I wouldn't consider two weeks on Mariner and doing exactly the same ports during the second week. What we would do is stay one week in Southern California, and one week on Mariner.

 

Gerry

 

We are thinking of maybe going down to San Diego for a few days after we disembark. I love that area and have not been there in several years.

It all depends on the what the future holds. :D

[olemissreb]

In 29 cruises, we got an inside Lounge Muster Drill just once. :o With life jackets and real people doing the whole rundown.

All 28 others were out in the heat. :rolleyes: :D

 

I'd much prefer the heat than to be sailing out of Bayonne and have to do muster in the freezing cold during the winter.:eek:

[mjyanne]

In 29 cruises, we got an inside Lounge Muster Drill just once. :o With life jackets and real people doing the whole rundown.

All 28 others were out in the heat. :rolleyes: :D

 

3 out of 20 inside (once in Portofino). Never understood meeting inside (in a real situation) just to be escorted to the lifeboat.

 

I'd much prefer the heat than to be sailing out of Bayonne and have to do muster in the freezing cold during the winter.:eek:

 

Try in the rain with the wind blowing (while wearing the Life jacket)?

[Mach1]

YYZ to SJU is long? Try living on the west coast. 14 hrs

 

 

I agree!

We have the lovely 14 hour flight! MSO - SJU Leaving at 7 am and arriving at midnight!

With such a long flight we decided to go first class, might as well be pampered for those 14+ hours! ;) And get the vacation started right.

[Mach1]

Can anyone tell me how soon we can get to the Pan American Pier? I realize you can’t board until after 10ish, but we’ll be waiting at the airport and don’t want to sit there any longer than we have to.

Thanks

[Alexis]

Can anyone tell me how soon we can get to the Pan American Pier? I realize you can’t board until after 10ish, but we’ll be waiting at the airport and don’t want to sit there any longer than we have to.

 

Thanks

 

Are you coming in at 12 midnight?

I told someone else on here to do this, but I do not know if they did.

Try calling this hotel I stay at. It is a large hotel halfway between the airport and the Pan American Pier. Their Lobby is open all night, as I believe their casino is too? and there is a large area off of the lobby with sofa and chairs where I have seen people waiting around. A lobby bar, etc.

I would call them and ask if you can come there from the airport and stay there until your time to leave for the ship. Tell them you don't want a room for that few hours just a place to sit and get breakfast etc. :D

You could get a snack there in the AM at the Hotel coffee bar in the main lobby or across the street at Starbucks. Or their own restaurant but it is a little pricey.

Here is the information. They are the nicest people that work there and they may accommodate you.

There are plenty of cabs there to take you to leave for the pier at about 10:00 from the hotel. That would get you there by 10:30.

 

Hi, The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

(There are 4 Marriotts in San Juan so make sure you look at this one.)

 

The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

 

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...llaris-casino/

 

When you open the link, the pictures will change so you can see the hotel. ;) Just click Photo Tour for a 360 on all the pictures that open.

It is a beautiful hotel right on the beach. It has it's own casino, restaurants, lobby bar, coffee and snack bar in the lobby also. (At night they serve Chinese food at it)

Walgreen's is right across and down a half a block. A lot of people go there to get the things we can not carry on the planes anymore.

There are many very nice restaurants around there to eat at, but if you want a really good reasonable one for breakfast, lunch and dinner, try this place.

Go out the front door of the hotel and make a left on Ashford Avenue. Walk about two short blocks until you come to a small place on your left with a covered outside porch for dining outside. It also has an inside dining area. It is called Danny's.

They have great food, fast service and very good prices.

The bellman told us about this place and we ate there 3 times on our last stay. :D

It is very safe there to walk around the shops and ice cream places in that area in the day and at night.

I just stayed there pre and post cruise and came home on the 15th of Dec.

__________________

[toonjie]

Can anyone tell me how soon we can get to the Pan American Pier? I realize you can’t board until after 10ish, but we’ll be waiting at the airport and don’t want to sit there any longer than we have to.

Thanks

 

See Alexis' post for good advice. You don't want to be waiting at the airport,Yuck! Let us know your itinerary and we'll get you set up much better than the airport, we can get you a cheap hotel or wait in the lobby of a nice hotel and then a nice breakfast. Just let us know your plans and we'll hook you up much better than the airport!

[toonjie]

I agree!

We have the lovely 14 hour flight! MSO - SJU Leaving at 7 am and arriving at midnight!

With such a long flight we decided to go first class, might as well be pampered for those 14+ hours! ;) And get the vacation started right.

 

Okay, got your itinerary. Taking first class and then spending the night at the airport is really undoing all that pampering. We can easily get you a hotel room under $100 so you can crash, shower up and have a nice breakfast. You want to arrive at the pier at 11:00am and if you spend the night at the airport, you will feel like you rode in coach sandwiched in between sumo wrestlers! :)

[kaybeeeeeee]

I agree!

We have the lovely 14 hour flight! MSO - SJU Leaving at 7 am and arriving at midnight!

With such a long flight we decided to go first class, might as well be pampered for those 14+ hours! ;) And get the vacation started right.

 

Mach1, we're getting into SJ at midnite as well (though I'm more on the ckrobyn timetable from Toronto than yours from the west coast). What we did is bid on priceline for a 3 star hotel in the airport region of SJ. For a Saturday night in February (high season) we were able to get the Courtyard Marriott for $45 plus taxes. I know it's not the lap of luxury but it's perfect for what we need it for.....7 or so hours of sleep before we head over to the pier the next morning. Good luck with whatever you do but don't do it at the airport!

[Mach1]

Thanks Alexis, Toonjie and Kayb!!

 

We are thinking about the Marriott for a post-cruise stay, I think I will take your advice and book the post-cruise room and ask about the lobby.

 

Has anyone stayed in the hotel at the airport? I kind of thought about going there and getting a cheap room for the night. I agree dont really want to spend anymore time in the airport than I have too.

[ckrobyn]

Thanks Alexis, Toonjie and Kayb!!

 

We are thinking about the Marriott for a post-cruise stay, I think I will take your advice and book the post-cruise room and ask about the lobby.

 

Has anyone stayed in the hotel at the airport? I kind of thought about going there and getting a cheap room for the night. I agree dont really want to spend anymore time in the airport than I have too.

 

I don't know anything about the hotel in the airport....but I have seen it from the outside :rolleyes:

 

I HIGHLY recommend the Marriott Stellaris (we stay there every year, pre and post cruise) never had a bad experience. Yes, it may cost a bit more - but well worth the extra $$ in my opinion. :)

[ckrobyn]

Okay, got your itinerary. Taking first class and then spending the night at the airport is really undoing all that pampering. We can easily get you a hotel room under $100 so you can crash, shower up and have a nice breakfast. You want to arrive at the pier at 11:00am and if you spend the night at the airport, you will feel like you rode in coach sandwiched in between sumo wrestlers! :)

 

You crack me up!!!! Good advice though!!! :p

[toonjie]

Thanks Alexis, Toonjie and Kayb!!

 

We are thinking about the Marriott for a post-cruise stay, I think I will take your advice and book the post-cruise room and ask about the lobby.

 

Has anyone stayed in the hotel at the airport? I kind of thought about going there and getting a cheap room for the night. I agree dont really want to spend anymore time in the airport than I have too.

 

You're welcome! Just took a look at Hotwire for your date 3/6-7. The 2.5* for $102 with the following amenities when you click continue and then see all amenities is the Hotel Miramar. Not a great hotel, but better than staying in a lobby. The Marriott lobby gets pretty loud on a Sat. night!

 

2.5-star hotel in San Juan Area

This hotel features the following amenities:

Smoke Free Rooms

Guest rooms at this hotel are always smoke-free.

Complimentary Breakfast

Rates include continental or full breakfast.

Fitness Center

Guests have access to exercise equipment; an additional charge may apply.

Restaurant(s)

Property offers at least one restaurant on the premises; hours and days of operation may vary.

Business Center

Guests have access to business equipment and services; an additional charge may apply.

Laundry Facilities

Guests have access to a coin-operated washer and dryer.

High-speed Internet Access

Guestrooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access; an extra charge may apply.

Golf Nearby

Property is located within walking distance or a short drive of at least one golf course; an extra charge typically applies.

Tennis Nearby

Property is located within walking distance or a short drive of at least one tennis court; an extra charge typically applies.

 

Check it out: http://www.miramarhotelpr.com/

It's just about as close as you can get to the pier as well.

[Mach1]

I don't know anything about the hotel in the airport....but I have seen it from the outside :rolleyes:

 

I HIGHLY recommend the Marriott Stellaris (we stay there every year, pre and post cruise) never had a bad experience. Yes, it may cost a bit more - but well worth the extra $$ in my opinion. :)

 

 

And I loved the photo's you posted on our roll call. Just having it on the beach is a big selling point!!

[Mach1]

You're welcome! Just took a look at Hotwire for your date 3/6-7. The 2.5* for $102 with the following amenities when you click continue and then see all amenities is the Hotel Miramar. Not a great hotel, but better than staying in a lobby. The Marriott lobby gets pretty loud on a Sat. night!

 

2.5-star hotel in San Juan Area

This hotel features the following amenities:

Smoke Free Rooms

Guest rooms at this hotel are always smoke-free.

Complimentary Breakfast

Rates include continental or full breakfast.

Fitness Center

Guests have access to exercise equipment; an additional charge may apply.

Restaurant(s)

Property offers at least one restaurant on the premises; hours and days of operation may vary.

Business Center

Guests have access to business equipment and services; an additional charge may apply.

Laundry Facilities

Guests have access to a coin-operated washer and dryer.

High-speed Internet Access

Guestrooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access; an extra charge may apply.

Golf Nearby

Property is located within walking distance or a short drive of at least one golf course; an extra charge typically applies.

Tennis Nearby

Property is located within walking distance or a short drive of at least one tennis court; an extra charge typically applies.

 

Check it out: http://www.miramarhotelpr.com/

It's just about as close as you can get to the pier as well.

 

That is very do-able too. And kaybeee said she got a room on priceline for $45.

 

Ok guy's I'll do a little more digging and get us a room! Thanks for the feedback! It's been a few years since we've been down there.

[Clio1610]

Great news!!!!! Did you book 9622?

 

Yes I did !!!

 

Thank You again for your positive comments !!!

 

Best Wishes Clio x

[tobecool]

I think this thread is long overdue.

 

Each week I see at least 2-3 posts regarding the Adventure of the Seas, people who have booked and are now afraid they made a mistake - and people who have yet to book, that may not ever book because of what they read on here.

 

As many of you know, I have cruised on the AOS 3 times and have had wonderful cruise vacations on all 3. I am sailing again next month on my 2nd B2B on the AOS and I am eagerly anticipating another fantastic cruise! :)

 

Here are a few commonly asked questions about the AOS:

 

Q: Does the AOS have a large amount of Puerto Ricans sailing on her for most cruises?

A: Yes, there are Puerto Rican's on cruises out of San Juan. It is their home port and I would be very surprised if they weren't.

Q: Are the announcements in Spanish as well as English?

A: Yes they are. Is it an issue? No.

Q: Are Puerto Ricans rude and rowdy?

A: No more rude and rowdy than other passengers I have seen on other ships and other itineraries. Puerto Ricans are a lively bunch :)

Q: Is the AOS a sick ship, or more prone to Noro than other ships?

A: No. The AOS has as much chance of a noro outbreak as any other ship in the RCI fleet.

Q: I have booked the AOS and after reading negative reviews, I want to cancel - what should I do?

A: You can cancel you cruise if you want, but you will be missing out on a fantastic cruise on a great ship sailing on a wonderful itinerary!

 

I do understand that some people have had negative experiences on the AOS - but the same can be said for any other ship. There will always be people cutting in line, pushing elevator buttons, chair hogging and the list goes on......unfortunately, some people like to leave their manners at home :(

 

My experiences have been terrific on the AOS and I would encourage anyone to sail on her and see for themselves what a great ship she is!!

 

Yes....I am an AOS cheerleader, and proud of it!!!

 

 

Hi, ckrobyn,

 

thank you for your post. we have booked AOS in the coming march to south caribbean. can we have following questions:

this is an old ship, even though not that old, is it a clean one after her refurbish

compared to IOS which we took and very satisfied with, any big difference?

we really had great experience with IOS, we don't want to be disappointed to AOS. tell me more to make us confidence to AOS

thanks

[mjyanne]

Hi, ckrobyn,

 

thank you for your post. we have booked AOS in the coming march to south caribbean. can we have following questions:

this is an old ship, even though not that old, is it a clean one after her refurbish

compared to IOS which we took and very satisfied with, any big difference?

we really had great experience with IOS, we don't want to be disappointed to AOS. tell me more to make us confidence to AOS

thanks

 

While I have not been on any Freedom class ship, I think AoS is in GREAT Shape for a ship that old. To quote ckrobyn "I do understand that some people have had negative experiences on the AOS - but the same can be said for any other ship. There will always be people cutting in line, pushing elevator buttons, chair hogging and the list goes on......unfortunately, some people like to leave their manners at home ".

This was very true on our last cruise. Did it make for a bad cruise? No! Just understand this will probably happen and don't worry about it. You will probably have a large group of kids on any Mar/Apr sailing so that is another issue but again shouldn't impact your trip.

The staff is generally GREAT! Of course there are exceptions. Hopefully, you won't get the exception.

Enjoy your trip (and glad to found the site).