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

[mckinna]

These are wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing.

[shonandsuzie]

Thanks for the info. On the St. Lucia board, there have been some threads warning about violence and crime on this stop. I think it would be wise to do something with a local tour- they will probably be safer.

Also- I love to try local food on port stops, and some tours just give a box lunch with a tuna sandwich- I can get that at home. This is good to know.

Thanks!

Like they were saying, we loved the tour by Cosol. It was fast paced and fun. That island is so beautiful. You feel very safe since everywhere you go with him people will be calling out his name and waving. The food was great and you get to meet the people who prepare it, too.

[ckrobyn]

Did anyone notice the departure time for the AOS sailing on Feb 17/08 is listed as 10pm???? My docs for Feb 24th and March 2nd both say 8:30pm.....:rolleyes:

[KillaFee]

Judi- Thanks again. However, I couldn't get the above link to your pictures to work.

 

We did the tour with Cosul as well. It was one of the best tours we've ever taken and we're not tour people....we usually like fun action jeep rides or boat rides or just chillin on the beach. If you wanna see pics from it just click down below on my webshots link and then select the Serenade album. Enjoy!

Laura

[shonandsuzie]

Can someone tell me what things they have to drink during the day for free? I can't remember which cruiselines offer punch, lemonaide, etc.

[mckinna]

I think it is just water, lemonade, and iced tea. (However, that tea is not SWEET tea.) In the mornings, I believe there is juice- apple, orange, etc available.

[shonandsuzie]

Thanks. :) We were trying to work out our budget and didn't know if we should plan for a soda card. I think it was Princess then that only had iced tea. That definately wouldn't work since Shon HAS to have sweet drinks all day.

[ckrobyn]

Thanks. :) We were trying to work out our budget and didn't know if we should plan for a soda card. I think it was Princess then that only had iced tea. That definately wouldn't work since Shon HAS to have sweet drinks all day.

 

Suzie - the soda card is worth it if you drink at least 3 or more soda's per day. We always buy the card - my DH has to have his diet soda or the world as we know it will come to an end :eek:

[shonandsuzie]

Suzie - the soda card is worth it if you drink at least 3 or more soda's per day. We always buy the card - my DH has to have his diet soda or the world as we know it will come to an end :eek:

I drink coffee and unsweetened tea so I'm always satisfied. You can always find free coffee. Shon just likes sweet drinks...juice, punch, soda, whatever. When we sailed Princess they had no sweetened drinks so a soda card was a must. Carnival is the best for him b/c they have red punch and some other drinks. I think he would be o.k. as long as there is one sweet drink option.

[Suzanne74]

I just received my edocs and the 3/23 sailing is still 10pm. I wonder if the new policy about boarding 90min prior has now pushed the sailings back up to 10pm until the flights get squared away.

[ckrobyn]

I drink coffee and unsweetened tea so I'm always satisfied. You can always find free coffee. Shon just likes sweet drinks...juice, punch, soda, whatever. When we sailed Princess they had no sweetened drinks so a soda card was a must. Carnival is the best for him b/c they have red punch and some other drinks. I think he would be o.k. as long as there is one sweet drink option.

 

I think Shon will be happy - I remember seeing a sweet red drink on the AOS....or it could have pink :confused: Nevertheless, it tasted like punch!

[Debde]

Well. Hi Guys. I am back. This-is probably the only bad thing I have to report!!!

I don't even know where to start. First-I will say-Robyn-now I know why you are the number one fan of AOS. What a ship! What a good time.!!

 

My quick re-cap:

Boarding. Arrived at pier-11:30. Was told boarding would begin at 12:00. Ten minutes later, they were gathering up suite and diamond guests and within 10 minutes, we were on baord.

Rooms were available by 1:00. So, by the time we grabbed a soada card and had lunch-it was time.

Stateroom-GS 1574. Perfect for 4. Plenty of room. Our attendent saw we had older teens and brought in a rollaway bed night one. Even with the sofa and bed-we had plenty of room.

Food- OMG wonderful Dining room and WJ all great. Also did JR one night-excellant. Excellant selection in the WJ. How can anyone complain. Wonderful selection.

Concierge Lounge-Dee Dee-GREAT! So nice, friendly and helpful.

Entertainment-always something to keep you busy! No problem here! Mike was way too funny and a great CD.

 

BB Myths-

 

OK-Lets start with sharing a soda card. I swear, once you are on vacation-no one thinks about this or cares. Share-or don't share-but, for the love of god, don't mention or ask on this bb!!! LOL:p

 

Smoking. Plenty of places for smokers to smoke. Again, this was not an issue. I do not know how other balconies are set up, but, with a suite balcony-you would not know if your neighbor was smoking or left the balcony light on. [another small issue here ;) ] Casino has a non-smoking section but was never a non-smoking night.

 

Dress code-LOL here we go. Did not go to formal nights but saw enough that were border line smart casual and went right in. Every other night-shorts-jeans, T-shirts-all getting in.

 

Puerto Rican culture:

Wonderful people. Quite polite. Just like you and Me! Shame on whoever starting this AOS and the PR folks! Not an issue in the least. No need to say anymore on this.

 

Only problem:

C&A members. Did have to go and get my coupon books. Did not even get it from the C&A desk. Desk relations got it for me. Actually-I found the girl at the C&A desk to be quite distant. Thank goodness after that, all my C&A benifits were met and never had to go there again.

 

Meet and Mingle. Lesson learned. Met nice folks over on our thread but never made it. When traveling with children, you never know what's going on and they may have something going on the the family wants to do together. So-I probably will not guarantee my appearance next cruise. I felt bad but as we know- kids come first!

 

All I can say-in a nutshell. GREAT VACATION. GREAT SHIP!

I'll try to help anyone with questions if you need but let me tell you, even going in cold turkey-not knowing a thing-you will love it!

 

Robyn-you are going to be in heaven on B2B number 2!! [but-you already knew that ;) ]

[Suzanne74]

Glad you had a good time. We are so excited. Can you tell us what some of the shows and entertainment was? Someone on the ship now said there was a comedian the first night and a magician on the captain's night. Anything worth seeing or maybe worth missing during the week? ;)

[ckrobyn]

Well. Hi Guys. I am back. This-is probably the only bad thing I have to report!!!

I don't even know where to start. First-I will say-Robyn-now I know why you are the number one fan of AOS. What a ship! What a good time.!!

 

My quick re-cap:

Boarding. Arrived at pier-11:30. Was told boarding would begin at 12:00. Ten minutes later, they were gathering up suite and diamond guests and within 10 minutes, we were on baord.

Rooms were available by 1:00. So, by the time we grabbed a soada card and had lunch-it was time.

Stateroom-GS 1574. Perfect for 4. Plenty of room. Our attendent saw we had older teens and brought in a rollaway bed night one. Even with the sofa and bed-we had plenty of room.

Food- OMG wonderful Dining room and WJ all great. Also did JR one night-excellant. Excellant selection in the WJ. How can anyone complain. Wonderful selection.

Concierge Lounge-Dee Dee-GREAT! So nice, friendly and helpful.

Entertainment-always something to keep you busy! No problem here! Mike was way too funny and a great CD.

 

BB Myths-

 

OK-Lets start with sharing a soda card. I swear, once you are on vacation-no one thinks about this or cares. Share-or don't share-but, for the love of god, don't mention or ask on this bb!!! LOL:p

 

Smoking. Plenty of places for smokers to smoke. Again, this was not an issue. I do not know how other balconies are set up, but, with a suite balcony-you would not know if your neighbor was smoking or left the balcony light on. [another small issue here ;) ] Casino has a non-smoking section but was never a non-smoking night.

 

Dress code-LOL here we go. Did not go to formal nights but saw enough that were border line smart casual and went right in. Every other night-shorts-jeans, T-shirts-all getting in.

 

Puerto Rican culture:

Wonderful people. Quite polite. Just like you and Me! Shame on whoever starting this AOS and the PR folks! Not an issue in the least. No need to say anymore on this.

 

Only problem:

C&A members. Did have to go and get my coupon books. Did not even get it from the C&A desk. Desk relations got it for me. Actually-I found the girl at the C&A desk to be quite distant. Thank goodness after that, all my C&A benifits were met and never had to go there again.

 

Meet and Mingle. Lesson learned. Met nice folks over on our thread but never made it. When traveling with children, you never know what's going on and they may have something going on the the family wants to do together. So-I probably will not guarantee my appearance next cruise. I felt bad but as we know- kids come first!

 

All I can say-in a nutshell. GREAT VACATION. GREAT SHIP!

I'll try to help anyone with questions if you need but let me tell you, even going in cold turkey-not knowing a thing-you will love it!

 

Robyn-you are going to be in heaven on B2B number 2!! [but-you already knew that ;) ]

 

Deb - welcome back!!!!:)

 

I just typed a huge post and it disappeared into internet pergatory :mad: I will make this reply short!!!

 

I am thrilled that you had such an awesome time on my favorite ship....guess I have to officially share it with you now, right?? ;)

 

This thread has put a lot of fears to rest and has hopefully encouraged people to sail the AOS. Your mini-review was wonderful!

[Debde]

Oh Robyn-you are so right. I am fan number two! I so wish she did the St. Lucia run end of January as I would love to do those ports on her. Looks like I may have to try the Serenade!

 

Suzanne-the shows.

Day one-Comedian-Adam Ace-Hysterical!!!

Day two-El Gaucho-did not go

Day three-Abbacadabbra-If you like Abba music-you will love it.

day four-Ice Show-did not go

Day Five-Ed Alanzo-Magic-Way too funny!!!

Day Six-Cann't Stop the Rock-Movie music-OK

Day Seven-farewell show-Comedian-OK Juggler/comedian-GREAT!!!CD Mike Szwajkowski-and yes-I spelled that right-lol-this guy is the best and way too funny. His facial expressions have you on the floor! I so looked forward to his final show as he opens them all and is just hysterical! His final is an all time good laugh!!

 

This is just an all time good ship with great staff! Even the Teen staff were wonderful.

Yup-I am sounding like Robyn!!! LOL Funny-I couldn't understand B2b's. I thought to myself, why would someone want to do the same thing again.-Now I know, and, now envy those who can take off two weeks at a time!

 

Oh- and BTW-Yes, lobster was served in the dining room!!! :)

[ckrobyn]

Oh Robyn-you are so right. I am fan number two! I so wish she did the St. Lucia run end of January as I would love to do those ports on her. Looks like I may have to try the Serenade!

 

Suzanne-the shows.

Day one-Comedian-Adam Ace-Hysterical!!!

Day two-El Gaucho-did not go

Day three-Abbacadabbra-If you like Abba music-you will love it.

day four-Ice Show-did not go

Day Five-Ed Alanzo-Magic-Way too funny!!!

Day Six-Cann't Stop the Rock-Movie music-OK

Day Seven-farewell show-Comedian-OK Juggler/comedian-GREAT!!!CD Mike Szwajkowski-and yes-I spelled that right-lol-this guy is the best and way too funny. His facial expressions have you on the floor! I so looked forward to his final show as he opens them all and is just hysterical! His final is an all time good laugh!!

 

This is just an all time good ship with great staff! Even the Teen staff were wonderful.

Yup-I am sounding like Robyn!!! LOL Funny-I couldn't understand B2b's. I thought to myself, why would someone want to do the same thing again.-Now I know, and, now envy those who can take off two weeks at a time!

 

Oh- and BTW-Yes, lobster was served in the dining room!!! :)

 

Maybe I have started an AOS cult??? :rolleyes:

 

Good to hear lobster is alive (ok...dead!) and well in the dining room!

 

Did you use the Concierge Lounge?? Did you notice if the latte machine was working? ;)

 

How was your weather??

 

I am so excited to sail the AOS again - it's been a year too long....

[boykin]

There is a thread on the message board indicating that RCCL is changing dining times on the Voyager to 5:30 for early seating. Has anyone experienced this on AOS, I sure hope not!!!

[Debde]

Latte machine is alive an well. Dee Dee laughed at me because I was always in early AM for my latte but she laughed because I was never in there for her bar!! I told her, don't drink alcohol as much as I need my latte. She commented how it had been down for a while and never wanted that to happen again! Great little breakfast in the morning too.

I became addicted to the 'Lava Flow' drink so had to go up to the bar for that.

The weather was fantastic. Never a day under 80 and always sun. We had rain-one day in Curacao and this I only heard about-that's how quick it was!!!

The sea's were a little rough at night maybe twice. Even the CD commented on it but nothing to bad. No one in my camp got sick. Sent us all for a little 'rockin' one night for a few minutes but we all laughed about it. Actually-I was waiting for an elevator all by myself, when the door opened the full elevator was still laughing how they were jostled around in there. I told them I would of prefered being in there with them-safety in numbers!! LOL

[Debde]

Boykin-Early seating for me- 6:00pm dinner! 6:15 day one-because of muster drill.

[ckrobyn]

Latte machine is alive an well. Dee Dee laughed at me because I was always in early AM for my latte but she laughed because I was never in there for her bar!! I told her, don't drink alcohol as much as I need my latte. She commented how it had been down for a while and never wanted that to happen again! Great little breakfast in the morning too.

I became addicted to the 'Lava Flow' drink so had to go up to the bar for that.

The weather was fantastic. Never a day under 80 and always sun. We had rain-one day in Curacao and this I only heard about-that's how quick it was!!!

The sea's were a little rough at night maybe twice. Even the CD commented on it but nothing to bad. No one in my camp got sick. Sent us all for a little 'rockin' one night for a few minutes but we all laughed about it. Actually-I was waiting for an elevator all by myself, when the door opened the full elevator was still laughing how they were jostled around in there. I told them I would of prefered being in there with them-safety in numbers!! LOL

 

Gotta love the latte machine early in the morning :) I have JS 9306, so it is about 10 steps to the CL!!

 

Glad the weather was good - typically is in Feb/March. Rough seas?? Hmmmmm :rolleyes: we have been pretty lucky that way on the AOS - except for our very first cruise on her.....we came back from dinner to find all the drawers wide open, and the mirrored closets (we had a GS) swinging in the wind!!! Guess the seas were rough!!!

 

Thanks for the info on dinner times/muster drill. I sailed last Feb before they started the 8:30pm departure, and the muster was later than it is now.

 

So........when and where is your next cruise????:D

[Suzanne74]

Thanks for posting the shows. I know they might not be exact but they sound a lot better then the offerings on the NOS last year. I am glad you like the CD too. We are so excited! :D

 

Robyn, someone mentioned on our roll call that the cruises might be back to 10pm starting March 9th when daylight savings starts and the airlines haven't adjusted along with the "must be on board 90min prior." I don't think this effects you but I am a little bummed our cruise doesn't leave until 10pm. With late seating, I will have to see how this will all work.

[bruce-r]

Gotta love the latte machine early in the morning :) I have JS 9306, so it is about 10 steps to the CL!!

 

I thought the JS didn't include use of the CL.

[ckrobyn]

I thought the JS didn't include use of the CL.

 

It does if you are a Diamond C&A member :D which I am.

 

You are correct though. JS guests do not have access to the CL.

[ckrobyn]

Thanks for posting the shows. I know they might not be exact but they sound a lot better then the offerings on the NOS last year. I am glad you like the CD too. We are so excited! :D

 

Robyn, someone mentioned on our roll call that the cruises might be back to 10pm starting March 9th when daylight savings starts and the airlines haven't adjusted along with the "must be on board 90min prior." I don't think this effects you but I am a little bummed our cruise doesn't leave until 10pm. With late seating, I will have to see how this will all work.

 

I haven't heard anything about the departure time changing...except for the Feb 17th cruise which has a departure time listed as 10pm. All other sailings are departing at 8:30pm according to the RCI website.

[bruce-r]

It does if you are a Diamond C&A member :D which I am.

 

You are correct though. JS guests do not have access to the CL.

 

My bad. I'm used to HAL. To use their CL you have to be in a suite.

 

The diamond C&A thing didn't occur to me at the time of posting.