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

[ckrobyn]

I have sailed on a ship where Drew Devine was the CD and he is very good :) I saw on another thread that he is leaving on January 13th - seems I can't get an answer on who is taking over for him after that date?

[Ocean Boy]

Hey Steve :)

As you can tell from my signature, we are kinda creatures of habit :rolleyes: We actually did not pursue El Convento, we decided to stay at the Marriott Stellaris again for 2 nights and were fortunate to be able to book with points, otherwise it is upwards of $300 a night. I am more adventurous than my DH.....if it were completely up to me, I would like to try a different hotel. We do plan to visit OSJ though. I am following Norbert's Niece's Blog and I am interested in Barrachina for dinner. Pizza E Birra sounds good too :D

 

I've not had dinner there but I have had lunch. I think the food is good but, mostly, I just like the atmosphere. I guess because we went there on our first visit to OSJ it is part of "routine". There are certain things that I have to do or visit on each return to particular locations. Yeah, I know all about being a creature of habit.

[frito58]

Hey Steve :)

As you can tell from my signature, we are kinda creatures of habit :rolleyes: We actually did not pursue El Convento, we decided to stay at the Marriott Stellaris again for 2 nights and were fortunate to be able to book with points, otherwise it is upwards of $300 a night. I am more adventurous than my DH.....if it were completely up to me, I would like to try a different hotel. We do plan to visit OSJ though. I am following Norbert's Niece's Blog and I am interested in Barrachina for dinner. Pizza E Birra sounds good too :D

 

LOL I am too usually , but we tend to flutter around San Juan each time we go . I have stayed at the Marriot Stellaris , I can see why you go back. I really like the Sheraton OSJ just for the simple fact you can wander OSJ at your leisure and I have booked it on Hotwire twice for half price :D We are actually staying at the Raddison Ambassdor this trip not as nice but hey I got it for a steal and I do love that area for just relaxing and I cant wait to eat at Via Appia ;) I have been telling some on my roll call about their food and Sangria so I think we are having a pre meet and greet dinner there LOL.

 

Have a great cruise come back and tell us how it was we will only a few weeks after you sail. :)

[Addict]

Thanks!! :):) Did you like him??

 

Yes he is fine. He has been on another sailing we have been on as well. Although he does have a funny little saying that he does all the time when making announcements - it can get a bit irritating! :)

[NorbertsNiece]

Drew leaves Jan 6th. Anthony Richards replacing.

[ckrobyn]

Drew leaves Jan 6th. Anthony Richards replacing.

 

Thanks Linda - appreciate the info. I have sailed with Anthony Richards as CD - he's very good. I think he just got married? He is also fluent in Spanish :)

[kastke]

We are actually staying at the Raddison Ambassdor this trip not as nice but hey I got it for a steal and I do love that area for just relaxing and I cant wait to eat at Via Appia ;) I have been telling some on my roll call about their food and Sangria so I think we are having a pre meet and greet dinner there LOL. :)

 

We are on the same cruise as Robyn (her first week anyway) and are staying at the Raddison Ambassador 2 nights pre-cruise also. Got it thru Priceline for a great price. What is this Via Appia restaurant you mentioned? Is it near the Raddison? I always like to hear a good recommendation!

 

Dorothy

[ckrobyn]

Sharon1202 - There is so much to see and do in the Southern Caribbean! I guess it really depends on what your interests are.....We really love the beach, so we typically look for excursions that are water related. It happens a lot that there is a guided tour on the way to the beach so we are able to see quite a bit of the island and learn about the history. We have been to the Boatyard in Barbados - it is a public beach that is beautiful and there are lots of amenities like a bar, restaurant and even an ocean waterpark. We will probably head back there this February.

 

If beaches are your thing - let me know and I can definitely make some recommendations for each port :)

[cynalan]

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!!!

 

 

Wow. I find these comments rather racist/prejudicial at worst and very stereotypical at best. Guess it is because I am Canadian and we do not have the antipathy toward latinos that many Americans seem to have.

[garyb(uk)]

Wow. I find these comments rather racist/prejudicial at worst and very stereotypical at best. Guess it is because I am Canadian and we do not have the antipathy toward latinos that many Americans seem to have.

I thought it was only me - I thought exactly the same when I read it. Giving the OP the benefit of the doubt I think it was probably badly written rather than malicious in intent. (I'm American too by the way).

[ckrobyn]

Wow. I find these comments rather racist/prejudicial at worst and very stereotypical at best. Guess it is because I am Canadian and we do not have the antipathy toward latinos that many Americans seem to have.

 

I hope you are not referring to MY comments! Mine are paraphrasing the negative comments of others on here through the years. As you can tell from my post, I am a huge fan of the ship and the cultures of all people who sail on her. I'm Canadian too!!!

 

 

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[ckrobyn]

I thought it was only me - I thought exactly the same when I read it. Giving the OP the benefit of the doubt I think it was probably badly written rather than malicious in intent. (I'm American too by the way).

 

As you can see from my previous comment, I started the thread as a result of all of the negative comments I was reading all the time about the ship I love, and some of her passengers. My experiences on the AOS have been nothing but amazing! People were actually avoiding this ship because they were reading about "rude and/or rowdy" Puerto Ricans - this thread has helped thousands of people understand that this is NOT the case. I have zero, and I do mean zero tolerance for prejudice of any sort.

As for being badly written? I'm a little offended by that, but won't hold it against you!

Happy sailing!!!!

 

 

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[mommabean]

Wow. I find these comments rather racist/prejudicial at worst and very stereotypical at best. Guess it is because I am Canadian and we do not have the antipathy toward latinos that many Americans seem to have.

 

Mainly people are just asking questions about cultural differences. There is nothing wrong with that. It opens the door to conversation. That's an opportunity for education. After all there ARE cultural differences around the world and even within one's own country. Canada and the United States included.

 

What is acceptable behavior in one country isn't necessarily acceptable in another. I've read about certain cultures spitting on the floor of the ship because apparently they do it in their own country. I wouldn't be pleased to be on a ship where this is accepted by the majority. And asking questions ahead of time might save some aggravation. Or free up a room for those who want to be there for the experience. :D

 

That being said, my first visit to Puerto Rico wasn't so great. It seemed dead, dreary and dirty to me. I said something very stupid after that visit - I admit it. I said, "How did we get stuck with Puerto Rico anyway?" And a few years later we went back and have been back several times since. I learned my lesson. I now say that many Puerto Ricans are better Americans than many of us. They can be quite patriotic and love being part of the USA. And we love having them. They have great food and are fun dancers, too. Of course those are also generalizations. I'm sure some can't cook or dance either. ;) Either way, it's nice to be "stuck" with them. And it's nice that I have full cell phone access while there, too. :rolleyes:

 

As someone said, people don't always word things the way they mean it. Others might but just look at it as an opportunity to teach them something - kindly.

 

Gina

[mommabean]

As you can see from my previous comment, I started the thread as a result of all of the negative comments I was reading all the time about the ship I love, and some of her passengers. My experiences on the AOS have been nothing but amazing! People were actually avoiding this ship because they were reading about "rude and/or rowdy" Puerto Ricans - this thread has helped thousands of people understand that this is NOT the case. I have zero, and I do mean zero tolerance for prejudice of any sort.

As for being badly written? I'm a little offended by that, but won't hold it against you!

Happy sailing!!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I think they meant the questions you were addressing...not what YOU were saying. You said nothing offensive at all.

 

Gina

[garyb(uk)]

Wow. I find these comments rather racist/prejudicial at worst and very stereotypical at best. Guess it is because I am Canadian and we do not have the antipathy toward latinos that many Americans seem to have.

 

As you can see from my previous comment, I started the thread as a result of all of the negative comments I was reading all the time about the ship I love, and some of her passengers. My experiences on the AOS have been nothing but amazing! People were actually avoiding this ship because they were reading about "rude and/or rowdy" Puerto Ricans - this thread has helped thousands of people understand that this is NOT the case. I have zero, and I do mean zero tolerance for prejudice of any sort.

As for being badly written? I'm a little offended by that, but won't hold it against you!

Happy sailing!!!!

 

 

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sorry did not mean to offend but rather defend you. The badly written probably should have come across as badly phrased. What I am trying to say is it DID NOT seems to read the way you intended it. I actually thought that was probably the case though,

[mommabean]

OK, as for offensive. I cringe every time I read negative remarks about the Radisson Ambassador hotel in San Juan. This hotel definitely gets a bad rap. I can't help but wonder why the trip advisor ratings have it down so far. But reading some of the reviews I realize some of it IS based on prejudice. The comments people make about the area are based on total ignorance. I said in my review that I would stay here again and I DID book it again for this coming January. I am paying full price as I'm sure priceline won't have it for that busy weekend when all hotels are full for a convention. I managed to find one lone but reputable place selling it when even the hotel itself said there is no availability. I had to prepay but it can be canceled and refunded up until the day before arrival. I canceled a booking I had made at the Holiday Inn Express that I had to work hard to get through the corporate IHG loyalty club office. The HI Express has just been dropped for the IHG group in case anyone has that one booked. Holiday Inn benefits will no longer apply. Sorry....going off a little here.

 

My point is: here is a link to my Radisson Ambassador tripadvisor review from last year for those who are interested.

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147320-d150444-r117677869-Radisson_Ambassador_Plaza_Hotel_Casino_San_Juan-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html

 

Gina

[ckrobyn]

sorry did not mean to offend but rather defend you. The badly written probably should have come across as badly phrased. What I am trying to say is it DID NOT seems to read the way you intended it. I actually thought that was probably the case though,

 

No worries, and no offense taken! I'm just glad that you realize the comments that were negative, were not mine.

 

 

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[ckrobyn]

I think they meant the questions you were addressing...not what YOU were saying. You said nothing offensive at all.

 

Gina

 

Thanks Gina, that's what I originally thought and then I questioned it.... But now it has been clarified and it makes sense. Anyone who knows me, knows what an immense appreciation I have for cultural diversity!!

 

 

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[Ocean Boy]

Wow. I find these comments rather racist/prejudicial at worst and very stereotypical at best. Guess it is because I am Canadian and we do not have the antipathy toward latinos that many Americans seem to have.

 

Hey, she is just responding to questions that are commonly asked on these boards and indicating how these posted concerns turn out to be non-issues. Don't jump on her for disspelling the myths. Yes, I know, it is a long thread. But maybe you should read it before you make judgements, or assumptions, about any of us who post to it.

[crisndeefromde]

Wow. I find these comments rather racist/prejudicial at worst and very stereotypical at best. Guess it is because I am Canadian and we do not have the antipathy toward latinos that many Americans seem to have.

 

The OP is answering questions that have been on the boards. I see you are a rather new poster or member to cruise critic so perhaps you haven't spent a lot of time reading about this particular ship.

 

This ship is the OP's favorite ship and has been for years. I can tell you from personal experience I really didnt want to sail on this particular ship from all of the negative comments and questions on the boards regarding the people that embark on the Adventure. More negativity than sailing on all Carnival ships perhaps and yes I have experienced Carnival. Robyn and Ocean Boy gave us many many reasons to try this ship and we did. We did a b2b this past february and are going again this Feb and have 2014 booked with another b2b. There are cruisers from all walks of life on every ship we have been on. These two great cruise critic members showed me not to miss out on a very special departure port and showed me that the ports this ship goes to are outstanding and we needed to try. We did and my many thanks to both of them. We are cruising with the OP this next February! Oceanboy is on another cruise but one day hopefully we will get to meet.

[crisndeefromde]

Hey, she is just responding to questions that are commonly asked on these boards and indicating how these posted concerns turn out to be non-issues. Don't jump on her for disspelling the myths. Yes, I know, it is a long thread. But maybe you should read it before you make judgements, or assumptions, about any of us who post to it.

 

Exactly....

[frito58]

OK, as for offensive. I cringe every time I read negative remarks about the Radisson Ambassador hotel in San Juan. This hotel definitely gets a bad rap. I can't help but wonder why the trip advisor ratings have it down so far. But reading some of the reviews I realize some of it IS based on prejudice. The comments people make about the area are based on total ignorance. I said in my review that I would stay here again and I DID book it again for this coming January. I am paying full price as I'm sure priceline won't have it for that busy weekend when all hotels are full for a convention. I managed to find one lone but reputable place selling it when even the hotel itself said there is no availability. I had to prepay but it can be canceled and refunded up until the day before arrival. I canceled a booking I had made at the Holiday Inn Express that I had to work hard to get through the corporate IHG loyalty club office. The HI Express has just been dropped for the IHG group in case anyone has that one booked. Holiday Inn benefits will no longer apply. Sorry....going off a little here.

 

My point is: here is a link to my Radisson Ambassador tripadvisor review from last year for those who are interested.

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147320-d150444-r117677869-Radisson_Ambassador_Plaza_Hotel_Casino_San_Juan-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html

 

Gina

 

Thanks Gina

 

I Take a look at reviews and use them as a guidline , San Juan is notorious for Bad reviews on Hotels . I am not sure what people want ,but I have read people that just HATE the Sheraton OSJ call it a dump , Really I have stayed there twice and I find it delightful , I read the good and the bad on this one and most of the bad was silly stuff. But is nice when seasoned cruisers such as yourself speak up , and let people know that places are nice and people can save a few dollars if they so desire. :):)

[frito58]

We are on the same cruise as Robyn (her first week anyway) and are staying at the Raddison Ambassador 2 nights pre-cruise also. Got it thru Priceline for a great price. What is this Via Appia restaurant you mentioned? Is it near the Raddison? I always like to hear a good recommendation!

 

Dorothy

 

Hey Dorothy

 

Its basically across the street by the address 1350 Ashford , its a wonderful little family owned place they serve some great pizza and Sangria and other Pasta type stuff have out door seating so you can sit outside and people watch all at a great price. We ate there 5 years ago so I really dont remember the complete menu other than it was very good here is the trip advisor on it , people seem to love it.

 

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147320-d785859-Reviews-Via_Appia-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html

[Aviator of the Seas]

Hey guys,

 

I'm glad this thread is back to the top and lively as usual. Great to hear that Robyn is coming back to her favorite ship. I just sailed on the Oasis and while they're totally different animals, The Voyager class (Adventure) and Radiance class remain my favorites.

 

So happy the Adventure is back in San Juan. Too bad I can't sail on her since I cannot take vacations during late fall/winter/early spring (our busy season). At least we'll have the Jewel next summer.

 

Welcome to San Juan, everyone, and hope you have a great cruising season.

 

Regards,

[ckrobyn]

Hey guys,

 

I'm glad this thread is back to the top and lively as usual. Great to hear that Robyn is coming back to her favorite ship. I just sailed on the Oasis and while they're totally different animals, The Voyager class (Adventure) and Radiance class remain my favorites.

 

So happy the Adventure is back in San Juan. Too bad I can't sail on her since I cannot take vacations during late fall/winter/early spring (our busy season). At least we'll have the Jewel next summer.

 

Welcome to San Juan, everyone, and hope you have a great cruising season.

 

Regards,

 

Aviator!!! Glad to hear from you :)

I am beyond ecstatic to be returning to my favorite port and my favorite ship! 80 more sleeps!