AOS cruise Oct. 19 thoughts

[39august]

We were in a short line to embark for about 30 minutes, till 11:30. Check-in was quick as usual. I don't understand some folks comments about standing in the sun. The areas where lines formed were under a roof. Cabins were not available until 2 PM. But the good news is that our luggage arrived at about 2:15! We wondered if the delay in opening the cabins was to expedite the luggage delivery. If so, I wish that all ships would start using this timetable. I very much enjoyed the metal sculpture and "planets" mobile in the centrum area. Didn't care for most of the other "art" on the ship (very subjective, like food preferences, I know). All service was outstanding! I asked the Head Waiter on the second night if I could have a spinach salad for the rest of the cruise, and he readily agreed. The food was rather hit and miss. There was either a strip or loin steak offered every night, as well as the very good filet on the first formal night. DeeDee, the concierge is a hoot! But she is very strict about consuming all food and beverage inside the CL, as is proper. We had chocolates and towel animals every night, contrary to experiences others have posted about other ships. Another rumer shot down was that yes, there is still the seafood skewer in Portofino and it still includes a bit of lobster, which was very good! The singers on this ship were the absolutely BEST I have heard on any ship. Amazing talent. The piano man in the Schooner was very good, but I only listened briefly a few nights. I heard several comments that he would improve lyrics sometimes and that they were extremely risque. Tony in the Duck and Dog was adequate. Too bad that the ice show was the poorest I've seen after seeing at least 10 others. Not as spectacular moves or costumes as other ships. The gym was in good order, but there were no aerobics classes all week. First time I have noticed that. Alistair at the Aquarium Bar is a delight. However, this was the noisiest and most crowded cruise I have ever experienced. We had a great time despite that fact. Yes, there is a 3% charge for getting cash in the casino. I checked with Guest Relations about accepting personal checks. The answer was that all cruisers are allowed to write on $200 personal check showing driver license. Fortunately, my husband won big in the casino, so he never needed any extra cash. We took the bus to Eagle beach in Aruba, a stunningly beautiful beach in front of Amersterdam Manor Beach Resort. Chairs were $5 each and no charge for either umbrella, palapa or large shade trees. In Curacao we took the ship's 2 1/2 hour tour through town and out to the countryside. Had a very comfortable bus and great guide. We did our usual water taxi to town, rent chairs on the beach, drink $.99 beer thing in St. Maarten. Love that place! I was very pleased to be notified by letter from the LA 2 days before debarkation that there would be a debarkatiion "lounge" for Diamond and Platinum members in the fifth floor dining room, and that the LA would be escorting us off the ship as first group after tours groups. We have experienced that a few times, but not on every ship. It is very nice not to have to battle long lines on your last day! Any questions, ask away!

[Mark_K]

That's too bad about the ice show. We were on Adventure in June and of the three we've seen, we thought it was the best one by far. Maybe they rotated out the performers or something.

[bike1964]

39August,

 

Did you do the Aruba route on the AOS? Were you there before or after the remnants of Omar? if after, did you notice any damage to the beaches?

[satxdiver]

We were on the AOS the end of September on the Aruba/Curacao route. The piano player did indeed lean towards more adult songs at times but late at night. We did not find it all that big of a problem. We did try the Duck and Dog several times as well and it was good. The shows that we attended were good but we lean towards the comedians more than the singers. Nice report and thanks.

[Merion_Mom]

We were in a short line to embark for about 30 minutes, till 11:30. Check-in was quick as usual. I don't understand some folks comments about standing in the sun. The areas where lines formed were under a roof. Cabins were not available until 2 PM. But the good news is that our luggage arrived at about 2:15! We wondered if the delay in opening the cabins was to expedite the luggage delivery. If so, I wish that all ships would start using this timetable. I very much enjoyed the metal sculpture and "planets" mobile in the centrum area. Didn't care for most of the other "art" on the ship (very subjective, like food preferences, I know). All service was outstanding! I asked the Head Waiter on the second night if I could have a spinach salad for the rest of the cruise, and he readily agreed. The food was rather hit and miss. There was either a strip or loin steak offered every night, as well as the very good filet on the first formal night. DeeDee, the concierge is a hoot! But she is very strict about consuming all food and beverage inside the CL, as is proper. We had chocolates and towel animals every night, contrary to experiences others have posted about other ships. Another rumer shot down was that yes, there is still the seafood skewer in Portofino and it still includes a bit of lobster, which was very good! The singers on this ship were the absolutely BEST I have heard on any ship. Amazing talent. The piano man in the Schooner was very good, but I only listened briefly a few nights. I heard several comments that he would improve lyrics sometimes and that they were extremely risque. Tony in the Duck and Dog was adequate. Too bad that the ice show was the poorest I've seen after seeing at least 10 others. Not as spectacular moves or costumes as other ships. The gym was in good order, but there were no aerobics classes all week. First time I have noticed that. Alistair at the Aquarium Bar is a delight. However, this was the noisiest and most crowded cruise I have ever experienced. We had a great time despite that fact. Yes, there is a 3% charge for getting cash in the casino. I checked with Guest Relations about accepting personal checks. The answer was that all cruisers are allowed to write on $200 personal check showing driver license. Fortunately, my husband won big in the casino, so he never needed any extra cash. We took the bus to Eagle beach in Aruba, a stunningly beautiful beach in front of Amersterdam Manor Beach Resort. Chairs were $5 each and no charge for either umbrella, palapa or large shade trees. In Curacao we took the ship's 2 1/2 hour tour through town and out to the countryside. Had a very comfortable bus and great guide. We did our usual water taxi to town, rent chairs on the beach, drink $.99 beer thing in St. Maarten. Love that place! I was very pleased to be notified by letter from the LA 2 days before debarkation that there would be a debarkatiion "lounge" for Diamond and Platinum members in the fifth floor dining room, and that the LA would be escorting us off the ship as first group after tours groups. We have experienced that a few times, but not on every ship. It is very nice not to have to battle long lines on your last day! Any questions, ask away!

Ah, yes, and the Piano Man's name was.....................? ;) :)

[Dr. VP]

Thanks for the quick update - we're cruising on A.O.S. for the 3rd time this January.

 

Happy cruising one and all...

[wrp96]

Ah, yes, and the Piano Man's name was.....................? ;) :)

 

 

So Carol are you thinking you might know this piano man?:p

[39august]

bike1964- We were there a few days after Omar and saw no damage.

[marshabear]

piano man...Mike Mccabe...

 

we saw him on the AOS and previously on Celebrity...

 

 

 

Marsha