"Live" from Adventure of the Seas - January 15 - 25

[tuliplvr]

I am loving your review... I'm staying at the Marriott pre-cruise in May and can't wait for my AOS cruise! Looking forward to reading more.

[Kikkycat]

I'll race you there!!!!! Loser buys!

 

Yeah but you're younger than I am! :p Just come sit next to me and you, me & Sue will take turns buying.

[cookieeater]

great photos and info.! my family of 15 will be on the AOS in July, your feedback is much appreciated!!! Enjoy your cruise and may the sun always shine.

cookieeater

[Nothin' But Sun]

Yeah but you're younger than I am! :p Just come sit next to me and you, me & Sue will take turns buying.

 

Is this review not the BEST!!!!

Ya, Melissa, you are the young one of this bunch, so you better run faster;)

[lance32]

:)

Just had to say that you two are either both great writers, or one of you are? Even though I do not know either of you, just wanted to commend you on your live blog. Reflections are great way to convey feelings of travel. life etc. BTW Here in NY it was a warm 32 degres today. I have been on 2 cruises, both FOS+LOS. First Cruise was great on LOS, Captain Charles is the best. I love Freedom Class, which is enough ship for me. Like the Next President, I am taking a wait and see attitude about Oasis. Oasis might make Tendering, Windjammer, guess they would have two buffets just too many people for me. Is your ship in Explorer class. What is your first port?

Enjoy!!

lance 32

aka Jon P:)

[BuyReallyLow]

BRL - Excellent review so far!!! I look forward to more installments :D

 

The CD - Mike S, is not new. He was the CD last year too.

 

DeDe - The regular Concierge is on vacation with her family in Turkey and will return to the AOS for the Feb 15th sailing.

 

Have a wonderful cruise!!!!!! :) I'm right behind you in 34 more sleeps!!!!

 

I stand slightly corrected - Mike S. is not "new" in the sense that this is his first cruise. But he has only been with RCCL for a bit over 2 1/2 years (according to him yesterday).

 

When I spoke to Robert yesterday, he said he is the replacement for DeDe - but he led me to believe he was the permanent replacement. I will confirm today and be sure to post.

 

Thanks!!

[BuyReallyLow]

:)

Just had to say that you two are either both great writers, or one of you are? Even though I do not know either of you, just wanted to commend you on your live blog. Reflections are great way to convey feelings of travel. life etc. BTW Here in NY it was a warm 32 degres today. I have been on 2 cruises, both FOS+LOS. First Cruise was great on LOS, Captain Charles is the best. I love Freedom Class, which is enough ship for me. Like the Next President, I am taking a wait and see attitude about Oasis. Oasis might make Tendering, Windjammer, guess they would have two buffets just too many people for me. Is your ship in Explorer class. What is your first port?

Enjoy!!

lance 32

aka Jon P:)

 

I am the farthest thing from an English Major..... but I do enjoy the experience of travel. The Adventure is a Voyageur class ship - so a size step down from Freedom. Our first port is tomorrow in Aruba. I agree with your fears on the Oasis class - thus the formation of the NOOTS society. To each one creates their own opinion - Freedom hit the "too big" spot for us. We are very partial to the Radiance Class - but since we are "more" partial to the Southern Caribbean, we like to alternate between Serenade and Adventure.

 

Thank you for your kind words,

 

BRL

[BuyReallyLow]

First days on the cruise ship is always an interesting time. Rooms are not open until approximately 2 PM. The Muster drill is at 6:00 PM. We are having dinner during the early seating at 6:30 PM. Cruising for us is about ritual – repeating actions we have taken on virtually all of our adventures, putting us in the proper “attitude” for the rest of our trip. First ritual – get a drink at the pool bar. The Mai Tiki is not a frozen drink, it is a drink served over ice. Tasty – basically a rum punch, but not a frozen drink (think Umbrella) that we normally look for. After a drink, it’s off to the Windjammer for the Honey Stunk Chicken (see picture from earlier – my DW is hovering over a piece. And a great dose of people watching. Tell me you don’t do the same. You can tell the inexperienced cruiser versus the experienced cruiser. Which line do YOU stand in? The first one, or the rear one? Lunch in the Windjammer is always its level best. After that it is a wander until 2 PM when the room opens. My DW is most interested in getting the suit case emptied – once that is accomplished her cruise begins. I make a visit to the Concierge Lounge to check the Internet (and today make my first post). It is always wonderfully quiet – a perfect place to work. Today I will act as a “minor concierge”, answering questions until Robert arrives. A few years back, we got blessed to meet a “replacement concierge” while on Adventure of the Seas. We clicked – and we had a chance to meet others RCCL employees on board. Imagine how happy we were when we found that this employee was still on board (albeit in a different role). We reconnected – and look forward to getting a drink with this employee later in the week (I’ve withheld the gender of the employee on purpose!!)

Once 4 PM comes around, the Concierge Lounge opens for hospitality. I was able to grab my DOC – A Gin and Tonic (Note – only Tanguere’ (sorry about spelling) – not my GOC. Our meet and mingle had an unofficial Meet & Mingle at the Pool Bar at 4:45 – 5:00 PM – so I wanted to make a stop to say hello to the people I had been speaking with for the better part of a year!! I know I missed some, but it was nice to meet those I did.

The Muster Drill is at 6:00 PM. Lucky for us our Muster station was close to the stairs – so it was quick to arrive, and among the first to leave!!

(Picture of the Muster Drill)

First seating dinner is up next, which is one of our favorite. Fantastic Cod and Prime Rib. We had the chance to meet our table mates tonight. We are at an 8 top – we are a party of four – our new friends are two couples from Pennsylvania. The conversation was lively – they are a fun group and we look forward to a wonderful week with them.

The sailaway was at 8 PM – so we missed it since we were at dinner. But as I sit writing this, we are looking at the nights of San Juan move off into the distance. We now are trying to digest our meals, waiting for sail away trivia at 10 PM, and the comedy of Tony Daro at 10:30 PM.

Before heading to the sail away trivia, we stop by the Casino. As I mentioned in a earlier post, I am not a gambler. But my DW loves to play a little slots. Happy wives make happy husbands… so what’s $20 to play a bit of slots. So she takes the $20, and makes three pulls. After that she cashes out…. Up $60.00!! So we’re off to a good start! Another note – there is a new game in the Casino – Pro Poker. It is a Video Poker game that allows a group of 10 (I think) to sit around a screen – it looks like a flat screen TV laying flat – and play no-limit poker. It was very popular. This first night they had a $100 buy-in tournament – and all looked to be enjoying themselves.

Now it was off to Trivia. There were three teams – ours finished 2nd. I must say I have never had questions as challenging as these – out of 17 the winning team only had 13. We finished just behind…… Not a great start!!

Finally, it was off to the comedy of Tony Daro. Tonight was his “family” show. We have been to many comedians on cruise ships and other locals. Mr. Daro is one of the best we’ve ever seen!! He is a keeper, and we are now tempted to stay up for his midnight “adult” show tomorrow night.

It’s approaching Midnight, and as we arrive back at our cabin, we note the bottle of Champagne, compliments of our Concierge! And of course we can’t let this go to waste!! So here we sit, on our balcony (being snobs we guess…), watching the lights of Puerto Rico fade off as we turn the corner near Aricebo and turn to the South, heading toward Aruba. But tomorrow we have a Sea Day instead – time to absorb some sun and fun. But more on that tomorrow.

It’s time for bed….

Good Night everyone.

Our Dining Room Waiter is: Balkan from Turkey

His assistant waiter is: Marcos from Granada

The Head waiter is : ?????

Our Cabin # is 9214 , a Junior Suite on the Port side of the ship on the bubble.

We walked 9319 steps today.

Try to imagine that you are leaving for a journey from which you may never return. How would you “mark” the time? Would you hold a feast? Would you chronicle and record every moment? Rituals mark time, set space apart – two ways of defining what we mean by the special.

Before setting out, remind yourself of the purpose of your journey. From now on, there is no such thing as a neutral act, an empty thought, an aimless day. Travels become special by the depths of their contemplations. As in myth, dream, and poetry, every word is saturated with meaning.

Now is the time to live our ideal lives. We’re off to bed to ready ourselves for….A Day at Sea!!

[cookieeater]

Wow, this is not a thread . . . . more like a novel! A page-turner . . . looking forward to Day 2!!!

Cookieeater

[Nothin' But Sun]

Your posts are some of the most interesting, thought producing, introspectic words I have read in a long time. Perhaps it is because of the journey we are about to embark on or just the way your words are affecting the wonderful mood I am already in. I will only be able to follow your journey until Wed. morning but until then I appreciate the time you are taking to keep us with you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sue

[mjx2]

After a drink, it’s off to the Windjammer for the Honey Stunk Chicken (see picture from earlier – my DW is hovering over a piece. And a great dose of people watching. Tell me you don’t do the same. You can tell the inexperienced cruiser versus the experienced cruiser. Which line do YOU stand in? The first one, or the rear one? Lunch in the Windjammer is always its level best.

 

The sailaway was at 8 PM – so we missed it since we were at dinner.

 

We walked 9319 steps today.

 

 

First time cruiser in March ... picking up clues here ... note to self ... two lines in Windjammer ... skip dinner in the dining room first night to see my first sailaway ... don't worry about overeating because I can walk it off ...

 

Love your review ... mj

[SugarNSpice8104]

BRL, love reading your posts everyday. You make me feel like I am there. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this for all of us here at cc. If it's not to much trouble, I was wondering if you would be able to post the room service menu? Also, I know you won't be able to find out til the end of the week but I heard that Royal Caribbean stopped the luggage valet program. I was wondering if this is true as I was expecting to take advantage of this service while sailing in March. Thanks so much for what your doing and I am looking forward to reading your next update.

 

Sarah

[ckrobyn]

BRL - Awesome review :)

I'm sure Robert is a great Concierge......but DeDe told me she will be back onboard Feb 15th. So unless something has drastically changed, I will look forward to seeing her!

So glad you are enjoying your cruise!!!!!! I look forward to more excellent commentary and pictures too :D

[ginger2000]

Can't wait to read about Aruba and Curacao. We're up next and we have never been to those 2 islands! So very enjoyable to read your posts everyday!

[lovemylab]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this review.

 

We have the AOS booked for this upcoming November and can't wait!

[BuyReallyLow]

BRL - Awesome review :)

 

I'm sure Robert is a great Concierge......but DeDe told me she will be back onboard Feb 15th. So unless something has drastically changed, I will look forward to seeing her!

 

So glad you are enjoying your cruise!!!!!! I look forward to more excellent commentary and pictures too :D

 

I spoke with Robert again this morning and I was mistaken... DeDe will be back after her vacation with her family in Turkey. So you are correct!

[ricge01]

BRL, I too have enjoyed your descriptive posts. But as I will be in San Juan to greet your ship when it returns, actually waiting to board it after you've left, my big question is which bar/bartender makes the best drinks :D

 

I'll keep reading until we leave early Friday to head to San Juan, might try and get into Pamela's

[BuyReallyLow]

Adventure of the Seas

Day 2 (on board) – At Sea

January 19, 2009

84 Degrees

Here we must deal with awe, fascination, and terror,

With ignorance through with the lightning of certainty,

And with feelings of exuberance, love and bliss…

- Francis Huxley

A beautiful Sunrise geets us on Day 2 while onboard Adventure of the Seas:

Whether by walking or by traveling via plane, ship, train, bicycle, or bus, the traveler progresses across time as well as space. The ambitiousness of the goal, the intensity of devotion ensure that the sight of new landscapes, the smell of novel foods, the encounter with unusual customs – all converge to create a new way of experiencing the world. The legendary hospitality and deference afforded by Royal Caribbean would be put on full display today – as we start our first full day of our journey with a day at Sea.

Days at Sea are wonderful experiences. For my wife, it is time to contemplate her tan around the pool, listening to the music and watching our traveling companions as they wander by. For me, I find my pleasure by just wandering. For my travel, every experience is uncanny. No encounter is without meaning. There are signs everywhere, if only we learn how to read them. In “A Pilgrim,” the narrator can choose to regard the neo-pilgrim on the road as just peculiar or as a messenger. So can we each time we meet a stranger – or even strange behavior – while on board. And if you slow down and listen, you will be amazed at what you see, hear, smell, and touch.

Adventure of the Seas is the third of the ground-breaking Voyageur Class Ships. For its time, it was one of the most innovative Ships on earth – with Roller Blade Track, Ice Skating Rink, a Rock-Climbing Wall, and the most innovative of all , the Royal Prominade – a literal main street in down the center of the ship. This ship is so well designed -- with lots of very distinctly themed rooms and with even the larger venues like the Lyric Theater and Imperial Lounge feeling unexpectedly cozy -- that Adventure of the Seas has the potential to spoil first-timers and even seduce some of us crusty ol' cruise traditionalists. I thought that today I would take you on a little tour, hitting the high points (hopefully with the pictures everyone knows and loves!) as well as some of the cozy corners that one discovers if one looks closely (or just travels on the same ship often enough!) Let’s start from the bottom and work our way up.

Deck 2: On deck 2 you will find the lowest level of the Lyric Theater. You also will find the Screening Room. The Screening Room shows movies throughout the day. The conference center and Entertainment Complex are found here, along with the 200 level of Ocean View Rooms.

 

Deck 3: On deck 3, you will find the main floor of the Lyric Theater, along with the nightclub Jesters. The Studio B Arena, where the Ice Rink is found, is also on Deck 3. Lastly , the lower level of the 3 story Dining room – Vivaldi, is found on this deck. Deck 3 is also where you will pick up and view the various photos that have been taken of you while on board.

[BuyReallyLow]

Deck 4: The front of Deck 4 has the 2nd level of the Lyric Theater, followed closely by the popular Schooner Bar. The Casino follows close behind. An interesting game that was new to me is the Pro-Poker table. It is basically a 40” flat screen laid flat, with a video screen that allows you to view your hand, and by touch screen make your wagers. Everyone sits around the screen as they do at a regular poker table. It appears to be a VERY popular game. Moving aft we find the Lobby Bar, followed by the Strauss Dining Room.

 

Here is the Poker game I spoke of:

 

Lobby Bar:

 

Main Dining Room:

[BuyReallyLow]

At 9:00 AM, my DW took up station in her favorite deck chair location on Deck 12. She does not like to sit down by the pool itself – which on Sea Days is a challenge. At 9 AM, the chairs were already covered with towels – turning the blue stripped chairs into a sea of “Pool Tan”. We’ve always had the view that instead of challenging for a pool seat, it is better to be above the fray, both literally (Deck 12) and figuratively. It is easy enough to walk down the steps to take a cooling dip in the pool. From 9 until 10 I soaked up some sun with her. But at 10 AM, it was the Adult Long Drive Competition in the Golf Simulator. Quite a few participants and onlookers were there to compete and cheer on. I ended up taking 2nd place in the Men’s division, behind a Gorilla named Kevin who crushed his drive almost 270 yards (Great Shot Kevin!!). After that, it was a run down to the Schooner Bar for Morning Trivia. Tough questions again today – our team finished 2nd again.

At 11:00 AM, our Meet and Mingle crowd gathered in the Blue Note. I was a bit late, since I was trying to attack decks two and three for pictures. On some Royal Caribbean ships, the art on the walls on each deck is organized by a theme – it might be color or subject, etc. That is not the case on Adventure. So by the time I got to the Meet & Mingle, I was about 10 minutes late. Mike Szwajkowski, our Cruise Director had just finished introducing various team members who were available to answer any questions. We had a very nice crowd – larger than many Meet & Mingles I had experienced aboard other vessels. (Show Picture). A small correction – yesterday I had said Mike was “new” – he is actually “newer” to Royal Caribbean. If I heard him right, he has been aboard Adventure (for the most part) for approximately the past 2 ½ years. Mike did a fine job answering questions and providing some tid-bits about Adventure and her upcoming future – going into Dry-Dock in June/July. There was a normal drawing for the water mouse, and some of the newer swag bags that Royal Caribbean hands out. Once he finished, it was nice to meet face-to-face with the many people I had been “chatting” with for the better part of a year! I was informed that in the first 10 minutes, Mike had asked where “BuyReallyLow” was. So I introduced myself to Mike. He was very gracious and wanted to let me know that if there was anything he could do to help with the blog, to let him know. He reads Cruise Critic on a regular basis, so he is aware of all the things that we say – both good and bad. I also clued him in to the good folks at Crowncast.org and encouraged him to listen to Veronica and Jamie. I know he reads Cruise critic because he noted (with a smile) that I commented on how good the Comedian was – but nothing about him. Mike, you did a great job last night as well!! It’s early, but you’re in my running to be one of the better Cruise Directors we’ve experienced!! So keep up the good work!! And thanks for your kind words.

 

The Cruise Critic Gang!

 

Next up is lunch, which during Sea Days we enjoy in the main dining room. It’s called “Brasserie 30” and has a nice menu of various sandwiches, etc. You will likely see your waiter and assistant, as they work here during the lunch hours as well as during dinner. Today I enjoyed the Hand Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich with fries, and a nice Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart. We lunched with two couples. One of which had been on numerous Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norweigan, Holland America, and other cruises. The other couple was their guests, and it was their first cruise. It is always enjoyable spending time talking to others about the same things we love – cruising being one of them!! And to observe the delight of the “first cruise” thru another’s eyes is a special favorite.

This afternoon/evening promises to be a busy one, with Adult Dodgeball, a review of decks 5 thru 8, and formal night dinner. But I’ll leave those details til later – I’m almost late for dodgeball!!

Breakfast on the Balcony:

[Prphan2]

As I'm sitting in my family room with a nasty head cold that won't go away, contemplating the beautiful, but chilly, white landscape out the window, you have put me into such an amazing place in my mind! I have fully enjoyed your posts for the last few days and will continue to look for your updates. Thank you for taking the time to bring us along on your journey.:)

[Kikkycat]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to do this for us, and having done trip reports before (but not live) I know just taking notes is time-consuming. You've made the anticipation I feel for my first cruise so delicious.

 

Tell Mike the January 25th people are coming to have some fun!!

 

George... his definition of "best bartender" may well differ from mine or yours. We just have to do our own bar crawl at some point and determine which bartender we like most!

[Dr. VP]

We sailed on A.O.S. for the third time on 1/4/09. The service, by everyone we came in contact with, was the best we ever experienced (cruise #9 for us, 8 with RCCL) on a cruise. The ship is in very good shape (and headed for dry dock soon I believe).

 

The very international passenger population was just like any other, the vast majority pleasant and having a good time like everyone else. The silliness about the local population onboard is just that, silliness.

 

Though too small for the amount of traffic, the airport isn't as bad as reported. All of us have experienced a crowded airport or pier one time or another.

 

Cruise Director Mike S (who is leaving A.O.S. shortly) was a delight, a rare C.D. who has his ego in check.

 

If you like the southern caribbean route (we do!), sail A.O.S.

 

Happy cruising! :)

[ckrobyn]

 

Cruise Director Mike S (who is leaving A.O.S. shortly) was a delight, a rare C.D. who has his ego in check.

 

If you like the southern caribbean route (we do!), sail A.O.S.

 

Happy cruising! :)

 

Do you know when Mike is leaving the AOS, or who his replacement will be? :confused:

[Deborito]

Those of us on the Jan 25th cruise are having a great time on our roll call discussing this thread. Thanks for the great pics and all the details.

 

One question, Has anyone on your roll call received their fuel supplement onboard credit yet?