My wife and I cruised with our son and his wife who cruise each year to the Caribbean. Our previous cruises were to Spain, Tahiti, and Alaska. We choose the AOS because of the itinerary and date. We booked through AAA.

We flew into San Juan from Dayton Ohio a day early and were to spend the night at La Concha in Condado. But when we arrived, we were told the rooms were not available because of a broken water pipe. So the hotel booked us rooms at the Caribe Hilton and picked up the tab and taxi fare. The Caribe has nice grounds but a small beach area. Took a taxi into Old San Juan. Calle Fortaleza was closed off for a street party. We had a great dinner at Cafe San Juan. The paella was loaded with seafood. Most of the shops close at 6pm.

Left the Caribe at 11am after skipping the $26 breakfast buffet. Took a taxi for $12 + bags and arrived at the AOS where we dropped our bags in the right lane and queued up in the left. The doors opened at 11:30 for a seapass/passport check and security. We got our room key card, had another passport/key card check with photo, and boarded the ship for the group photo. Took 25 min for the whole process. Had lunch at the Windjammer which had many good choices and has a spacious seating area. The buffet followed a single line for a smooth flow rather than two lines opposite which causes more bustle. The muster drill was at 6pm and does not require life vests. Had early dinner in the Vivaldi room. The food throughout the cruise was great with varied choices including steak, lamb, salmon and other seafood, pasta, and vegetarian. Our waiters, Claire and Andy, provided excellent service. We only ate dinner in the dining room. We did not feel the need to eat and pay extra at Portofino or Johnny Rockets. We had our breakfasts in the Windjammer or the dining room. The ship sailed at 8pm. Read more