This was my fifth cruise and third with Royal Caribbean. My boyfriend (58), two children (15 and 21), and I (44) arrived in San Juan on Saturday prior to the cruise after flying a red-eye from California. We spent Saturday night at the Courtyard Marriott Isla Verde, which was a wonderful way to start our cruise vacation as it was a great beach front resort with awesome hospitality and amenities (restaurants, casino, beach w/motor sport rentals, gym). Taxi for the four of us and 8 suitcases cost $16 plus tip from the airport to hotel and $36 plus tip from hotel to pier. We arrived at the pier around 12:00 and were onboard and exploring the ship by 12:30 PM. We went directly to the spa to book a couple's massage for the next (only sea) day, and were disappointed that all except 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM slots were already booked on-line. This really surprised me, because I had looked into on-line booking but didn't find it available. Everything else went smoothly though, as we were able to check out our cabins right after lunch in the Windjammer, and our luggage arrived shortly after the lifeboat drill. Unfortunately our very expensive wine was confiscated before our luggage was delivered to our room, but that is a risk we knew about. It briefly made me consider boycotting future RCCL trips, but I enjoy everything else about this line. So, we just won't bother to bring wine in the future. It is frustrating though, because it's not the cost but selection of wine that makes us like to bring our own aboard. Hopefully, someday RCCL will reconsider this policy.

The Adventure of the Seas is older in design (most noticeable in the cabin balcony with more metal than glass), but clean and very well laid out. Although the cruise over Spring break was sold out, the ship felt empty and was never crowded except maybe in the Windjammer at breakfast. The ship includes every amenity and entertainment option we desired, and we spent a lot of time by the pool, playing miniature golf, and at the casino. We also used the gym almost every morning. It was never crowded and it is well stocked with cardio and weight equipment. We also enjoyed the ice skating show and the Quest game - two things not to miss. We went to Karaoke a couple times, but even though it was in the adult lounge late at night, it was overrun with annoying and talent-less adolescents, which made it less enjoyable.

The best thing about this ship though, and I have to say this about every RCCL experience so far, is the crew and staff. They are more than hospitable and helpful, and I often wonder how RCCL incents them to perform so extraordinarily. Their wonderful service extended to every venue we frequented from the Champagne Bar, the Casino, to our dining staff and room steward. The food on this trip was also the best we've had on a cruise so far. We went to Portofino one night, but didn't feel the need to go back because the food in the main dining room was that good - I was pleasantly surprised. My son also enjoyed room service - several times a day!! We had signed up for 'my time dining', but were VERY disappointed in the tables available as they were all in traffic areas in the middle of the room. So, we switched after the first night to the early/main seating so that we could be by a window and enjoy the sea views. We ended up in the non-English speaking area, but this was fine. Although there were several Puerto Rican families aboard, we experienced none of the rudeness or issues that other posters complained about. They may not speak English, but they were just as polite as all other nationalities aboard (which means you get all kinds)! The itinerary, with one sea day and five days at port, was exhausting. I know, I could have stayed aboard even though we were at port, but it's just not my way to "miss" out on a new place or experience. My boyfriend was smart, and stayed onboard when we docked in Antigua to read, rest, and experience the ship. Our cruise last year was a 10-day Panama cruise with 5 at-sea days. I've learned that I really enjoy and need that equal balance between sea and port days. Read more