Adventure of the Seas Review

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Cruise Critic
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Adventure of the Seas was built in 1999 and debuted in 2001 as the third in the series of Royal Caribbean's game-changing Voyager-class vessels. Though Adventure has been bypassed in size and amenities by the Freedom-class trio, the Quantum-class ships and the massive Oasis-class quintuplets, it's still among the world's larger ships, with a range of the most uncruise-like venues at sea, such as an ice-skating rink and rock-climbing wall -- not to mention the bustling hub that is Royal Promenade, a shopping mall-esque boulevard of retail stores, bars and cafes. The Adventure of the Seas length is equivalent to 3 soccer fields (1,020 feet long) and at maximum capacity can hold 3,807 guests.

The Adventure of the Seas Deck Plan Combines Family Fun and Adult-Only Areas

The Adventure of the Seas deck plan is almost a carbon copy of its sister ships’, with a number of elements that allow both a good night’s sleep and great passenger flow. Only a relatively small percentage of rooms share deck with public spaces, which helps keep the noise at bay on most levels. Light sleepers may want to avoid cabins on decks 2, 3 and 6, but most others should offer pretty quiet nights.

Ambience variety is key – and Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas does it well. The Lyric Theater has a nifty Art Nouveau interior; the adult-only solarium pool evokes the glories of Venice; and the Casino Royal centers on a Hollywood theme. The English Pub is perfect for Anglo-philes, Champagne Bar is elegant and Boleros nightclub resonates with a Latin vibe.

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.

There are so many things to do on Adventure of the Seas that passengers will struggle to do everything during a week-long sailing – movie nights, rock-climbing walls, ice skating, mini-golf, tons of workshops, a gym, a spa and plenty of shows keep guests of all ages busy. Does Adventure of the Seas have slides? you may wonder – yes, two of them actually, and they’re called The Perfect Storm.

While this cruise ship is clearly geared towards families, adults can also find pockets of peace here and there – in particular, at the adults-only Solarium, which features a small pool, two whirlpools, a sun deck, and a bar. Although it’s on Adventure of the Seas deck 11, the adult-only area is enclosed and the noise from the family pool, the splash pool for kids, and the Windjammer buffet doesn’t carry.

The 2018 Adventure of the Seas refurbishment left the ship sparkling, and added new specialty dining venues, and generally refreshed all public areas and cabins.

Brilliance of the Seas vs Adventure of the Seas

We love Royal Caribbean because it manages to cater to a wide range of cruisers. While the Voyager class to which Adventure of the Seas belongs and the larger Oasis- and Quantum-class ships are wonderful options for families seeking a fun-filled, bustling vacation at sea, Brilliance of the Seas and other Radiance class vessels are the way to go if you want a more traditional cruising experience. They may not have as many bells and whistles as the newer ships (no massive water slides, fewer dining options) but Radiance vessels are mellower and quieter.

If you’re trying to decide between Brilliance of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas, for example, you may want to ask yourself whether you want loud music, non-stop family entertainment and high-adrenaline activities (go for Adventure) or a more relaxing, classic cruising experience that also offers a few child-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club and a splash area (book Brilliance).

Royal Caribbean COVID-19 Rules

For the most up-to-date testing, masking, and vaccination requirements aboard Adventure of the Seas, please refer to Royal Caribbean's Health and Safety protocols. You can also use Cruise Critic's guide to health requirements on the world’s major cruise lines as we know them.

Pros

Newly installed FlowRiders and water slides are sure to please

Cons

Less than half of the cabins onboard have balconies

Bottom Line

A good choice for a quality family cruise vacation with plenty of amenities.

About

Passengers: 3114
Crew: 1185
Passenger to Crew: 2.63:1
Launched: 2001
Shore Excursions: 420

Inclusions

Included with your cruise fare:

  • Meals and snacks in the three main dining rooms, Windjammer Marketplace, Cafe Promenade

  • Room Service (continental breakfast only)

  • Entertainment shows in the main theatre

  • Most activities and events onboard

  • Gym use (except organized classes and training sessions)

  • Use of the ice-skating rink

  • Use of the sports court, Adventure Dunes mini-golf, Perfect Storm slides, Flowrider, rock-climbing wall

  • Adventure Ocean Kids Club activities (ages 6 months to 17 years), except late-night programs

Not included with your cruise fare:

  • Mandatory daily gratuities (amounts vary depending on cabin category)

  • Auto-gratuities of 18 percent applied to salon, spa, beverage purchases and specialty dining venue reservations

  • Drinks excluding water, tea (including iced tea), coffee and juices from the Windjammer Marketplace

  • Room Service orders (flat rate, plus 18 percent gratuity, except continental breakfast)

  • Specialty dining and snacks in Chops Grille, Izumi, Giovanni’s Table, Chef’s Table, Ben & Jerry’s, Johnny Rockets

  • Treatments at the spa and salon

  • Fitness classes

  • Most arts and craft classes onboard

  • Casino tournaments

  • Behind-the-scenes tours

  • Activities including but not limited to the arcade, bingo, sushi-making classes, shopping events, bottomless galley brunch and alcohol tastings

  • Late-night Adventure Ocean kids club programs

  • Shore Excursions

  • Internet; Adventure of the Seas Wi-Fi packages range from social media-only plans to unlimited use ones.

  • Photos and artwork

Fellow Passengers

Passengers range in age from 35 - 55-plus with a large number of families onboard. Adventure of the Seas is a great option for couples and families -- particularly multi-generational groups. Speaking of groups, this a terrific cruise choice for them, whether it's a business group (there's a fully equipped conference center along with meeting space) or an extended family because there's lots to do for all age groups.

We offer the recommendation with one caveat: The sprawling ship and its plethora of options may be bewildering to folks who prefer more traditional styles of cruises.

Speaking of a mix of people, one of the more interesting facets of passenger demographics on this ship is international diversity (the daily Compass is printed in six languages).

Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Dress Code

Daytime: Dress is quite casual during the day.

Evening: There are two formal nights where most men wore suits and women wore dressy (but not long) cocktail gowns. Otherwise, people dressed in "smart casual" which varied from country club wear to dressy. We saw all types. A couple of nights were themed and you could wear, say, country-western garb or '50's styles.

Not permitted: No tank tops, bathing suits or baseball caps are permitted in the main dining room or specialty restaurants, and footwear is always required. Shorts are not permitted at dinner, except in the buffet.

For more information, visit Cruise Line Dress Codes: Royal Caribbean.

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More about Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas

Where does Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas sail from?

Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas departs from Port Canaveral and Barcelona

How much does it cost to go on Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas?

Cruises on Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas start from $428 per person.

Is Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas a good ship to cruise on?

Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas won 7 awards over the years.
Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Cruiser Reviews

Adventure of the Seas delivers a good time!

If you can sail a ship to the Carribean you can figure out a better way to disembark. Adventure of the Seas is a wonderful ship, clean and spotless for it's age and the crew was very friendly.Read More
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osujohn

many10+ Cruises

Age 70s

Amazing time on Adventure of the Seas

Because of the hurricane the Adventure of the Seas was re-deployed from Ft Lauderdale to Roatan, Honduras, Cozumel, Mexico and Perfect Day Coco Cay, Bahamas.Read More
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Sailer Duane

many10+ Cruises

Age 50s

A Post-COVID Return to Cruising

We are just back from our second sailing on Royal's Adventure of the Seas. My wife and I last sailed in September 2019 and loved the ship.Read More
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STLbbfan

many10+ Cruises

Age 50s

Missed ports, ship overview

The Adventure of the Seas is a good choice for destinations, but limited sea days. Affordable for couples trip.Read More
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corporate_cyan_clownfish

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 50s

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