We are frequent cruisers and this was our first trip on Adventure of the Seas. We have always cruised Carnival - not just for the lower fares - but because of the staff & service. Starting out, Old San Juan is just beautiful and it was our 3rd trip to the city. Spend time getting to know old San Juan - tucked away on side streets are wonderful restaurants and shops. We stayed at the Sheraton Old San Juan for two nights - rooms were fine and staff were friendly. Certainly convenient to the Carnival cruise lines and just a short 15 minute taxi ride to the Pan American terminal where Royal is based.
Getting on the ship was fairly hassle free - we arrived by 11:30 AM at the terminal (though they told our 8th floor not to arrive until 2 PM - we still got on the ship this early and avoided the major crowd.) Our first encounter at the Poolside Bar was rude and not very helpful. He maintained this attitude for the entire cruise - not just to us -but to other guests that I witnessed. Shame on him.
Eight of us traveled as a family - we booked "inside" rooms - our first time. I probably will not choose to book an inside room again just because it's very disorienting with no light, etc. Others tell me it's helpful to put the TV on the ship's webcam channel and it will light your cabin as daylight approaches. Rooms are very small - but we didn't experience any ship movement which I was grateful for!