Adventure of the Seas Review
Not Quite What Previous Experiences have Been (March 5-12, 2016)
Rating by category
Additional details
We have been on more than 15 cruises, many on Princess, several on Celebrity and now 3 on RCCL, 2 of which have been on the Adventure of the Seas. We arrive at the embarkation city at least one day ahead to avoid the stress of airline travel and "missing the ship" We choose the deep southern itinerary as we love the islands and the best guarantee of really warm weather.
Embarkation went smoothly. We did receive a health questionnaire that was not printed in English so that held up our check in very briefly. We waited on deck for our cabin to be available, but we expected that and packed appropriate clothing in our carry on.
We ate breakfast in the dining room for the most part. Service was always prompt. Beverages and pastries always kept full. There was always a cereal buffet available. Egg dishes were hot and bac0n crispy. We just do not feel the need for the huge quantity of food a buffet offers so do not visit frequently. Evening dining was pleasant. Yes, portion size was smaller than in the past, but really, clean your plate and order 2. We were served 2 decent sized lobster tails and offered more! The shrimp, scallops and other seafood was usually cooked quite nicely and I had nothing that was over cooked. Our waiters were pleasant, courteous and very attentive (table 421, Peter). However, RCCL, please, please, stop immediately the wait staff entertainment. If we want singing waiters, we will go to Teas Roadhouse. Also, cease immediately, the constant reminder to "fill in the survey"-daily is an extreme annoyance and takes away from the enjoyable dining experience.
Cabin Review
Interior Stateroom
Our cabin, 9373 an aft, interior, was acceptable. The ship as a whole is worn and in need of updating and this was reflected in the cabin. Towels and linens were clean, unstained and comfortable. I did request additional pillows as our were a little flat. We cannot echo any complaint about the mattress in our cabin(I had read some very negative comments). Toilet paper is not Charmin. Our cabin steward did a marvelous job and his service was wonderful.
Port Reviews
San Juan
We arrived several days pre-cruise. We enjoyed Old SanJuan and the IslaVerde areas. Had some marvelous Puerto Rican dishes and great seafood. Taxis on one's own are far less expensive and convenient than any of the cruise line transportation. Having said that San Juan is expensive. We did find $10 breakfasts and $18 fresh seafood.
St. Thomas
We discovered Lindbergh Bay, literally right next to the airport a long time ago. We go the Emerald Bay Resort, rent chairs ($10) and have inexpensive drinks. Great swimming and a lovely beach to walk.
St. Lucia
Walked the beach to the west/north of the pier and found a beach bar with live music!
St. Croix
Walked the beach to the west/north and found a beach bar with live music at noon!
Antigua
Took a short and inexpensive taxi ride to Dickinson Bay beach. Had a marvelous time on another amazing beach. Our taxi driver (MIchael) was on time for pick-up and we paid him upon return to town.
Grenada
Took the water taxi to Grand Anse. As the water was really rough, we had to walk to the dock, but had the opportunity to go thru the Sendall Tunnel. It rained, the water was rough and the beach was crowded, it was still a wonderful day. The spice market on beach is a great place to purchase fresh spices