Adventure of the Seas Review
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My husband and I chose this cruise for the southern Caribbean itinerary. We were on the August 5-12, 2017 cruise that went to St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados. All incredible islands! The only thing we did not like about this itinerary was that it only had one sea day, and every day we were getting up early in order to enjoy a full day of the islands. We did two tours only, in St. Kitts and St. Lucia. Both were very informative tours and we enjoyed them very much. The other islands we just went to the beach by either walking into town (St. Maarten and Barbados) and taking the local bus to the beach in Antigua.
We arrived at the port for embarkation at about 1:15 pm and it was total CHAOS!! So many people on line just to drop off the luggage. Once you drop off the luggage, you then get on another line to get into the building to check-in. Then you get on the check-in line. There were so many people, but somehow we got on the ship by 2:00 just in time for the staterooms to be available to drop off your carry-on bags. On to lunch in the Windjammer! Let the cruise begin!!
We did the BOGO dinners for the first two nights and make reservations at Giovanni's Table restaurant for both nights, but after the fact we wish we had gone to Chops Grille for one of the nights. This BOGO is definitely worth doing, great value! After that we had the rest of our meals in the Main Dinning Room. We had My Time Dining at 6:30 and it worked out well. They will hold the reservations for up to 15 minutes if you are running late. The hostess that you check in with when you arrive in the MDR tries to put you at the same table with the same waitstaff each night. If you ask for a different table it almost becomes problematic, but if you insist they will do it.
Cabin Review
Promenade Stateroom
The Promenade Cabin was very comfortable with a seating area and desk/vanity by the window. For two people it was perfect! We didn't hear noise from down below except when the band was playing in the promenade or there was a party or parade. There was plenty of drawer and shelf space. The bed was comfortable with two pillows per person and a mattress pad on it. The location is great because it's midship and easy to walk to either staircase at the front or back of ship. The Promenade Stateroom is a great alternative to an inside stateroom. Because of the window, the cabin feels bigger and not closed in. I have stayed in a lot of Inside Staterooms, but if the price is not much more I would definitely opt for the Promenade Stateroom. The stateroom steward, Nick, was the best. He kept the cabin clean and the towels replaced as needed.
Port Reviews
San Juan
We arrived at 12:00 pm on day of embarkation. We took a taxi to the pier. Make sure to get a voucher from the taxi dispatcher, who will get the taxi for you. We paid $23.00 plus tip to the pier. It took about half hour.
St. Kitts (Port Zante)
We booked a private tour with Thenford Grey, who comes highly recommended on Cruise Critic. It was a half day tour (4 hours) of the island with Mr. Grey himself. Mr. Grey is and encyclopedia of information about the island. We made several stops to take pictures and see all the important sights of the island. Mr. Grey is very proud of his island and was very informative and interesting. I booked this tour literally two days before boarding the ship. It was confirmed immediately and payment was made by cash at the end of the tour.
Antigua
We got off the ship and walked straight out of the port area and continued walking straight until we got to Market Street (2 blocks). We turned right and walked until we got to the Bus Depot (keep right at the fork in the road where the statue is). We asked for bus #22 since we wanted to go to Darkwood Beach. We got in the van and paid $1.50 per person cash to the driver. We waited about 15 minutes for the van to fill up and then we were on our way. When we got to the beach the driver said he would return for us and we told him the time we would want to go back. True to his word he came back as we were gathering our things and told us he was waiting for us. It takes about 20-30 minutes each way. Darkwood Beach is a beautiful, quiet beach with a restaurant, restroom and changing rooms. Paid $15.00 for 2 lounge chairs and umbrella.
St. Lucia
We did a private tour with COSOL in St. Lucia. It was a full day tour (7 hours) but totally worth it. We saw so much, made so many stops, even were treated to a buffet style lunch with all sorts of local foods and fruits. Water bottles were provided several times. We stopped for sulpher mud baths, a swim under a beautiful waterfall, boat ride to a beach between the pitons (spent about an hour here), went to a banana plantation and tasted a fresh banana from the tree banana, etc. Given fresh local bread with cheese as an afternoon snack. It was a full day of continuous activities and totally worth doing! The only way to see the island!
Barbados
We walked off the ship and out of the port area. We asked for direction to the beach and basically when you get to the main road, you make a right and continue walking straight following the sidewalk around the marina and you will walk into the town. Continue walking along the marina (on your right). You'll walk over a bridge that is across from some beautiful government buildings and a church. Once over the bridge you will see a blue building that says Pirate's Cove. We went to the beach there (Carlisle Bay). Pirate's Cove has a restaurant, restrooms, drinks and $15.00 for 2 chairs and umbrella. Music playing too!
Beautiful beach area!
St. Maarten
We got off the ship, walked through the port shopping area and out the gates. Turn left and walk straight to the town and its public beaches. It will be a 20-30 minute walk, great exercise! We paid $15.00 for 2 lounge chairs and an umbrella. There were restaurants, drinks and restrooms along the beach. The water was turquoise and warm. Very relaxing day.