Adventure of the Seas: A solid, but not exceptional cruise experience
About this review: Stan Zoller is a freelance journalist and
journalism educator. Information in this
review is an independent viewpoint based on individual observation. No complimentary
services, meals, or lodging were provided by Royal Caribbean.
It’s no secret that the cruise
industry is becoming more and more competitive.
What was once deemed as a vacation for the rich and famous, if not just
the rich, is now a common vacation for individuals and families from all
cultures, heritages and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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| The Promenade |
For
families, cruising the Caribbean can be utopia with a plethora of activities
for passengers of all ages and itineraries that offer an array of opportunities
for vacationers.
The most
recent cruise my family and I took was a seven-night cruise on Royal
Caribbean’s “Adventure of the Seas”, a ship that according to Royal Caribbean’s
media guide, can hold up to 3,802 passengers.
Commissioned in 2001, the Adventure of the Seas is slated for
revitalization in October.
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| The multi-level centrum, which is a focal point of the ship |
Here’s a
breakdown of my observations:
The Ship: As noted, it’s impressive
with its variety of venues. Two main
deck pools and four hot tubs are augmented by a quieter solarium that features
its own pool and two hot tubs. This area
is for passengers over 16 years of age.This ship also features inline skating and an ice rink.
Staterooms
are nice size with what we have found (this is our eighth cruise on Royal
Caribbean and our first on the Adventure of the Seas) have more than adequate
storage space. The bathroom, if you are
a first-time cruiser, is not what you will find at home.
While the
ship is appointed with a nice array of artwork and impressive chandeliers in
the centrum and dining room, it can’t mask the fact that the ship is in need of
the aforementioned
revitalization. I
found excessive wear and tear on stateroom furniture and linens to be augmented
by broken furniture, peeling wallpaper and door seals not held in place. This not only indicates a need for
revitalization, but perhaps a cutback by Royal Caribbean on its maintenance
staff. While this does not impact the
quality of the cruising experience, it does make you raise an eyebrow as to attention
to detail by RCL.
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| The solarium for passengers 16 and older. |
The Service: For the most part, the service,
especially that of our cabin steward and waiter on the Vivaldi level of the
Dining Room, was outstanding. In
addition to handling their jobs extraordinarily well, their attitude was highly
professional and made you feel welcome. We provided extra gratuities to both.
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| A balcony stateroom |
I found the
same level of service in the Windjammer Café where plates were cleared quickly
and drink orders taken on a steady basis.
However,
it’s not all seashells and balloons. RCL
could do a better job of communicating during busy times. For example, the line for custom omelets
adjoins the one for the daily selections.
Signage or a staff person informing people of this would cut down on the
lines. Also, on previous cruises, the
head waiter stopped by our table to introduce himself or herself and to make
sure things were going smoothly. We had
no interaction during the entire cruise, nor were we greeted as we entered the
dining room. Yes, it’s a little thing,
but it’s an indication of how RCL has appeared to have lost some of its luster.
Food:
Different tastes for different people, but I found the food in both
the Windjammer and Dining Room to be quite good. There is always a wide variety, especially in
the Windjammer, while the Dining Room menu highlights a different herb or
flavor each night in some menu items, not all, which is a good thing as not
everyone is a fan of basil and jasmine, etc.
When you dine in the Windjammer, checkout all stations as there may be
different items at each.
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| The Dining room |
While RCL
offers accommodations for people with special dietary needs, they are, I was told,
limited. I learned from a passenger who
is gluten intolerant. She explained that
when she cruised on Carnival Cruise Lines, every
menu item was available gluten free. RCL, she said, offered limited
options. If misery loves company, one
item that was marked gluten free was not, resulting in a difficult last night
on the cruise. Again, attention to
detail was missing.
My biggest
gripe with the food was that while the entree would be served warm, the garnish
it was served on (potatoes, vegetables, etc.) were often room temperature, if
not cold. I actually sent my meal back
one night. I can’t fault the waiter as
it appears to be an issue with food production and preparation.
Ports of Call
San Juan – Our cruised sailed from here.
You’ll find some good history here, especially in the Old City. The fort, Castillo San Cristóbal, is part of
the National Park system and well worth the ride or walk over to it. The area adjoining it is loaded with
shopping, bars and restaurants. Two things of note about San Juan. Most cabs won’t take credit cards unless your
fare, including luggage fees, exceeds $30.
It’s a pain to deal with.
Secondly, if
you embark and debark from the Pan American port, don’t expect much. This is not a RCL issue. A few things of note: First, the port has all the ambience of a
WalMart. It’s a large facility that
appears to be a former warehouse. And to add to your pleasure in the San Juan
heat and humidity, it’s not air conditioned.
The folks who run the place make TSA seem efficient. Imagine having 3,000-plus people checking in
and a long escalator not working. Generally,
it’s not a challenge – but add luggage and you’re talking a bit more of an
ordeal. RCL’s check-in process is
excellent, but my guess is they bear the brunt of the inefficiency of the San
Juan port staff.
Debarkation
is not much better. Lines were so long we waited over an hour past our
scheduled departure time from the ship to go through customs. Again, this is not an RCL issue. The cruise staff did the best it could to
keep passengers informed.
Bonaire – A
nondescript port, but some great excursions.
We did the Mangrove tour that was very informative and well done. They take ecological preservation very
serious and it reflects in their tour.
Curacao – A
scenic area. We were at this port until
nearly 11 p.m. A lot of Dutch influence,
which makes for some great photos. A
mall area near the ship seems to be a fairly recent addition. It includes a path that leads you on a pleasant
walk into the town. We did a Curacao tour and beach stop. Tour was mediocre, unless you are into fancy
homes in the Caribbean. The beach,
however, was quite nice.
Aruba – Lots
of money here. Great spot for beaches of
snorkeling. We did the National
Geographic Snorkeling experience, which was the best snorkeling experience I’ve
ever had. And I’m not a water
person. However, the staff, equipment
and destinations were outstanding. Lunch
was included at the excursion company’s dock and restaurant which are on their
own beach. Aruba is known for its outstanding beaches, especially those run by
major hotel chains.
General things of note
While generally minor, these things can be irritating, but are by no
means cruise killers.
Thorns –
Incessant upselling. Try and limit to
the first day when people tour the ship.
The constant pitching of specialty restaurant gets old quick. We were approached twice – during the same
meal.
Rose – The
promenade is an accent of the ship with shops (surprised?), bars and the Café
Promenade that is open 24/7 and is not extra charge. The promenade would be more enticing if the
walkway was not loaded with tables and a replica car outside the sports bar.
Rose – The
Royal Caribbean singers and dancers.
This troupe was outstanding and featured two excellent female
vocalists. By the way, if you can, take
in the jazz show, generally on the last night on the cruise in the Blue Moon
Lounge. It’s put on by the musicians and
singers and is outstanding.
Thorn – The
entertainment featured three comedians. Not only were they not overly funny,
but clueless as to their audience – I mean really, who does Sammy Davis, Jr.
jokes? I found one comedy duo extremely offensive to various cultures and
religions, which resulted in a face-to-face meeting with the cruise director
and subsequent communications with top management at Royal Caribbean. A separate blog is coming on this situation.
Rose –
Security. It’s comprehensive and well
done. Don’t mess with these guys.
Thorn –
Elevators. Hopefully the revitalization
will include updated technology to cut down on wait times.
Rose – Pool
areas are well maintained and offer a variety of activities for children and
adults.
Rose –
Evening activities. They run the gamut
from jazz and dancing throughout the ship, to adult-themed competition.
Thorn –
Maintenance in exercise area. Some
equipment needed attention. An attendant
in the area might be a good idea. As I
worked out some folks thought the grating on the decorative columns made a
great place to do pull-ups.
The Report Card
The Ship
Amenities: A
Overall
Condition: B- / C+
Service
Overall: A+
Dining:
Selection: A (I can’t grade
special dietary accommodations, but as noted, there is room for improvement
here).
Itinerary:
Overall: B+. Its focus is on family fun unlike a
Mediterranean or Alaskan cruise where itineraries are more unique. Still, the itinerary on this cruise offered a
lot to do.
Overall Experience:
B+ -- As noted, it was a fundamentally solid cruise experience, but not
exceptional. A revitalization and
refinement of some policies and accommodations should enhance this experience.
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