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.
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.
          
The multi-level centrum, which is a focal point of the ship
 
Our cruise, which left from San Juan, included stops in St. Maarten, Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao in addition to two days at seas.
            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
The solarium for passengers 16 and older.
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.
            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. 
      
A balcony stateroom
     
Our waiter had additional challenges as his assistant waiter was brand new on the job – as in her first cruise.  She was very pleasant, but seemingly unprepared to be cruising.  We’re not sure if she was in over her head, or if RCL’s training program lacks fundamental training for its wait staff.  Here’s a hint, always serve from the right.
            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.
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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