henrysea13

Cruise Summary
Where did the time go?  It seems like we just boarded.  
Despite cooler temperatures to start the cruise it was all very enjoyable.  A little light rain at times but prepared with my rain coat it really didn't impact this journey.   
Every port we stopped in was unique and enjoyable.  It was a very different experience compared to a typical Bahamas or Caribbean cruise and different from an Alaska cruise as well.  I can see doing this snowbird migration again or even a round trip Canada/New England out of Bayonne.  
My interior cabin, 6535 was chosen for its location and quick access to the forward elevator lobby.  It's basically the first inside cabin forward of the elevators port side.  It was a quick trip down two decks to the outside deck four space and the helipad or a short ride in an elevator up to deck twelve.  Choosing an inside cabin saved me a shipload of money.   The forward elevators always seem less crowded on Voyager and Freedom class.
Adventure is a nice sized ship for this cruise.  All the advantages of Voyager class and recently AMPED.  I suppose a covered Solarium would have been beneficial in the cooler weather but I'm not sure I would want to trade down to a Radiance class ship to get it.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Radiance class but lacking a promenade and sports deck amenities they are a different experience.    
Sometimes when a port is skipped such as Sydney, NS, port fees and taxes are refunded for that port.  Not so on this journey.  According to the guest services manager, RCI HQ determined they undercharged taxes by mistake and therefore there would be no refund of any taxes and port fees associated with skipping Sydney for any guest on board.
Thirteen nights.  It seemed like a long cruise when I booked it but it went quickly and felt no different than a seven or eight night cruise.  Before I knew it I had that sinking feeling you get when you realize it's time to pack.
Next cruise - Later this week I fly to Barcelona to jump on the Symphony of Seas transatlantic!  This cruise was basically a practice transatlantic, North to South instead of East to West.  Symphony is one day shorter, just twelve days across the pond but absent of as many ports of call it's a longer distance.
I hope you enjoyed following along and I thank you for viewing.

I for one would be most happy to see rc skip all further stops to Nassau over the years it has changed so much to its present form crime ridden dirty little city with mostly rude desperate con men and women smelly horses and scooter rentals so iffy that only the daredevil should partake in the summer the straw market is so hot that it boggles the mind and heartbreaking to see the babies and young ones living under the booths I find the whole situation that is Nassau depressing and don't want to deal with this on a cruise I  for one don't get off the ship and haven't for years when my daughter hears Nassau is a stop she refuses to get off freeport is a little better but not much there is just nothing to do I for one say to royal find another quiet island in the Bahamas and put all your efforts into the beach and water experience forget the shopping most all the so called souvenirs are made in china and can be purchased in any port anywhere with people who truly appreciate you being there my belief is that the present selection of Bahamian stops is to far gone to save and should be deleted from the itineraries  

Interesting enrichment talk the morning of our last sea day.  "How it Works, The Story of Royal Caribbean Voyager Class of Ships" presented by Bill, our Hotel Director.
This is the stuff that @Matt trivia is made of...
Adventure has an "air draft" of 208' depending on loading.  Antennas exceed that a few feet.  Depth numbers are painted on the side of the ship and every day in port a junior officer must record them in a log to indicate how deep the ship is sitting in the water.
Adventure gained ~3 1/2 tons with her make overs.  Originally ~135,000 GT she is now 138,279 GT.   The new cabins on deck 12 and slides have dramatically impacted her top speed.  The original deployment plan for Voyager class in Canada/NE was planned 5 years ago taking into account the top speed of 23- 24 knots.  With the change in aerodynamics they discovered this summer that isn't possible anymore, now she tops out around 20-21 knots.  
There are a number of guest capacity figures.  Max double occupancy is often quoted but Adventure's "SOLAS" capacity is actually 4,000 exactly.  That's the certified capacity based on Safety Of Life At Sea regulations.  Twice this summer she reached that number.  Her double occupancy number is 3,348.  This voyage has 3,280.  This is voyage 888 as indicated on the card provided with the sparkling wine in my cabin.
With 5 diesel generators (DG) or what most folks call "engines" they normally cruise on 3 or 4 DGs.  One DG typically is used for hotel operations or guests purposes versus propelling the ship in the water.  When top speed is needed they kick in the 5th DG.  Depending on conditions that typically gains them an extra 1 to 2 knots of speed but with a 20% increase in fuel consumption.  
The bow thrusters are the same on all Voyager and Freedom class ships.  During the scheduled 5 year dry dock rotation the propellers of some of those are removed and replaced with extra one on hand.  They are sent out for refurbishing and then installed in the next Voyager/Freedom class ship that dry docks.  This cycle continues endlessly ship after ship swapping blades.
The tenders in Bar Harbor cost them around $10k each for the day.  
Lifeboats must be exercised monthly and they do crew life boats drills every 90 days where they must fill a life boat to its capacity in 10 minutes, 147 on this ship, 370 on Oasis.  When Oasis originally came over on it's transatlantic a life boat was damaged.  They had to remove 370 guests from the next few sailings until that life boat was fixed.
Original project name for Voyager class was Project Eagle.  Radiance was Project Radiance,  Oasis was Project Genesis.  Quantum was Project Sunshine.   
When Portofino was added as a specialty restaurant years ago, they neglected to include a galley for it.  They later consumed the nearby flower shop to create a galley for Portofino.  
Back when Johnny Rockets was free they would do 1,700 guests at lunch with a 2 hour wait.  That led to a charge being imposed to manage crowds.  The original charge was $3.25.  
The Verrazano-Narrows bridge sags in the summer due to heat.  In the winter there is an extra few feet of clearance.  Adventure clears with around 14' of clearance.  In theory Oasis could fit under the Verrazano-Narrows bridge if they lowered the stacks for each passing.  Since deployment, the stacks on Oasis have permanent equipment installed at the top of the stacks and they are no longer retractable without removing the permanent equipment used for scrubbing. 
While most ships in the fleet are registered in the Bahamas, Brilliance sails under a UK flag so that they can operate the fleet in the EU and that one ship changes the taxation for all sailings.  One ship is flagged in Malta.
Over the last couple of years Canada has created a whale zone that is 200 miles long.  If a whale is spotted and the whale zone is declared "occupied"  the ship must reduce speed to 10 knots.  This impacts arrival times at ports of calls.
New GPS technology on board has improved accuracy from a meter to mere millimeters.
We lucked out in Bar Harbor.  Recall the weather worsened that day.  The next day Serenade couldn't tender in Bar Harbor but still had to clear U.S. Customs.  Everyone had to get up and be processed by CBP officials who rode out on the pilot boat.
In the rumor department, Super Oasis is in the works, an improved version much like Quantum Ultra.
When in Europe, ships are still reloaded out of Florida.  It's a 6 week order cycle when operating in Europe compared to a 2 or 3 week ordering cycle to supply a ship based in Florida.

I can't wait to see pictures of my beloved city!! (and home of the future World Series Champs! LOL)

I for one would be most happy to see rc skip all further stops to Nassau over the years it has changed so much to its present form crime ridden dirty little city with mostly rude desperate con men and women smelly horses and scooter rentals so iffy that only the daredevil should partake in the summer the straw market is so hot that it boggles the mind and heartbreaking to see the babies and young ones living under the booths I find the whole situation that is Nassau depressing and don't want to deal with this on a cruise I  for one don't get off the ship and haven't for years when my daughter hears Nassau is a stop she refuses to get off freeport is a little better but not much there is just nothing to do I for one say to royal find another quiet island in the Bahamas and put all your efforts into the beach and water experience forget the shopping most all the so called souvenirs are made in china and can be purchased in any port anywhere with people who truly appreciate you being there my belief is that the present selection of Bahamian stops is to far gone to save and should be deleted from the itineraries  

I for one would be most happy to see rc skip all further stops to Nassau over the years it has changed so much to its present form crime ridden dirty little city with mostly rude desperate con men and women smelly horses and scooter rentals so iffy that only the daredevil should partake in the summer the straw market is so hot that it boggles the mind and heartbreaking to see the babies and young ones living under the booths I find the whole situation that is Nassau depressing and don't want to deal with this on a cruise I  for one don't get off the ship and haven't for years when my daughter hears Nassau is a stop she refuses to get off freeport is a little better but not much there is just nothing to do I for one say to royal find another quiet island in the Bahamas and put all your efforts into the beach and water experience forget the shopping most all the so called souvenirs are made in china and can be purchased in any port anywhere with people who truly appreciate you being there my belief is that the present selection of Bahamian stops is to far gone to save and should be deleted from the itineraries  

I'm one of the people who don't get off the boat when it goes to the Bahamas. The reason is that, in my opinion, the people who live in the Bahamas are generally unfriendly and make little to no effort to be welcoming. How many times do you have to hear, "Hey Mister, nice shore excursion!" When I say no thank-you I suddenly get a muttered F##k You. This isn't a one off. It has happened to me a number of times.

its not automatic though - you have to tell this to the Celebrity/RCI agent that does the booking
so they can create the status for you.  Just fyi

Off to dinner in the Windjammer for German night (Ironic after so much World War history today).  Tonight was a formal night and I just didn't feel like doing the MDR.  Food in the WJ was very good.
Around 6pm the Captain announced a guest was in a critical medical condition and we would need to return to Halifax to drop them off for medical attention.  Unfortunate but it happens.  

As a result our arrival in Saint John, New Brunswick tomorrow has been pushed back to around noon.  The Captain will provide an update in the morning at 8am.  
Just before 9pm we made our second departure from Halifax.

following I just got off a solo on the brilliance I had a blast even had a solo cabin which was quite adequate hope you have a great time

following I just got off a solo on the brilliance I had a blast even had a solo cabin which was quite adequate hope you have a great time

following?

following I just got off a solo on the brilliance I had a blast even had a solo cabin which was quite adequate hope you have a great time

Let's just say this - I DO NOT use this word outside of this site but YOLO. This cruise was my bonus trip for the year after reading all of your lovely blogs and seeing your amazing pictures. I was supposed to visit a friend in Texas but we couldn't go this year so I booked this for myself. I've traveled alone before and booked a solo room before but this is my first true solo cruise. It's also my last cruise for probably a long time. I have a big land based Italy trip next year which is my #1 bucket list trip.
I've always wanted to go to Bermuda - in the late 70's (just dated myself but it was the LATE  70's) my aunt and uncle left from NY to Bermuda. At that time you were allowed to bring guests on the ship before it left so my mom, two cousins and myself got to board. There is an amazing picture of us at the shipyard - bell bottoms and a ton of hair. I have a vague memory of waving goodbye to my aunt and uncle and streamers all over (environment, whaaaat)  and remember smiling for the picture. They brought us pink sand in a bottle when they came back, since then I've always wanted to go. It's my #2 bucket list trip.
Bringing my new DLSR camera so I can practice for Italy. I'll probably forget half the time as I usually do. I'll likely update Instagram (Islalay76) and wait to upload the other picture when I get home. I'm VERY green on the DLSR - Nikon 3400
Refreshment package and I'm bringing 2 bottles of wine on board. Ultimate Dining Package and Chef's Table. I've only been to Izumi in the past so this should be fun.
If there is anything you want to know or see let me know.
Periscope is NoBadWords (I'm a tv censor, it's a joke) but I'm not really comfortable on it so not sure I will use.
 
So thank you all for giving me the courage to book a solo cruise.....YOLO!

Day 1 - Fort Lauderdale
We flew JetBlue from New York and utilizing the Hopper app several months ago managed an excellent deal ($500 roundtrip for two people). We were also fortunate to stay with great friends of ours right in Fort Lauderdale so we were fortunate to not have a hotel expense as we flew in the night prior. 
The morning of our cruise, we made sure to purchase our two bottles of wine (intending to minimize alcohol purchases onboard). 
We found our boarding experience at the terminal to be organized chaos which I don't intend to sound negative, only to illustrate that WOW Royal does an incredible job of moving thousands of people quickly through Terminal 18 at Port Everglades. We arrived at the terminal around 11 and were onboard by noon -- we were impressed. The initial hour or so onboard was exciting and slightly overwhelming. Our Boardwalk Balcony cabin was ready at 1 and we found the room to be very comfortable and spacious enough for the two of us. Frankly, I was shocked by how "big" the bathroom was...so we were definitely happy!
We chose the running track on Deck 5 for sailaway and it was just a gorgeous view leaving Port Everglades. 
For our first meal, as part of our BOGO dining package, we went to Giovanni's Table and we really enjoyed our meal there (sorry I don't remember what we ate!). After dinner we continued to explore the ship and went to Karaoke which was HILARIOUS.

Try Googling "Lady G" and you'll understand why I had to ask. LOL 
(Note: I honestly did not know who/what Lady G was?)

Day 2
Got up early (for us) and went to the Diamond side of MDR b’fast on deck 4. Normally they have the doors open so that it’s obvious that this side of the dining room is open but today the doors were closed. Being the cruise entitled folks that we are, we just busted through those closed doors and went in.  If we had not just been on Lady G 2 months ago and known that the port side of the MDR was the Diamond side, we would never have tried to do that, but combined with our historical knowledge and the fact that we saw plenty of people already seated, we just “went for it”. The host did check our Seapass cards to be sure we were legit but then seated us immediately. We were thrilled to find that our favorite servers, Yogi and his twin brother, BooBoo were still there. They recognized us right away and Yogi even served our table even though it wasn’t supposed to be his table. Delightful b’fast. Dan had a Bloody Mary and I had a mimosa.  Getting an early start on the DDP. Today’s special was onion and bacon quiche.  Really yummy. Left a nice cash tip as we always do.
After b’fast, went up to the Concierge Lounge to grab a cappuccino and say “good morning “ to Francis.  As we left we noticed a sign in the Crown Viking Lounge stating that there is going to be a Private Event there later.  What ?  I can’t find my invite !  Humph !
We are going to have to change our lunch plans as Giovanni’s is not open today for lunch. Only Chops and Izumi, so we will either have to have B2B Izumi or B2B Chops or change our dinner rezzies tonite to Giovanni’s vs Chops. Oh, the unbearable pressure !
The seas were very swellish last night (and remain so today).  Our room creaked all night. Luckily Dan and I both love these kinds of seas so we slept like babies being rocked by our mamas !  Some haven’t enjoyed the motion quite so much though.  
Dan is going for some sun and sauna action, neither of which appeal to me in the slightest, so I will either hang out in the room for a while or just head over to the casino.  Can you guess which one is most likely ?  ??
The suspense ends !  Heading to the casino !  Who didn’t win that bet ?

I just got of the brilliance on the 6th I had cellular at sea on my phone it did not change on my I phone 7 automatically  

I just got of the brilliance on the 6th I had cellular at sea on my phone it did not change on my I phone 7 automatically  

From the alignment of the cannons I understand they still afraid all those big cruise ships might be a camouflage for American army troops that will storm the city and will force them to  speak English ?.
 

I don't envy you the driving part - Montrealers are some of the craziest people I've ever encountered on the roads! And I come from Australia! ?

I just got home from a wonderful cruise of 5 days western on the Brilliance it was a solo and I had cabin 4587 a solo cabin which I was a little apprehensive when I booked but truthfully it was all a single cruiser needs. everything was in the perfect place it didn't bother me that there was no light or window to see out never gave it a second thought . The 2 1/2 hour drive was a pleasure and that's hard to say  after all it is I-4 .Smooth sailing till the fiasco of road work in O town arriving in Tampa was another story after the sign on I-4 telling you to get off here you are on your own through Ybor city you can see the ships but have a hard time getting to them after 5 turn arounds a police officer sitting on the side of the road began to remind me of an owl on a fence I swear he was laughing at me I spotted one of the private lots directly across from the ship maybe 2 blocks I had spoken to my TA about them and she said go for it after all they were 30.00 cheaper then at the ship and I was getting tired of being law enforcements enertainment I could almost hear benny hills music playing as I went past them.this lot is a family owned business the greeter said park there pointing to a great spot in the front he said lock it and keep your keys without warning he scooped up my luggage and put it in his very modern van and away we went 2 mins later I was tipping the porter and in less then 3 mins I was walking the plank onto the ship room key in hand and it wasn't 1045 yet I tried to get to 11 to the windjammer but the hoardes of hungry Vikings frightened me so I went to the park café and a couple fresh kemmelwerks  yea  no crowd the café is hidden and not easily spotted by the nubes I have not sailed this class before but I have a new love the schooner is huge I have never seen one this big great service fine piano the only minus is the casino smoke dominates everything it amazes me that these magnificent ships can be completely refurbed every 5 years new rooms put on new restaurants put in but they cant figure a way to vent the casino to the outside instead of the smell throughout the whole ship the crew on this ship are one of a kind I have been on a lot of royal cruises and never felt so genuinely welcome and appreciated I did not attend any shows frankly there not my thing I watched the movies nightly poolside and absolutely enjoyed the football games sunday and Thursday  this is more my speed and by the second night the kiddee mobs were in full swing and even that didn't bother me this cruise was spot on in every way except the food in windjammer breakfast  was outstanding eating on the outside dining area was a treat watching a new day begin then there was lunch pan after pan of slop pork chops so dry they were inedible same old mashed potatoes watery gravy two tables full of cheese and fruit which was very fresh the chicken wings yuck skin soft and slimey  BUT something new was added really good hand formed burgers cooked to perfection on fresh baked buns with every topping imaginable what an improvement and it was available lunch and dinner the entire cruise in a section called American now for the other big plus Brilliance has no sorrentos so I went to the park café once again pizza was created there and very well NOT one bit like the soggy crust under done saints awful cheese all new cheese sauce toppings and a great crispy crust is it new York or new jersey I think not but it is a pleasure to eat and worth waiting in line for I also noticed they no longer cook it on the pizza pans and sits there till they serve it which was why the crust was always soggy they now have racks in the serving area and the moment it comes out of the kitchen it goes right to the cooling rack obviously royal has people reading these blogs they are are improving and in a big way no longer the p poor school lunch room  of old and I sent corporate a thank-you for the improvements the fish they pile into those pans are seldom edible fish can not sit it dries quickly they made a salmon fillet encased in a puff pastry excellent but the five other fish dishes were awful I suggested that rather then offer a dry piece of meat like top round at the carving station when is the last time you saw a rib roast or tenderloin now they dropped to the cheapest piece of meat available it should be served immediately not left under a heat BUT seafood cooks super fast shrimp scallops salmon branzino can be cooked most all seafoods can be cooked to order very fast salmon a little butter minced garlic some shallots or lemmon grass bingo a fine meal I heard many seafood requests cod is a favorite oh well off the food this ship is an older royal masterpiece meticulously maintained combine it with the best crew I have run into yet and the attention to detail is obvious I recommend this to everyone its not the symphony the oasis and not even the freedom but if you want the true traditional cruise with PLENTY OF ACTIVITIES  try Brilliance you wont be disappointed CRUISE ON MY FRIENDS ps the red velvet cupcakes are for Sweety
 

Dude, you look like the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman!

Thank you very much. Brilliance is a great ship. The food was awesome and I had more than my share of the cupcakes with ice cream. Now I am hungry.

I really enjoyed my Brilliance cruise last week.  Great ship!