twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 I found my calendar empty so on 3 days notice I booked an aft balcony on Adventure of the Seas departing from Galveston. I had airline points and my airline credit card refunded the $11.20 fees for the flights so I'm flying for free. That just left the hotel to figure out since I always recommend flying in the day before the cruise. In the past hotels on Galveston Island have often imposed a two night minimum so I usually stay somewhere between Houston and Galveston but I discovered the Doubletree on Galveston Island was not requiring a two night stay and it was a reasonable rate so I booked it. Itinerary on this sailing: Day 1 - Embark Galveston Day 2 - Sea Day Day 3 - Costa Maya Day 4 - Cozumel Day 5 - Sea Day Day 6 - Debark Galveston I haven't cruised on a Voyager class ship since the restart so this was also an opportunity to sail a class I really like. WAAAYTOOO, JohnK6404, MaryS and 5 others 6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 Day -1 Uneventful direct flight was on time and smooth. $43 Uber from the Houston Hobby airport to the Doubletree on Galveston. JohnK6404, SpeedNoodles, Lovetocruise2002 and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 Day 1 IT'S CRUISE DAY!!! I woke up early with my body still on eastern time so I had ample time to repack my luggage and get ready for my 12 noon appointment. With some time to kill I checked out Galveston Beach since the wind had subsided compared to the day before. Galveston is a busy shipping port and there was a small flotilla of tanker and container ships anchored off shore. I had to check out of my hotel at 11am so with an hour to kill I decided to walk the 1.9 miles to the cruise terminal. Note to self - next time take an Uber. It's not very walkable as there are few continuous sidewalks anywhere. That wouldn't be a problem except for wheeled luggage. Here is the other cruise terminal not used by Royal. Who knew they've been cruising here since 1927? Royal is in the process of building a new terminal but for now the existing terminal 2 is used by Royal. First step is to validate test results and then security. Once past security everything occurs very quickly so there was no time for any more pictures. Through check in and onto the ship that was already boarding. Lovetocruise2002, SpeedNoodles and KristiZ 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 First stop was for a beer and some lunch at café promenade. BOGO drink offer on day one. On board rates for the beverage packages: Texas has alcohol laws that impact all ships while in port. Bars are open and beverage packages work but the alcoholic items available are from a special menu of Texas approved beverages. Once the ship reaches 12 miles out and international water the full regular bar selection is available. WAAAYTOOO, KristiZ, Lovetocruise2002 and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 Cabins were ready early so here is a cabin tour of 9390. Lovetocruise2002, KristiZ, Yesiamthere and 5 others 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 eMuster is so easy. Love this new safety briefing. The app looks to see if you are on wifi but it doesn't look to see what wifi you are using so I did the mandatory safety video and listened to the emergency signal earlier in the day on hotel wifi. With those steps complete it was a simple matter of checking in to my muster station which I did earlier as soon as I boarded. sammy79, WAAAYTOOO and Yesiamthere 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 Sail away time! A look back at the existing terminal, soon to be known as the "old Royal terminal". Further down the channel is the location of the new Royal terminal that is under construction. There is a parking lot next door for vehicles arriving into America. On this day they were unloading BMWs from that red and white ro-ro (roll on, roll off) cargo ship. Soon enough the big and beautiful Allure of the Seas will be docked here. SpeedNoodles, WAAAYTOOO, JohnK6404 and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 Anyone up for a sunset over Galveston Island? Remember the flotilla of ships at anchor? Tonight we'll sail right through the anchorage on our way out. Debstr66, kadmgs, DDaley and 10 others 10 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 Sail away time lapse dr martini, Coachkev24, SpeedNoodles and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted February 21, 2022 Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 With the amount of cruising you've been doing lately...that poor dog lol SpeedNoodles 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted February 21, 2022 Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 What was that little succor fish that raced up and tagged you at the end ? Lol twangster 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 Day 2 - Sea Day Random picture of the promenade. That's a big Texas flag! Top Tier at 10:30am Really good house band. CAS Numbers 748 Total CAS on board out of 1,700 total guests Gold 454 Platinum 95 Emerald 54 Diamond 76 Diamond Plus 56 Pinnacle 11 JohnK6404, Lovetocruise2002 and Skigoofy 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 We had some rain and cloud cover in the morning but eventually the sun came out. Wake views now that the sun is making an appearance... The ship does not change time to match Mexico. This cabin features a door and a round window. Not a bad view... kadmgs, Lovetocruise2002 and SpeedNoodles 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 Some pictures from the around the ship. While Adventure isn't fully "amplified" like some of the other Voyager class it is most amplified with features like these water slides and the new two level mini-golf: Flowrider action: Pickleball action: SpeedNoodles, KristiZ, JohnK6404 and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 New Splashaway Bay Separate Baby Splash Zone. Down to the helipad. Around deck 4 to the aft. WAAAYTOOO, Skigoofy, SpeedNoodles and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 Day 3 - Costa Maya With a 1pm scheduled arrival the morning started like a sea day. I headed down to the helipad with my 360 camera. We are the only ship today. Plans for today included a short walk out the port area to a local restaurant and hotel I was introduced to on my last visit here. It's just past the "fake Mayan Ruins" as the locals call it. SpeedNoodles 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 22, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2022 Catrina is a short walk from the port, approximately 5 minutes beyond the gates. Catrina was built during the pandemic. Mango Margarita. Chicken Tacos. Classic Margarita Fish Taco. Open kitchen: Twin sisters Jackie and Karla built Catrina and are working to finish the building soon. Great food, great drinks and great company. There are a number of hotel rooms and a pool. It's a great place to hang out for the day and super convenient. KristiZ, Lovetocruise2002, RWDW1204 and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 22, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2022 Short walk back to the port and onto the ship. Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 22, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2022 Sunset over Costa Maya and Mahahual. Pool deck at night. WAAAYTOOO, SpeedNoodles, Lovetocruise2002 and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 22, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2022 Ice Skating Show tonight in Studio B. Cool Art...Hot Ice. I'm sure I've seen these costumes on another ship: It was a really good show with great music and execution by the cast was perfect. SpeedNoodles, WAAAYTOOO, Debstr66 and 5 others 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 22, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2022 Day 4 - Cozumel I woke up to discover we were already at the pier and joined today by Brilliance of the Seas. I was just on her for Super Bowl and will be back on her next week in a corner aft balcony. No plans today as I was just here and will be back next week. Here are some quick pics of Giovanni's Table where I really like the decor compared to the darker theme many of the older Giovanni's have. This is also where the the Pinnacle breakfast is hosted so it has been part of my morning routine. WAAAYTOOO, KristiZ, Lovetocruise2002 and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 22, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2022 Some pics from around the upper decks now that there are fewer guests on board while in port. WAAAYTOOO, Skigoofy, KristiZ and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 22, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2022 More to come but right now it's the last night of the cruise so I'll come back after flying home to finish up. PRebecca, WAAAYTOOO, Coachkev24 and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2022 Pics from the Viking Crown Lounge: Diamond Lounge Early Afternoon Snacks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2022 The gym: The Peekaboo bridge has been closed on this sailing but it's one of a few left in the fleet and can be seen from the gym. Adventure still has the complimentary sauna and steam room within each change room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2022 The Adult Only Solarium This would normally be the way to the Peekaboo bridge found within the solarium: DDaley, sammy79, Skigoofy and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2022 The Main Dining Room Skigoofy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2022 The Royal Promenade Skigoofy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2022 Guest Services The Champagne Bar Skigoofy, Cruising to Retirement! and DDaley 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 24, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2022 The card room. café promenade lunch snacks Va4fam, MaryS, Skigoofy and 4 others 4 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 Down to deck 4 and the Schooner Bar. Chops Grille is also down on deck 4 Skigoofy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 Forward on deck 4 to Boleros. Skigoofy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 Meanwhile in Cozumel... Skigoofy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 After we left Cozumel later that night I grabbed some star shots from my balcony. Skigoofy and WAAAYTOOO 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 Day 4 - Sea Day Beautiful sea day on our way home. I started going through these photos and began posting this thread from the ship. I had $15 in OBC left over so I went to Johnny Rockets for lunch. BBQ Chicken Bacon Melt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 Stir Fry in the Windjammer for dinner. Later it was Carlos in the Pub. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2022 Day 5 - Galveston I woke in the early morning hours to the sound of the fog horn every 60 seconds or so. Despite the fog we were at the pier at 5am when I finally got up and looked out. Breakfast in the Windjammer which opened at 6am. Clearance was expected at 7:45am but I grabbed this next picture at 7:20am as we walked off. Facial recognition so CBP was a breeze and with no booze I politely declined the Texas tax woman who asked me if I have any. Outside by 7:25am. A last look back at the Grand Adventure from my $53 Lyft to Hobby Airport PPPJJ-GCVAB, Sarah, Skigoofy and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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