Jump to content

Adventure Christmas Cruise

WAAAYTOOO

By WAAAYTOOO
in Live Blogs

 Share

Recommended Posts

WAAAYTOOO Pinnacle

WAAAYTOOO

Posted
Posted

TL;DR - All is well.  Christmas is coming.  The BOGO process is a Charlie Foxtrot.

 

I promised a live blog for this sailing but in keeping with my utter unreliability for doing live blogs, I have failed again....this being day 3 already.

I will skip all of the pre-boarding and boarding details as these are not of particular interest to anyone and it was entirely uneventful.  All went well. We are here.

The ship is in great shape for her age.  We sailed on Adventure relatively recently so there haven't been any changes since that time.  Sure, she needs paint in some areas and there are patches of carpeting that are in need of replacing but these are purely superficial issues and have not impacted our enjoyment at all.

We are in a Panoramic Ocean View Suite (VP), a room which was converted at the time that part of the spa was removed.  The room has an ENORMOUS panoramic view with ceiling-to-floor window panes.  It makes for a really lovely view....particularly at sunrise and sunset.  LOTS of space.  There is a large-ish closet area that they advertise as a second bedroom but that's not fair.  It's just a couple of bunk beds in a closet with a curtain.  Yes, it provides additional beds. No, it is not a second bedroom.  There is a bath-and-a-half (full bath and second toilet and sink) but the full bath is somewhat disappointing as it is the same size and layout of a typical stateroom bathroom with a space tube shower (ugh).  Nothing special there.  It is considered a full suite so we have access to the Suites Lounge and all of the suites' amenities.  Breakfast is in Giovanni's on this ship (it's typically in Chops) b/c Chops is on Deck 4, forward and Gios is the only specialty restaurant on deck 11....and it is in an unusual place (instead of being located inside the Windjammer entrance as it is on most VY and FR class ships, the entrance is outside of the WJ).  The food and service have been very good.

It's a good thing that the VP is considered a full suite b/c we would otherwise be denied access to the Suites' Lounge on this sailing.  There are 65 Pinns onboard this sailing (and I'm sure we are #'s 64 and 65 in seniority !).  Only the top 30 are permitted in the Suites' Lounge and we certainly are not among those 30...but since we are in a full suite, we are allowed in.  As may be expected, the SL is an empty wilderness and the Crown Lounge (CL) (or Clown Lounge as some are calling it) is a whirlwind of chaos.  Since the only [public] computers that I am aware of are located in the back of the CL (there are 2), that is where you will find me in the AM.  At least there is SOMEwhere to get on a keyboard !

As one would predict, there are many families and children on this sailing but I have not found it to be a concern.  Everyone is having a wonderful time and the children are all looking forward to Santa's arrival.  

There was a show in the theater last night called "Can't Stop the Rock" which we fully intended to attend but failed (we decided that the hot tub would be a better thing to do)....but I heard it was tolerable.  We went to the ice show on our last AD sailing so we will probably skip it this time but as I recall, it was very typical of all the ice shows and definitely worth going to if you haven't been before.

We have not stepped foot inside the WJ and intend to keep it that way.  Our one night of dining in the MDR (so far) was fine.  Welcome Aboard is one of my least favorite MDR menus and that happened to be the night that we decided to eat there (having eaten lunch in Chops on boarding day....didn't think 2 big meals in one day would be a good idea).  We will also eat in the MDR on Christmas evening and one more time during the last part of the sailing...which night, escapes me at the moment.  We have a 3 night dining package plus 2, BOGO which works soooo well for us.  Speaking of BOGO I thought I would relay the mechanics of using the BOGO on AD...or at least, on THIS sailing on AD as it never seems to be the same process, even on the same ship !  We ate at Giovanni's last night (night #2) and told the server that this represented the use of the first of our BOGO dinners and that we would be eating in Chops later in the week.  Knowing that it is MANDATORY that you pay for your BOGO meals on nights #1 or #2, we requested that the server go ahead and charge us both, full price for our Gio's meal.  That utterly confused her....so she called the manager over.  The manager finally decided that the thing to do was to call Chops, have them charge us for our [yet-to-be-consumed] Chops BOGO and then when we get to Chops later this week, we will already have pre-paid.  PERFECT !  Exactly what we wanted.  We paid for our Gio's BOGO and went home full and happy.  Later that evening we checked our onboard account.  Gio's was charged...but no Chops.  UGH.  So this morning when enjoying our breakfast in Gio's we queried the manager...what happened to our charge for Chops ?  Blank stare.  So she got on the phone with someone...the final determination is that they will charge us for the second BOGO when we get to Chops in a few days.  WHAAAAT ?  I thought the charge had to be completed NLT day 1 or 2 ?  It's an utter mystery and it's yet-to-be-seen whether or not this process will actually work but if I get to Chops and have some bill-issue, I will turn full Karen and somebody's going to be sorry.  LOL  I will report back.

This is already waaaytooo long.  That's what I get for waiting 3 days.  I will catch up later.

Merry Christmas to all !  Santa comes tonite !!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Replies 90
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Popular Posts

WAAAYTOOO
WAAAYTOOO

TL;DR - All is well.  Christmas is coming.  The BOGO process is a Charlie Foxtrot.   I promised a live blog for this sailing but in keeping with my utter unreliability for doing live blogs,

RCL_Cruiser_Dan
RCL_Cruiser_Dan

@WAAAYTOOO and @RCL_Cruiser_Dan Christmas cruise on Adventure

WAAAYTOOO
WAAAYTOOO

We had dinner in Chops last night - Christmas Eve.  TBH I had completely forgotten that Chops has the special holiday meal on Christmas Eve and Christmas day (night) so I at first I couldn't figure ou

Posted Images

WAAAYTOOO Pinnacle

WAAAYTOOO

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Just a few highlights of the ways that AD may differ from other ships in her class.

  • Giovannis is the only specialty restaurant located on deck 11 and it has a unique entrance location (starboard side NOT inside the WJ like most of the others). Sorry…mentioned this above but repeating it in this summary 
  • There is a complimentary sauna/steam room on AD (deck 11 forward in the vicinity of the gym…at least that’s what I’m told.  I don’t go there, but Dan does). Most of these spaces have been removed or are $$ on most of the other ships.
  • Izumi is located smack dab in the middle of the Promenade !  That’s the good news (I love the location).  The bad news is….there is no kitchen associated with this Izumi so it’s basically sushi or sushi.  I think they have some Mizo soup but nothing that really requires “cooking” such as dumplings, soba dishes or tempura. So, if you’re not a sushi eater this is probably not going to be your Santa’s list this year.  I love sushi (as long as I can get soys wrappers…I loathe the seaweed ones) so I’m a cappy hamper.
  • AD still has a Champagne Bar. YAY !  One of the only ones left that I am aware of.
  • There are no computers in the Card Room/Library on deck 5 forward.  I also mentioned this above so forgive the repeat.  AFAIK, the only complimentary computers are located in the Crown Lounge.  Maybe the VOOM bubbas have some somewhere but I haven’t found them yet if that’s the case.
  • The Suites’ /Pinns breakfast is in Giovanni’s vs Chops on AD.  No biggie.  Same menu.  Same great service.

If other differences come to mind or to my attention I will review this topic downstream.

In other news, a US Coast Guard helicopter just buzzed us.  We are in Labadee.  I did not hear an Alpha, Alpha, Alpha so hopefully they were just visiting.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Lovetocruise2002 Pinnacle

Lovetocruise2002

Posted
Posted
4 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

We are in a Panoramic Ocean View Suite (VP), a room which was converted at the time that part of the spa was removed. 

I have long been curious about this suite. This is the very suite that we keep booking, and kept losing (either covid, or cruise got cancelled). I have determined that this suite is bad for us lol

However, one thing I have long wondered is if you find it noisy in that room. The only other time we have had such a forward facing room was on Indy. That was on Deck 8 and it was super noisy. How do you find this one?

2 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Izumi is located smack dab in the middle of the Promenade !  That’s the good news (I love the location).  The bad news is….there is no kitchen associated with this Izumi so it’s basically sushi or sushi.  I think they have some Mizo soup but nothing that really requires “cooking” such as dumplings, soba dishes or tempura.

Any chance you could snap a picture of their menu?

We are actually planning on doing 6 nights on AD this July and I bought the UDP because I do not wish to eat in the MDR. Wondering how much variety there is on the Izumi menu and how many visits we would do there.

Also, Merry Christmas to you and Dan!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
asquared17 Pinnacle

asquared17

Posted
Posted
3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

AD still has a Champagne Bar

you had me at champagne bar 🤩

4 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

The ship is in great shape for her age.  We sailed on Adventure relatively recently so there haven't been any changes since that time.  Sure, she needs paint in some areas and there are patches of carpeting that are in need of replacing but these are purely superficial issues and have not impacted our enjoyment at all.

we found this to be true as well (and we were on her pre covid 😳) she’s a pretty great ship, all things considered. 

 

the BOGO story is wild. i can’t wait for ours on oasis in february. 😅

Link to comment
Share on other sites
WAAAYTOOO Pinnacle

WAAAYTOOO

Posted
  • Author
Posted
38 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I have long been curious about this suite. This is the very suite that we keep booking, and kept losing (either covid, or cruise got cancelled). I have determined that this suite is bad for us lol

I have mixed feelings about this suite.  I have not had any noise issues per se.  I have heard others say that if you happen to be unlucky enough to hit foggy weather while in this suite, it’s a nightmare, as the fog horn is RIGHT outside your window and it’s horrifically loud.  No fog for us, so far.

I have 2 objections to this room and they both have to do with its location.  While neither Dan nor I get seasick, we have noticed that there is significantly more movement due to being on the bow of the ship and high up.  You feel every little bump and swirl.  The second objection is simple - this room is on the other end of the ship from where we spend most of our time. Luckily the VY class is pretty “short” so even if you have to walk from bow to stern, it’s really not that big a deal….but it’s still a bit inconvenient and you know how much I LOVE to walk - NOT !  My objection to this suite is the same one I hold against the new Panoramic Suites on Oasis and Allure.  I just don’t want to be THAT far from the Suites Lounge and CK.  In summary, I don’t think I will book this suite again….but frankly, the price was right for it on this cruise.

38 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Any chance you could snap a picture of their menu?

I will do my best to get that for you !

 

38 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Also, Merry Christmas to you and Dan!!

Right back atcha !

Link to comment
Share on other sites
WAAAYTOOO Pinnacle

WAAAYTOOO

Posted
  • Author
Posted

 

image.thumb.jpeg.82e0027ca06b6fca5696546440b5d76d.jpeg

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Any chance you could snap a picture of their menu?

Please forgive the glare.  Since the restaurant isn’t currently open there were no paper menus sitting around; I had to snap the posted (behind plastic) one.  I tried a couple of different angles and this (believe it or not) is the best one !

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Lovetocruise2002 Pinnacle

Lovetocruise2002

Posted
Posted
6 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

 

image.thumb.jpeg.82e0027ca06b6fca5696546440b5d76d.jpeg

Please forgive the glare.  Since the restaurant isn’t currently open there were no paper menus sitting around; I had to snap the posted (behind plastic) one.  I tried a couple of different angles and this (believe it or not) is the best one !

Thanks, that is perfect! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
WAAAYTOOO Pinnacle

WAAAYTOOO

Posted
  • Author
Posted

We had dinner in Chops last night - Christmas Eve.  TBH I had completely forgotten that Chops has the special holiday meal on Christmas Eve and Christmas day (night) so I at first I couldn't figure out why some of the people had strange, rolled-up paper menus.  It finally dawned on me that these were the Holiday meal menus !  So the fact that we did NOT have the [needlessly expensive] special holiday menu didn't matter one single bit. We were seated as normal and given the normal Chops menu and had the normal wonderful meal that we always have.  This meal was the first for us of our 3 night dining plan meals, so we didn't even pay full price for this meal !  IMO this was the perfect way to handle this situation.  Let those that want to pay more do so but don't penalize those that don't want to get the special upcharged menu.  Well done, Adventure !

Called at Puerto Plata, DR today.  First time here.  We decided to just get off the ship and walk about the port area.  I couldn't believe how big and nice it is !  Better than Costa Maya, and I think CM is pretty big and nice !  They have a really nice complimentary pool with swim-up bar and a complimentary (I think....the sign was a big confusing to me) lazy river which looked like fun....but I know my fat a$$ will not fit into one of those floating tubes.  I know b/c I embarrassed myself to an astronomical degree trying to do one at a resort in COZ once.  Nope.  Never again.  The Valiant Lady is also here today.  We got off and back on again before the VL really began to disembark, thereby beating the bulk of the horde.  We met a wonderful guy, who owned one of the eat/drink concession who is a former Royal Caribbean employee - 18 years.  He managed to work, save his money, put his children through college and then retire (from Royal), start his own business and be wonderfully successful.  What a great story and I couldn't be more proud to have helped him (and those like him) achieve their life's dreams. They help us achieve our vacation dreams and it's nice to know that the favor can and IS returned !  He thanked US for being loyal to Royal and it almost made me cry.

It's Christmas Day !  YIPPEE !!  I hear that Santa found the children on the ship, which is a huge relief.  I don't know how he manages to find ALL the kids, no matter where they are, but once again - complete success !!  Merry, Merry Christmas to everyone !

Link to comment
Share on other sites
WAAAYTOOO Pinnacle

WAAAYTOOO

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Just a quick note on last night's Christmas dinner in the MDR.  I had the Beef Wellington and I do not mind saying that it was the best meal I have EVER eaten in a ship's MDR.  It was really REALLY good.  I would suggest that they add it to the menu on some kind of recurring basis, but I'm sure if they did this, they would find a way to f'k it up...so I won't suggest that !  I'm not a huge fan of the MDR but when they do something good, I am happy to sing their praises.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Xaa Pinnacle

Xaa

Posted
Posted
On 12/24/2023 at 11:35 AM, WAAAYTOOO said:

There are no computers in the Card Room/Library on deck 5 forward.  I also mentioned this above so forgive the repeat.  AFAIK, the only complimentary computers are located in the Crown Lounge.  Maybe the VOOM bubbas have some somewhere but I haven’t found them yet if that’s the case.

Sorry to have missed you, I was onboard last week.  There are public computers on deck 8 off the Aft elevators.  I believe it's the second level of the Library that is Deck 7 Aft Elevators.  There were several machines there in case you need them.  Enjoy your cruise and thanks for sharing!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
WAAAYTOOO Pinnacle

WAAAYTOOO

Posted
  • Author
Posted
2 hours ago, Xaa said:

Sorry to have missed you, I was onboard last week.  There are public computers on deck 8 off the Aft elevators.  I believe it's the second level of the Library that is Deck 7 Aft Elevators.  There were several machines there in case you need them.  Enjoy your cruise and thanks for sharing!

THANKS ! 

Yes, very disappointed to have missed you !!  Come on back.  We are on next week, too !🙃

Link to comment
Share on other sites
WAAAYTOOO Pinnacle

WAAAYTOOO

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Interesting.  I never even realized that the put-put golf is above us.  I have been paying extra-close attention to the noises per @Lovetocruise2002’s interest and I have noted a few bumps now and again (maybe coming from the bridge ?) but nothing really distracting or worrisome.  I will note that Dan LOVES this room.  He is loving the view and spends hours pretending he’s the Master of the Vessel (kidding) but seriously, the view is really enchanting as long as you are looking straight ahead.  Not so much with the bridge and bow in your lower view…I also love the space in this suite…it’s large, open and bright.  During the day it can get very warm due to the solar loading of the large windows so the AC works overtime to keep it cool (very similar to the temperature issues associated with the ATS, for those who have stayed in one).  At night you’re freezing your a$$ off and have to turn the AC down (up, actually) but the thermostat is very responsive so not a big deal. I strongly recommend that anyone staying in one of these suites plan on fully enjoying the sunrise and sunset.  Every morning before the sun rises we throw the curtains open and watch the sun come up.  It’s awesome !  We are here less often for sunset but the same magic happens again.  I still am not fond of the location of this suite in relation to where I mostly hang out, but I guess maybe this room is growing on me !

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Lovetocruise2002 Pinnacle

Lovetocruise2002

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I have been paying extra-close attention to the noises per @Lovetocruise2002’s interest and I have noted a few bumps now and again (maybe coming from the bridge ?) but nothing really distracting or worrisome.  

That is good to know. I was thinking more loud, banging noises every time the ship departed and docked. That was our experience when we had the very forward rooms on Deck 8 on Indy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
WAAAYTOOO Pinnacle

WAAAYTOOO

Posted
  • Author
Posted
1 hour ago, Neesa said:

@Lovetocruise2002 our family of 3 experience in this cabin on the Mariner. So so happy @WAAAYTOOO is not experiencing any of this! The cabin has potential, maybe we just had an off sailing. There are pics of the silly bunk room as well. In a  tiny slice of Mariner blog below.

I totally agree with you that the second “bedroom” is a joke.  There’s barely room for my luggage in there !

Link to comment
Share on other sites
WAAAYTOOO Pinnacle

WAAAYTOOO

Posted
  • Author
Posted

While I never heard an “Alpha, Alpha, Alpha” call, the Capt just came on the intercom to announce that, due to a medical emergency, we would be temporarily diverting to Grand Turk to deliver a passenger for a medical emergency.  Apparently this diversion will not impact our schedule to arrive in Port Canaveral as scheduled tomorrow.  Prayers for whomever is unwell. 😞

Link to comment
Share on other sites
asquared17 Pinnacle

asquared17

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

While I never heard an “Alpha, Alpha, Alpha” call, the Capt just came on the intercom to announce that, due to a medical emergency, we would be temporarily diverting to Grand Turk to deliver a passenger for a medical emergency

this is so sad and becoming far too common these days. 😔 i hope they are okay 💚

Link to comment
Share on other sites
WAAAYTOOO Pinnacle

WAAAYTOOO

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Very bizarre entry into Grand Turk.  No pilot boat, no escort, not even a light on at the dock.  There is no emergency vehicle to collect the patient.  Not a soul on the dock to tie us up.  It’s as if they didn’t even know we were coming.  The only illumination on the dock is the ship’s light shining on the dock from our ship.  I give major kudos to the Cap and navigation crew.  They felt their way to this port in utter darkness with no assistance whatsoever from the shore.  I sure hope their medical care is better than their harbor crew !

Link to comment
Share on other sites
fireclan Diamond Plus

fireclan

Posted
Posted
49 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Very bizarre entry into Grand Turk.  No oilot boat, no escort, not even a light on at the dock.  There is no emergency vehicle to collect the patient.  Not a soul on the dock to tie us up.  It’s as if they didn’t even know we were coming.  The only illumination on the dock is the ship’s light shining on the dock from our ship.  I give major kudos to the Cap and navigation crew.  They felt their way to this port in utter darkness with no assistance whatsoever from the shore.  I sure hope their medical care is better than their harbor crew !

This is definitely a strange emergency.  Only an unmarked passenger mini van came out to meet the ship. Not an emergency vehicle in sight.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...