KLA Posted February 17, 2018 Report Share Posted February 17, 2018 I'm a little over excited, so I'm going to go ahead and start the thread and give a bit of a cruise preview. If you guys have any questions or things you'd like me to check out, post it here! This is my first time on this ship (and class of ship!) and all of the ports are brand new to us, so this will be a very exciting cruise. My husband and I plus 10 members from his side of the family (!!!!) will be traveling to San Juan early in the morning on February 22nd, and finally arriving around 3:00 PM (San Juan time). We are staying in Old San Juan in an Air BnB that we are splitting with our siblings in law (two other married couples all around the same age). My in laws and others are staying at the Casa Blanca Hotel. We got a great deal on this AirBnB, so really excited that we were able to find something reasonable in the area of the city that we wanted to be in! The cruise doesn’t embark until February 24th, so we will be spending two days exploring the city prior to our cruise. I know a lot of questions have come up here regarding the condition of the city, so I will be sure to share whatever pictures and information that I can! Now for our itinerary, we will be visiting St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia, and Barbados – leaving us with only one sea day! VERY port heavy itinerary. St. Maarten – We will be taking a Bernard’s SXM Tour (Third Party Excursion) St. Kitts – We have an early afternoon Island History and Rum Tasting Tour booked through the cruise line Antigua – We will be taking a taxi to Valley Church Beach St. Lucia – We are taking a Jeep Adventure and Beach Break excursion that we booked through the cruise line (and swinging by a brewery “tap room” with great reviews near the port!) Barbados – We have chartered a private catamaran tour for only our group with two snorkel spots, lunch buffet, and drinks included (SO excited for this!) As I mentioned, each of these ports are totally new to us so really excited to see what’s in store. For our cabin, we started out in an interior cabin beneath the casino. However, thanks to some price drops, we were able to move up to a Deck 8 Interior Promenade Cabin! It’s our first time in this type of stateroom and we are really excited to check it out based on feedback we’ve had. I don’t anticipate we will be doing any specialty dining this cruise (unless we can convince some in the group to join us in the newly added Izumi!), so we will be going to the Main Dining Room with our group during traditional early seating. Additionally, we DID spring for a Deluxe Drink Package this cruise once we saw it drop to $39/pp per day – worth it to us, especially since we are not diamond and do not get the perk of the nightly happy hour (though, this is our first cruise as Emerald!). I did also purchase a single VOOM code to stay connected back home (I worry about our dog!), and also to share our trip with you guys of course! Thanks for reading – very much looking forward to sharing our upcoming ADVENTURE on the Adventure of the Seas! twangster, LetsTryThisPlace, Suzanne and 13 others 15 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted February 17, 2018 Report Share Posted February 17, 2018 Can't wait to follow! That's a heavy port itinerary! You're going to need a vacation after the vacation ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted February 17, 2018 Report Share Posted February 17, 2018 Definitely looking forward to this! Want to hear all about the ship as we’re looking at sailing her for a CA / NE trip next year. And we definitely want to hear / see the latest on repairs in San Juan and also St. Maarten. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted February 17, 2018 Report Share Posted February 17, 2018 Looking forward to reading your posts as we have same itinerary in Nov on FOTS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetsTryThisPlace Posted February 17, 2018 Report Share Posted February 17, 2018 Can't wait to see these. It also will take me right up to the day I head to Florida and will help me hold out till I go lol. Then it will my turn right after :). You are going to have so much fun but hope you have a few days after to relax. I also scored an Interior Promenade cabin on Freedom on a sale, so look forward to hearing what its like on Adventure too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweety Posted February 17, 2018 Report Share Posted February 17, 2018 Thank you for doing this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F1guynz Posted February 17, 2018 Report Share Posted February 17, 2018 Excited to be following along. Voyager class ships are my favourite so far. i am also forward to hearing about the changes to Adventure in the hope she ends up down under. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 18, 2018 Report Share Posted February 18, 2018 Hoping Adventure Voom was upgraded to O3b but haven't heard yet. Looking for latency results in a speedtest if you have a minute to test it onboard. Also curious if the recent announcement of more bandwidth is being realized on ships yet. Easiest way to know is a speedtest and look at ping time. If 200-300ms its O3b, if 500-600+ms its the old satellites. This is from Freedom: enjoylife5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcarney Posted February 18, 2018 Report Share Posted February 18, 2018 On 2/17/2018 at 10:28 AM, KLAconQueso said: St. Kitts – We have an early afternoon Island History and Rum Tasting Tour booked through the cruise line Additionally, we DID spring for a Deluxe Drink Package this cruise once we saw it drop to $39/pp per day Let me know if the rum tasting is something other than Brinley's - curious as to what other brand are sold there. AFAIK they don't distill on St. Kitts anymore. $39 for the drinks package?!?! That's an incredible deal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpoole3 Posted February 18, 2018 Report Share Posted February 18, 2018 Please post photos of the Pub Menu!!! Great preview! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drsadowski20 Posted February 18, 2018 Report Share Posted February 18, 2018 We are doing the SAME itinerary and ship for the week of 4/7. We are even staying in an AirBnb 4/5-4/7 in Old San Juan. I can't wait to hear about your trip. Can you please post cruise compasses upon your return? Thank you so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne Posted February 19, 2018 Report Share Posted February 19, 2018 I love that itinerary! Wish we had that one....even though I've been to all those, they are my favorite. We sail on May 4th. Looking forward to your pictures and reports. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deedeelynn Posted February 19, 2018 Report Share Posted February 19, 2018 I can't wait hear about San Jaun and St Marteen, we will be heading on a very similar itinerary in January on the Anthem. I love a Promenade stateroom, it is fun to watch the parades from the window overlooking the Promenade!! Have fun and enjoy your cruise! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyC Posted February 19, 2018 Report Share Posted February 19, 2018 My roll call for May 18 has a bunch of questions, most of them food/Windjammer-related. Does the Windjammer still have the Jade section, now that Izumi is an option? Does the Windjammer offer the specialty coffees? Since Adventure doesn't have a Park Cafe, did you find a Kummelweck offered anywhere in the Windjammer or elsewhere? One person is hoping that custom crepes have been added... Does Izumi offer the sushi-making class? (That one is from me :D) Was the Murder Mystery Dinner offered? Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLA Posted February 19, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2018 12 hours ago, KathyC said: Does Izumi offer the sushi-making class? (That one is from me :D) Was the Murder Mystery Dinner offered? I can answer both of these right now based on what I've seen in the Cruise Planner! For the sushi making class - it is not offered in the cruise planner. However, dining reservations for Izumi are also not available in the Cruise Planner, so I speculate that Izumi will be more focused as a casual walk up sushi bar. That said, if they happen to offer this on board I will be sure to report back and I will definitely be hanging on to my cruise compasses. The Mystery Dinner Theater is being offered at $79/pp. Also noted (@CruiseLifeRick - I saw you ask about this on Cruise Critic) - Unlimited Fitness Class Passes are available under the Spa & Fitness section of the Cruise Planner. 5-7 Days is $49. accio7 and KathyC 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boston Babe Posted February 19, 2018 Report Share Posted February 19, 2018 So looking forward to your reports!! Can you check the status of room upgrades, I think they are doing them while th ship is at sea at least I thought I read that somewhere! Enjoy and relax Kayla!! Sounds like a fabulous time with your family! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted February 19, 2018 Report Share Posted February 19, 2018 1 hour ago, KLAconQueso said: Unlimited Fitness Class Passes are available under the Spa & Fitness section of the Cruise Planner. 5-7 Days is $49. This is interesting. You reminded me I still hadn't purchased this for my wife for our upcoming Freedom cruise (40 DAYS!!!! ), and I still can't buy this on Cruise Planner even though I see all the different durations offered. So I called up Royal directly and spoke with a sales rep, and they said it's only available for purchase on board the ship and shouldn't even be visible on the cruise planner! No hesitation or "let me check with my supervisor" on that, either. Maybe I'll try calling back and talking with a different rep, but it was a pretty definitive and instantaneous answer, like she'd been asked about it a bunch of times already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 19, 2018 Report Share Posted February 19, 2018 2 minutes ago, JLMoran said: This is interesting. You reminded me I still hadn't purchased this for my wife for our upcoming Freedom cruise (40 DAYS!!!! ), and I still can't buy this on Cruise Planner even though I see all the different durations offered. So I called up Royal directly and spoke with a sales rep, and they said it's only available for purchase on board the ship and shouldn't even be visible on the cruise planner! No hesitation or "let me check with my supervisor" on that, either. Maybe I'll try calling back and talking with a different rep, but it was a pretty definitive and instantaneous answer, like she'd been asked about it a bunch of times already. Customer to phone rep: "I can't see X in the cruise planner" Rep: "it's only available for purchase on board the ship and shouldn't even be visible on the cruise planner" Next call Customer to phone rep: "I can't see Y in the cruise planner" Rep: "it's only available for purchase on board the ship and shouldn't even be visible on the cruise planner" Don't assume an instantaneous response equals knowledge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted February 19, 2018 Report Share Posted February 19, 2018 Waiting for @KLAconQueso live blog like rjac, SeasTheDayNJ, enjoylife5 and 12 others 2 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLA Posted February 19, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2018 8 minutes ago, Matt said: Waiting for @KLAconQueso live blog like As an update, I'm just about done packing and forced myself down from one checked back and a rolling carry on and backpack to an extended checked bag and a backpack. Also, a digital luggage scale was a great investment. 10/10 highly recommend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetsTryThisPlace Posted February 19, 2018 Report Share Posted February 19, 2018 2 hours ago, twangster said: Customer to phone rep: "I can't see X in the cruise planner" Rep: "it's only available for purchase on board the ship and shouldn't even be visible on the cruise planner" Next call Customer to phone rep: "I can't see Y in the cruise planner" Rep: "it's only available for purchase on board the ship and shouldn't even be visible on the cruise planner" Don't assume an instantaneous response equals knowledge. Reminds me of something I was trying to get the other day. Me: So I can't seem to select a time for the St. Kitts Zipline. I think the site has gone weird again Rep: Yeah, Let me look into that Rep: okay I see it let me try to add it Rep: Oh, it won't let me book it either so must be sold out. Me: , So why does it show it? Rep: I'm not sure maybe someone booked it a recently. So what do they have to manually adjust this? Royal's IT is terrible how the hell did the get the internet right.... Oh, wait that has its own issues lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLA Posted February 21, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2018 Alright, cruise friends! I all checked in to my flight, bags just about packed (minus another load of laundry and some cosmetics to pack), and I am READY to go! I have a very important question for you all though - I keep debating... What should my first drink on board be?!?!?! I keep thinking Patron & Pineapple juice or Patron & Soda... and then start thinking something more tropical with Kracken. Or maybe just a good old glass of champagne. Give me your ideas! (Note: I don't like lava flows/daiquiris - unpopular opinion, I know!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjac Posted February 21, 2018 Report Share Posted February 21, 2018 11 minutes ago, KLAconQueso said: I have a very important question for you all though - I keep debating... We usually get on board around 11:00-ish and we are not champagne drinkers. So, being that it is still morning when we board, a couple of bloody marys while walking around does quite well for us. Enjoy your cruise and be Adventurous! (see what I did there). LetsTryThisPlace 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLA Posted February 21, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2018 5 minutes ago, rjac said: Enjoy your cruise and be Adventurous! (see what I did there). HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boston Babe Posted February 21, 2018 Report Share Posted February 21, 2018 Can't wait to hear all about it Kayla!! Have a great time and I would have a Momosa!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellcee Posted February 21, 2018 Report Share Posted February 21, 2018 Looking forward to your review. As I posted on another thread, Barbados was a favorite! Adventure '16 had the same itinerary except swapped Antigua for St Croix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HLWIser Posted February 21, 2018 Report Share Posted February 21, 2018 1 hour ago, KLAconQueso said: Alright, cruise friends! I all checked in to my flight, bags just about packed (minus another load of laundry and some cosmetics to pack), and I am READY to go! I have a very important question for you all though - I keep debating... What should my first drink on board be?!?!?! I keep thinking Patron & Pineapple juice or Patron & Soda... and then start thinking something more tropical with Kracken. Or maybe just a good old glass of champagne. Give me your ideas! (Note: I don't like lava flows/daiquiris - unpopular opinion, I know!) A glass of champagne is always a good way to start a vacation! Then switch to the patron and pineapple.. yum, that sounds good! Deedeelynn, iluvwineandtravel, LetsTryThisPlace and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted February 21, 2018 Report Share Posted February 21, 2018 I don't think you're a card carrying member of #TeamLavaFlow, so as a result, my recommendation is a margarita! accio7, betatke1480 and RestingBird 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted February 21, 2018 Report Share Posted February 21, 2018 1 minute ago, Matt said: I don't think you're a card carrying member of #TeamLavaFlow, so as a result, my recommendation is a margarita! I second this! If you don’t mind spending a couple extra dollars for the upgrade, have them make it with a reposado tequila. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
accio7 Posted February 21, 2018 Report Share Posted February 21, 2018 Have a safe flight tomorrow, Kayla! I hope you and hubby have a terrific time on your cruise, looking forward to your live blog :D Don't forget to take lots of photos for us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbk999 Posted February 21, 2018 Report Share Posted February 21, 2018 Looking forward to the review and I'm particularly interested in the St Marten tour as I'm looking at that as well for our October trip (and the current condition of the island). We did a promenade view room on the Freedom and thought it was great. First drink? Me: poolside margarita Wife: something frozen poured directly into the carved out pineapple Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firebuck Posted February 21, 2018 Report Share Posted February 21, 2018 4 hours ago, KLAconQueso said: Alright, cruise friends! I all checked in to my flight, bags just about packed (minus another load of laundry and some cosmetics to pack), and I am READY to go! I have a very important question for you all though - I keep debating... What should my first drink on board be?!?!?! I keep thinking Patron & Pineapple juice or Patron & Soda... and then start thinking something more tropical with Kracken. Or maybe just a good old glass of champagne. Give me your ideas! (Note: I don't like lava flows/daiquiris - unpopular opinion, I know!) Oh man, my goto for the first cruise drink is definitely something rummy. I'd go with either a Mai Tai, Pain Killer or a Pina Colada made with Meyers Dark rum - yummm. Or just all three in rapid succession at the Schooner Bar! Ooo or a nice dark and stormy with Kraken rather than the Goslings (sacrilege, I know). If you can't tell, Royal loses lots of money on the deluxe drink package with me :P Geez, come on October!! Deedeelynn and RestingBird 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeasTheDayNJ Posted February 21, 2018 Report Share Posted February 21, 2018 looking forward to another live blog .....while I sit here at work trying to pass the time... Have fun and take lots of pics!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpoole3 Posted February 22, 2018 Report Share Posted February 22, 2018 KLA I would recommend a Stella to start the cruise, I know that's always my first drink on board! accio7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLA Posted February 22, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2018 Alright guys! It is happening! We are in the car and headed for the airport bright (?) and early. DAY to CLT, and then CLT to SJU! SeasTheDayNJ, accio7, WAAAYTOOO and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted February 22, 2018 Report Share Posted February 22, 2018 2 hours ago, KLAconQueso said: Alright guys! It is happening! We are in the car and headed for the airport bright (?) and early. DAY to CLT, and then CLT to SJU! Have safe flights with no delays! And big hopes that your Air BnB is better than expected! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLA Posted February 22, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2018 Hello, Charlotte! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjac Posted February 22, 2018 Report Share Posted February 22, 2018 What.....no "bye Charlotte" photo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLA Posted February 22, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2018 5 minutes ago, rjac said: What.....no "bye Charlotte" photo? But first, mimosas! rjac, accio7, WAAAYTOOO and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floski Posted February 22, 2018 Report Share Posted February 22, 2018 Have a wonderful time, Kayla! Will you doing any Periscopes during your cruise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.