Review By: Marita Lam national sales manager Cruiseco

San Juan to San Juan

May 2008

Why this particular cruise?

I chose to cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas because not only had I never cruised with Royal Caribbean  before, but I also wanted to experience a mega-sized ship.

Where did the cruise go?

The cruise was a seven-night South Caribbean sailing. We departed from San Juan in Puerto Rico and visited the islands of Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, St Maarten and St. Thomas. We cruised in May and the weather was perfect – warm and sunny during the day and mild at night. The extreme humidity and risk of hurricanes in the region weren’t due to start for another few months so I knew the weather would be ideal.

Did the ship measure up to your expectations?

It sure did. I expected the cruise to be full of energy with lots of activities on board and I was blown away by the enormity of the ship, as this is one of the bigger vessels in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

What were the cabins like?

The cabins were very generous in size, with all the amenities you’d expect to receive on a four-star ship. The doonas on the bed were especially comfortable.

What was the food like?

The food was delicious. The menu featured a good selection of meals to choose from every night, including some healthy options. Some of the meals were so wonderful that I actually bought the Royal Caribbean International Cookbook on board. The lobster tails were mouth-watering and the lamb shanks were out of this world. The menu is typically American, with a good selection of international dished to choose from. There’s also a Johnny Rockets diner on board that serves classic American burgers, milkshakes and fries (at a small price).

What were the ships facilities like?

There was so much to see and do on Adventure of the Seas. For the adventurous, there was a rock-climbing wall 200 feet above sea level and an ice-skating rink that offers lessons for beginners. On deck there was a basketball court, a nine-hole mini-golf course, a golf simulator, shuffleboard and a selection of pools. The evening entertainment was brilliant with a range of Broadway-style shows and specialty cabaret performances to enjoy. There was also a production on ice, which was just magnificent.

What was the best aspect of the ship/cruise?

I absolutely loved the Royal Promenade – a bustling boulevard that is four storeys high and lined with shops, cafes and bars. It was a great place to people watch. I also enjoyed testing out the rock climbing wall and ice-skating rink.

Who would this cruise appeal to?

Couples of all ages, single travellers and families with children. It’s a perfect cruise for people looking for lots of activity and entertainment options to keep busy.