My Adventure on the Seas!

Well how was my experience on Adventure of the Seas?

Well I won’t lie it did not get off to the best of starts. I may have mentioned before in a previous Blog that I am not the best at sea and day two on the Bay of Biscay proved challenging to say the least. The 70km per hour winds meant I spent most of the day laid in my cabin which is the only place I did not feel sick. My Husband and Son were fine though and enjoyed the facilities on-board whilst periodically checking on me.

There was one highlight on the Bay of Biscay though when we watched Dolphins hunting in the ships wake from our balcony.

That evening as we passed through the Bay and started to sail along the Spanish coast the seas calmed down and I was able to get up and about. Talking to people that evening I was not in any way the only casualty of the rough seas. During the Theatre  performance that evening I began to feel unwell. Perhaps it was because I had not eaten much that day but I just wanted to say how fantastic the staff were as to my mortified embarrassment I passed out. The staff were excellent and got me back to my cabin with the minimum of fuss.

I have been on the Adventure of the Seas before so the general order of events was familiar.

The food as usual once I could enjoy it was very good in the main restaurant. If I have anything to comment on it was the Wind Jammer which did not seem to offer the same range as last year and often had large areas sectioned off which reduced the choice on offer at lunch and this seemed to be causing a few disgruntled comments from fellow guests.

We went to the legendary Johnny Rockets this time as we had not done on the last cruise.

My son loved it. I thought it was ok but I prefer the fine dining if I am honest although the service was very attentive and the singing was fun.

The entertainment on board was good although I missed having a comedian on-board as I like a bit of a change from the usual singing and dancing. The Emperors of Soul were great though, I really enjoyed the show they put on.

If I had any criticism of the entertainment it was just that it was all very much the same as usual on Royal Caribbean. Quizzes, Karaoke, Piano playing, Background music etc.  I am sure that if Royal Caribbean put their minds to it they could come up with some newer more modern alternatives.

I was also sad to say that the shows etc on the promenade were exactly the same as last year with the same tunes even for the 70’s night and the Brit Rock Party although it had a Halloween Theme this time it was only a slight variance on the costumes.

The cocktails were just as I remembered although sadly feeling unwell I did not do them justice this trip.  Don’t forget if you order a cocktail of the day it comes with a complimentary glass which you get to keep and take home so you can re-create your cocktails at home.

The replenish package was good value for money as this included sodas, all non-alcoholic cocktails and juices as well as the speciality teas and coffees at the bars. If you are not a huge drinker this gives you a great alternative to the soda package and you can add the odd cocktail, glass of wine or nightcap as you want them as pay as you go.

The ports of call were all new to me so I was looking forward to what they could offer especially as many cruise companies use the same ports.

Vigo was good because the ship docked literally on the waterfront. Walk off the ship, through the port building and you can stroll along the harbour side or cross the road and slip away directly into the town to explore. There was not a huge amount to do here but it was nice to wander through the old town. The streets were lined with boutiques and cafes to stop for a coffee and a pastry.  We spent a few hours wandering and taking in the atmosphere before making our way back to the ship. For those wanting to shop the boutiques in the main town were upmarket with great clothes and jewellery on offer. For those seeking a bargain there was a large shopping complex across from the dock which had the all sorts from sports to electrical shops etc and seemed to attract quite a few people but was not really my cup of tea.

The following day we were in Gijon.  I liked this little seaside resort.  Be warned if you are going here as the transfer from the Port to the resort is approximately 20 minutes so you will need to either book a shuttle as we did which cost $15 per person return or there are taxis at the port as you get off for 28 euros each way. We strolled right round the bay and the weather was surprisingly good for the time of year at 24 degrees C.  We also went into the main town to get something to eat and the shops etc. here were the usual high street outlets but great if you like your shopping.  After lunch we wandered round the old town. A headland with an impressive church and narrow cobbled streets to explore. Lovely little cafes and things along the way. Great views as well from the top of the headland.

The next day we were in Bilbao. I loved Bilbao. I have actually been here but it was a long time ago and so much has changed. Again you will need a shuttle or taxi to the resort and the prices are the same as in Gijon. The city is so cosmopolitan with very smart shopping streets and lots of little squares and cafes to chill out in.  We headed for the Guggenheim Museum which I loved. You can do this on an organised excursion but the entrance fee was only 13 euros per person and this included a handset with a guided tour in English to listen to as you went round. I love art and so I was in my element. Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso my favourite Vasily Kandinsky to name but a few of the artists on show. The museum on 3 floors has a variety of modern and traditional art and sculpture with more outside the museum itself.

From here we wandered back into the town and down the leafy main shopping street. The temperature was 28 degrees and the leafy coolness was a welcome as we browsed the shops and sat to enjoy a coffee along the way.

My son would very much like to have done a tour of the football stadiums of the 3 Ports in Spain that we visited but on this occasion I did not succumb to his demands. Maybe next time!!!

We then had a day at sea before docking in Le Havre.  Here we had decided to book an organised excursion with Royal Caribbean as we wanted to go to Paris. I have been before but neither my husband nor my Son have so we booked a taster tour. This showed them the main sights of Paris before dropping us off for 3 and a half hours free time. A word of warning. I booked my tour in advance and I am glad I did as this tour was completely full with a waiting list.

Paris was lovely the temperatures were very kind to us at 21 degrees in November and the sun was shining. The only down side really was the long journey. The trip details say 2 and a half hours but it took 3 hours with the stop enroute each way which meant a long day and we were very glad to get out and stretch our legs.  You will not have time to go up the Eiffel tower unless you book the Paris on your own with the 5 and a half hours free time and even then you will not get much else done. We walked to the Tower and back along the river but would not have had time to go up as the queues were huge.  I must say I was very glad to see the ship that night as my poor feet ached.

All in all the cruise was lovely but I must say I am looking forward to Anthem of the Seas next year to see how the entertainment will differ.

I don’t like the same thing over and over again and the new exciting venues on-board as well as all the new attractions should make for an exciting time.

I am taking 2 of my son’s friends this time and I know they are really looking forward to it. Don’t suppose we will see much of them at all.

What are your thoughts on Cruise entertainment. Is it outdated? What would you like to see?

Let me know. I would love to hear your comments.