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markdale | my profile
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randall | my profile
Royal Caribbean announces partnership wi…
At Cruise3sixty conf.: Royal Caribbean announces partnership with Dreamworks SKG to bring “Shrek,” “Madagascar,” “Kung Fu Panda” characters on board 4 US market focused ships starting Dec. 2010, on Allure of the Seas. In Q2 will roll onto Oasis, Freedom, & Liberty. Hitting hard on the family market–how does this strike you? More or less likely to sail these ships knowing this?
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peteukmcr | my profile
Ship Review: Adventure of the Seas
Ibiza May 22nd - 23rd 2010
We travelled ‘overland’ from Manchester, UK to Barcelona on 18th / 19th May to ensure the volcanic ash cloud did not disrupt our flight from the UK or to Spain. That trip is a completely different story! Stayed overnight at the Villa Emilia hotel http://www.hotelvillaemilia.com
Thursday, 20th May
Caught a taxi from the hotel to the port ‘Moll D’Adossat’ at around 11:00, cost approximately €20 as the Barcelona taxis have a fixed charge, cost per KM and then extras for baggage etc.
Arrived at Terminal B and joined a short line for security scan and check in. We took our bags on board with us as we just had ‘carry on’ size bags for the 4 night sailing. Entered the terminal and completed a health questionnaire to make sure we didn’t have swine flu. Used the Diamond/Suite Guests check in line and it was completed in minutes.
Passed by a stand selling the soda passes and then through the duty free shops of the terminal. Up the escalators (deftly avoiding the ‘Welcome Aboard’ photo opportunity) and proceeded along the covered walk way onto the ship on deck 4. Provided our SeaPass cards and passports for the photograph to be imprinted onto the cards and we were onboard. Reckon the whole process took less than 15 minutes!
Proceeded up to the Windjammer for lunch. Staterooms would be available at 1 pm. Stopped by Portofino to book a table for 9 pm on Friday, 21st.
Before entering the Windjammer, ordered a 5 bottle Gold ‘Wine & Dine’ package. Total cost $164.70 ($135 + $9.45 Spanish VAT + $20.25 15% gratuity).
Took a seat in the Island Grill and had lunch, very quiet at this time. Once lunch eaten we sat on Deck 11 and at 1 pm proceeded to stateroom 7318, a centre hump, starboard side category E2 cabin.
Complimentary Ice Show tickets in the cabin for Diamond members for any performance.
Unpacked and went exploring.
Had a drink in the Blue Moon Jazz Club in the Viking Crown on deck 14. Jack Daniels & Coke ($5.50 + 15%), Bombay Sapphire & tonic ($5.75 + 15%).
Attended the Diamond event for pre-dinner drinks, held each night from 5 pm – 8:30 pm in the ‘19th Hole’ on deck 14. Similar location to the Diamond lounge found on the Freedom class ships, so nice sea views, especially as sunset wasn’t until around 9 pm. Free wine, champagne and fountain sodas available, 20% discount on cocktails and beer. Very quite most nights but we were well looked after by Bryan.
We had pre-booked 8:30 pm for My Time dining. This was on deck 5 in the Mozart dining room. Got a table for 2 as requested which was on the balcony area of the dining room overlooking decks 3 & 4. Food was good, and the waiter and assistant waiter excellent.
Attended the Ice show in Studio B ‘Cool Art Hot Ice’ and it was enjoyable.
Visited Jesters night club, we’ve never seen a club onboard so busy, the bar staff couldn’t cope, so many people wanting drinks. Went up to Blue Moon on deck 14, again absolutely packed, no space on the dance floor and again the bar staff struggling to cope with demand. The theme was Latin, Salsa, Merengue catering for the very large Spanish contingent onboard.
Same in the 19th Hole, very busy with people wanting serving.
Friday, 21st May
Arrived in ‘Toulon’ at 7 am. Actually docked at La Seyne-sur-Mer which is 6 miles from Toulon and to get there you had to purchase a shuttle ticket costing $6 per person each way, so $24 for a two person round trip from Explorations on deck 5 next to Guest Relations.
We were invited to have daily full service breakfast with speciality coffees in the ‘La Notte’ dining room on deck 3 as Diamond members. It was very quiet but enjoyable.
The shuttle organisation was chaotic with people who had not purchased tickets allowed to pay on the dock and then push in the lines with those who had paid waiting to board a bus. The trip took approximately 35 – 45 minutes due to the appalling traffic. We were dropped off at the ferry terminal and told buses returned to the ship every 30 minutes.
Toulon was interesting to see, especially the market, but that’s about it. Went to catch a shuttle back, no driver to be seen. Finally boarded the 3 bus that had dropped people off, again total chaos. Return trip seemed to take even longer due to the volume of traffic.
Went back onboard to have lunch at Johnny Rockets. Good as usual.
Noticed that on the Community Notice Board located near Cafe Promenade on the Royal Promenade on deck 5, there was a FOD meeting scheduled in Cloud 9 on deck 14 at 3:15 pm. Unfortunately this clashed with other activities so we didn’t attend. We did notice on other days this seemed to be a regular event.
There were obviously several couples onboard, more than I’ve noticed on a 7 day Caribbean sailing, maybe because it was only a 4 night cruise and it visited Ibiza!
Departed from La Seyne Sur-Mer at 6 pm.
Complimentary petit fours delivered to the cabin, I presume for Diamond members and up (no reason provided) on formal night.
Dined at Portofino at 9 pm, dress suggestion was smart casual even though it was Formal Night. Excellent, ate too much as usual. Staff very attentive.
Saturday, 22nd May
Went for breakfast to the Windjammer today and found they served ‘English’ back bacon and sausages, fantastic!
Basically a sea day until arrival in Ibiza at 4:30 pm. As a result it was very busy again on the pool decks, but we found a nice spot in the Solarium near the pool.
Once again a shuttle was needed to get from the dock which looked fairly new and was located near the Botafoch Marina. The port of Ibiza was very busy with ferries from other parts of Spain as well as regular services to the neighbouring island of Formentera.
Left the ship to catch the shuttle to the Formentera ferry terminal which is just outside the old town. Trip only took a few minutes.
Spent an hour or so exploring the ‘D’Alt Vila’ of Ibiza, the old walled town that is approached by an imposing archway up a ramp. Enjoyed a drink at Bar Zoo before returning to the ship. but be warned, they are more expensive than onboard and not as strong!
Returned to the ship for pre-dinner drinks and dinner. Had the Cops Grille steak available on the MDR menu, excellent ($14.95 which includes 15% gratuity + 7% Spanish VAT). Then we headed back out to Ibiza town via the shuttle for a few drinks. As it was early in the season the bars were not that busy.
Sunday, 23rd May
Breakfasted again in the Windjammer and found a table easily. Went for a walk from the dock to the marina and then to Talamanca which is the resort in the next bay from where the ship docks.
Headed back to try and find a spot on the pool deck, this proved really difficult and again the chair hogs out in force.
Went to Windjammer for lunch at 1:30 pm and gave up trying to find a table, it was so busy as the MDR was closed whilst we were in port.
Returned at around 2 pm and eventually grabbed a table for 2 as two people got up to leave. I requested a bottle of wine from our ‘Wine & Dine’ package but my first request was denied as the MDR was closed even though there is a bar in the Island Grill. I approached a senior dining room attendant and asked again. She initially said it was not possible as the MDR was closed, but I insisted as it was a ‘Wine & Dine’ package and I was dining. She consulted with someone else and he said it was possible. She got the wine from Portofino next door.
Registered my $10 internet credit with Guest Relations, set up a username and password in the internet café and then tried to use the Wi-Fi hotspot in Cloud 9 on deck 14. This was not working; the ship is not fully equipped with Wi-Fi so it is not possible to connect from your stateroom. The only locations are Cloud 9 (deck 14), Conference Centre (deck 2), Royal Promenade (Café Promenade, deck 5) & Solarium (deck 11).
We set sail from Ibiza at 3 pm towards Barcelona. We went to watch the Farewell Show in the Lyric theatre and then to our final dinner in the MDR.
Monday, 24th May
We docked in Barcelona in the early morning and although as Diamond Members we had been given one of the first coloured tags for early disembarkation, we stayed onboard and had breakfast in the Windjammer as we were taking our own luggage off.
We could have waited in the Mozart dining room reserved for Diamond members, but we stayed in the cabin until about 8:30 am.
Checked out our formal ‘informal’ photographs from the previous evening, but didn’t purchase any as they are not worth the $19.95 + VAT IMHO.
We strolled around the pool deck and saw MSC Splendida dock behind us, Nautilus in front and Oceana beyond that. It was a busy day in the port of Barcelona.
We left the ship around 8:45 am, no lines for exiting the ship, strolled through the terminal and out to get a taxi to our post cruise hotel and waited all of 5 minutes before being on our way.
Stayed overnight in Barcelona before returning to Manchester on 25th May. Make use of the T-10 transport ticket if in Barcelona, great value €7.85 for 10 trips on the subway, bus, tram or local train services, even out to the airport.
Highlights
Adventure of the Seas is a great ship, and in good condition.
Unobtrusive stateroom attendant, but thorough and the cabin was spotless.
Good food in the MDR, excellent in Portofino.
A large variety of food available in the Windjammer.
Strong alcoholic drinks (now into Lava Flows!)
Attentive staff
Great service, especially in Portofino
Very easy to check in and board and also when disembarking.
Great snacks at the Café Promenade (Brownies to die for!).
Lowlights
Chair hogging.
Chaotic shuttle organisation.
Shuttle from La Seyne Sur-Mer (cost and length of time taken to get to Toulon)
Lack of choice of shore excursions in Ibiza.
General Store does not sell duty free liquor or cigarettes due to Spanish law and is now the ‘$10 store’
Spanish VAT of 16% on shop purchases, 7% on all bar sales and cover charges for Johnny Rockets and Portofino.
Key Staff
Captain Ole-Johan Gronhaug
Mercedes LaFuente – Cruise Director
Melissa Broome – Loyalty Ambassador
Sample Prices
Chops Grille Steak $13.00 ($14.95 on the menu, includes 15% gratuity)
Mojito $6.00
20oz Draft Beer $5.95
Seattle’s Best Latte $2.75
Budweiser (bottle) $4.25
House Brandy $4.75
Portofino cover charge $20.00 ($21.40 per person due to Spanish VAT at 7%)
Jack Daniels & Coke $5.50
Bombay Sapphire & Tonic $5.75
8” x 6” photo $9.95 each, plus $1.59 Spanish VAT (16%)
Cosmopolitan $9.25
Mango Lava Flow $6.75
Lava Flow $7.00
Glass of wine $7.00 and up
All the above except where stated attract an additional 7% Spanish VAT, plus 15% Gratuity.
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ReAl6263
Very nice review.. so through and detailed. I loved reading about your cruise and in port adventures.
what are chair hogs? I saw a guy sitting at a table alone with him in one chair and no one in the other three.. he had his backpack in one chair, his legs in another one, and the last one was empty. chair hogger.
thanks for posting drink prices… some are about what I expected to pay.. the cosmo is more than I thought it would be though. wow.
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ReAl6263
Very nice review.. so through and detailed. I loved reading about your cruise and in port adventures.
what are chair hogs? I saw a guy sitting at a table alone with him in one chair and no one in the other three.. he had his backpack in one chair, his legs in another one, and the last one was empty. chair hogger.
thanks for posting drink prices… some are about what I expected to pay.. the cosmo is more than I thought it would be though. wow.
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Bob
Thank you for this great review. It’s nice to get your perspective. I agree with ReAl6263…..$9.25 for a Cosmo? PLEEEEZE ! !
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Bob
Thank you for this great review. It’s nice to get your perspective. I agree with ReAl6263…..$9.25 for a Cosmo? PLEEEEZE ! !
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randall | my profile
Anyone thinking about going on Royal Caribbean’s mega-ship Oasis of the Seas should check out Tom Baker’s ship review in the “News and Expert Advice” section of the site. http://tinyurl.com/y26arc5
rontom, 
Luv2Cruise, and 
Bob are discussing. 
ReAl6263 are discussing. 
PhxCruiser | my profile
Another death on board Atlantis
I just read about another death on board the Atlantis cruise. This happened in Grand Cayman which we know isn’t the most gay friendly island in the Caribbean. You can read about it in the most recent Advocate Magazine.
FunMe, 
Steve, and 
Tim-n-Rick are discussing. -
Steve
I just heard about this too. My good friends where on the Atlantis October cruise to Mexico where someone also died. I personally believe it’s just coincidence. I’m sure someone died on most of the cruises that I have taken although one never hears about it.
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Tim-n-Rick
Very tragic. I’m inclined to agree with Steve that it happens more than we ever hear about. My Grandmother just passed away after months in a nursing home and I can honestly say that given the choice I’d much rather leave this world enjoying myself on a cruise.
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Steve
Very good point. When my ‘time’ comes, I hope it’s quick and on the seas.
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FunMe
I read somewhere that it was a suicide due to a broken relationship.
Sad.
xterracub | my profile
Are there any of you that will be on the Radiance of the Seas for the January 2, 2010 sailing to mexico? So far there are about 20 of us listed on another site.
orlspeedo | my profile
All there is to know about Oasis of the Seas!
Having just returned from a special 2-night Inaugural sailing aboard the newest and largest cruiseship in the world, Oasis of the Seas, I can try and answer anyone’s questions they may have. This is an amazing ship and words cannot describe it. There is so much to see and do, the ship is a destination in itself. Personally, I wouldn’t care where it cruised to, because I probably would never have a reason to get off it.
Alan, 
Steve are discussing. -
Bob & John
Your photos are great. What a ship! The diver isn’t bad either!
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Steve
I agree, in fact all of the divers were very nice to look at.
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Bob & John
Let’s see more of those pics!
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Alan
I loved the pictures of the Oasis. I agree that it wouldn’t matter where it went to, it would just be great to be on the ship. I bet it can be overwhelming. It’s a vacations destination on its’ own.
| my profile
Craig & Guy – couple from Orange County, CA traveling on Liberty of the Seas on her January 10th sailing; we’re interested in meeting other couples for dinner & excursion companions.
jbowman4, and 
Jeff are discussing. -
Jeff
We are from Long Beach and Palm Springs: we will be on the Liberty of the Seas on January 10th also!
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Jeff
We are from Long Beach and Palm Springs: we will be on the Liberty of the Seas on January 10th also!
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jbowman4
We will be on the Liberty of the Seas on January 10th also. We too are interested in meeting other couples for drinks, dinner or excursions.
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jbowman4
We will be on the Liberty of the Seas on January 10th also. We too are interested in meeting other couples for drinks, dinner or excursions.
orlspeedo | my profile
Heading to Ft Lauderdale today to board the new mega-ship Oasis of the Seas beginning on Sunday for a special 2-night pre-Inaugural! Cannot wait to see this ship and all it has to offer! I will be sure to report back!
markdale, 
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Steve
Can’t wait to hear your report. I’ve been watch the transatlantic voyage on their web site.
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Steve
Can’t wait to hear your report. I’ve been watch the transatlantic voyage on their web site.
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Bob & John
I’m also looking forward to your report. My concern is that The Oasis is just way too large – meaning too many people. I’ll be interested in your perspective on this.
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Bob & John
I’m also looking forward to your report. My concern is that The Oasis is just way too large – meaning too many people. I’ll be interested in your perspective on this.
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Gordon Peterson
We’re leaving Dallas next Wednesday, driving to New Orleans, Orlando and FtL… we’re onboard Oasis from Dec 1-12. Then spending about a week in Orlando before heading back to Dallas…. would love to meet others onboard Oasis, as well as perhaps in Orlando either before or after the cruise!
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Gordon Peterson
We’re leaving Dallas next Wednesday, driving to New Orleans, Orlando and FtL… we’re onboard Oasis from Dec 1-12. Then spending about a week in Orlando before heading back to Dallas…. would love to meet others onboard Oasis, as well as perhaps in Orlando either before or after the cruise!
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rontom
Hi FLSPEEDO
So, how did you like the ship? It’s pretty amazing. Just too big. Hate to be on board with 5k+ people and try to get a elevator..
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Steve Zellers
Well I returned from Oasis and am still trying to take it all in. Although this sailing was only for travel agents and invited guests, the estimated total number of passengers was 3500. I understand, each sailing between now and January will not sail full, but will gradually increase in number of passengers until capacity is reached sometime in January. The ship is very well laid out and easy to navigate from one neighborhood to another. Royal Caribbean has created a beautiful ship, and some really unique features. The Zip Line was a blast and would do it again in a heartbeat. Who could ever imagine Zip Lining in the middle of the ocean on a cruiseship! The ship is a destination in itself and I wouldn’t care where the destination was, because you could spend a week onboard and not experience it all, but I sure tried in two days. I have pictures posted on my Facebook fan page so if anyone would like to take a look, look me up there.
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markdale
I’m looking forward to hearing the feedback from people who went on The Oasis. I think Steve has a point where the ship is the actual destination and not the itinerary. It sounds like there is no need to get off the ship since there is so much to do on board.
Steve, why don’t you consider starting a new tread just about The Oasis of The Sea? The best way to do that is by clicking on the link ‘Add a new post’ under the avatar on the right column. You will be able to add a headline and also photos in that area. Also, members will be able to link to the RSS feeds to stay updated.
Looking forward to seeing your photos
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rontom
Hi FLSPEEDO
So, how did you like the ship? It’s pretty amazing. Just too big. Hate to be on board with 5k+ people and try to get a elevator..
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Steve Zellers
Well I returned from Oasis and am still trying to take it all in. Although this sailing was only for travel agents and invited guests, the estimated total number of passengers was 3500. I understand, each sailing between now and January will not sail full, but will gradually increase in number of passengers until capacity is reached sometime in January. The ship is very well laid out and easy to navigate from one neighborhood to another. Royal Caribbean has created a beautiful ship, and some really unique features. The Zip Line was a blast and would do it again in a heartbeat. Who could ever imagine Zip Lining in the middle of the ocean on a cruiseship! The ship is a destination in itself and I wouldn’t care where the destination was, because you could spend a week onboard and not experience it all, but I sure tried in two days. I have pictures posted on my Facebook fan page so if anyone would like to take a look, look me up there.
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markdale
I’m looking forward to hearing the feedback from people who went on The Oasis. I think Steve has a point where the ship is the actual destination and not the itinerary. It sounds like there is no need to get off the ship since there is so much to do on board.
Steve, why don’t you consider starting a new tread just about The Oasis of The Sea? The best way to do that is by clicking on the link ‘Add a new post’ under the avatar on the right column. You will be able to add a headline and also photos in that area. Also, members will be able to link to the RSS feeds to stay updated.
Looking forward to seeing your photos
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korvingreen | my profile
Hello all… Good looking musc masc dude– on the Navigator Royal Caribbean Dec 10 thru 14 out of Miami… guess I’m bi curious looking for a discreet bud.
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Bob 10:46 am on June 4, 2010 Permalink |
This news doesn’t really thrill me. I sure hope RC has lots of areas for ‘adults only’. My first reaction would be to stay clear and go for the ships that don’t attract as many families. I’m all for families taking cruise vacations but when I have the chance to get away, I do need some ‘down time’ for much needed R&R. Screaming kids and a Disney type atmosphere just doesn’t do it for me. I would rather choose to see the characters by visiting a theme park then having them come to me.
Luv2Cruise 3:07 pm on June 4, 2010 Permalink |
Hi Bob!
Well stated!
I for one have always traveled on cruises that give the opportunity to get away from the “main-stream” of things.
Cruising for me is a way of accomplishing a combination of being around like-minded individuals, having fun, and most of all, being able to completely relax and enjoy oneself so much that the world “left behind” (before boarding the cruise ship), no longer exists – at least for the duration of the cruise.
Dave
rontom 8:23 am on June 29, 2010 Permalink |
I agree with Bob & Luv2Cruise. They won’t see much of my money. Just returned from my 14 day Alaska venture on ms Amsterdam, those rug rats were a source of many glances, and not in a good way. The weather was on the cool side, and when they were in the Lido Pool area it was unberable among the shreks and hollars from the brats. And just think, they were under the guidence of Camp HAL! Go figure.
Bob 10:46 am on June 4, 2010 Permalink |
This news doesn’t really thrill me. I sure hope RC has lots of areas for ‘adults only’. My first reaction would be to stay clear and go for the ships that don’t attract as many families. I’m all for families taking cruise vacations but when I have the chance to get away, I do need some ‘down time’ for much needed R&R. Screaming kids and a Disney type atmosphere just doesn’t do it for me. I would rather choose to see the characters by visiting a theme park then having them come to me.
Luv2Cruise 3:07 pm on June 4, 2010 Permalink |
Hi Bob!
Well stated!
I for one have always traveled on cruises that give the opportunity to get away from the “main-stream” of things.
Cruising for me is a way of accomplishing a combination of being around like-minded individuals, having fun, and most of all, being able to completely relax and enjoy oneself so much that the world “left behind” (before boarding the cruise ship), no longer exists – at least for the duration of the cruise.
Dave
rontom 8:23 am on June 29, 2010 Permalink |
I agree with Bob & Luv2Cruise. They won’t see much of my money. Just returned from my 14 day Alaska venture on ms Amsterdam, those rug rats were a source of many glances, and not in a good way. The weather was on the cool side, and when they were in the Lido Pool area it was unberable among the shreks and hollars from the brats. And just think, they were under the guidence of Camp HAL! Go figure.