In 2019, we enjoyed our family Transatlantic cruise on RCI’s 90000 GT Jewel of the Seas. Based on that experience with one of Royal Caribbean’s “smaller” cruise ships, we booked another Transatlantic for 2020 on the 80000 GT Rhapsody of the Seas. That one had a back to back Mediterranean cruise as well.
Sadly all of our plans came to naught. COVID put an end to our cruises, and we were left with a bunch of RCI credits which we had to use before the end of 2022.
The most prudent choice seemed to be a New England itinerary and for that we were offered the 140000 GT Adventure of the Seas.
Adventure – while not one of those RCI behemoths – was certainly the largest ship we have ever sailed on. She also carries more fellow passengers than any one we have cruised on.
But it turned out OK. There was lots of space on the upper decks for walking and photography. We had our cabin balcony for private viewing. We tended to avoid crowded events, and took the stairs rather than crowding into elevators.
One nice feature was the Royal Promenade where a number of shops, restaurants, and bars lined a 7 deck high central atrium.
One of the best spots to people watch was right outside our cabin on deck 8. The Internet lounge had some comfy chairs where you could watch all the Royal Promenade activity.
With all the water slides, ice skating rink, Flowrider surfing, and mini-golf, the Adventure of the Seas was a bit too family oriented for our needs. Besides I think we had less than 25 kids on this cool weather itinerary. However these features didn’t get in the way of our enjoyment, and I’m sure any younger folks aboard would have tried them out on the few warmer days we got.
I still consider myself to be a smaller ships person, and if and when we cruise again I’d be looking to sail that way.
The sleek and elegant Celebrity Summit was docked ahead of us in Boston. That’s my kind of cruise ship.
