Are you planning to take a Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas cruise anytime soon? If so, what can you expect, both from the 2016 changes and from the ship overall?
We’ve put together everything you need to know about the vessel especially now that she is the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to resume operations in North America due to the suspension of operations which started in March 2020. Here are the 15 things to know about Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas.
In This Article…
- 1. Ship Stats
- 2. Staterooms
- 3. 2016 Refurbishment
- 4. Inclusions
- 5. Dining Options
- 6. Entertainment
- 7. Bars
- 8. Kids Program
- 9. Family Fun
- 10. Adults-only Fun
- 11. Thrills and Chills
- 12. Theatrical Performance
- 13. Sports
- 14. Onboard Retail
- 15. For Couples
- 16. Basic Amenities are Covered
- Adventure of the Seas Prices
- Adventure of the Seas FAQ:
1. Ship Stats
Well, following an early-2016 overhaul, it’s certainly possible. The 138,193 gross ton ship, with its length of 311.1 meters and capacity for its nearly 4,000 guests, was originally built for $500 million.
Despite that cost and the cost of other refurbishments over the ship’s lifetime, Adventure of the Seas needed an update. (Other, less-major refurbishments took place in preceding years, as part of an update across the entire Voyager class of cruise ships.)
Now, guests and the 1,185-member crew can enjoy new features across the ship’s 15 decks (14 of which are passenger decks), as well as along the four-deck-high, 120-meter Royal Promenade.
- Gross Tonnage: 137,276
- Passenger Capacity: 3,114
- Crew Capacity: 1,185
- Length: 1,020
- Maiden Voyage: November 18, 2001
- Passenger Decks: 14
The 2016, $61 million investment made way for the addition of staterooms, and the refurbishment that was part of a larger, fleet-wide initiative added some of Royal Caribbean’s most noteworthy features that are now synonymous with the brand, such as the aqua park for children, FlowRider and cyclone and typhoon water slides (but more on those later!).
Also Read: Things to Love About Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas
2. Staterooms
There are 1,557 staterooms in total aboard this cruise ship, and you’ll have no problem finding one you like when it comes time to book. Choose from 765 balcony staterooms, 174 exterior balcony staterooms, 618 interior balcony staterooms, 565 staterooms with a 3/4th berth, 138 promenade staterooms and 26 accessible-friendly staterooms, among others.
These are no bland and boring staterooms, though. Don’t expect to be staying in an outdated, poorly-decorated room that might be more fit for a cheap motel than a stellar cruising experience.
Each stateroom boasts an interior that’s more akin to what you’d find at a boutique hotel in a big city than anywhere else. With colorful furnishings, stark white bedding, modern art on the walls and modern and sleek light fixtures, you’ll feel comfortable, no matter which stateroom style you pick.
Interior staterooms are surprisingly roomy and not at all claustrophobic, and even the most budget-friendly of the interior staterooms are designed in such a way to fit your individual traveler needs.
The ocean view staterooms offer huge, bedside windows for amazing views of the oceans and ports beyond — right from your bed, as soon as you wake up in the morning.
Balcony staterooms are outfitted with comfortable patio furniture so you can kick back and enjoy the fresh air and maybe a drink or two as you watch the world go by (and don’t worry — you still get plenty of privacy from your fellow cruisers, even on your balcony).
And, of course, the suites go above and beyond with the extra space, amenities and perks you would expect. So, when it comes to choosing your stateroom on this ship, the only problem you’ll have is choosing among all your options.
3. 2016 Refurbishment
If that 2016 refurbishment mentioned above caught your eye, you’ll be glad to know that it was really an investment well worth it on Royal Caribbean’s part.
It truly brought the older, Voyager-class cruise ship up to modern standards and is now exactly what you would expect from any of Royal Caribbean’s fleet of world-class cruising vessels.
Royal Caribbean added its dual racer water slides, Cyclone and Typhoon, as well as the FlowRider surf simulator and children’s waterpark Splashaway Bay to the ship’s aquatic offerings.
In terms of dining experiences, the dry dock period allowed for the addition of Izumi Japanese Cuisine, Chops Grille and Boleros Latin Lounge, three restaurants that have quickly become favorites among Royal Caribbean’s most loyal cruisers.
And, of course, the refurbishment added more than 100 new staterooms, while also refreshing all of the previous staterooms.
4. Inclusions
A Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas cruise comes with a lot included in the up-front cost of your stateroom and cruising fare, which means that budget-friendly travelers will find plenty to appreciate.
You’ll enjoy complimentary dining across the ship’s three main dining rooms, as well as at the buffet and Cafe Promenade. Select room service is also available on a complimentary basis.
In terms of complimentary entertainment, you’ll have easy access to just about all the on-board activities, including theater shows, the ice skating rink, all the water activities and sports courts and children’s activities until late evening.
You’ll also have access to most of the fitness center.
5. Dining Options
If you decide to extend your dining experiences past the main dining rooms and the buffet (which, if you’re a new cruiser, you should definitely try first, as these are classic cruising dining experiences that you should have under your belt), you’ll find just the right amount of options awaiting you.
There are a handful of for-a-fee restaurants on the ship, but not so many that you feel overwhelmed by your choices. You could easily try each of the restaurants once during most cruises.
There’s Izumi, the newer, 2016-added Japanese and sushi restaurant. Johnny Rockets serves up the same diner fare that you’ll find from the chain brand on land. Chops Grille is also on the newer side, but is still considered Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse. Then, Giovanni’s Table is the Italian, family-style eatery.
You, unfortunately, won’t find Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver on this cruise ship, the Italian restaurant that you’ll see on some of the newer Royal Caribbean ships, but you’ll hardly notice that you’re missing it.
And, of course, if you want to upgrade your culinary experience even further, you can book a Chef’s Table experience, wherein you and a select number of guests sit down for an intimate dinner and a special menu provided by the ship’s executive chef.
6. Entertainment
No matter what time of day or night, no matter what you’re interested in or like to do or even who you’re cruising with, you’ll easily find some fun during your Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas cruise.
Daytime activities are traditional cruise fare. You’ll find fun and sometimes cheesy games and social functions planned by the cruise crew, everything from bingo to poolside contests. If you’re looking for something a little more “adult,” you can also enjoy a seminar, film, art workshop or dance lesson, among other activities.
Live music and performances abound, ranging from circus- and street-style performers to Caribbean-style bands. Nighttime entertainment comes in the form of theatrical performances, singing, dancing and a huge range of music.
Definitely don’t miss some of the ship’s more unusual or unique entertainment options, such as the ice skating shows.
7. Bars
While Adventure of the Seas only offers a small amount of bars and lounges compared to some other Royal Caribbean cruise ships, you will find that there’s enough variety that everyone traveling in your party will find a venue they like, whether you’re traveling with your parents or grandparents, or a gaggle of your girlfriends.
Schooner Bar is a lively spot that’s open late, with live music and plenty of seating. Boleros is the Latin-style club. Solarium Bar provides classic cocktails near the pool. The English Pub is a perfect pick for all the anglophiles out there who just want a pint and a snack.
A Champagne Bar pops bottles of bubbly in a low-key atmosphere. Of course, the pool bar serves up all your favorite tropical concoctions, complete with a little floating umbrella and fresh fruit.
8. Kids Program
Royal Caribbean is known for having a top-notch kids program. Adventure Ocean separates children into groups by age and then offers activities suitable for their age group. Parents can simply drop children off when the age group’s area opens for business in the morning and then check them out for lunch, dinner or bedtime.
Kids are separated into groups 3 to 5 years old, 6 to 8 years old, 9 to 11 years old, 12 to 14 years old and 15 to 17 years old. The youngest travelers might enjoy activities like games and educational activities (like science experiments), while the teens get to have a mix of social time and structured fun, including dance parties, karaoke, video games and more.
In addition to the kids programming, parents can pay a little extra for kids dinners (which allow mom and dad to enjoy their meal in peace, as children show up for the first 45 minutes of family dinner and then our escorted back to the Adventure Ocean space) and late-night babysitting until 2 a.m.
9. Family Fun
You don’t have to worry about all of the family splitting up and going their separate ways on this cruise, though. There’s plenty of fun to be had for the entire family, as a group. Enjoy watching movies on the poolside projector.
Enjoy the sports courts together, or the mini golf course. See a family-friendly show. Whatever it is that you like to do as a family, chances are good that you can do it aboard Adventure of the Seas.
10. Adults-only Fun
If you prefer adults-only cruises, you don’t have to feel like you’ll be surrounded by screaming kiddos the entire time you’re aboard the ship. While there’s plenty for small children and families to do, there are likewise plenty of ways that any adult traveler with their spouse or a group of friends can enjoy some peace and quiet, too.
The Solarium is a sun deck with multiple whirlpools that provides an adults-only setting, in case you want to catch some rays away from the main pool, which can sometimes be crowded.
As for the more high-end, for-a-fee restaurants and, of course, the bars, most families understand that those aren’t quite kid-friendly settings, so you’ll find that the crowd is adult in nature.
Likewise, if you want to relax and invest in a little wellness, you can find plenty of peace and quiet at the on-board spa and fitness center, where Royal Caribbean provides luxurious treatments, with a full menu of wellness options, as well as for-a-fee fitness classes.
11. Thrills and Chills
If you think the only thrills and chills you’re going to find aboard a cruise ship are just by the pool and maybe zipping down a waterslide, think again. There’s plenty of other adrenaline-pumping and cooling fun to be had all over this cruise ship.
Head to the ice skating rink for family-friendly ice skating at sea. Catch new views at the rock climbing wall. For some thrills without breaking a sweat, try your hand at one of the many tables at the casino.
If you do prefer the pool, don’t spend your entire time lazing in your lounge chair, when you can get the party started at one of the ship’s planned pool parties. And when it’s time for some thrills after hours, head to Club Twenty for an unprecedented club-like experience.
12. Theatrical Performance
Don’t expect to hear second-rate performances when you take your seat in Adventure of the Seas’ theater or another music or show venue. You’ll be spellbound by the high caliber of talent and the amazingly produced shows that take the stage each evening of your itinerary.
The live orchestra in the theater accompanies every show, a touch that is, quite literally, music to your ears. The ice skating shows will make your jaw drop, not only because of the performers’ skill level, but also because of the amazing backdrops, costumes and production value.
Jackpot is a one of the current musical number shows that features a Las Vegas theme, with all the feather-filled, rhinestone-covered costumes to match. Invitation to Dance is another music performance with plenty of amazing choreography.
Yet, still, another musical performance is Can’t Stop the Rock, for all of those who prefer rock hits to dance tunes and musical theater melodies. All of Royal Caribbean’s original productions are sure to please even the pickiest theater fans!
13. Sports
Do you love a good challenge? While there are plenty of ways to relax out of doors while on your Adventure of the Seas cruise, there are likewise plenty of ways to get competitive out of doors while on your cruise.
Head to the sports deck and challenge your fellow cruisers or your friends and family members to a friendly (or, maybe less-than-friendly) game of one-on-one basketball, or take to the pool for some pool volleyball.
Want to take advantage of the air conditioning? Head indoors and challenge yourself and then your friends to some fun, classic arcade games in the arcade.
14. Onboard Retail
If you never miss a good shopping opportunity, you won’t be left wanting aboard Adventure of the Seas. There are shops along the promenade that carry some favorited designers, as well as shops that offer Royal Caribbean-branded souvenirs and gifts, as well as items you find you might need during a cruise, just in case you might’ve forgotten something.
An art auction is a good place to spend a little more cash and take home something extra-valuable and unique in the process.
If you’d rather invest in some memories, you can purchase photos taken throughout your cruise by the helpful cruise crew, at the ship’s photo center.
15. For Couples
If you’re traveling with your spouse or partner and you want to make your cruise extra special, why not plan a date night within your cruise? There are certainly plenty of unique activities you can book to enjoy together.
Try a salsa dancing class, or a cupcake decorate course. Take an all-access tour of the ship. Enjoy a wine tasting or an art seminar. Maybe even book a couples spa treatment.
There are lots of ways to make your cruise just a little more romantic, and you can book all the special experiences you want with the help of one of the cruise’s dedicated concierges.
16. Basic Amenities are Covered
Speaking of the concierge, that’s just part of the basic amenities that you can expect to have covered while you’re on your Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas cruise.
The ship also offers a medical center, wedding chapel, conference center, library, and card room — all staffed with helpful crew members who are more than happy to make sure your cruise contains every detail needed for a cruise to remember.
Adventure of the Seas Prices
Also Read: 16 Things to Do on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas
Adventure of the Seas FAQ:
There are three pools and six whirlpools aboard Adventure of the Seas. The three pools are all on Deck 11. One pool sits in the Solarium, near the Solarium Bar and Pool Bar, and is flanked by two whirlpools.
Two other pools and four more whirlpools are situated further along the deck, near the outdoor television screen, and act as the main pool areas for the ship. These are also right next to Splashaway Bay, the children’s aquatic center.
The ship is 138,193 gross tonnes, with a length of 311.1 meters and capacity for nearly 4,000 guests and 1,185 crew. There are 15 decks, 14 of which are passenger decks. It was originally built for $500 million and received a refitting in 2014 and further refurbishments in 2016.
Adventure of the Seas is a Voyager-class ship, alongside Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas. Adventure of the Seas was the third Voyager-class ship to be released, following Explorer of the Seas in 2000 and Voyager of the Seas in 1999.
Navigator of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas followed in 2002 and 2003, respectively. Adventure of the Seas is the smallest of all Voyager-class ships, which can be seen in its smaller number of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
