Did 'Adventure' Wow me? (I don't like big ships remember!)

Although I am not a fan of bigger ships - I know I am starting to sound like a scratched record - my friends and I chose Adventure of the Seas for our 50th birthday celebration because the date and the duration suited. I really wanted to do a short Celebrity cruise but alas, no mini cruises on offer this year from them so Royal Caribbean it was to be.
Having sailed with so many cruise lines, this was to be my first experience of Royal Caribbean so I was interested to see the ship and try out her facilities for myself as I hear so much about them from clients, and let's be honest, they are one of the most popular cruise lines.

Embarkation was seamless and we swiftly arrived in our Superior Deluxe Balcony cabin which was well appointed, had plenty of storage and a good sized bathroom. We were very well looked after by our cabin steward Junior throughout the voyage.

After lunch we explored the ship top to bottom and I must be honest you would never know she is 13 years old. She is maintained to a very high standard, with something for everyone on board. Lots of different lounges and bars, different dining options, although no Chops Grille, just Giovannis Table which we didn't try but other passengers who ate in there raved about it.The main dining room is amazing, like something out of Titanic, so elegant!

The Royal Promenade, with it's bars and shops is amazing and really comes into it's own of an evening with varied entertainment. A really nice place to spend a less energetic evening is Viking Crown Lounge right at the top of the ship, often with some live music playing - and some excellent cocktails on offer!
Adventure boasts an Ice Rink so of course we went to watch a show which was brilliant. I would recommend it, just like watching 'Dancing on Ice'!

Food was wonderful - we only ate in the main restaurant a couple of nights, the rest of the time we ate in Windjammer, buffet style, and I couldn't fault it. Great selection, good quality, well cooked food.
Entertainment was good and varied, again something for everyone.

Drinks prices surprised me - very reasonable! I had heard horror stories about huge surcharges on Royal Caribbean but our on board bill was very reasonable.

One thing that really surprised me was that although Adventure carries 3,800 passengers she never felt crowded, apart from the Windjammer on embarkation day. Thanks to well thought out layout the passengers are spread well around the ship.

I have read some really bad reviews, and also spoke to a woman on board who thought the food in the Windjamer was 'disgusting' - rubbish! I know my food, and it was great food in there. As for the bad reviews, words fail me. Talk about making mountains out of mole hills. There really was nothing to complain about, a great cruise on a great ship with lovely staff.

So did Adventure 'wow' me? She most certainly did and I would recommend her to anyone and will certainly be looking to cruise on her again myself one day.