Adventure of the Seas review 2025: Is this classic Royal Caribbean ship still worth booking?

I spent Easter week 2025 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, and I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. If you’re searching for an Adventure of the Seas review, especially as a first-time cruiser or someone planning a family trip, there’s a lot here that might just win you over.

To start: yes, it’s an older ship. But I found it charming and easy to navigate. Unlike the newer mega-ships, Adventure of the Seas has about 14 decks, and I wasn’t constantly checking a map or trying to remember which zone I was in. It felt manageable, not overwhelming. Perfect if you’re someone who likes knowing where everything is without walking a mile to get there.

In this review, I’ll walk you through everything from the food and entertainment to cabin tips, port highlights, and even the unexpected moments. That way, you can decide if this ship is the right fit for your next vacation.

Related: Royal Caribbean cabin and suite classes explained: The ultimate guide to choosing your perfect room

On this page:

• Ship snapshot: Adventure of the seas quick facts
• Embarkation experience: Smooth start to the journey
• Cabin spotlight: Interior stateroom 4V (Room 2251)
• Dining & food review: What you’ll eat in 2025
• Bars & nightlife in 2025
• Entertainment & themed events
• Activities & amenities for all ages
• Spa & wellness in 2025
• Tech, WiFi & Royal Caribbean app features
• Safety & medical emergencies: real-life perspective
• Port reviews & shore excursion highlights (Spring 2025)
• Adventure of the seas vs. newer Royal Caribbean ships

Explore sailings on the Adventure of the Seas:

Ship snapshot: Adventure of the seas quick facts

If you’re wondering where Adventure of the Seas fits in the Royal Caribbean lineup, here’s a quick overview to set the stage. This ship isn’t one of the flashy, brand-new mega-ships with zip lines and robotic bartenders. Instead, it delivers a more classic cruise experience, something that many travelers, including myself, really appreciate.

• Built: 2001
• Refurbished: 2021
• Passenger Capacity: 3,114
• Tonnage: 137,276 GT
• Class: Voyager

Compared to newer ships, Adventure of the Seas feels more intimate and familiar. I met so many people onboard who had only cruised bigger ships like Utopia, and even they admitted it was a tough transition. But I personally loved how easy it was to get around. The ship might not have the newest neighborhoods or tech, but it does have the Royal Promenade, which always felt like the buzzing heart of the ship. It’s where you’ll find shops, bars, pop-up parades, and late-night energy without having to trek across multiple zones. For many, it strikes the right balance between features and walkability.

Embarkation experience: Smooth start to the journey

Hands down, this was the best check-in experience I’ve had with Royal Caribbean. As soon as we boarded, I noticed something different, every muster station was clearly marked and staffed. No scavenger hunt, no crowding into a lounge to watch the safety video. Instead, staff held up signs for each station, scanned our SetSail pass right there, and we were done.

Even better, we didn’t have to go to our stateroom to grab a key card first. Everything was digital and fast. From entering the terminal to walking into our cabin, it was smooth, stress-free, and quick, especially impressive since we had a big group spanning toddlers to grandparents. This was one of those small but impactful changes that made a huge difference, and I hope every Royal Caribbean ship switches to this system permanently.

As someone who’s done the old-style muster process on plenty of cruises, this felt like a smart and much-needed upgrade.

Cabin spotlight: Interior stateroom 4V (Room 2251)

We stayed in an interior stateroom, category 4V, on Deck 2 and I was honestly impressed. It felt roomy, with two lower beds, decent closet space, small refrigerator, and a vanity. The bathroom wasn’t luxurious, but it was larger than I expected for a lower deck cabin.

A couple of tips: Royal Caribbean doesn’t provide conditioner, just a combo body wash and shampoo. If your hair needs a little more love, bring your own. Also, you can request robes, they’re not in the room by default. And don’t forget to return your pool towels or you’ll get charged (they billed me $25, but reversed it easily when I called).

If you’re trying to decide based on price, I’d take this stateroom again. The location was quiet, and I loved that we were only two decks below the action on Deck 5. No crowded elevators, no noise, just simple, comfortable, and functional. This section definitely earns a spot in the Adventure of the Seas cabin reviews.

Related: Best cabin on a cruise ship – How to choose the perfect stateroom for your cruise style

Dining & food review: What you’ll eat in 2025

Let’s talk food, because if you’re like me, it’s a big part of the cruise experience. I’ll start this Adventure of the Seas food review with the main dining room, Sapphire. It’s beautiful, and the themed nights made each dinner feel fresh. On Royal Night, we had lobster tail and filet mignon. On Caribbean Night, they served jerk chicken, pepper pot soup, and rum cake. There’s an app now for dining reservations, which helped us avoid waiting around.

The Windjammer buffet was fine, solid options but nothing standout. Café Promenade, on the other hand, became my go-to for late-night snacks. Sandwiches, pizza, and soft-serve ice cream until 2:00 a.m.? Yes, please.

Now, the specialty dining:

• Izumi surprised me with how fresh and flavorful the sushi rolls were. It felt like a real treat.
• Johnny Rockets gave me the burger I’d been craving after seven days of cruise food. The shake was perfect. It cost around $20 total, which I thought was worth it.
• I didn’t make it to Giovanni’s Table, but I did dine at Chops Grille, and the steak was outstanding, definitely a highlight for this chops grille review.

Bars & nightlife in 2025

The nightlife was more fun than I expected. The Schooner Bar is where everyone seemed to gather. It doubled as the piano bar and had the most engaging entertainer I’ve seen at sea., Sshe was hilarious, took requests, and even performed Elton John and Billy Joel.

Boleros was another hotspot, especially during Latin-themed nights. Blue Moon, part of the old Viking Crown Lounge, had a great view and a calmer vibe. But what stood out was Cigars Under the Stars at the Sky Bar. It’s a new concept where guests can smoke cigars, sip scotch, and watch a movie. When I was there, they played Wicked. It’s held in a designated area, so smoke-sensitive guests can easily avoid it.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: Bring your own cigars for the Sky Bar's “Cigars Under the Stars” for movie night.

Entertainment & themed events

I don’t cruise Royal Caribbean for the shows, but I still enjoyed them on Adventure of the Seas. The Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute band was a crowd favorite, polished, nostalgic, and fun. The comedy and magic acts held their own, delivering enough laughs and wow moments to keep the audience entertained, even if they weren’t headline-worthy.

But where this ship really shines is in its themed events. The Royal Promenade transforms during 70s and 80s nights, and people go all out. We’re talking full costumes, dancing, and packed crowds living their best disco or neon dreams. If that’s your thing, definitely pack some retro outfits, you’ll be in good company.

Studio B, the onboard ice rink, is still one of the most surreal things at sea. They hosted ice shows that were surprisingly well done, considering the venue, and also opened the rink for passenger skating sessions. Ice skating in the middle of the ocean? Still feels cool, no matter how many times you’ve done it.

And let’s not forget the piano bar inside the Schooner Bar, one of the liveliest spots on the ship. The pianist was hilarious, took tons of requests, and leaned into late-night humor with Billy Joel and Elton John singalongs that drew a loyal nightly crowd.

Activities & amenities for all ages

There’s a lot packed onto this Voyager-class ship. I played pickleball for the first time (they set up three courts and ran it for three-hour stretches, and it was always full). The FlowRider was in constant use, and one guy from Cocoa Beach basically turned it into a stunt show with tricks, flips, and sunset backdrops that looked made for Instagram.

If you’re into traditional sports, you’ll find a full-sized court for basketball, dodgeball, cornhole, and volleyball. Add in trivia nights, karaoke, and mini golf, and you’ve got something for every age and energy level. It’s the kind of ship where you won’t get bored unless you really try.

One hidden gem I discovered was the peek-a-boo bridge on Deck 11, port side. It’s not listed on any deck plan, and most passengers never find it. But if you walk through a plain-looking door labeled “Peekaboo Bridge,” you’ll step onto a small forward-facing deck that lets you look directly down into the ship’s bridge and watch the officers at work. It’s quiet, oddly calming, and a fun secret to share with curious kids or cruise geeks.

For families, Adventure of the Seas delivers in classic Royal Caribbean style:

• Adventure Ocean keeps the kids busy with age-appropriate programs
• Teens have their own space at Optix Lounge, away from the adults
• Younger kids can splash around at Splashaway Bay, a bright and colorful water play zone

And while the ship is older than some of Royal’s newest offerings, that makes it even better for first-time cruisers, it’s easy to navigate, rarely overwhelming, and offers plenty of familiar Royal Caribbean staples without the learning curve of larger mega-ships.

Spa & wellness in 2025

I didn’t book any treatments this time, but I did tour the Vitality Spa, and it looked clean, well-staffed, and professionally run. You’ll find the usual lineup, massages, facials, salon services, but what really stood out was the access to complimentary sauna and steam rooms inside the fitness center. Not every cruise line lets you use those without buying a spa pass, so it was a pleasant surprise to have that included.

The fitness center itself was bright and well-equipped, with plenty of treadmills and machines, especially considering the ship’s size. After a workout or a day at the pool, being able to unwind in the steam room felt like a hidden luxury that didn’t come with an upsell.

Up top, the jogging track on Deck 12 is a nice touch, especially for sunrise laps, but expect it to get a bit congested during the mid-morning rush. It wraps around the sports court and pool areas, so it’s more scenic stroll than serious cardio zone during peak times.

Tech, WiFi & Royal Caribbean app features

The Royal Caribbean app has improved a lot in recent years. You can now check your daily planner, make dining or show reservations, and even chat with fellow passengers, all from your phone. During check-in, everything felt streamlined. I didn’t even need to go to my stateroom to find my SeaPass card right away, they scanned my boarding pass and directed me straight to my muster station, which was hands down the smoothest safety drill experience I’ve had at sea. No wandering around, no confusion, just scan and done.

WiFi on Adventure of the Seas was hit or miss, especially in the cabin, but it worked well enough in public spaces for email, messaging, and the occasional social media post. Just don’t expect flawless streaming or Zoom calls.

One thing that stood out: the crew’s warmth and service mindset. Every interaction I had, from bartenders to stateroom attendants, felt genuine and unforced. Multiple crew members even said they preferred working on smaller ships like this one, where the staff builds tighter bonds and passengers aren’t just a blur. That translated into a more attentive, personal experience that bigger ships sometimes miss.

Safety & medical emergencies: real-life perspective

No Adventure of the Seas Easter cruise review would be complete without acknowledging the unexpected: we experienced multiple Alpha calls, Royal Caribbean’s code for medical emergencies. In total, there were at least four or five incidents during our 8-day sailing.

The most serious involved a young girl whose condition became critical shortly after we set sail. The captain made the call to turn the ship around and return to Port Canaveral, speeding through rough seas to get her back in time. Thanks to that decision and the crew’s coordination, her life was saved with just 12 hours to spare.

Sadly, another passenger onboard suffered a heart attack and did not survive. There was also a woman who fell in the casino and other minor incidents that made you acutely aware of how quickly things can change at sea.

Despite all that, the crew and captain handled every situation with grace and clarity, keeping passengers informed without alarming anyone unnecessarily. These incidents were a powerful reminder of how much crew training, preparedness, and calm leadership matter in real-time emergencies. I felt completely confident that we were in good hands and that safety isn’t just a slogan for Royal Caribbean.

Port reviews & shore excursion highlights (Spring 2025)

Our Adventure of the Seas itinerary included San Juan, St. Thomas, and St. Croix, and each port brought something different to the table, whether you booked excursions or just explored on your own.

San Juan
We kept it casual with a self-guided day through Old San Juan. Everything is walkable from the port, colorful streets, local shops, and historic forts. A highlight was grabbing a piña colada at Barrachina, the restaurant that claims to have invented the drink. Whether that’s fact or marketing spin, the cocktail was cold and the vibes were perfect. It’s a great port if you want to do your own thing without needing a structured excursion.

Discover San Juan cruises with Royal Caribbean:

St. Thomas
Here, I opted for a Royal Caribbean snorkeling tour that took us by speedboat to Buck Island and Honeymoon Beach. The water was stunningly clear, the snorkeling was solid (think vibrant fish and reef views), and the rum punch flowed freely on the return trip. It felt like a true Caribbean vacation moment. A word of advice, taxis in St. Thomas are cash only, so don’t forget to bring small bills for getting to and from the port if you’re not on a tour.

Explore exciting St. Thomas cruise options with Royal Caribbean:

St. Croix
This was my first time in St. Croix, and we did our own thing again. A $16 taxi ride took us to Christiansted, a small harbor town with a scenic boardwalk, restaurants on the water, and even a water taxi to a nearby resort. We didn’t take the taxi this time due to timing, but it’s on my list for next time. One thing to keep in mind: when two ships are in port, taxis can be limited, and the wait to get back can be nerve-wracking. If you're going far or venturing without a tour, give yourself extra time to return, missing the ship isn’t worth the risk.

Each port had its charm, but St. Thomas stole the show this time around. Still, I’d happily return to all three, just with a bit more cash in my pocket and a better handle on timing.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: Book excursions early to avoid taxi shortages on multi-ship days.

Experience the beauty of St. Croix on a Royal Caribbean cruise:

Adventure of the seas vs. newer Royal Caribbean ships

If you’re weighing Adventure of the Seas vs. Oasis of the Seas, or even a Freedom of the Seas comparison, here’s the truth: bigger doesn’t always mean better, especially if you value ease, comfort, and familiarity over jaw-dropping size.

Adventure of the Seas is a Voyager-class ship, launched in 2001 during a pivotal moment in Royal Caribbean’s evolution. It introduced now-standard features like the FlowRider, ice skating rink, and the Royal Promenade, a signature indoor “street” lined with bars, shops, and dining. At the time, it was cutting-edge. Today, it’s a ship that feels well-rounded, compact, and easy to navigate, a real asset for first-time cruisers or anyone who finds newer mega-ships overwhelming.

While newer ships like Oasis-class offer amenities like zip lines, robot bartenders, and neighborhood zones, they also come with double the passenger count, longer waits, and a steeper learning curve just to get around. On Adventure, I always knew where I was, and I never had to consult the ship map like I do on the newer ones. Elevators weren’t crowded. Loungers weren’t impossible to find. It just felt more manageable, and more relaxing.

That doesn’t mean it’s boring. Adventure still has all the Royal Caribbean staples: FlowRider, rock climbing, sports court, trivia, mini golf, the signature Schooner piano bar, and even pickleball. It’s just a more classic version of the Royal Caribbean experience, without the sensory overload of the mega-ships.

If you're traveling on a budget, sailing with older kids or teens, or simply want a ship where you can unwind without FOMO, Adventure of the Seas delivers. It's proof that a smaller ship can still pack in the fun, without packing in the people.

Final verdict: Should you book Adventure of the Seas in 2025?

If you’re considering a Royal Caribbean cruise but aren’t sure whether to go big with the newest ships or stick to something more classic, Adventure of the Seas strikes a nice balance. It delivers the essential Royal Caribbean experience, including the FlowRider, themed nights, ice skating, and attentive service, without the overwhelming size or crowds found on Oasis- or Quantum-class vessels. For families, first-timers, and anyone craving a slightly quieter, more traditional cruise, this ship still holds its own.

✓ Pros:

• Fantastic staff and a genuinely friendly vibe
• Smaller ship = less walking, shorter lines, easier to learn
• Great itinerary and port selection
• Fun theme nights and live entertainment
• Strong value for families and budget-conscious cruisers

✗ Cons:

• Fewer dining venues compared to newer ships
• Limited Easter-themed programming
• Some areas show signs of wear

Despite a few surprises, I’d sail on this ship again, though next time I’ll bring my own conditioner, carry cash for taxis, and make sure the pool towel makes it back. If you want a cruise that’s easy to navigate, packed with activities, and still offers those signature Royal Caribbean touches without the chaos of a mega-ship, Adventure of the Seas is absolutely worth booking in 2025.

Book your 2025 Adventure of the Seas Cruises with Cruisebound.