Adventure of the Seas Cruise Review: 5 Nights from Galveston on a Voyager Class Favorite
Sailing Date: February 2023
Itinerary: Galveston → Costa Maya (cancelled) → Cozumel
Ship: Adventure of the Seas – Royal Caribbean Voyager Class
Pre-Cruise Stay: Harbor House Hotel Galveston & Seafood with a View
If you’re cruising out of Galveston, arriving a day early is a smart move — and staying at the Harbor House Hotel Galveston makes it even better. This charming waterfront hotel is steps from the new Royal Caribbean terminal, offering a front-row view of your ship before you even board.
Book pre cruise accommodations here >>> Harbor House
The hotel was filled with fellow cruisers, creating a fun and lively atmosphere. Our king room came with a stunning harbor view — perfect for watching ships come and go.
Dinner was next door at Katie’s Seafood House, a favorite among cruise-goers. Yes, it was packed, but the seafood was absolutely worth it.
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Embarkation Day: Smooth Start at Royal Caribbean’s New Terminal
We checked in early at Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Galveston terminal, which had just opened the month before. Thanks to pre-booked covered parking, we were parked and at the curb in minutes.
After dropping off our luggage (don’t forget to print and attach your luggage tags at home!), we breezed through suite check-in and were on board by 11:00 AM — all within 15 minutes.
See our tips on 5 essential cruise items you must have for your next cruise.
Cruise Carry-On Bag Tip:
- Swimsuits
- Sunscreen
- Phone chargers
We use the SwissGear Scansmart 1900 Backpack for easy organization.
Our Stateroom: Junior Suite 9308 on Adventure of the Seas
Sailing on Adventure of the Seas, a favorite among Royal Caribbean Voyager Class ships, was a first for us. Our Junior Suite (9308) was ready by 1:30 PM. Spacious, comfortable, and with a generous balcony — it made our cruise feel extra special.
We met our friendly stateroom attendant, unpacked using packing cubes, and completed our muster drill early so we could dive straight into exploration mode.
Ship Photo Tip: Head to the helipad on Deck 5 for one of the best photo ops on board — especially at sunset.
Day 2: Sea Day Bliss at the Solarium
Our go-to relaxation zone? The Solarium — an adults-only retreat with loungers, hot tubs, and quiet vibes away from the main pool crowd. It’s the ultimate sea-day sanctuary.
Day 3: Costa Maya (Cancelled) = Bonus Sea Day
We were scheduled to visit Costa Maya, but strong winds changed our course. The captain rerouted us toward Cozumel, which we reached earlier than planned.
While we were disappointed to miss a new port, the extra day at sea gave us more time to unwind — no complaints here.
Day 4: Cozumel — Margaritas, Music, and a Hidden Gem
After more than 15 years, we returned to Cozumel with one mission: find La Choza, a tucked-away local restaurant we’d fallen in love with years ago.
Spoiler alert: It’s still amazing.
- Authentic food
- Strong margaritas
- Live music by local musicians
It’s a few blocks off the main road in El Centro, easily walkable once you arrive in the main square.
Pro Tips for Cozumel:
- Tell your cab driver you’re headed to El Centro.
- Confirm the fare before you ride (usually under $10).
- Bring small cash bills to tip musicians or street vendors.
After lunch, we explored the shops around the main square before heading back to the ship.
Day 5: Another Perfect Sea Day
With no scheduled port, we happily returned to our Solarium haven for a final day of sun, reading, and relaxing. No agenda. No stress. Just pure cruise mode.
Day 6: Disembarkation in Galveston & Travel Tips
We arrived back in Galveston around 7:00 AM and disembarked with zero issues. Since we drove, we were on the road quickly. But for those flying out, keep in mind that Houston airports are about an hour away — plan your return flights accordingly.
Why We’d Cruise on Voyager Class Again
This was our second time cruising on a Royal Caribbean Voyager Class ship, and we’re officially fans. At around 138,000 gross tons, Adventure of the Seas strikes the perfect balance:
- ✅ Big enough for unique amenities (ice skating, rock climbing, specialty dining)
- ✅ Small enough to feel cozy and never overwhelming
- ✅ Easy to navigate, ideal for mid-size ship lovers
Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler looking for a shorter sailing, a 5-night cruise out of Galveston on Adventure of the Seas hits the mark.
✅ Quick Recap: Our Top Cruise Tips
- Arrive a day early to avoid travel stress
- Stay at Harbor House Hotel Galveston for convenience and views
- Pack a carry-on with embarkation essentials
- Use packing cubes for efficient unpacking
- Visit the helipad for epic photos
- Eat at La Choza in Cozumel — seriously
Final Word
If you’re considering a quick getaway with the right mix of activity and relaxation, Adventure of the Seas out of Galveston is a strong contender. We’d book it again in a heartbeat — and maybe next time, the winds will let us explore Costa Maya, too.
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