meripour

We are in Port Canaveral from 6:30am to 9pm on Nov 25, 2015, which is Thanksgiving eve. We are looking at the excursion with RCCL which is bus service only to Universal Theme Park. The excursion time is from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm with it taking around an hour to arrive at the park. This seems like a short time since we have until at least 7 (?) to make our way back to the ship in time for departure.

Does anyone know if this is the starting time for busses to return to the ship with a last call bus option or is this the full day?

The park will be packed that day due to the holiday so I suspect buying the Universal Express Pass ticket would be preferable and would also mean to pick only one of the two parks; Universal or Islands of Adventure since there would not be time to do both, even though connected.

Your guidance is appreciate on those that have done this excursion/parks.

The following is from the Live streaming onboard the Anthem, hosted by Colleen with Cruise Critic who was able to ask questions direct of management concerning this matter. DONT CANCEL YOUR PREPAIDS AS THEY WILL BE HONORED. (But I will print this to take!!!;)

Is it true that Jamie's Italian has now gone A-la-carte? This was one of the for-fee restaurants I was planning on booking but will have to take another look now.

by ransrider April 20 at 9:11 AM

Colleen, Cruise Critic...

Hi there! we were told today at a Royal Caribbean press conference that surcharges will be honored. So if you've paid already for a future sailing, you won't need to pay an additional fee to dine at Jamie's -- no a la carte for you.

April 21 at 3:57 AM

Age, height, weight, health???

Recent review of someone just off Anthem.

Dining - Royal Caribbean have had some issues with their new concept “Dynamic Dining” where you have to pre book all your meal times, prior to cruising, and choose between four inclusive restaurants - Chic, American Icon, Grande (always formal) and Silk (Pan Asian). So, to placate those of us who prefer a Traditional dining time, and a set table, and waiter, they have now introduced for Anthem, “Dynamic Dining 2.0″ which means you can choose early or late seating, have the same table companions, and waiter, but here’s the (I think quite genius) twist - you will rotate around the four restaurants throughout your cruise, to experience them all but in a set way. Brilliant! I like this, as it gives you consistency and variety all at the same time, and removes the stress of being at home scheduling your entire holiday before you have even started it.

Any cost for North Star, iFly, Bumper Cars or Circus school?

There have been a lot of complaints over the years in regards to the food in the main dining for various reasons. Perhaps they listened and feel offering a choice to eat what you like in a setting that meets your personal choice of dining style could allow for a more memorable experience is the way to go? Dinner isn't all about the food that makes the evening memorable, but the who/what/when/where/why all play into the memory. You can always eat again. Gone are the days of early/late Main dining only or Windjammer. The first step were the addition of specialty restaurants, then to offer flex dining time. This just seems the next level in effort to keep themselves current. A recent poster just off Anthem said it was a great experience for him so I am very optimistic - in particular after seeing the pictures of the options!!!

The newest ships (Quantum Class) physical design concept involves the thought of no main dining room, but dining with the option of venue type without the specialty dining cost. Example, The Grand on Anthem allows for formal every night if you want, while others; traditional dining to contemporary - your choice; fancy or clubby. Clearly this also allowed additional 'for fee' restaurants too, but there are those that want to indulge in this for a special night or every night if they desire.

The dining reservation system admittedly does take some time to plug in all the spots, but for us, its nice to think every evening will offer a new adventure at a time and place that takes into account the activities we intend to pursue on a given day. I suspect the point of reservation system is to help insure there are no waits, allow the kitchen & wait staff to adjust accordingly, but also to put you in control of your vacation experience. For some, I could see this being an issue and in that case, book the same restaurant every night/same time to fulfill your preference.

Loving this remains to be seen, but for having to keep up with where to go when, the ships are going 'Smart' and will integrate your online (pre) 'Cruise Planner' data to 'Smart Concierge'. Via the room, kiosk or with an phone/iPad Ap 'Royal iQ' you can see everything you have planned and activities onboard, plus be able to manipulate. This technology will also allow you to check-in at the curb when you hand off your luggage as you have the ability to download your own picture & documentation prior to leaving home. No more line, but straight on the ship. You will even be able to see where you luggage is and when it reaches your room via their RFID luggage track system!! I have seen on a recent post the Seapass card has been/will be replaced by a wristband system - nice.

I am sure if this does not work they will retreat to Plan A. It will probably take a while to get their groove going on ships that were not built for Dynamic Dining (may be part of the confusion on the DD concept) or Smart technology in light they have made changes between the Quantum and Anthem to further refine the concept as they roll this out. It will be good to hear the boots on the ground reports of how this works in real life onboard.

OH, I didn't know there was a forum for Spain ports, thanks! :) I will take a look.

we stayed at Hotel Do, one block off the Rambla. Very romantic. Take the Hop On/Hop Off bus for a quick round trip tour where you can get off and on where you like all day.

So am I understanding this correctly, the fee charged is for 'cover' to get into the restaurant and any food ordered is additional?

I made reservations for the Thanksgiving week cruise thinking this was same as other specialty restaurants.

To clarify, on Anthem are there other restaurants that are the same - charge is cover only? I just spent $400 plus for dining for two.:eek:

that was a close one. Thanks for the friendly tube save. This is why people over 50 should not venture into technology they did not grow up with. Its a crap shoot.

that was a close one. Thanks for the friendly tube save. This is why people over 50 should not venture into technology they did not grow up with. Its a crap shoot.

For all the Brits and Yanks, sorry to disappoint, her Daddy is French!!

Francios Fourtou is the artist who was born is Paris, now lives in Marrakech, Morocco. She has a sister, Solange Fourtou, who still lives at home in their living room and never ventures outside. She prefers to entertain at home. Gigi Fourtou, however, is the crazy sister in the family that just cannot be held down and must travel. Most modes of transit just didn't work for her and she was not satisfied with open truck travel - too unsophisticated for the elegant Gigi. She wanted to cruise full time and see the world. She convinced her Dad she didn't need a lot of travel clothes as she intended to just 'hang by the pool and be posh'. Daddy had to go to the 'big and tall girls' shop to get her stylish yellow bathing suit. Gigi, extremely confident, has no body image issues about her height or weight and was reported to have said, 'I do not plan to be caught dead in a cover-up at any time. Big girls don't cry - so love me or leave me'. Her father's one requirement was that she had to wear her pink inner tube at all times, which she agreed since she views it is more of a 'trending fashion statement piece'.

When Mr. Fourtou was asked how he felt about sending Gigi off, he said, '"you have to let your kids leave home, and I think it great she's going to see the world and have a great adventure".

WELCOME ABOARD GIGI FOURTOU. SEE YOU ON DECK 15!!!!!

Her official name is Gigi and here is her ride to the boat.

I think you made a wise decision. I did Quantum's inaugural and 1) I will not do an inaugural again and, 2) I will not sail on a Quantum class again (or at least not until the ship is 5 years old!)

why would you not do a Quantum until it has sailed 5 years. What problems did you encounter?

Happy, crazy, whimsical. Who wants normal on vaca? :)

Depending on where they put it, it could be pretty cute and unexpected to find it looking over the top from somewhere else. I would bet it would make most want to go over to the other side to see what the heck it is.

Seems it did what art is supposed to do; has everyone talking, strikes the visceral love/hate nerve and is controversial.

Not even the folks a Princess could tell me the difference in the massage options aboard the Royal within the Lotus Reservations phone bank. They recognize the ship has a whole different layout than the others. Some appear to the length of time and perhaps place, but they could not say that either. The online booking descriptions are no help. Evidently a massage is not just a massage any longer on the Royal and now Regal, but is also the place in which it is given. (?)

Couples Cabana Massage for $288 shows 80/105 minutes

Exotic Cabana Massage for $440 shows 105/120 minutes

Ultimate Indulgence Villa Package for $589 shows 160/195 minutes

Since there are multiple locations on the ship; Lotus, Enclave, Sanctuary does anyone know where the Villa vs Cabana are located, what the difference is (Couples Cabana vs Exotic Cabana), and what you get on these (and the other options offered) Cabana vs Villa? Clearly this ship has a whole different setup when it comes to Body Treatments, massages in particular.

Its a lot of money and we want to be clear on what we are committing to.

Has anyone done the Ultimate Balcony Dining with Princess for either breakfast of dinner? Can reservations be made in advance of the sailing? The Princess Coral site link indicates -

Ulitmate Balcony Dining features a hosted cocktail party, fresh flowers, champagne and a deluxe four-course meal featuring delicate sweet lobster tail or juicy steak among many available delicacies.

For those who want to start the day with a romantic meal, opt for a breakfast which includes specialty pastries, fresh fruits, quiche, smoked salmon and other special treats served with a half bottle of French champagne.

I love the idea of the chocolate and the souviener from home - great touch. I will add this to my list on the next trip in October.

We take Yankee Candle plug in for the room - smells cozy when you enter.

Clothes pin hanging clips for bathing suits. We hang this on the back of the chair on the balcony to dry to keep some of the mess out of the bathroom.

Extra trash bag for dirtys we keep in the bottom of the closet. When you pack they do not get comingled with the clean ones.

Neck lanyard with plastic pouch for seapass card. (Have also seen some punch a hole in the card and clip it to the lanyard or elastic arm band.)

Waterproof bag to hold camera, money, etc. when going to the beach. It hangs easily around the neck and saves the hassle of worrying if your stuff will get stolen. These can be had in the camping section of most sporting stores. Works great on some of the more extrenuous excursions.

Rain panchos, cheap and also avail. in sporting goods/camping. These worked out great on one excursion when it was raining. Cheap enough you can toss with one use.

Thermal coffee cup - you can fill up in Windjammer in the am and have hot coffee for the whole stroll around the deck. Works great later for a 'to go' cold beverage.

Tide spot pin and Spray & Wash stick. You can get out the small stain with the stick and pretreat your very dirties with the S&W so they are ready for the wash when you get home.

Dollar store sunglasses - many - cause you know you will leave a pair somewhere during the week.

I agree with the power outlet although we have never taken. We kept our phones plugged in and charged, video & dig camera batteries & the everloving travel curlers and walkie talkies.

Walkie Talkies are for keeping up with each other on board, but can be irritating if abused. They have come in handy on land for us too.

Underwater disposable camera and disposable Advantix camera

Sun visors & baseball hats since everyday aboard is not a good hair day and there is a lot of sun that you should keep off your face. Visor works better for the ladies since it doesnt give you a 'hat head' with your hairdoo and works to keep the sweat at bay.

You shouldnt need the bungie cord since the door sliders have a break you can apply by twisting the handle downward to lock it in place. I could see where this would be great to strap luggage to each other.