maudde

We attended Chefs Table on Icon. It seats 12 people but we only had 6. It is held in a separate room off Hooked with a really nice view. The menu is still the same as all other ships; however, with different chefs preparing the meal, it was different in their presentation. The wines selected were wonderful. The food was amazing during our dinner. 
It was probably my best chefs table experience as far as the food and service. We also had a fun group to dine with. We didn’t know them when we arrived but had good conversation and a lot of laughs. 

Regarding the Crown Lounge… If I understand correctly, there is no longer a diamond lounge and only D+ and P are allowed in during happy hour, but are diamonds still allowed in at other times (mornings for coffees)?
Also has anyone experienced a chefs table or have seen one offered?  Thank you and enjoy your cruise!

I believe it does. I have it booked but was curious where it would be located. If in fact, it doesn’t, I need to find new dinner plans 😊

Hello everyone. I’m enjoying all the info. and pictures coming out. I have been researching and looking to see where on Icon, the Chef’s Table will be. I understand the private table for 12 will be in a portion off of Hooked but couldn’t find any info regarding chefs table. On Wonder, it was a special table in the dining room which was very nice. Thank you for any info. 

Last year on Symphony, we had udp. On embarkation day we went to Jamie’s when they opened and couldn’t get lunch as they were full with reservations. That was our experience. As far as booking everything for dinner, we went to one place and booked everything, as well as changing our first night choice with no issues. But the lunch was a no go without a reservation. 

It is for any Caribbean cruise from Sept. through December. I called today and booked.  We had two offers that I combined to upgrade. 

We cruised Rhapsody in Nov on the Greece and Croatia itinerary. I asked about “lobster night” and was told, it’s only offered on Caribbean sailings. 

We were on Harmony in Feb. and this was my least favorite CK. The tables are very close together but more than anything the food was terrible. This of course is our opinion and experience. After trying it a couple of times, we quit going there. We are not picky by any means and the ones working in CK were very nice, but it wasn’t worth it to us to go there. I enjoy going to eat at CK usually but this wasn’t the case on Harmony. We opted for the windjammer in favor of CK because our food in the WJ on Harmony was surprisingly very good. I hope you enjoy a different experience and have a wonderful cruise. We really enjoyed sailing on Harmony. 

This cruise had the best crew out of all the cruises I’ve been on. Everyone seemed happy and were always there with a smile and a kind word. I saw the drink card on the cruise planner offered for the sixth day and every day after. It was offered at 10 drinks for $75 plus 18% grat. for a total of $88.50 I believe. We didn’t get the drink package but had free drinks in the casino, so for around the pool, it was a good deal for us.

From my experience, we were treated with goodies in our cabin different nights. We had several fruit and cookie trays delivered as well as a couple bottles of wine during our cruise. Nothing fancy, just little welcome gifts I would say. As far as the casino, it seems all the slots are tighter than say casinos in Vegas but there you have options. With that being said, I’ve seen several wins on a cruise, so it’s just all luck. It sounds the same as your Carnival experience. Have a great cruise!Karen

It was for a medical issue.

Thanks for your review! For your departure, you mentioned customs taking some time to get through. What time did you get off the ship in order to meet your shuttle for 9:00?

Did you notice any significant changes with the menus or did the nights you ate in the dining room seem to be the same as in years past?

Thank you! This is our itinerary as well, so we should experience the same schedule as you had.

In the last few years of cruising, we haven't had any tender ports. In GC, how are the tender tickets distributed? We have an independent excursion booked with several of us in different types of cabins with different C&A levels.

We're the formal nights the first sea day and Roatan or Costa Maya if you can recall?

Thank you

Thanks for the replies. We are going by private transportation with VIP Limo from the cruise which I'm happy with and confidant in knowing they will get us back to MCO with no issues. Something I won't have to stress about. I am still thinking we will try UBER from Orlando to the port, but it sounds like that might be an issue, hmmm. We have used UBER black from other cities and have had a great suv for transportation. You would think a driver would pick up the call to Port Canaveral with so many coming home from their cruises, but maybe with all the shuttle choices, people don't call for them. Maybe I'll try it and post how it turned out. Still deciding...🤔

We have an early flight out of MCO and didn't want to take a chance with a shared shuttle and having to wait for the shuttle to fill up. We use Uber and was curious if anyone has any experience or knowledge of how easy/difficult it is getting an uber when everyone is leaving at the same time from a cruise? I feel like an uber would be cheaper than a private car but with time being an issue, didn't want to be stuck waiting on uber if it may take awhile for one to become available. I have contacted a private co to get a quote if uber isn't an option. We are a family of 5 adults. Thank you for any comments or help anyone can give!

Thank you for your advice. I really appreciate the help!

I am trying to book flights home from a freedom cruise. I would like to book a 12:05 from MCO. I figure an hr before check in and an hr to get back to MCO which would be leaving PC no later than 10:00. Would you book this time? The other alternative isn't until 4:00. I'm still deciding how to get back to MCO from PC as well. I want something fast and efficient. Thank you for those that have recently sailed and have advice!

It seems your questions have been answered. I did want to comment on the dress code for the MDR. It does state no shorts; however, there are several people who wear shorts. It isn't uncommon to see people of all ages wear shorts to dinner. The majority don't, but there are those that do and it's not an issue with service. My family has worn shorts to dinner on occasion. You will see all kinds of attire. Have a great cruise!

The pics are great, thanks. I have a couple questions. In St Kitts, have you ever been to Carambola Beach Club? If so, I was wondering what your comparison of that and the Marriott would be? I've never been to the Mariott but have been to Carambola. Also in Antigua, I am trying to decide between Valley Church Beach and Fryes Beach if you have any opinions or knowledge regarding these two beaches. I have never been to either of these. Thank you again!

We have always sailed RC but last year, we found a great deal on a Carnival cruise. We wanted to experience a different cruise line to have our own opinions. We had a wonderful time on Carnival and would cruise with them again. There were some differences with the two, some pros and cons on each one all minor in my opinion. With that being said, if I had a choice between the two, I personally would choose Royal. Especially with your family cruising Royal, it will give you an opportunity to experience the two and decide what you prefer. I also love a bargain but this would be a good opportunity to spend time with family while trying something new, even with it costing a little more.

Karen

Thank you for your replies.

We have never sailed with more than 2 of us in a cabin, so my question is when looking at rooms, wouldn't it be better to get a cabin with a sofa bed and a 3rd Pullman bed? It seems that would give you more of an option for sleeping. However maybe with both, it's more crowded? We are 3 adults traveling. I have options of a sofa bed, a sofa bed with a Pullman, or just Pullman. I would appreciate your thoughts. This is a balcony room as well, thank you.

I have to assume that if you are considering a COLD overpriced cruise, you must REALLY want to sail Anthem. IMO (you asked for opinions) go to Florida and get a warm cruise at a much better price.

 

Thom

I have friends sailing on this cruise. I was just curious as I've never sailed out of any port on the East Coast. Thank you for your response.

Thanks everyone. The cruise is on Anthem and sailing out of NJ. From your responses, it will be cold out for the sea days, but the ship has a lot to offer indoors. One just has to made a personal decision as to what makes a sea day fun for themselves. Your replys have certainly answered my question and will help with making a decision. Thanks!