leela14

It really is. $700 for a drink package is criminal. Thank God Costco threw in a soda package which I'm fine with since I don't drink. Tap water and diet coke for me. The occasional latte at night. The last time we sailed it was with Celebrity.They have an option where you can pick 2 different packages, and we chose the alcohol package and $300 OBC, it was fabulous. In some ways I wish we had sailed with them again. :(

It seems outrageous. They give you a deal on the cruise fare, but get you with a beverage package and other extras. It's that way on most of the lines though. On a cruise two years ago, I saved all my receipts and calculated if I had saved money by purchasing an alcohol package. It was a close call. I saved on my 25 year old, but not myself.

 

For my upcoming cruise, I'm going with the alcohol package for three reasons. I know me, if I didn't buy it, I would refrain from drinking and that's no fun. Secondly, the soda package with the souvenir cup is impractical for me. I'll leave the cup behind in the cabin, or walk away and leave it on a table near the pool. And lastly, it really isn't the total cost we need to look at, but rather, the difference between the two packages. So, we're looking at $26 each, or 2 alcohol drinks each day. Suddenly, the alcohol package seems the way to go.

 

I will also mention that my daughter ordered over ten drinks one day. She's a thin slip of a girl, there is no way she'd be walking if she actually drank that much. She was taking a sip, leaving it to sit in the sun, going back to it and realizing it was warm, so ordering another. Or, on occasion tried a new drink, only to find she hated it, so ordered something else. These are things you do when you have the unlimited plan. I was happy we had that prerogative.

Hmm, why are there prices on the menu? Isn't eveything in the MDR covered? As well, do you happen to know for the specialty restaurants, is there a "flat fee" per person or do you order like at a land based restaurant? Last time we sailed both RCCL and Celebrity it was just a flat fee pp. Thanks!

We have MTD and have booked 6pm reservations for the week. We checked in and were taken downstairs to Grande. Here is the Menu for night 1. I am. It sure why but some of my photos are getting weird stripes - almost like I am taking a photo of a computer screen. It's be something with the lighting...

 

 

 

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You mention that you have 4 sea days, I just looked at your itinerary, you also have one day at Labadee where he could use his drink package all day there too. With 5 full days that he could use his drink package, plus boarding day, where you could be on board around 11am, it sounds like it might be worth it for your DH.

Oh yeah, I completely forgot about Labadee! Thanks so much for pointing that out!! I do believe you are right, for him it's worth it for sure. Just have to swallow the price and do it. I'll keep an eye out just in case it drops a bit, unlikely I know but I can hope! ;p

At least that way it's done and he won't have to worry about the bill at the end. . .

Trust me I know it is a very tough pill to swallow looking at that cost but it is worth every single penny. I am a fellow Canadian and I am so glad my wife and I purchased the package . We sailed on the Allure on Jan 2 and the prices per drink on board were insane in usd then convert that to CDN OMG ! BTW they also add a 18 percent tip on each drink purchased individually outside the package . So lets say you would like a margarita after tip is added and then converted to Canadian $$$$ you would be looking at close to $20 for one drink. The package is the way to go, You would need to drink a bottle of water or 2 a day ( included in the package plus 4 beverages daily to make it pay off for itself. Trust me that is very easy to do,

Perhaps I should suggest to him that he quit drinking before we go lol. :') So with the package, are tips included? I do tend to worry about the 4 sea days we have - that's a lot!! If we only had 2 I'd say no biggie, but we have 4!

That is the review that she is getting her bar pricing from, the last post on that thread currently is from the OP of this thread. Hopefully, she sees that the $9.50 Stella is only for the 20 oz draft at Michaels and bottles are $6.95.

It's the OP. Yes I saw that. My DH likes the draft much better than bottles. I guess he'll have to change his drinking habits on board lol. On land 20 ou drafts are what he always orders.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465882

 

This is a thread of someone on board now. She shares lots of pictures of menus from on board. Drink menus too.

 

I was able to get the deluxe drink package for $47.20 per day on sale for our upcoming Anthem cruise. That was during a 30% off sale and includes the gratuity.

Yes I'm following that one closely. We are Canadian, so everything is about 30% more for us. The $65 per day INCLUDES 30% off. :rolleyes:

I seem to recall that you can upgrade your 'free' soda packages on board.

I heard just the opposite.

I called both RCCL and Costco and you can't. That really sucks cause I would have upgraded to the premium non-alcohol and my husband would have upgraded to the alcohol package. I don't understand why the don't allow this. :(

Is there a specific beer he likes? In my experience imported beers like Heineken and Stella are a little cheaper than Bud and Coors. I know that Corona, Heineken, Stella and Red Stripe were $6.50, beers like Bud and Miller were $6.95.

That's a bit better, OK, blood pressure is coming down lol. I can't remember what he likes, but Stella is one - most of the ones on that were $10. But he could live with Corona, Heineken, Strongbow which were all $7 ish (still $10 for US Canadians).

And yes we are on the Anthem. Didn't know it had higher drink prices. We also have a free soda package each cause we booked with Costco.

Unfortunately my husband likes the imports. Maybe he's gonna have to suck it up onboard lol.

Hi there, we are from Ontario and driving down for this same cruise in June. I'm kind of having sticker shock right now over the alcohol package and individual prices. My husband likes to have maybe 2 beers and a glass of wine or 2 with dinner, so maybe 4 drinks over the course of a night. On sea days there could be a couple more. I just added the package to the planner and my eyes almost fell out when I saw that it came to $670 for one person (thankfully I don't drink). And that was with the 30% off. Am I missing something or is that actually the price? I saw on one of the menus you posted that a Stella was $9.50 which as we know is over $13 CAD. OUCH.

Is there any way to get the package cheaper? Is that what you guys paid? I'm dying. LOL. That was a gut shot.

I saw somewhere the price of one beer was $10 USD or $13.50 CAD which is INSANE. So I looked into the beverage package and is it really possible it would cost almost $700 for a 9 day cruise? Holy crap. :o:o:o My husband likes to have a couple + beers per day, but $700???????????

Is there any way to get the package for cheaper? And that's with the 30% off. :o:o:o

Thank God I don't drink. I want him to enjoy himself but dayum, that was the biggest shock I've had yet.

I can't say how happy I am that I found this information! We are driving in from Canada for our June cruise and I just booked through Trinity this morning. My husband even commented that it seems to good to be true and I told him that the Cruise Critic folks know all lol!!

THANKS SO MUCH for this info!

The Ramada Plaza has gated security that is manned 7x24. Folks come and go by vehicle 7x24. The hotel is on Frontage Road which dead ends at the Northern State prison. The area is not easily accessible on foot. For a place to leave a car at Newark Airport I think it's highly desirable because of its remoteness and inaccessibility.

 

The Trinityreservations.com package has an arrangement to use the Ramada shuttle buses to transport folks to the pier. When you check into the hotel, you also go to the Concierge desk to register for a shuttle time. The shuttle bus I was on held about 15 people and it was very nice. This hotel is one of the closest airport hotels to the pier which is about 9.5 miles away. These shuttle buses are only available through the trinity package. They cannot be booked separately through the hotel.

 

I haven't used the return trip yet, but I will be posting about it when I get back. For the trip to the pier, we left a little after 10 am, got right onto the NJ turnpike at exit 14, and immediately ran into congestion getting onto I78 east towards exit 14. Once everyone merged onto I78, it was smooth sailing across the bridge to exit 14A. The driver actually paid the toll in cash and we followed the signs onto Avenue E where we turned left just before 45th St and followed the back road to Goldsborough Drive. Another left took us to Port Terminal Blvd. The route seemed to be well signed and everyone seemed to be going to the port anyway. The backup at the terminal was minimal and the shuttle bus made a left to park in the bus drop off area. Porters were there to accept luggage. Total travel time was just under 25 minutes, which I thought was fantastic.

Are you assigned a self-carry group or can you choose to self carry at the latest time (8-8:30)? Apologies if this has been answered previously.

I'd like to know this too since we are not flying and in no huge rush - the later the better cause morning people we are not lol.

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For the life of me I cannot understand why people are so upset that there is an "Esplanade" rather than a "Promenade". #1 its cool RCCL is trying to design something a bit different. #2 I have watched MANY. MANY videos and the Esplanade look like the same thing only designed slightly different. It still includes everything you need in a Promenade. Also by the videos it looks longer, not shorter, I'm talking the length of which you can walk, maybe not the "heart of the Esplanade" but the overall walking distance seems longer. I'll experience it myself in Sept, and have a better idea.

I'm gong in June and will report back. [emoji51]

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I have been on Oasis class ships for 27 nights and Quantum class ships for 42 nights. I like both but in my book Quantum class is the better experience. On Quantum you have venues like Seaplex, the indoor pool, the music hall and 270 which are all unique and different. On Oasis you have a huge promenade which sort of looks like a mall but to me this look is getting dated. The Royal Esplanade is smaller but feels more modern. I do love Central Park and the Aqua theater on Oasis class though. I also wish that Quantum class ships had a dedicated comedy club. But iFly and Northstar and the puzzle room sort of make up for what is missing.

 

 

 

I know it is all a matter of taste but I just wanted you to know that not everyone likes Oasis class better than Quantum class. They are both great classes of ship but you really need to try them to see what appeals to you.

Thanks for that - I had a moment where I thought I made a huge mistake but I think I'm happy with the decision now. And we can certainly do Oasis class next time, it's not like this is the only shot we have.

We really liked the ultra modern look of the Anthem too, more our speed. Thanks again for your feedback, it helps a lot!

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I've spent hours watching videos and no doubt the promenade and Central Park are gorgeous but I love the activities on Anthem - already signed up for iFly and North Star and I like the look of the shows on Anthem better too, and the solarium and 270.

And we like the idea of driving to the port so I think we will stick with Anthem this time.

Thanks everyone for the feedback, most appreciated.

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You're welcome.:)

 

Not sure if you saw the video in this thread, it is great.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2451538

 

There is also a poster named Hallasm or something close to that who made lots of Anthem and Quantum videos.

 

Edit:

 

I found him:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=52259290#post52259290

Awesome thanks!! I can't get that first one to load for some reason. Up will check out the others!

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Yes, it is similar, just smaller. You can get coffee in Cafe Promenade or the Patisserie. Sorrentos is bigger on Anthem than it is on Navigator. Lots of high end stores.

 

 

 

You can walk to the Via too where there are bizarre chairs, hammocks and couches shaped like onion baskets. There are rocking chairs too. Vintages is also there. Head on to Two70 and you are going to say, why was I concerned! It is a gorgeous lounge with a really delicious cafe. There are huge window overlooking the wake of the ship. Great place to sit and read or see a show.

Awesome thanks same much!! I'm going to see if I can find some videos. Thanks again!

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What about the Royal Promenade are you looking for that you are afraid you won't get from the Esplanade. There is a Cafe Promenade and Sorrentos on the Esplanade. There is also the Patisserie and Micheals Brew Pub. There are a bunch of shops, higher end ones than Navigator. I am sure I am missing other things.

That's a fine question! I guess I liked the "mall" feeling of it - stores, coffee shops, just a cool place to stroll or hang out if I don't feel like being poolside or being active. Is the esplanade similar? I didn't see anything about that in the Anthem videos. Saw solarium, pools, restaurants, activities, entertainment but nothing about the esplanade.

We really missed it on the Radiance class and the other cruise lines.

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I have sailed on both and prefer Oasis to Anthem but am sailing Anthem again in two weeks.

 

 

 

Anthem does not have a Royal Promenade, but it does have an Esplanade which is similar, just shorter and narrower.

 

 

 

The two classes are very different. Anthem was built for a northern port and has its sports court inside the Sea Plex and a indoor family pool in addition to the Solarium, where Oasis is built for the warmer climates with Central Park, Boardwalk and all its outdoor pools.

 

 

 

Anthem is a big ship, just not as big as Oasis.

 

 

 

There are some really good videos of Anthem here on Cruise Critic that should ease your fears. It is a beautiful ship, just very different than any other class.

I've watched a dozen videos on Anthem and was blown away until I found out there was no Promenade. I have a fascination with HUGE ships. Biggest we did so far was Navigator and loved it. Did celebrity silhouette - meh, also NCL Jewel I think it was.

Celebrity and NCL were Med cruises though so those cruises were about ports. For us Caribbean is more about the ship. Also did RCCL Radiance class and didnt like it.

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We are going in early June so don't expect it to be hot but hopefully not too cold. And it's 9 nights.

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So I just booked my husband and I on the Anthem out of NJ. When I booked it I thought it was like the Navigator on steroids with a Promenade but a bigger ship with more stuff.

Only today I realized the Oasis class were the really big boys and saw videos of the the promenade and all the greenery - is is Central Park?

So now I'm wondering if I should look for cruises on an Oasis class instead.

Has anyone sailed both and could you give me some feedback? The solarium, iFly and North Star look amazing as do the shows on Anthem but I'm just worried about missing the promenade and size of the Oasis class. Does ANTHEM feel bigger than Navigator?

As well we were going to drive to Jersey from Canada but would have to fly to Florida for the other cruises.

Would really appreciate input! Thanks!

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Thanks so much everyone!! I'll call first thing in the morning and switch if it's still there! I appreciate the feedback! [emoji3]

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I happen to be booked in that very same cabin on deck 12 (12572) and I was told that the balcony is a bit bigger. It's funny but I originaly was booked in 12580 but I switched my cabin to the bigger balcony and its the same catagory so its the same price. I'll let you know when I get back I'll be cruising the Anthem in 2 weeks!:D

AARGH do I switch or do I wait lol!!! Well I will be anxiously awaiting your review of EVERYTHING. this ship looks like da bomb! I already booked the skydiving and that bubble thing.

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We are booked into 11580 but I'm looking at 11572 - is that balcony bigger and is it worth changing? I feel like every time I am deciding between 2 of anything ultimately I make the wrong choice lol.

Anyone have an opinion?

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