babchia

@Rogueperson, this is Jim using Karen's account.  We met and talked for a while during the unofficial Meet & Mingle.

Anyway, we both got Covid at the end of the cruise and missed the last two days Dinner Menus from the MDR.  I have already downloaded your images.  I am planning on scanning all of my hard-copies of our Cruise Compasses and include images of the 14 dinner menus into an entry for the RC Blog Cruise Compass section of their website.  May I use your two images?

Thank you.

4 hours ago, xtremegk said:

A Taste of Royal History is the only one of these I haven't seen yet.

Here is a copy of A Taste of Royal History menu that I recently downloaded from a RCCL Food Chronicles group (courtesy of Nick Vitani).

Jim

I have a 14 night cruise coming up in a couple of months and have been working on the menu question for awhile.  The same ship I will be on just recently had a 12 night cruise and had different menus for each night.  Someone mentioned somewhere that there may be as many as 20 menus available.  Checking around, I found a certain Royal Caribbean Blog website had most of the known menus available for download.  I found two more this morning on another (unnamed) website group page posting.

The menus that I am aware of (so far) are:

*Welcome Aboard  (usually first night)
*A Taste of France  (usually first formal night)
*A Taste of the Caribbean
*A Taste of the USA
*A Taste of Mexico
*A Taste of Italy
*A Taste of the Mediterranean
*A Taste of Royal History
*A Taste of Asia
*A Taste of the UK / British
*Welcome to Royal Night  (usually second formal night)
*Welcome to Bon Voyage  (usually last night)

Jim

4 hours ago, Tatka said:

There are 13 different menus (last time I counted).

Something like Taste of (France, Italy, UK, USA, Mexico etc) also Welcome Aboard, Bon Voyage etc. They rotate depending on cruise.

Some days are better than others, but overall I always can find something I enjoy.

I have a 14-night cruise coming up in September and have been trying to find copies of all of the different menus that are now offered.  I have only been able to identify the following:

*Welcome Aboard  (usually first night)
*A Taste of France  (usually first formal night)
*A Taste of the Caribbean
*A Taste of the USA
*A Taste of Mexico
*A Taste of Italy
*A Taste of the Mediterranean
A Taste of Royal History
A Taste of Asia
*A Taste of the UK / British
*Welcome to Royal Night  (usually second formal night)
*Welcome to Bon Voyage  (usually last night)

I have not yet been able to locate a copy of the Asia or the Royal History menus on the Internet, and have not found a 13th menu.  Does anyone know where to find all of the new menus?

We always decorate our door.  We used to attach large island-style pictures that completely covered the door, then suround it by fish garland.  One time when we were able to get the Ben & Jerry's Sweet on a cruise, so we covered the door with a plastic cow-spots table cloth.  Now, we just post a couple of Cruise Critic signs and surround the door with the same fish garland we have used for years.  (And yes, it helps us and others find their cabins during the cruise.)

Definitely register that you have a CPAP machine with Royal.  (I use the link previously reported, but the email address does work, too.)  I would say we have had about 50/50 chance of the distilled water and extension cord in the room when we arrive.  We even got an extension cord once while on the Anthem (where it is not needed due to power being available by the beds).  We now have two CPAP machines (one each) and bring a multi-plug to power both.  During our last cruise, we were able to get a second bottle of water mid-cruise because of using two machines.

As a side-story:  One time we did register and when we got to the cabin, they were not there.  We reported it to the cabin attendent.  We did get the water, but were told there were no spare extension cords available.  (Being an older ship, it was needed for the CPAP to reach the bed.)  We emphasized the need to the cabin attendent and also reported it to Guest Services.  By that evening, two people had delivered extension cords to our cabin.  (We thanked and returned the extra / unneeded second set.)

Jim (using Karen's account)

48 minutes ago, Happily@Sea said:

Roy, 

RCCI charges for some of the beaches - on their own private island. Guess I won't have to worry, my mobility issues do not allow me to walk on loose sand. 

 

Carole

Carol / @happy@sea,

In case you weren't aware, Royal's private beaches do have sand wheel chairs available for use if you do want to get onto the actual beaches or loungers.  You would have to reach out to Royal about how that works.

Also, Coco Cay does have one extra cost beach, but all of the others are free (Chill Island, South Beach, etc.).  Labadee does have one private beach for Suite guests, but the rest are all free.

Jim

57 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Yes, but Enchantment many times visits on turn around days for other ships which are already at that terminal. 

If you are interested, there is a published schedule for where ships are going to dock at Port Canaveral (https://www.portcanaveral.com/getattachment/Cruise/Cruise-Lines-Schedules/CPA-Website-Schedule-Feb-Apr.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US).  For example, next week's Enchantment trip will be at the far end pier (CT10) while the Adventure will be at the regular Royal pier (CT1).  (Map of the Port Canveral:  http://www.michelledance.com/Map-PtCanaveralCrTerminal.pdf)

Jim

For clarification, the older ships have two 110 Volt and two 220 Volt plugs at the desk.  The new ships (such as the Anthem) also include USB power plugs at the desk, and an extra plug by the bed.

And, yes, I have had extension cords and power strips confiscated before a cruise.  That said, I picked up a similar plug-in device that converts a 100 Volt plug into two plugs (getting an extra plug available) and it also has a couple of USB power plugs.

As for your hair dryer, it is possible the one you bring may be confiscated since it creates heat.  That is why one is provided in your cabin.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/prohibited-items-onboard-policy

Jim

During a past cruise, we were able to use Google and obtain a full list of all of the drinks supposedly available on RCCL ships at the time.  It is a large list.  That said, the bartenders we talked to on our cruise did not know how to make some of the drinks we asked for on that list.  Bottom line is I agree with @poocher and @neverbeenhere: 

If you want to try something, either know the ingredients, or ask to be surprised.

Jim (using Karen's account)

From what I have experienced in the past, there is seldom any 'official' discounts available beyond what is published.  That said, I have been able to get a couple pretty good discounts when dining staff went around during the cruise trying to get more business and offering a discount (just like Sobro mentioned).  The best deal I ever got was during a dinner when the Head Waiter was going around with a deal for the Chef's Table.  (It was so good that I feel I should not even mention it here.)  That said, my experiences were from before Covid.  I am hopeful these types of offers occur on our upcoming cruise.

So, in short, it doesn't hurt to ask the restaurant wait staff during your cruise, especially if they are out around the ship.

Jim (using Karen's account)

We are currently on the 12-night repositioning AOS Cruise, and have seen all of the menus for the main dining room for our cruise.  They are all different.  While it is not possible to know which menus will be used on any specific night, you can get an idea based on past cruises.

The best way to see some menus from past cruises is to realize, 'Google is your friend'.  Personally, I found several past cruise menus by searching for them.  One place I found them was at a Royal Caribbean blog that is run by a guy not affiliated with the cruise line.  I am not posting the link here because I don't want to possibly break any rules here at Cruise Critic.

Jim (using my wife's account)

Hi, Davis and Susie!

This is Jim , and will be on the same cruise.  Both my wife, Karen, myself, and several others have talked about what to do on the ABC Islands, and more.  Just like they said, above, check out the postings on our Roll Call for some ideas.  Plus, just like Essiesmom said, also check out the Boards / Ports of Call / Caribbean / then each of the islands for ideas on what you might want to do, and how to save money.  Some islands have inexpensive bus service available.  Others have some things within walking distance.

We have been spending a couple of months trying to figure out what we were going to do, and found so many excursions (ship and private), opportunities, and transportation (free and inexpensive) that was easy to get lost in all of the available choices.

So, in short, what do you want to do?  Beach day?  Snorkeling?  Diving?  Shopping?  Then, start your research, using what was posted as starting points.  Other than being back on the ship before we leave an island, it is up to you.

See you at the Meet and Mingle!

Jim

I took the guided NASA tour (full day) from the ship early in 2018.  In short, the advantage of this excursion is if the government security monitors the passengers offloading the ship, and agree no additional screening is necessary, then the tour bus will take you directly to the building by the Vehicle Assembly Building were you can see the launch pads in the distance, and a Saturn V mounted horizontally inside a building (plus more) and you do NOT have to go through security at the front gates of the Kennedy Space Center, then walk across the 'theme park' to another bus that would then take you to the same building with the Saturn V (saving about 30-60 minutes of your time).  While the tour is guided, I found that as long as we notified the guide and found out when and where to meet up for the bus ride back to the ship from the main 'theme park', then we could go out on our own.  (In fact, much of the excursion was 'on our own' with meetups at various times to see some of the things together 

Be aware it appears most of the buildings that you can visit consists of a pre-show that sets up what you are about to see, then you can continue in and see what is inside.  (The pre-show for the Atlantis was really good.)  However, if you want to bypass this pre-show, you can usually go through the exit or store and see what is inside, if you want to rush through.  Just keep in mind that if you rush through, you will miss some really interesting presentations and shows.

Don't forget to touch the moon rock in the building with the Saturn V.

Jim

18 hours ago, babchia said:

We just emailed B2N hoping to get a tour on 5/9/19. Everyone here was so helpful with info and reviews! Thank you!

Anyone with a new review?

😥They are booked up! Now trying to figure out what to do? We really liked the idea of a "custom" tour. Any suggestions?

On 10/24/2018 at 10:08 AM, bup1224 said:

Rob -

 

It really depends of what you like to do - if you snorkel or scuba dive, I would say book an excursion for that in Bonaire.  We used Woodwind a few years ago and we highly impressed with them for a snorkeling trip.

 

Aruba is easy to do on your own - there is shopping right outside the port or easy to take the bus to the beach.

 

Curacao is the biggest island of the 3 islands.  If you want to see the beautiful beaches, you will need to rent a car or take an excursion as taxis are a bit on the expensive side here. For a different type of excursion that will be private and will customize to what you want, check out Back to Nature Private Jeep Tours - please tell them Bridget M. sent you (I don't work for them but absolutely one of the best tours I have taken and I live on the island!).

Our downtown area consists of Otrobanda and Punda.  There is alot of architecture, street art, shopping, etc. in both.  If you are into the history, here is a link to a thread on here with walking tours (self guided) of both.

Another person reading this older thread!

We just emailed B2N hoping to get a tour on 5/9/19. Everyone here was so helpful with info and reviews! Thank you!

Anyone with a new review?

I want to thank him for his service. I understand diagnosed PTSD, mine is from some recent medical (mis)treatment. It can be scary just thinking about what might happen. Please reassure him that most of the time, he will have a good experience.  In point of fact, he does not have to disclose what his disability is, whether it is diagnosed or not, because of privacy. He might need to answer about how it affects him and what can be done to help.

I also have difficulty standing for long periods, and walking distances. When it first started, I wasn't using a cane, just walked slowly and sat down when needed. We were on RCCL, before the larger ships and muster was on deck, outside, and everyone was told to "get close and friendly".  I knew muster drill would be a problem.  So, we simply went up to the person checking names and cabin numbers and explained the situation. She was so sweet, told us it was not an issue, and directed us to a seating area. Once, it was the casino, another time a bar. For the last couple of cruises (Anthem in this case), muster was almost completely inside, with a video to watch. Totally different!

I hope this helps allay his concerns and you both have a great time!

Hi, this is Jim, again.

So, after a bumpy night and morning, we did arrive at the place where we meet the pilot outside the Chesapeake Bay around 2PM ET. They closed all of the on-board shops at that time. The intention was to dock in Baltimore around 11:30PM. But, while we were working our way up the bumpy bay, the Coast Guard reported the winds would be too strong in Baltimore to dock, so we are now taking our time in the bay, with the plan to dock at the originally scheduled time of 6:30AM. So, unless something changes, the next cruise should go on, as scheduled.

To those next cruisers: Enjoy! We did.

This is Jim. I am borrowing my wife's account to post this. We are currently on the Grandeur of the Seas, returning to Baltimore after sailing to the Bahamas.

In case you are interested, the captain recently announced that in order to beat the closing of the port of Baltimore due to the big storm that is developing off of the coast, that the ship is now running at full speed. It is anticipated we will be reaching the pilots for the bay around 2:30PM, tomorrow, and should be docked at Baltimore around 11:30PM, tomorrow. We will still have to see when we would be able to disembark. But, for now, no extended cruise for us.

So, if all goes to plan, it sounds like the next sailing should still start on Saturday.

As for the Anthem of the Seas return to Bayone, that should not be affected. This is because it is in currently in the middle of a cruise, and is not expected to be back until March 8th.

Hi. This is Jim borrowing my wife's account.

I was just did the KSC Guided tour a few days ago, and provide a little bit of information. The current and last cruises I took both offered a guided and non-guided tour. If you do want to go, do the guided tour. *IF* security in the U.S. is *not* raised, then the guided tour may save time. That is because the KSC is actually two parts: The Kennedy Space Center theme park, and NASA (where you can see the launch pads in the distance, the outside of the Vehicle Assembly Building, and the Saturn V rocket (inside a building and on its side). (I got to touch a moon rock while there.) Normally, to do the NASA part of the tour, you need to go through security at the KSC, then the entrance, then go over to another line to catch a bus. So, if you have the guided tour (and NASA government security agrees to this), your bus may go straight to the NASA part of the trip and can save you up to an hour.

As for the KSC, itself, think of it as a small theme park. There are several experiences available (3D movie, Train like an Astronaut, and more), plus the Space Shuttle Atlantis (with a simulator ride of a shuttle take-off available). Mostl of these (including the Saturn V display) have a pre-show that explain things, then leads into the main part of the 'show'. They help with putting what you are about to see/do into context.

So, if you are interested in the U.S. space program, this can be fun and educational. If you aren't interested, then don't bother going. There are enough other things available to do in the Port Canaveral area. (Especially if your ship is in The Cove area, and not docked by the Disney terminal. But, that is another item.)

We will be on our second trip on the Anthem this Nov. We said before, "been there, done that", not overly thrilled with the ship. We prefer smaller ships, but the price was the draw and we really need to get away! We are about 1 1/2 hr from the port, and usually a friend will drive us and pick us up.

To me, the ship is disjointed, the flow bad. I love the two70, and the British style pub, Michael's. I wish they had a main dining room, going from one venue to another can be confusing. The walk from one end to the other is a killer! And when they have "sale events" you have to sort of plow your way past everyone crowded in the royal esplanade (or promenade).

One plus is, after all that walking, we don't gain quite as much weight from all the food! LOL;)

OK, thanks all. Now, Jim's saying he'd do the tour guide one. Both he and I are concerned about the amount of walking involved. Is there a lot? I am a slooowwww walker, with frequent stops, so I am considering not doing the tour, but checking out things near the ship. Ideas?

We are going on the Anthem 11/2017 out of Bayonne, NJ, and do not know this port. Considering the port highlights excursion, but the description isn't that clear. We want to see the Kennedy Space Center. What's unusual is our ship docks at noon and leaves at 9:30 pm.

It mentions "• Guests wanting to extend their experience at the Exploration Tower or Port Canaveral Cove are welcome to utilize shuttles.• Shuttles returning to the ship are available approximately every 30 minutes."

Is this basically a shuttle to KSC and admission ticket? Can we do cheaper as we are over 55 and get a discounted ticket? Should we consider Uber or Lyft or a taxi? What should we do after as we leave late?

(posted this in the Florida departures board also, just in case)

Thanks in advance for any info.

We are going on the Anthem 11/2017 out of Bayonne, NJ, and do not know this port. Considering the port highlights excursion, but the description isn't that clear. We want to see the Kennedy Space Center. What's unusual is our ship docks at noon and leaves at 9:30 pm.

It mentions "• Guests wanting to extend their experience at the Exploration Tower or Port Canaveral Cove are welcome to utilize shuttles.• Shuttles returning to the ship are available approximately every 30 minutes."

Is this basically a shuttle to KSC and admission ticket? Can we do cheaper as we are over 55 and get a discounted ticket? Should we consider Uber or Lyft or a taxi? What should we do after as we leave late?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Sent you an email. Thanks!