Iluvmypuggle

I love getting up early to watch the sunrise; so peaceful and calm with the waves crashing in the background. Afternoon naps and reservations for different shows and specialty restaurants are a must too.

I will try to see a sunrise - I did try this in Mexico in November, but it didn't work out. I was sitting on a cloudy beach and the sun never came out LOL.

Thanks for your tips - I love watching the ocean too. It never gets old!

Drink Package- you can definitely get shots with the Premium Package. We did plenty of different kinds ranging from specialty shots to Patron and everything was included! You should go see ZouZou in Bolero's and ask him to whip you up a special shot and tell him Sam & Ashleigh say hello! haha He was the best!

You can also get champagne, I'm not sure of the quality of it though as I'm not big into champagne!

The ONLY thing I was told that was not included in ANY of the drink packages, including the Ultimate, was the ice wines on the dinner menus! I would imagine that some upper tier wines and champagnes would probably be similarly excluded!

 

Lunch Day 1- I'm not 100% sure if any of the dining rooms were open for embarkation day lunch as we just went straight to Cafe 270 for the awesome roast beef sandwiches! They also had a lot of other offerings but hopefully someone will know about the dining rooms to help you out!

 

Dinner Attire Night 1- Everything we have experience and read tells me that you will be absolutely fine since you are dining at The Grande on the first night. The dress code is relaxed on the first and last nights due to potential luggage issues.

 

Other Dining- Both Michael's Pub and Johnny Rockets are a la carte so the cost would depend on what you wanted to order! I know there are menus for both floating around on here somewhere that would help give a better idea!

 

Important question- The soft serve ice cream machine was up on the Deck 14 behind the sky bar if my memory serves!

 

Enjoy Anthem!!

Thanks for all of the awesome info! This is very helpful. I didn't expect shots, but maybe I'll try some fun new ones. :) And thanks for the bartender recommendation..

Since we are doing a 5-night cruise, I told my husband to plan to party this trip and that we will relax when we get home since we're taking the week off. lol. I'm not a wine snob by any means, but I know things just marked up significantly. I remember buying a $32 bottle of wine on Carnival that was $7 in store a few years ago and I remember it tasting so much better on the cruise!

Exactly what I wanted to hear about attire for night #1. I may bring a dress but probably won't have time to change the first night.. And, I can't wait for the ice cream. Haha!

There are glasses of wine priced higher than the limit, but I've not seen many cocktails higher than the limit.

Yes, on Quantum class Johnny Rockets is a la carte.

Thank you for the info! That makes perfect sense about the drinks.. and also makes sense about Johnny Rockets because I've seen different prices posted in various places.

I'm about to go on my second cruise and have bought big pegs to clip the towel to the sun lounger. Gets a bit breezy by the pool on sea days and last time my towel kept blowing about! I found them on eBay, 4 pegs for under $3.

This would be great for so many destinations! Thanks. :)

You mentioned your second cruise.. Did you do your first with Royal Caribbean, and will you sail with them again next?

Magnets for putting up invites and anything else in your stateroom. Sticky notes so you can leave notes for your cabin mates. Plastic over the door hanging shoe bag - not for shoes but toiletries, sun tan lotions, etc.

Nice ideas! Especially the magnets.. Thank you.

For me, going to the Battle of the Sexes and Quest game shows are must-dos on a Royal Cruise.

 

With late dinner we can do over 30 and no one bats an eye.

Great suggestions; I heard Quest was great and I moved my reservation for "We Will Rock You" to make sure I could see it.. and love your 30+ lobster comment! LOL. I hope to eat some lobster too.

Thanks!

The Premium package has a cocktail and glass of wine limit of $12 or $13, I've seen both. If you order a drink that is over the limit, you would have to pay the amount over the limit plus 18%.

 

The Cruise Compass will have a list of boarding day lunch venues.

Oh wow, I didn't realize that $12 or $13 was the limit. I wonder how many drinks are much more than that, but I'm sure we will be able to find enough options within that range.

Thanks!

Fellow Cruisers,

Would love to hear your MUST-DO Royal Caribbean tips & tricks to make the most of my next cruise (Anthem 9/3/16)..

Thanks in advance! Can't wait to hear your suggestions.

Hello - I've been reading a ton of the posts on this board, and from all of your great info, I have a couple of questions before I sail on the Anthem 9/3/16...

Drink Package - I purchased the premium and think it was a good buy. What are people referencing when they say certain drink values, etc. are not included in the package? Is it brand specific or does it mean they won't pour a shot? I saw someone asked about champagne.. is that available on the package? I love some champagne by the pool! :p

Lunch Day 1 - Are any of the complimentary dining rooms open for lunch? I'm sure the info on this will be in the cruise compass when we board, correct?

Dinner Attire Day 1 - We are booked in The Grande for the first night.. I didn't want to pack formal wear for a 5 night cruise, so this works out great. What time do guests typically get their luggage? If luggage does not come and my DH is not wearing a collar, will we still be able to have dinner there?

Other Restaurants - So I noticed the Anthem has a pub and Johnny Rockets, etc.. I don't see prices posted for these places - does anyone have any idea of what fees are involved for the little casual dining places?

Now, a serious question... Where is the ice cream located on the ship?! :)

In other words, don't miss the ship while in your ports of call.

Haha! That made me laugh. :p

We are late to the game.

 

Looked at her passport this morning and it expires in Aug....

Going to have to figure a way to get a new picture taken so she doesn't figure it out..

I can tell her it has to be renewed as it is expiring there is a chance she is going to an international Conference next year with me if she is cleared, so I can tell her it is planning ahead for that and she would buy that.

 

Thank you,

Regarding the passports, it's very simple to send in for renewal without your wife's knowledge. You complete the forms, send in the old one with the headshot, and it will be returned in the mail about a month later.

Now for the surprise.. It sounds like you may be traveling in December, you may want to give her a couple weeks notice in case you and her have to prepare for the holidays before your trip. It is nice to have some time to go through your travel items, get formalwear cleaned and prepped, etc. before your trip. But no matter what, a surprise birthday cruise is a good surprise ANY day..

Have a blast!

You can purchase a day pass at the Coco Reef Resort. Price is $69P/P and includes access to the beach and pool with loungers & towels provided, and a leisurely lunch with a complimentary glass of wine. Reservations are recommended.

 

Taxi fare, one way, to HSB is $34.50 for 1 to 4 passengers, $43.50, 5 to 7 passengers, plus tip, weekday & Saturday travel.

 

Taxi fare, one way, Dockyard to TB is about $76 for 1 to 4 passengers, $96, 5 to 7 passengers, plus tip, weekday & Saturday travel. But why would you take a taxi when you could take the ferry to St George and walk to TB??? Unless your visit is on a weekend, is it? Ferry fare is $4.50 token.

 

For jet skiing, read here. You can not go out alone on a jet ski. You go out as part of group with a group leader.

 

 

SBtS

Wow - all great info!!!! Thanks for so many details.

I didn't expect taxis to be that high, and last time we took the bus. I was thinking of going the taxi route because we are only in port for 2 days, so wanted to get to my destinations quickly. But we did take the bus and ferry last time in Bermuda, and it was fine, but I didn't remember how long/short the travel time was. Our visit is not on a weekend - it's a Tues & Weds, so the ferry should be just fine for us.. Thanks again.

Also, thanks for the resort & jet ski info! I'll take a better look at it.

Hope that helps. Have a great time!

Thanks very much!

After reading your response, I think I will have to change the WWRY show to another night.

Any thoughts on cabin #11654 on Anthem? I booked a balcony guarantee & this looks like a great location. I love to be near the elevators because I'm lazy.. :)

The beverage package discounts are not on every sailing. If your sailing is offering the discount, it will show up in your Cruise Planner when you select one of the beverage packages.

Thanks! I found it right after I posted this & booked it... When I priced out the cruise, they told me the cost but didn't say it was a 20% promo, so I'm glad I read it on here. I'm on my cruise countdown diet, so I can't wait for some pina coladas... :p

Hi cruisers!

I haven't been on RCCL since I was a teenager, so this will essentially be my first time on this line again, and I have a few questions about the 5 night Anthem trip to Bermuda.

Entertainment

I am trying to finalize my reservation for "We Will Rock You" and am already booked for Day 4. I read in a Compass that it was held on the 4th night on a June cruise, so now I'm thinking I should change my schedule. What night do they traditionally hold The Quest on the 5-day Bermuda cruise?

Dining

• Is it possible or standard to get a table for 2 when you do dynamic dining?
  
• As far as dining duration, I see it suggests 2 hours. I'm unable to get any dinner reservations 2 hours prior to my show times. Will the waiter be able to get me out of the restaurant faster or should I try to get earlier times once I'm on the ship? The times I'm looking for are unavailable online of course.
  

Other Reservations

Since I just booked about a few days ago, I could not get any iFly reservations, and this is definitely on my to-do list. What's the standard wait time if you don't have a reservation? Everyone will want to do this on a sea-day of course, but that's just the nature of the game.

Bermuda

- I'll check on the port boards as well, but curious to hear your experiences too.

• Have any of you purchased a day pass at a Bermuda resort? I'm wondering if pricing is reasonable?
  

• Ideally, we would like to jet ski in Bermuda. Any recommendations on where we can do this affordably?
  

• And finally, what is the cost of a taxi to Horseshoe Bay Beach? Has anyone taken a taxi to Tobacco Bay Beach? That was my favorite, but it's a good distance from the port.
  

Thanks in advance for the info! Looking forward to cruising again since it's been a few years for me. :p

From what I've read, the other lines have cut back on room service options as well and/or have added charges for certain items.

Hello,

I noticed the OP noted that they purchased the drink package with a 20% discount - where/when was this available?

I depart on 9/3 Anthem of the Seas and would LOVE to get a 20% discount since we plan on purchasing the package.. :)

I just love this thread. Thanks Ladies! The links are great. My cruise isn't until June but I've already been planning and plotting. And of course, dieting so I can fit into my wonderful clothes. I hope you all have a great time on your cruises :D

My cruise is coming up in Sept.. I've been shopping, planning and plotting also. And I joined WW Online.. We're in the same boat. :p

Although I always shop a lot for cruises because I buy my "summer wardrobe" with cruising in mind.

jacksmom: The spray sunscreens aren't my favorite - on a windy ship, more goes in the air than on us although that seems to be the way most people go. Old-fashioned SPF 30 in a tube works fine and Banana Boat is good.

See, I understand what you mean about them not working when its windy, but I always use my spray sunscreen on the balcony before I go to the pool.. And then I just reapply at the pool. I don't think I could go back to the lotion kind. I bring so many extras because that's the last thing I'm going to run out of on the ship. :)

How far in advance of a cruise do you get a hair cut/color?

 

AND - Do you go to a salon for a Mani/Pedi or do your own?

Haircut - I rarely get my haircut right before a cruise since I spend most of my cruise time in the sun and with my hair wet and in a ponytail all day long. And I usually get my hair cut a week or so after a cruise!

Mani/Pedi - I never go on vaca without one. I either go after work the evening before or the morning of my cruise (if I'm driving to the port). I think a mani/pedi while my bf is loading the car is the best way to start a vaca. :D Then we drink cocktails on the way to the ship (since we usually get a ride). This is part of the reason why I don't like flying to port.. I like the whole day of routine.

I just read through this entire thread, but my next cruise isn't until September, so I'm not quite to the packing stage.

Indiana, I did enjoy looking at your outfits and thought they were all very cute on you. Enjoy packing and wearing all of your outfits on your next trip.

This weekend, the Gap Give & Get program was going on where you could get 30% off in the Gap, Old Navy and Banana and 5% of what you spent went to a charity.

I found only a couple of things in the Gap, but found some cute summer/spring things in Old Navy and will definitely be taking some of them with me on my cruise. I needed summer clothes so badly because last summer my SO & I bought a house and then spent the rest of the summer painting, staining, etc. So there wasn't much time for shopping or wearing cute clothes.

Here's some of the items I purchased:

Cargo Pants - Both colors.. green & khaki

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=26192&vid=1&pid=792270

Camo Capris

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5456&vid=1&pid=809676

*Can't wait to wear these with some cute wedges!

Tshirt - I just happen to get 3 of these figure they'd be great on very hot days

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17082&vid=1&pid=812711

Basic tanks - black & white

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=55410&vid=1&pid=810161&scid=810161022

I bought some work stuff also, but not going to post since I'm more excited about summer things than work things.

Anyway, I just felt inspired since everyone was posting their clothes. :p

Hi there. Just wanted to let you know that I love Canada/New England cruises!

The weather can vary in September since it can go from really warm to chilly/rainy. I would bring capris, jeans/casual pants, short sleeve & long sleeve tops and one or two jackets and an umbrella. This way, if you do an excursion and it's chilly in the morning but gets warmer during the afternoon, you can adjust your outfit.

I'm in NJ, so not a Canada expert, but it has rained at least on one day each Canada cruise I've been on (hence the umbrella). I've done August/Sept. cruises to Canada, so the weather was sometimes so hot, but then all of a sudden changed drastically to much cooler.

That's going to be a great cruise. Those ports are all so clean and pretty.

I spent quite some time today reading this thread from beginning to end and I am so glad I did. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories as they are so inspiring.

I think of myself as a pretty positive person, but sometimes any one of us, including me, needs a reminder to stop and "smell the roses". And I'm going to take that reminder with me this week as I go about my daily life and plan for all the happy events coming up in the next 2 months.

Thanks again and I wish all of you a happy & healthy future.

**Oh and to the poster who called this thread, Chicken Soup for the Cruiser's Soul (I think that's what they called it), thanks for the laugh.

If you enjoy a book that makes you laugh out loud, then I recommend Chelsea Handler's 2 books. The first one is called "My Horizontal Life; A Collection of One Night Stands". The second one is "Are you there Vodka, It's Me, Chelsea". Both of these books are laugh-out-loud-funny! If you're not familiar with her, she is a comedian & has a show on E! called Chelsea Lately. Her humor is very "smart".. She's quick with her jokes. If you watch her show & end up liking it, you will like her books.