cidymom

Hi everyone. I had to change my plans as I didn't realize it would be so expensive to stay in NYC! So, I'm now planning to stay near the Bayonne cruise port but with easy transport to NYC. Which area should I stay in that will have easy access to transportation into NYC? how long will the trip take? will it be safe coming come in the evening? I like to have a place with a kitchenette. I'll be flying to/from EWR before and after the cruise. Thanks all.

I have a question regarding picking the automatic Upgrade Preference in your Profile. Does RCI automatically upgrade you? or do they ask you first if you want the upgrade? What happens if you don't like the location? We're booked into an Obstructed Balcony and it would be great if by chance we get a complimentary upgrade to a Regular Balcony but am worried should it be near a noisy venue or under the pool deck which we would not want. Any ideas on how the upgrade works? Thanks all.

Thanks for your review and pictures. We're heading on to the Enchantment next month - just finishing up my packing list. Can you tell me if shampoo, conditioner, body wash are provided in the bathroom (we're in a Panoramic Oceanview if that makes a difference). I don't want to pack anything extra if not needed. Thanks.

I feel stupid asking this question but since we're going on the Enchantment soon which has shower curtains I thought I better ask. How and where would you attach the chip clip to avoid the curtain attacking you. At home, we have shower curtains with the magnets that stick to the tub but I'm sure it's just a shower stall on the ship. I can't picture in my mind where the chip clip would go. Thanks for any advice.

Great review and photos! Just wondering, are there no more Formal Nights now that there is Dynamic Dining? I usually order a tux for my husband so he doesn't have to pack any of his fancy clothes for a cruise but I don't recall seeing anything about formal nights on the compasses (unless I totally missed it). Thanks.

I appreciate everyone's advice/comments on the CC Boards. I guess I will be shopping at the Newport Mall instead but at least no travel time. Yikes, travelling by taxi anywhere is going to be expensive!

Hi Carol. Another question - how far is it from the Courtyard in Jersey to the Jersey Outlet Mall? Can I easily take a taxi there? Approximately how much taxi fare do you think it would be? As you can see, I'm still focused on outlet shopping (bad habit of mine)! Thanks again.

Carol - thank you again for the additional information. I googled the Courtyard Jersey City Hotel and the reviews are very good with easy access to the PATH train in NYC and the Newport Mall. I can't believe it only takes 10 minutes to get into Manhattan. At least there is a mall there so I can still do a bit of shopping. I'm not looking to buy anything specific, perhaps some Nike running shoes for myself and my son but I just enjoy checking out the shops wherever I travel. I'm glad you brought up this alternative. Thanks!

Many thanks for the helpful advice from Carol (138east) and others. I've been thinking about what Carol said about paying a bit more for the convenience and being stress-free especially when we are travelling with a young child. My family's main objective is to do the touristy thing in NYC for a couple of days and for me personally to visit the outlet mall. I've been rethinking our itinerary. Should we just pay the extra and stay in NYC for a couple of days to get the tourist things out of the way and then 1 day before the cruise stay at a hotel close to the outlet mall so I can indulge in my shopping habit while the rest of the family can relax at the hotel. How far is the area near the outlet mall to the Cape Liberty Cruise Port? What other hotels besides Residence Inn are in that area? Do hotels in that area provide shuttles to the cruise port? or best to call a taxi or car service? How does that plan sound? Thank you in advance for your advice.

Thank you so much for your detailed reply. I haven't booked the Residence Inn yet for April 2015 but was considering it because it had a free shuttle to the airport and close to the outlet mall. How far is Jersey City to Newark Airport? I haven't heard of the PATH trains. Are they quicker than the other trains? Where do they end up in NYC? How long do they take to get into NYC? Also, can you provide some names of hotels in the Jersey City area. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with this area as it will be our first time there. Many thanks for your helpful advice.

I'm planning on staying at the Residence Inn Newark Elizabeth/Liberty International Airport pre-cruise for a couple of days as the hotels are cheaper than in NYC. However, we would like to get into NYC to see the sights. I understand there is a train from Newark into NYC. Can someone tell me: (1) where the train station is in Newark (2) how far is it from the Residence Inn, is it within walking distance (3) how long is the train ride into NYC (4) where does it arrive in NYC (4) is there a place to pick up groceries near the Residence Inn. Thank you everyone in advance for your help.

Is there still an expiry date on the Princess Future Cruise Certificates? The last one I bought had to be used within 2 years. I'm hoping their policy has changed and it would be open like Royal Carribean and Celebrity. Thanks.

I'm considering the Princess 1 day cruise from Seattle to Vancouver and wondered for such a short cruise do they: (1) provide toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash? (2) have WIFI (internet) package? (3) have some sort of entertainment/production show in the theatre? Thanks all.

We are considering this one day cruise as a weekend getaway. Are you saying that Adventure Ocean for kids is open on that day? That would be great as I will be travelling with my son. Thanks.

My family will be cruising out of the Cape Liberty Cruise Port next year. I've already determined to fly home out of EWR as it is the airport closest to the port. However, prior to the cruise we would like to visit New York for 4 or 5 days. We're thinking of staying in the Times Square or Manhattan Midtown areas. If that is the case, which airport should we fly into (JFK, LGA or EWR)? Thanks in advance for any help to make flying into NY easier.

What cabins are considered in the new section? Are the panoramic oceanview rooms part of the new section on Enchantment? Thanks all.

Hi Michael. I'm glad you're writing a review of your latest Enchantment cruise. I already asked you several Enchantment questions on another thread which you answered but came up with more questions which I hope you don't mind. Were there toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash) in the bathroom? Do you recall if the Kids Club was opened on boarding day? All for now. Thanks in advance for your help and looking forward to reading the rest of your review.

I've heard so much about Quest from people on this board but have never been to one. Can you just go and watch? or do you have to participate when you're there? Thanks.

From the post above, which DO cabins have the large balconies on Anthem? Thanks.

We're booked on the 4-night Enchantment cruise next year. My DH would be interested to know if Enchantment has an unlimited WIFI package like on the Allure. If not, what kind of packages do they have. I know, we're on vacation, but he won't be happy if he's not plugged in. That's the compromise if I want to go on a cruise! Thanks in advance for your help.

We were in this stateroom (12729) on our April 2014 Allure cruise. We were 2 adults and 1 young child. The room steward let us decide whether to use the sofabed or the pullman. My DS wanted to sleep in the pullman even though I was concerned about him falling down. You have to over 6 years old to sleep in the pullman but it has safety railings. It gives you more space if the sofa is not pulled out. The location was great - great views of the Aquatheatre shows. Even though it was the very last cabin aft, I thought the walk to and from was fine. We use the stairs anyways when we can. You have easy access to the Deck 12 secret balcony as well as watch the zipliners above. If your balcony door is closed, you shouldn't hear any noise from the Boardwalk. I had no concerns about the people opposite seeing in to our room. You don't see many people out there unless a show is on anyways. We enjoyed it as you also get a view of the water as well as everything happening in the Boardwalk. However, we found the cabin smaller than others we have been on. There are lots of hangers in the closet. I loved the shower enclosure. The safe is quite small compared to other ships and we had to do some juggling to get our electronics in. The bed is near the closet and the sofa is near the balcony door. Enjoy!

Would greatly appreciate it if you are able to ask someone or somehow check whether the rooms in the middle near the Centrum (7598, 7600, 7602 or 7604 have the shower door instead of the dreaded shower curtain. In a previous post I found on CC, CC member said that 8600 had a shower door so was wondering if the rooms below on Deck 7 have it as well. Royal Caribbean couldn't confirm when I phoned them. Also, if the Enchantment has an unlimited WIFI package for purchase. Thanks in advance for any help.

Thank you everyone for your comments on your recent Enchantment cruise. You have set my mind at ease. I'm just looking for a relaxing short vacation and I think this would fit the bill. Many thanks.

The reviews for this short cruise haven't been great. Now I'm getting worried. Anyone recently got off an Enchantment 4-night Bahamas cruise who can provide some feedback - how was ship condition, sewage smell, did you feel a lot of rocking due to rough seas, how was entertainment, etc. Any comments appreciated. Thanks.

In researching this forum, I found out from a CC member that POV 8600 had a sliding shower door instead of a shower curtain. Can someone who stayed in 7600 confirm it has a shower door as well. Royal Caribbean staff did not know. Also, does Enchantment have the unlimited WIFI package. Thanks.