masim17

We've taken our grandchildren on several different cruises. The first time our pre-teens were adamant that they wanted nothing to do with the kids program. I insisted they go to the orientation program the first night. If they didn't want to go back, that would be their choice. We rarely saw them that cruise. They ate meals with us, but were busting to leave to get back to program. That we're thrilled to get RCCL light up boxers at the end of the cruise for their participation! On our cruise last year, our 6 year old granddaughter Wes in and out of the program. She loved the H2O zone so she spent some day time there, and she spent other day sessions and every evening in the program and loved it. I agree with other posters--get them to try it. You all may be surprised.

Hello Bob,(Clarea)

I know you've been over this a thousand times, but I would appreciate it if you can help me here. We are going on the Anthem in June. I saw you post about a plan for $7.95 (total I think) for texting only. How many texts does that give you? I have Verizon, do I need anything else with that? Also, if I go with paying per text, do I need anything more? I appreciate any help you can give me, as I find your info and responses very useful. Thanks,

Marylou

Does anyone know of any hotels that do not charge the 18% resort fee? Thanks.

Hey Bob,

Is that texting plan just for texting between people on the ship or can you send and receive texts from those left at home? Thanks for your help.

To Ocav,

Why would you be entitled to OBC for choosing Dynamic Dining. What you chose is the ability to go to 4 different restaurants at the time of your choosing. I chose classic, the ability to go to 4 different restaurants at a set time daily. According to your logic that OBC should be given, to be fair it should then be given to all passengers. That is not going to happen in my opinoin, nor should it.

Is that the beach you would recommend with a 7 year old? Last year we went to the beach in front of the aqua park, which was nice. Would appreciate any suggestions you can give. Thanks

what beach is that on Labadee?

I'm confused. What is the difference between dynamic dining and MTD? If they cancel dynamic dining does MTD go away as well?

Is there a bus that goes from the cruise ship pier to the butterfly farm? Does anyone know what the cost of a taxi would be for 4 adults and 1 child? Thanks

Is this realistic with a 4 year old? My husband and I have reservations along with our son, daughter in law and granddaughter, but I am questioning whether this will be too much for her. Any thoughts?

Thanks for your replies. We decided to cancel my husband, granddaughter and myself, which Dee thought was a good idea. Although I hate the thought of missing this, my husband and I have snorkel end many many times, so we will enjoy some alone time with Delia. My son and daughter in law are still going, so they will have a fabulous snorkeling tour--alone! Win, win. Anyone looking to book with them we cancelled 3 reservations for 10/12, in case they were booked.

Thanks for your reply. I do think that that is the way we will go. With tips it will probably not be much cheaper, but we will have the freedom to set our own time frame.

We have woodwind booked but I was just told I can not swim with my granddaughter near the boat. Has anyone done this tour with a non snorkeling toddler? I'd hate to have to keep her on the boat the entire time. Any suggestions of something else to do?

We are looking to go to the butterfly farm and Marigot from Anthem OTS. Is it possible to get a cab to take 7 of us and stay with us for about 4 hours? If so, what would this cost? I am trying to compare this to taking the ship tour (which I never do) which costs $45 each. That includes the entrance to the farm which is $15 pp, total for the tour $315. Admission to farm on our own $105 so basically we would need to get it for less than $200. Ant thoughts?

We took our 6 year old granddaughter to the butterfly farm and we all loved it! Going back this June with her and a 4 y/o. It was a great treat for kids.

My granddaughter did this in Bermuda and it was a great experience. We be booked directly and took the earliest time available which was I think 9:30. You are able to walk from my he ship which is really convenient. Originally she was the only one booked, but then a family of 4 joined her. A lot of personal attention and time with the dolphins. We were finished by about 11:30 and had The rest of the day to do whatever we wanted. I can't compare to Anguilla but this was a positive experience for us. Enjoy!

what are the details of the cruise, i.e. ship, date cabin type, departure port?

Our last few cruises have been out of Bayonne which is basically local for us. We always take our own luggage and try to walk off as early as possible. Once we were approaching customs and we had to wait for them to lift the gate! We were off the ship and on the NJ turnpike by 8 am. When we fly we like to get off ASAP and get to the airport for the trip home, which we never look forward to. We feel our vacation is over and all we want is to get home, and for me start the laundry! Vacation is over, no sense in putting off the inevitable! Each looks at it differently.

Has anyone taken this tour? If so, is it worth it? My son is a chef and I was looking at doing this when we are in Antigua but I wanted to make sure this wasn't too--I don't know--simplified? He and his wife love all types of food,and are willing to try anything, I just want to make sure this would be enough for more than the casual cook like me. Thanks

Thank you all for the positive comments on Adventure OTS. We are not hard people to please in any way. This cruise is a gift for my son and his family. They have had a hard 3 years raising their micro preemie(1 lb.6 oz) with many medical issues some of which persist today. I just want it to be a great trip for all of us, and it sounds like it will be. Will check dry dock schedule, but would they list a cruise to,book then cancel it? Again, thanks

I have cruised many times on RCI, am a diamond member. I am planning to book a cruise with my son, DIL and then 4 year old granddaughter. I like to try the newer ships, but they want to leave from Puerto Rico so they can spend a few days there prior to the cruise. I have read so many negatives about the condition of this ship I am afraid to try it. We are going on the Anthem next June, and this would be in Oct, 2016. I want this to be a great experience for them, but this ship will be 1 1/2 years older by then. This is the only RCI ship leaving from PR. Should I consider another line, or can someone talk me off the ledge.

Has anyone taken this tour. My daughter and SIL want to do this just as something different. It's $50pp for 50 minutes. Appreciate any info.

Was the beach clean, especially the water? I've read that the water not good due to the ships so close by. I would love to go to this beach as well because we have our 6 year old granddaughter and would like to go back to the ship and clean up, then return for some shopping.

Hello Ashland,

Would you know the name of the farmhouse you went to? I am trying to find a farmhouse that another cruiser went to, run by Francesco and Claudia , where they made pecorino cheese and had lunch. It was by Orvieto. Appreciate any help

Royal Caribbean Silhouette does an 11 night that starts in Rome and ends in Venice. Also reverses route. I think there are 4 sailing dates total in sept. Enjoy