sailnjmom49

On 6/6/2023 at 3:17 PM, dock said:

Hi, we’re looking at The Retreat on Ascent. 

7 nights. 3 Sea Days. 
We’ve never been on E class and never in Retreat on any ship. 
CC is highest we’ve booked as we’ve always had our kids with us and needed 3 cabins. 
 

 This time it’s just the two of us so we’re ready to splurge a bit. The ship is really the destination for this trip as we’ve done all the Caribbean ports before so unlikely to do many excursions. 

We will probably book an Aqua Sky Suite as I’m not sure about the Magic Carpet suites and Sky Suites are not available. 
 

Do people still book speciality and if so which would you recommend?

Would we get bored with Luminae for 6 nights?

Will try Blu one night, and one of the MDR one night just for a change. 
 

Thanks for any advice. 

Dinner on the Edge is amazing.  Also the special dinner in the Roof top garden.  Just amazing you can have app then entree and come back later for dessert.  That's my suggestion it is really worth the added cost.  However if you are in the suites above sky suite you can eat in any of the speciality dinners My suggestion do not miss dinner at eden

On 2/6/2022 at 4:43 PM, dg33 said:

We are cruising for 12 nights on the Summit and were looking at specialty dining choices. Having done Le Petite Chef twice, we are over it. So that leaves Tuscan and Sushi on Five. Has anyone done the Chefs Table on Summit? We have enjoyed it on other ships.

The Chefs Table is great.   This will be my first time doing it on the Summit.  I have already sign up for this Chefs Table. I am a solo and love doing this.  Every ship does this experience differently.  I highly recommend this experience.  I however,  do not do the wine pairing especially if you have a drink packages.  I also recommend both Tuscan for dinner and Sushi on Five for lunch

sailnjmom49

We are also on the Anthem now leaving Tuesday. Yes, we are a little disappointed, but we have concern for the people who are now on the Anthem. They will not have a smooth ride back. Waves are considered to be 40 ft. Many will be missing their flights back home.

I am on the Anthem now the sail back to NJ was great less rough seas

The cruise director Abe was wonderful in keep all of the passagers up to date with the changes due to the weather

As the captain stated our safety was his first concern

All those on the Anthem was give free wifi for three day to inform those at home and change any travel arrangements. If brought a Wifi package you where give a three day credit back

Those doing back to back where're give also other credits

Royal really cares about Their customers and really made bad situation quite good

sailnjmom49

Must you make reservations prior to sailing how hard is it to make reservations on board

I am sailing on the Anthem in Jan and have all ready made all me reservation for dinner. My husband and I sailed on the Quantum in Feb of 2015. If I did not make the reservations in advance the cruise would have been terrible.

So I highly suggest making your reservation in advance. Also that includes reservations for the specialty restaurant's as well. We met a few other couples during our cruise and was not able to get additional reservations for a larger group at all.

sailnjmom49

Good evening, friends.

 

The wife and I are currently booked on the Anthem for May, 2016 nine-night trip.

 

Originally, we had Classic-2 (late seating at 8:30 pm), but after talking to the wife...we wanted an earlier dining time and Classic-1 (early seating 6:00 pm) was on a wait list.

 

So, earlier today, we moved from Classic-2 to Dynamic Dining Choice. When I go into the Cruise Planner, it says I can't book restaurants yet.

 

Weird thing is that I have heard from people going in April 2016 and beyond, who already have their restraurants / time booked.

 

A friend of ours is going one week ahead of us, and he sent me a screen shot of his restaurants and times.

 

If there a glitch on the site, or do we have to wait 90 days prior to sailing to book, as Royal says?

 

Thank you kindly

 

-Michael

Hi Michael,

My suggestion is to call Royal directly. We are booked on a cruise in Jan 2016,which I booked on Quantum in Feb 2015. When I returned home I call Royal directly and was able to book all our dine reservation at that time with no problems. Our reservation are all for 7pm. Half are for the free restaurants and half are specialty ones. Please note that Jamie Italian is now charging a flat fee, well worth the price.

sailnjmom49

Hi everyone!

 

My boyfriend and I are booked on to our first Royal Caribbean cruise on Anthem of the Seas, which appealed to us as tech lovers for our honeymoon!

 

We normally sail with Celebrity and, as I am a big foodie I find their offering very good in the MDR and outstanding in the specialities. After booking Anthem for us, I went on a Splendour of the Seas cruise with a friend and was disappointing to find the quality of the food in the MDR, as well as the service, to be quite poor in comparison. Chops Grill was more like the MDR food on Celebrity, probably a little better in fact.

 

Can anyone comment on the quality of the food on Quantum, which I imagine to be very similar to that of Anthem?

 

Secondly, I noticed when I went to book dining on the portal that there is a note saying:

 

"We will do our best to accommodate your party to a private table."

 

Alex and I (especially Alex) strongly prefer a table for two for dinner. We like to eat at our own pace and being a bit younger have had some bad experiences with dinner companions who have excluded us from conversation purely because they assumed we had nothing to contribute. The idea of turning up to a restaurant every night and not knowing whether we'll get our table for two, or have to sit with others, fills me with dread! Add to this the fact that we're on our honeymoon, and I really would prefer a table for two!

 

Does anyone who has pre-booked dining on Quantum have experience with how good Royal Caribbean are at honouring group sizes? What I find strange is that the default is that they'll attempt to accommodate your group at a private table, but as most cruisers I've encountered and spoken to on forums etc. seem to prefer a shared table, I find this odd! Why not ask whether you'd prefer a private table or a shared table?

 

All in all I'm beginning to worry that this was a poor choice of cruise for our honeymoon. We're young and love the tech, but I'm concerned that the quality will not live up to our expectations from Celebrity, especially for our honeymoon. AND this is the most expensive cruise we've ever booked!

 

Advice greatly appreciated!

Ok Here are my suggests. First try some of the specialty restaurants. Our personal favorite on Quantum was both Jamie Italian and Izumi. We also went to both Chops and Wonderland. We did not enjoy Wonderland. You fill up on appetizers and when the main comes not to hungry. However, if you decide you want to try Wonderland the Beef dish was wonderful. We both order the chicken and fish which were great but the beef was the best.

I suggest you call guest services two weeks before you cruise to request window table for two. Also state to them you are on your honeymoon and do not want to seat near other people. Usually they will email the ship to put in your requests. Celebrity is our own personal favorite ship however the Anthem will work if you come in with an open mind. The best thing about this new ship is there are things to do all night. The Music Hall is a great location for late night entertainment. If you do not want to dress up for dinner that works especially well on this ship.

Also we are not a great fan of the Wind Jammer Café. Better to go to 270 café for a lite breakfast and lunch. The roast beef sandwich at 270 are amazing. They also make made to order salad there as well. 270 is the best place to get away for crowds. Also the sportplex is a great area for things to do on sea days.

Enjoy your honeymoon

sailnjmom49

I was able to make dinner reservations on my December 2016 Anthem cruise around July last year. It all depends, just keep checking..

We were on Quantum in Feb 2015 and made our reservations for our Anthem, Jan 2016 when we returned on March 1 2015. It was perfect got every reservations at the time I wanted. However, I know the entrainment reservations I will be able to made about 90 days out. Or after I make the final payment.

Also concerning the shows once on broad the ship they usually add a show or two. This was especially true with Momma Mia. Two additional shows were added. One was in the afternoon, another was the third day at sea

sailnjmom49

Hi-

 

We are just a few days away from sailing on the Quantum of the Seas. I normally research the heck out of the ship before sailing, and know exactly what we want to do and not do- thanks to CC.

 

However, this cruise has completely SNUCK up on us. We have booked our dining and a few shows. But, I need my CC friends to enlighten us . . . what should we make sure we do, eat, see and experience on the Quantum?

 

I really appreciate any help you can give us!

 

Thank you!

Hopefully you made all your dinner reservation in advance. Our personal favor restaurants are Jamie Italian and Izumi. Do not forget to go to 270 cafe on the day you get on the ship for their famous roast beef sandwich. I had this every day on our Feb cruise. Spend most of my time at 270 just to relax and get away from the crowds

Sailing from NJ was wonderful. If you plan in advance making all your reservations in advance the cruise will be a great adventure. We enjoyed the cruise but would have preferred the same wait staff in the dinning room. However, if you do not like to dress up for dinner this is the cruise for you.

sailnjmom49

Leaving on the Quantum in a week (3/13). I just wanted to know: what are the best foods aboard the Quantum? Is there anything everyone seems to be raving about?

 

Just want to make sure I don't miss it! :D

The Roast Beef sandwich at 2 70 café. They start servicing this about 11:30. Best time to go to 270 café is the day you get on the ship.

sailnjmom49

We left our stateroom at 6:45 and were driving out of the parking lot at 7:37. And that was with a delay because immigration wasn't quite ready for Quantum. We did the self assist disembarkation and walked to the parking lot rather than wait in line for a shuttle. Not too shabby.

We where on the same cruise, We also carried our luggage ourselves. We left our room at 8:15 am. We in our car by 8:45.

sailnjmom49

I too will be on deck 7 in October.

Is there noise from the Hideway early morning.

We stay on deck 7 around the corner from the Hideway. Best location on the ship no noise at all. Great for me to get my husband coffee each morning

sailnjmom49

Hi

 

 

As a rule the age on Transatlantic is older than a normal cruise because the time of this cruises. However, first these cruises are price very lower because of the time of year. Personally my husband and I are in our early 60s, we love these cruises. Our fall cruise will be our fourth TA. Love the sea days, especially since Celebrity brings on four speakers who talk in the late morning and early afternoon. Also the CD has some of the normal evening shows in the afternoon or on the pool deck. If you are thinking of doing a TA like any other cruise waiting till the last minute could results in a very low price but you will not get the cabin you want. Also I suggest you take a TA that goes from Europe to Florida because each day you have an additional hour of sleep.

The fall crossing from Europe to Florida are warm once you pass Portugal.

If you are thinking of taking a TA north to New York be prepared for very rough seas. We once take a TA from Rome to New Jersey, 30 foot seas. Not an issue for us but half the ship have quite bad sea sickness.

sailnjmom49

I would absolutely go to Zumba if it was offered!

Zumba is offered on the Celebrity ships like the silhouette for a fee. Celebrity has been offering Zumba for a while but starting last year was charging a fee

because it was very well attended. I did a TA three years ago and Celebrity brought on a professional Zumba instructor from San Fran. He was just great

He had two classes a day. A morning class on the pool deck and an afternoon class in the Night club on deck 14.

sailnjmom49

Leaving from NJ is such a waste out of 11 days there was maybe 3-4 nice days by the pool the rest you are cooped inside. No thanks especially for the high prices they want for the Quantum.

I do not agree. Leaving out of NJ is wonderful especially if you are from the tri state area.

Also I would like to take the time to truly thank Radio for you wonderful review of the Quantum. I can not wait to our cruise on this ship especially since I have truly enjoy your daily reviews and pictures.

sailnjmom49

Hi everyone. Im going to be in Adventure of the Seas in the next few months, and I'm considering proposing to my girlfriend of over three years during the vacation. No guarantees I decide to on the ship, but I'm looking for ideas and places of where I could do it. I'm not big on a bunch of attention because we are both fairly quiet and reserved. We're making stops in St Thomas, St Kitts, Aruba and curacao. We've both been on many cruises before, including adventure of the Seas. One other thing I'm curious as to how it would work is how to get the ring down there with me via the flights without her knowing. I don't usually have a carry on bag, and I wouldn't feel comfortable putting it in the checked luggage incase the luggage gets lost by the airline.

 

I know there's idea threads out there, but I'm looking for more specific to my situation and ship and itinerary. :)

Hi,

My son proposed to his now wife on a RC cruise a few years ago. No pictures they just went to the bar at the back of the ship before the sunset. However, after the proposal he planned a romantic dinner in Chops. Ordered a great bottle on wine. He had no problems bring the ring on the ship he carried it on in his backpack no alarms went off.

However, the next day both families were sent a pictures of the hand with the new engagement ring on her finger.

sailnjmom49

QUOTE:"I also wanted to add why people (in my opinion) didnt like dynamic dining – firstly – the old people really dont get the technology stuff (because it doesnt work sometimes and because THEY are old) – RCI should really know their target audience. Seriously – how many 70,80,90 year olds use tablets? Or smart devices? But the online booking system does work – sort of for young people like me"

 

 

 

OUCH I really take offence at that. I'm a year off 70. I have a lap top, an I pad, a smart phone,. went to college to learn computer skills. There are a lot of us oldies that can give you a run for your money any day. Age is all in the mind yes our bodies might be wearing out but unless god forbid you have health problems don't write us off. I cant wait to get on Anthem and apart from climbing the rock wall and the flow rider I'm going to give it all a go.

You go girl. I think the new generations of cruisers need to be reminded that us old folks make up the largest population of cruisers. I am also sailing on Q of S this year. I am happy that RC is improving their service on this ship but it is our reviews that for the most part are causing the changes

sailnjmom49

been having trouble all day.

Call royal Caribbean directly to book your reservations. that is what I did and had no problem. Did not get all the times I wanted but I was able to get both my dinning reservations and shows.

sailnjmom49

The RC web site has Izumi listed as "from $0 USD Adult" and opposed to others that show "complementary". So, I guessing that means that they have some items that are complementary as well as items that cost additional money. Can anyone confirm this? And also, does anyone know what might me complementary?

 

My family and I will be there on the March 21, 2015 sailing.

 

Thanks,

 

Mark.

The complementary restaurants are Grande, Silk, American Icon and Chic. All the other restaurants have fees from $25.00 to $45.00. There are some restaurants that charged by the course Izumi is on of them. We are sailing in Feb. 2015. I have made reservations at all of the complementary restaurant plus Wonderland, Chops Grille, Jamie Italian and Izumi because of a 30% SBC

once on the ship

sailnjmom49

I am loving this guy's review... very balanced and insightful...

 

http://www.scottsanfilippo.com/2014/11/cruisers-log-royal-caribbeans-quantum-of-the-seas-day-1-november-23-2014/

I agree this is the best review of the Quantum of the Seas. I am going on this ship in Feb. 2015, He really gave a great review of the ship. Thank you so much.

sailnjmom49

I don't take my own hair dryer, just because I don't want to haul it, but i do agree that the hair dryers on board are usually terrible--not very powerful and I hate having to hold the button down continuously--makes my hand ache. I'm going to try the hint I read about using a powerful rubber band to hold it down next time.

 

I guess they use these weak hair dryers as a way to minimize fire hazards? I can't think of any other reason to have such a poor product. I have been on a couple of cruises that had actual 'real' hair dryers that weren't attached to the wall--much better.

Yes the rubber band trick works great. We had a room seward who gave me a large rubber on one cruise did the trick.

If I make reservations before our cruise, do I have to pay ahead of time.

I want to use OBC while we are on the ship. Should I wait until we are

on the ship to make reservations at Murano? Thanks for your help.

Yes you do have to paid ahead of time. However, once on the ship you still can get the discount for first night reservations. I usually book ahead of time to get the time I want. Once on the ship I get a credit to by OBC for the original fee and then at Murano gives you the discount for the first night reservation. Just make sure you go directly to Murano to let them now.

sailnjmom48

She is on vacation now

When will she return from vacation and what ship will she be on.

sailnjmom49

Hi,

I am interested in knowing where Sue Denning these days. I my opinion on of the best Cruise Director.

sailnjmom49

I agree you are entitled to your opinion. Personally I think Perry is one of the best individual's on Celebrity. However, the fact that he is also on the Eclipse with Sue Denning is the best combo ever. My husband and I just got off the Reflection, and in our opinion Sue Denning is the best cruise director on all of Celebrity's Ship.

We have two more celebrity cruises this year and I do not think we will have the change to be with Sue or Perry. Will miss them both

sailnjmom49