Retiredprofessor

We were also on this sailing and agree with your take on the Windjammer. It really is a noticeable decrease in quality and very crowded. Having said that, just about all other aspects of the cruise were great. Staff includes some of the friendliest and most accommodating people on the seas. And we really love the Explorer. Sailing again on her at the end of October and will miss her terribly when she leaves Bayonne. Thanks for you review.

If you're a non suite guest, and you book a cabana, do you get the different buffet area as well, or is that only for suite guests?

 

We had a cabana on Nellies Beach in March and the cabana attendant arranged for the cabana shuttle to take us to one of the other beach lunches. We told the driver we wanted to take the lunch back to the cabana and he waited fo us and took us back. I've had the lunch on barefoot a few times and I didn't notice much differednce IMHO. Enjoy your cruise!!

We were able to get a price drop of over $400 on our 2015 cruise on Oasis and that was after increasing our base price and taking away a discount. So I guess that makes the promotion a good deal. However, I was told our Anthem cruise in spring of 2016 was not included in the BOGH promotion. Now I can't decide whether to book a fall 2015 cruise to get this deal. We now have 4 cruises booked for the next two years. If I book a fifth I think I'll need a 12 step program! LOL

I did sign into my CA and that's when I at least could see the sailings. When I tried to see them from the email, I had the same result as the other post, could not get past the first page. Sometimes it is frustrating when RC says they are giving you a benefit (priority booking) only to find out it really is not available.

Got an email today saying Anthem is coming to NY and C & A members can get priority booking. When I go to any sailings out of Bayone they are N/A. Now this is crazy, priority, but not so fast! They can't be sold out. Any ideas??

Back to the questions regarding the Coastal Kitchen for junior suite guests and above. When you look at the list of room categories, the spa junior suite appears below the junior suite. When you look for a junior suite, it appears to be linked to a balcony and inside cabin - apparently to appeal to a group. So my question - Is the spa junior suite considered a "suite" when it comes to the Coastal Kitchen? (This might sound crazy, but I was surprised when we finally moved from balcony rooms to junior suites and discovered that it wasn't really a suite unless you were in "grand"):confused:

Looking forward to this information and would also like to hear more about today's dining event. I am still harboring a resentment about getting the invitation rescinded after telling them we would go. Really feel it was a terrible marketing ploy.

We are sailing Oasis next year and really enjoyed your review. I was one of those who didn't think I would like such a huge venue, but we have family that we have shared several cruises with and the wanted to try her. I'm a little concerned with your (and other's) comments on the Windjammer. What other areas are available for breakfast and dinner? (Besides MDR) Also is there special seating areas for suites and/or Diamond level? Thanks.

Just returned from sailing on Independence last week and noticed that in the Compass they stated that for the 6 o'clock seating the doors "closed at 6:45" and for the 8:30 seating the doors "closed at 9:15" . I don't remember seeing that before. When I looked at a few Compasses that I had saved, they did not have that included. If it is a new policy, then I think it takes it out of your waiters hands to accommodate you.

Same thing happened to me and I figure now that I'm retired and addicted to cruising, I'll never be able to donate again. Just a thought, when was the last time someone from Labadee developed Malaria!

Also looking forward to more info on Quantum. Wanted to book for spring 2015 but thought we would wait until the opening of the later April/May bookings open. Does anyone know when that will happen? A little annoyed with RC Crown and Anchor marketing people. Invited us to a culinary Quantum experience in NY and then notified us, after we accepted, I might add, that they were overbooked and we were uninvited. Really poor customer service, IMHO!

Every night on the Independence 3/9/14-3/16/14

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this great review. We just got off of Independence on Saturday and while on board booked Oasis for April 2015, along with Explorer in July and October. She is our favorite and will be sorry to see her leave. But we look forward to Oasis just for the sheer magnitude of her offerings. Your review is increasing our excitement. Did you go to the Diamond Lounge at all? The CL looked very nice.

We were on Liberty last November and found drink service at the bar exactly as you described. We did not have the drink package so I do not think that is the cause. I love to have a mudslide in the afternoon by the pool and was told they couldn't use chocolate because it was "dangerous" .

Really enjoying sailing along with you. Thank you for including all of us on your cruise. Can I ask a couple of questions about your cabana on Nellies beach? First, I thought the cabanas on Nellies were on a first come basis. I know Barefoot cabanas are preassigned. How did you get an assigned cabana? We have a cabana booked for our Indy cruise but no specific number. And second were you able to eat at the buffet at Barefoot? Thanks in advance for a reply.

This thread is a perfect example of how we all view. Things through different glasses. It's great to read. For me, I love explorer for several reasons. No flying to get to port, the staff is wonderful, and the ship is"just the right size" for us. I know I will have critics for this, but have been on Liberty twice and had some negative experiences. We will not sail her again. (Embarkation and disembarkation a nightmare, staff not what we were used to, some expected amenities not given). We also loved the older girls like Empress and Majesty.

Ditto to everyone who thanked you for this post. We are sailing 4 weeks from today on the same cruise. This will be a wonderful precruise experience. I am looking forward to waking up with the snow and ice outside knowing that in 4 weeks we will be where you are today. We just made D+ and probably can not live long enough, and still pay the bills, to make Pinnacle so happy to give you a cruise credit. Lol.

Thanks for the review. We are excited about our upcoming Indy cruise in just 29 days. (But whose counting, lol) Do you happen to remember what time you departed Falmouth? Also did you go to the beach on Grand Caymen? Thanks for the additional info.

Thanks CB

We are having difficulty reserving a table in either Chops or Giovanni's Table for a party of four. There are a very limited amount of times available. However, if we look for tables of two, there are many open times. Wondering if we make two reservations for two tops and see the Matre'd when we get on board to combine them, would that work! Traveling with my DH's brother and wife on IOS. Has anyone done this successfully? Thanks for your input.

Lately I have said that I know I,m on my vacation cruise is when I have my first "Mudslide" by the pool. Kailua, vodka, Bailys, and cream. However, h jnave to say quality varies bartender to bartender. Cannot wait for next cruise on Indy a little over 4 weeks away.:)

My brother and I would like to play a round of golf when we are in jamaica. Does anyone have suggestions?

Everyone has answered your post well. We had our first grand suite last year and have had an owners suite and another grand since. Our next will be in an aft jr. Which we have never done. Looking forward to the anticipated large balcony but I agree with fellow posters I think I have been spoiled. Just want to add one thing, the reserved seating by the pool must be a ship to ship perk because while we had it on Explorer, we did not on Liberty. Have fun!

Thanks for taking the time to post this! We are deciding between an Indy 8-night or Allure 7-night in December. Been on both and have some concerns due to some of the recent reviews about the Indy "vibe". I really do love the Indy itinerary and the extra night is such a bonus:)

 

Grady I will be on the Indy in March and I am really enjoying your pictures and review. I really looks wonderful. Wilda posted about the Indy "vibe", do you know what that is referring to?

Am I correct at deducing that since no one responded, there is no difference in food or service experienced in the specialty restaurants on the last night of the cruise - at least none perceived. In that case I will try again on Independence.