VaTech8912

We cruised to Bermuda from NJ for 7 days mid-November last year.  We had 30's in NJ, 50 on second day, then an average of 75 in Bermuda.  Water was too cool for us , but the 72-78 in Bermuda was perfect.  We had typical seas crossing the ocean, a little rough but still ok outside with a jacket.  Of course, every year can be different.

If by chance you have Verizon cable/Fios, we took this remote along with the programming instructions and all went well on Anthem.  I bet other cable companies have similar remotes that would work as long as you know how to program it once in cabin. Best of luck.

What apps did your husband get other than the soup and deviled eggs? I am curious as I too do not eat seafood.  Thanks much.

We always pack crackers for cheese on balcony before dinner.  We also pack a gallon size zip lock bag to put some cheese from buffet in to put in the room fridge. Works great.  Enjoy.

13 hours ago, wee-haggis said:

So to be clear, even if the cable inputs were on the hinge side (with little TV  movement), you were still able to get your fingers in ? Did you hear anything about metal bars placed over inputs to block them ? Thanks again.

Yes, I was able to get it connected with a little effort and hand manipulation with the input ports on the hinged side.  Actually, used my camera to see behind TV and see where ports where, then reached back and connected without having to move TV much at all. It took me a few minutes to find the right place without being able to actually see them.  I have not heard of any metal bars being placed over the actual inputs.  I have not been on Anthem since November, so it could have changed.... Maybe go to the "meet and greet" roll call board and ask someone on a soon to depart cruise to take a picture of the TV back, etc. to confirm? 

7 hours ago, wee-haggis said:

Thanks all. .... Couple of other questions.

Anyone been on recent cruise on Anthem to see if the metal blocking bars have been installed on all balcony cabin TV's ?

If I want a balcony cabin with the sofa by the balcony, is there a way to determine what side of the cabin the TV is on ?(ie: When you enter the cabin is the TV on the left or right......to see if I can access the back of the TV when swivelled out). Is it perhaps TV's are on different walls depending if you are port or starboard ?

 

Anthem Nov18, Balc cabin 9160 with Sofa by balcony, port side.  TV was on left when entering the room, bed on right. The connections were on the side where mounting bar was so not as much rooms as if it tilted the other way, but we were still able to connect  cables with a little effort.

Yes, you can access it.  You need to bring a universal remote to change the input on the TV however. Worked like a charm.

The parking garage is right next (almost attached) to the terminal.  So, after dropping your husband of, you will have a very short walk to meet him.  Have a great cruise.

Not normally.

2 hours ago, tinkr2 said:

 

So on Carnival it just has to be a relative. I cruise with my grands and would love to do the balcony and interior thing that I always did with my own children.

Correct.  Does NOT have to be a parent or guardian.  Relatives are A-OK.  The age of the child is what determines how close the room needs to be to the relative.

As long as you are dry and covered up, all is good.

Suggest posting in the Florida Departure board as there are many suggestions, etc. there.  Have a great trip.

This does stink.  If you still want to cruise, in 2 rooms, consider Carnival.  Their policy would allow it given you are a relative.  Just an option and may not cost you any additional money. 

3 minutes ago, JayTee1 said:

I had to look into the prices to get some perspective on what you guys were talking about. For my next cruise they want $69 CAD for the deluxe package and $35 CAD for the refreshment package. Yikes!

 

And if there are two people in the stateroom, both have to get it? 

Yes, if purchasing the deluxe package, both people, if over 21,  must purchase. Some people have been able to purchase the refreshment package for one of the people based on medical reasons instead of the the deluxe package.  Also, double ck cost, as most times the listed prices per day is before the automatic 18% gratuity, but UK/Canada website might be different. I do not believe if purchasing the refreshment package, both must purchase however....others will know about that.

For us, spending close to $900 or an additional 45% on our cruise is just not worth it.  I will save that and go on more cruises or take new excursions.  To each his own...but I know I am a cheapskate.

3 hours ago, VaTech8912 said:

The time listed is the estimated arrival time.  Disembarkation can occur at the earliest 30 minutes after this, but is does vary quite a bit.

To add, the disembarkation process can begin at earliest 30 minutes after docking.  This does not mean you will be off the ship, through customs and in a cab/transfer within 30 minutes of docking.  Just didn't want to confuse you.  Yes, Carnival has self-assist.  You can line-up/wait in a designated area.  Also, depending on day of week, Orlando can have LONG check-in and TSA lines.  

The time listed is the estimated arrival time.  Disembarkation can occur at the earliest 30 minutes after this, but is does vary quite a bit.

1 hour ago, ashley0308 said:

When doing the BOGO dining or the 3 day dining it states $30-35 will be put towards the food portion of your meal.  So you would have to pay out of pocket for an appetizer and dessert?  I am assuming most entrees are around $30

That is related to venues that are ala carte, not cover charge places like Chops, etc.

3 minutes ago, LINDAE3213 said:

...(remember those fresh baked cookies from the ovens.)...

Yes I do, and boy do I miss them.  Nothing like getting a hot, fresh cookie right as they pull them from the oven.  The whole Windjammer smelled soooo good.

Johnny Rockets on our November Anthem trip did not serve breakfast. Maybe this has changed? Also, note it is an ala carte fee vs cover charge like other RCCL ships.

I tip for excellent service going above and beyond the normal.  For example, keeping ice bucket full, bringing additional pillows, serving MDR food quickly when in a hurry, etc. When applicable, this was for a room steward and MDR Head waiter and helpers.  I do not normally tip additional at specialty restaurants as I personally feel the cost of the meal + 18% is already appropriate.  My opinion and I know others feel differently.

TK10.....As for gratuities....you can prepay them prior to cruise.....or wait and they will be automatically added to your account around day 3 for the week.  The cost is the same either way, unless they increase the daily charge prior to your sailing.  In which case, you can prepay prior to increase going in to effect if you want. Depending on service, we normally end up tipping our room steward additional given they fill an ice bucket for chilling our wine each day, extra pillows, etc.  Just us, and by no means a requirement. Let me know if you have any other specific questions. Have a great cruise.

2 minutes ago, Tk10 said:

Thank you! I've read to not to have a room near certain areas it could be noisy however i thought maybe being more toward the front or back would not be good either. My original thought was being semi close to the elevators to go to different levels quickly if need be but not too close just incase of noise. By chance were you near the atrium as well?But thank you for the feedback!

Yes, we have stayed near the atrium (aft of center glass elevators many times with no issues and enjoy the quick access to the elevators, especially the center ones that have 4 glass and 4 regular ones.  I do avoid rooms with a blank space across from door  given I do not like guest laundry rooms nor crew work areas.

I've been on Pride many times.  Usually stay on deck 6, 7 or 8, near center.  I do not like rooms towards back due to lots of vibration (unique to Pride it seems).  We have not had noise issues with being near center elevators. Enjoy

Another vote for the library.  We hardly ever saw people there during the day.  Nice space, few distractions.