teddie

I’ve used these on previous RCI cruises without a problem, but they were confiscated today from my carry on in the terminal screening in Cape Liberty. I was given a receipt and told that once onboard, security would check them and if found to be “ok”, they’d return them to me to use onboard. Well that didn’t happen. I went to Guest Services. Spoke at length with supervisor and no go. Funny because other pax are using theirs (per FB page). The only difference is that theirs were in their checked bag, and mine were in my carry on. Thinking back on previous cruises, mine were also in my checked bag and had zero issue. Lesson learned. thanks, teddie

I was able to cancel it yesterday 🙂 Teddie

So I receive all the associated perks for Sky Class--and double points because my original booking was a JS?

Good luck! This is my third cruise bidding for an upgrade, and first acceptance of a bid. Clearly, thinking that you won't win a bid because the ship looks sold out is not accurate. Now I'm worried that I will be totally spoiled after this! Teddie

We don't have to use our Diamond drinks in the Suite Lounge?

Will the suite perk for Voom include just one device? My previous purchase was for 2 devices. Can each of us have it? Teddie

Many thanks! Teddie

You're not blind--I just edited to note that we are sailing on the Anthem. Thank you! Teddie

So, this morning, I received the Royal Up email. My bid from a JS to GS with large balcony on the Anthem was accepted (I bid the lowest $$ amount). WOOT! Questions: 1. I sail in 3 days. Do I get updated luggage tags? None seen yet. 2. I see I get Voom. Do I cancel my previous paid order or will it come off my folio automatically? 3. I just cancelled all my MTD reservations. When I board, do I go to Coastal Kitchen to reserve dinners? Can I reserve on the app? Can I reserve via email? 4. Where do I find the suite concierge? Do I have the concierge handle the reservations? 5. Do I need to reserve all three meals at CK? I think that's it for now. Thanks in advance 🙂 Teddie

I always work on my cruise (self-employed). I use a VPN, and the only issues I've had on the Anthem is that the wifi signal was weak in my balcomy stateroom on deck 9. Worked very well in Solarium and Crown Lounge and most other spots I tried. Teddie

I understand the impact of the ships on the towns, expecially the smaller ones. It was rather jarring, though, being told to your face that your patronage was not wanted. Oh well. Teddie PS, Due to a storm, we were the first cruise ship ever at the time that had to dock overnight in Portland. I guess that wasn't a thrill either 🙂

We did the New England/Canada cruise some years back, and it was wonderful. We loved Bar Harbor and visited Acadia National Park, which was amazing. Interestingly, while browsing a shop in Portland, Maine, the store owner came straight out and said to me "we don't like the cruise ships and the passengers stopping here." I didn't buy anything in that shop....😶

As Diamond, you will get your four drinks/per person/per day, which you would still have to use even if they permit D into the Crown Lounge, including the Happy Hour. We love the drinks perk, as it saves quite a bit of money. Don't forget that you can use them on specialty coffees (not directly from Starbucks, though), and bottled water, so if you have leftover vouchers at the end of the day, you can ask the bartender for bottled water. Happy Hour offers hot and cold hors doevres, dessert bites etc. We are typically not hungry enough to partake much, knowing that dinner is at about 7pm for us. At all other times, I have found the Crown Lounge to be mostly peaceful and relaxing. I typically work on my laptop while cruising, so it's a nice spot for it. The cappucino/coffee machine there is also sweet... Teddie

Was there any notice you received prior to your sail date? I have read that some Diamond pax received the news on the RCI app under the "Welcome Aboard" hints and tips on the home page prior to sail date. We are departing on 3/17/2024 on Anthem, and so far, nothing is noted. Teddie

Wishing you constructive and positive responses. Have a wonderful cruise! Teddie

HAHA! Heaven forbid! Imagine the posts..... Teddie

Oh, ghee!

The med fridge is fine. We also do the ice bucket in the "fridge". Works great. Teddie

I love all of the Indian food choices--I hoped you had a chance to go to the Windjammer on Indian Night--I thought it was great! I have very much enjoyed your daily reports. Thanks very much! Teddie

I guess he likes butter.... Teddie

Three or four dollars would be fine. Teddie

Keep the reports coming--I really like your take on things. I'll be on the Anthem again in 3 weeks 🙂 Teddie

How nice to treat yourself to a beach bed! Teddie

Exactly. It's not always in the basic medical evacuation plan. Must check for this, in addition to checking what your own health insurance covers--as raised by other posters. Teddie

My experience as a nurse working in a large rehabilitation hospital included screening patients who were injured overseas while traveling, whether it was a land or cruise-based trip. What I've learned is to always purchase trip insurance and then spring for the enhanced medical piece that covers your transport to return to your hospital of choice. Otherwise, you may end up in the nearest state-side hospital, and getting back to the hospital that is desired or the one closest to your home is on your own dime. For the insurance nay-sayers out there here is just one example I encountered: a 50-ish year old female suffered a dislocated shoulder while snorkeling in the Dominican Republic, and unfortunately sustained a cardiac arrest while under anesthesia and remained in a coma afterwards. Her family had to shell out $30K for ICU level air evacuation back to NJ. Every medical evacuation on your sailing should remind you that you need robust trip insurance for medical evacuation. In the grand scheme of things: Lost luggage? Pffft. Be safe, Teddie