teddie

Geeze. And what makes for a more expensive table? A shorter walk to the bar? I could picture people who love to party-it-up on NYE springing for this, though that would not be me. At those prices, I'd sure expect at least some fancy hors d'oevres to go with my strawberries and petit fours dessert! T.

Well, that is my point... Teddie

That's what I would hope for. Teddie

Regarding the crew reporting their cash tips--I'd love to know the real story here. Are there any RCI crew members out there who have divulged the answwer? How would the company truly know if a crew member pockets my cash tip? It cannot be logically assumed that if a pax chooses to cancel the auto-grat, that they will tip in cash instead. Doesn't take into account all the lovely stiffers out there.... Plenty of wait staff in the food industry "pool" their tips. It's essentially on the honor system if the tip is made in cash, though. Again, I pay autotips, plus extra in cash to my room attendant. Teddie

I’ve done this in the past with good results. Did some research online and then called the property directly to discuss and confirm. teddie

If so, that was included in what we paid. It wasn’t mentioned as a separate addition to the fare. Teddie

Nope. I wish. Teddie

Ha, true--but I am way beyond food/ginger remedies due to ongoing middle-ear issues. I thank medical science for my patch! Teddie

I use the patch, but I also use an electronic Reliefband. It's a medical device, FDA approved. It helps with nausea. Teddie

It will be done! teddie

Woot! Meet up ! teddie

We have been on two Anthem cruises at the same time-- 2/4/2023 and 11/26/2023. One day we shall meet--I am sailing Anthem again on 3/17/24! Teddie

It’s certainly up to the individual. I cruise and I tip autograts, and also give cash to those who I feel are deserving of extra. I’m not going to begrudge some poor guy busting his butt in the laundry room his piteous cut. It’s the way it is for me and I’m fine with it. Teddie

Friends of Bill W listed every day on our 11/26 Anthem cruise out of Bayonne. teddie

Don't worry if some here laugh at your aspirations. I was thrilled to get to Diamond, and I really like the lounge with its evening snacks and cappuccino machine. I also enjoy it after hours to get work done, as I am also self-employed. The 4 daily drinks are the huge draw--that's another $60 per day we are not spending. We chose an 11-nighter in a JS to get our final 22 points, and it was a great cruise, to boot. Enjoy your travels, Teddie

Thanks for your response. I've never eaten in the CK and found some of the night's menus to look more appealing than other nights (subjectively, of course). How did you find the CK food overall when compared to the MDR? We are sailing the Anthem in a JS in March 2024. Thanks, Teddie

What was your experience as a JS guest in reserving dinners in the CK during your cruise? Teddie

On a recent Anthem cruise, all of our room service orders (submitted on the clunky TV menu) were followed up with a phone call from dining to confirm everything, which was great, This was a huge improvement to our ordering attempts on a previous sailing. Teddie

Forgot to add: lotsa fruit! Especially fresh pineapple--couldn't get enough! Teddie

Somehow, I didn't overeat in the WJ. First I have a salad. Then I tour the stations to see what's offered and choose protein, veg, and one small "treat" side like a fancy bread roll, pasta, or other carb. Then I'm full.

I use this fold over fold method to fill packing cubes. Works well with slacks and tees. I use undies and pjs to fill in the middles. Works well.

And this is the one time I use wire hangers, LOL. Lightweight and less bulk. Teddie

I've previously posted my trick: I pack wrinkle-prone clothes in dry cleaner plastic on hangers. Stack and fold the entire stack in half or thirds and place on top of suitcase contents and zip up. Unpack. Hang up. Minimal wrinkles. Works every time. Teddie

That once was our preference as well. Teddie

These are good questions/observations. Over the years, my eating style has changed...I've lost and kept off 50 pounds, and no longer "live to eat" -- unless you are talking the raisin bread at breakfast in the WJ lol. So there's that. Seriously, though, prior to the MDR changes, (and before 2 cruises in 2023, our previous cruise was about 7 years before that), I found the MDR to be more like a good restaurant than a catering hall experience. The set dining hours are either too early or too late for us, hence MTD, which has altered the cruise dining experience forever, at least for us. Even with a res, there are still choppy wait times and feelings of being rushed. All these changes taken en masse have lead me closer to being a WJ person. And it surprises the heck out of me! Teddie