First Timer has lots of questions

[trp1128]

My husband and I will be taking our first cruise ever next April on the Anthem of the Seas. We have lots of questions, I apologize in advance for what may seem like silly questions.

1. When you port are there activities/beaches right off the port you can do if you don't book any excursions there?

2. Are there a lot of 24 hour activities on the ships? Ex. are the pools/casino 24/7?

3. What's the general dress code for walking around on the ship? Is there one?

4. Where is a good place to get prescription snorkel masks?

5. How sound proof are the cabins, is it easy to hear your neighbors?

6. How does cell phone coverage work? We have US Cellular and will be in the Caribbean.

7. Is water free on the ship or do we have to buy a beverage package for that?

8. Do you feel the ship move a lot? We are in the very front, right of the ship.

9. Is cruise insurance worth the money?

10. Internet wishful thinking? I just want to be able to check email

11. Any advice?

[John Bull]

My husband and I will be taking our first cruise ever next April on the Anthem of the Seas. We have lots of questions, I apologize in advance for what may seem like silly questions.

 

1. When you port are there activities/beaches right off the port you can do if you don't book any excursions there?

Depends on the port. But in most there's a beach near the ship or a short taxi or bus ride away. Van tours available on-spec. Some activities involving group participation should be pre-booked, either privately or thro the ship.

 

2. Are there a lot of 24 hour activities on the ships? Ex. are the pools/casino 24/7?

Quite early til pretty late, but not 24 hours to the best of my knowledge. Can't be sure about Anthem but usually pools on ships are netted overnite.

 

3. What's the general dress code for walking around on the ship? Is there one?

No dress code as such, just cover yourselves & your feet in food locations. No topless sunbathing that I'm aware of on Anthem (or have I missed out :D)

 

4. Where is a good place to get prescription snorkel masks?

I've got no idea. Probably buy before you go.

 

5. How sound proof are the cabins, is it easy to hear your neighbors?

Depends on your neighbours ;). There are a few complaints, same as there are in hotels. And it's poorer sound-proofing than most hotels

 

6. How does cell phone coverage work? We have US Cellular and will be in the Caribbean.

Intermittent & expensive at sea, since it goes thro' ship's system. Generally good signal from land masts in ports.

 

7. Is water free on the ship or do we have to buy a beverage package for that?

Free iced tap water from friendly bar staff (and at drinks stations, plus tea, pretty foul coffee,& sickly lemonade). Water in your cabin is fine to drink, but not as cold as at home since it's stored in tanks - so get ice from a drinks station if you're energetic, or put some water in your fridge if you're lazy. If it's not in a package, you can buy bottled water (you sign for it & it's charged to your on-board account, same as other ship purchases).

 

8. Do you feel the ship move a lot? We are in the very front, right of the ship.

Up front is about the worst place, especially on a high deck. But the Caribbean is pretty benign & she's a huge ship. Most (probably all) of the time the average Joe can't even tell if the ship is in port or at sea, but some folk are susceptible to even small movement.

 

9. Is cruise insurance worth the money?

Having health insurance in particular is worth the money, even just for peace of mind. But, for most folk, buying from the cruise line is poor value. So follow-up suggested sources or surf the 'net.

 

10. Internet wishful thinking? I just want to be able to check email

On the ship it's expensive. And often slow or even prone to dropping-out - which make it even more expensive. Do you remember when your home connection was dial-up?

Ashore look for bars/cafes & such offering free wifi. Usually needs a password, available from a server. Different outlets have different quality of connection, so check that other customers are happily tapping away before ordering a drink.

 

First cruises are always great, but buying "extras" on ships tends to be poor value.

 

JB :)

[janetz]

First cruise is exciting! You will find tons of information on the ship here. :)

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=83

[Grandma Dazzles]

My husband and I will be taking our first cruise ever next April on the Anthem of the Seas. We have lots of questions, I apologize in advance for what may seem like silly questions.

1. When you port are there activities/beaches right off the port you can do if you don't book any excursions there?

2. Are there a lot of 24 hour activities on the ships? Ex. are the pools/casino 24/7?

3. What's the general dress code for walking around on the ship? Is there one?

4. Where is a good place to get prescription snorkel masks?

5. How sound proof are the cabins, is it easy to hear your neighbors?

6. How does cell phone coverage work? We have US Cellular and will be in the Caribbean.

7. Is water free on the ship or do we have to buy a beverage package for that?

8. Do you feel the ship move a lot? We are in the very front, right of the ship.

9. Is cruise insurance worth the money?

10. Internet wishful thinking? I just want to be able to check email

11. Any advice?

 

Welcome to cruise critic.

1. Depends on the port.

 

2. Usually pools close for a short period of time. Some ships may have one pool open 24-7. Food is available at numerous locations. Some ships may have one location open 24-7. Room service is available 24-7. Delivery charge after midnight, but food is free.

 

3. No actual dress code, but people generally wear shorts/shirts/sundresses. Swimsuits are worn in pool areas only. You can use a cover up around the ship, but no bare feet.

 

4. No idea - would assume buy at home.

 

5. Have never had a problem, but could depend on your neighbors.

 

6. Depends on your phone/plan. Have used sparingly so really don't have comment.

 

7. Water is free at any bar or food location. It is tap water. You pay for bottled water.

 

8. Depends on the sea. Probably some motion at the front of the ship. Least movement is in center of ship on lower deck.

 

9. Would not travel without insurance, especially for health insurance. Check to see if you have coverage with your insurance outside of US. Even if you do, evacuation/emergency could be very expensive.

 

10. Rarely use internet on vacation. It's always been slow when I have used.

 

11. Suggest posting on the RC board for specific questions. You will get more of a response on the Anthem there.

[griffy116]

Prescription Snorkel Mask: I wouldn't count on being able to get this on the cruise. If you need one for snorkeling in the Caribbean while on your trip, I'd get it in advance and bring it with you.

 

Not booking Excursions: You can always walk off the ship (or tender) and find shopping and taxi service. Some ports have a beach within walking distance but you'll have to do the research on the individual ports. There are a lot of interesting places near the ports that will require you to book an excursion either through the cruise line or independently book them directly with a vendor. Only use a reputable company by checking on this site or TripAdviser. We always check both sites if we book anything on our own. Be mindful that the ship leaves on "ship time" NOT local time. Your cell phone time is not reliable because it will self-adjust to local time. We always carry a cheap watch and set it to ship time. Nothing will ruin a cruise like standing on the dock and seeing your ship pull away without you on it...and they do NOT come back to pick you up. We always make sure we are back on the ship at least an hour before time for the last guests to be onboard.

 

Water: Tap Water on the ship is free and is fine. In the cabin, it's usually warm so ask the cabin steward to keep your ice bucket filled at least once a day. Bottled water is all we drink when in port. Your drink package might include bottled water. We always carry a bottle of water with us when we head off the ship on an excursion or to walk around.

 

Cell Phone Service: We've never had a problem with coverage. HOWEVER, if you use your cell phone while a sea, you will get a very HEFTY charge from your cell phone carrier when you return home. We always wait until we are in a port to use the cell phone and we switch to an International plan prior to our cruise. Even with an international plan, you can't just call or you will be charged for going through the ship (can't remember the message/name that will appear on your cell phone screen) letting you know that you are on Ship's service.

 

Cabin Walls are paper thin.

 

Insurance: We NEVER go on a cruise w/o travel insurance. It's based on your age and cost of your cruise. It's not that expensive and should you have to cancel the cruise itself or the cruise should be interrupted for any reason (an emergency at home, or you get injured and have to leave), you are protected. Otherwise, you can incur a VERY big bill.

 

Checking your e-mail: Your best bet is to check your e-mail at an internet cafe while in port or buy the internet package...and keep in mind, on the ships, the internet is s-l-o-w. VERY slow. The kind of slow that makes you pull your hair out. Try asking your cabin steward or waiter where the nearest wi-fi spot is before reaching the port. They will be able to tell you where to go.

 

Dress Code: Always carry a t-shirt dress or a swimsuit cover-up and flip-flops. You can generally go anywhere on the ship during the day with this. You have to cover up your swimsuit and at the least, flip flops to go into the food venues. With just a swimsuit and bare feet, you will be stopped from entering.

[Nic6318]

Hi TRP1128

 

Welcome to cruise critic.

 

Some tips on this site. This is a very useful, informative site.

 

If you go to the main Forums page, you will see the many sections.

 

Scroll down you will see the Heading : Cruise Lines...find your cruise line click the link. You will see many threads started by people who are asking questions or making comments specific to the cruise line you are sailing with. Take the time to review, there will be many topics that you aren't aware of that may be important to you.

 

Now same main Forum Page you will scroll down to Ports of call: all your cruise ports will be listed here, with topics on every subject specific to that port. Very informative and valuable (time and money).

 

Also very helpful will be the Homeports threads. They will tell you about hotels, food, transportation, etc...from your departure cities.

 

You may also consider checking out the Roll Call threads. If you pick out your cruise line, you will find lists for every ship and cruising date. If it interests you, these threads would allow you to communicate with people travelling with you on your specific sailing date.

 

Just a question about one of your questions. Regarding prescription snorkel mask: do you know for a fact that you need it? Once in the water a lot of people will find that the optics underwater allow you to see better than you see on land. If it is the case that you do indeed need prescription equipment, get it at home. Our optometrist has a selection of masks or goggles that they can put prescription lenses into.

 

hope this helps to start

have a great cruise

[LA_CA_GAL]

 

You may also consider checking out the Roll Call threads. If you pick out your cruise line, you will find lists for every ship and cruising date. If it interests you, these threads would allow you to communicate with people travelling with you on your specific sailing date.

 

 

Good suggestion.

 

The roll call for the Anthem should be pretty good with a lot of activity.

 

For a first time cruiser, the Roll Call will put you in touch with those on the same ship, same ports, so you will get specific info on your specific cruise.

[Treven]

As a side bar to your insurance question, in addition to "cruise insurance", I always get a medical evacuation policy from MedJet Assist. You have to be a certain number of miles from home and admitted to a hospital, not just seen by a Dr in their ER,then MedJet Assist will fly you back to a hospital of your choice, usually in your home city or area; and if necessary would include a nurse to accompany you. The flight back might be on a commercial flight, or a chartered med evac flight; what ever is necessary to get you back home. They have a policy for a single person or a family, or one annual policy for those folks who travel a lot.

Edited August 2, 2016 by Treven

[cb at sea]

A guidebook is a must if you're going to DIY...you need to know something about the places you'll visit! Hit your public library and read up on your ports....that will give you a great idea of what there is and how easy things are to do! We almost never do excursions anywhere!

[AdoraBelle]

10. Internet wishful thinking? I just want to be able to check email

 

I think most of the previous posters have answered this while ignoring the fact that you're booked on Anthem. As one of RCI's newest ships, and RCI having some of the best (and cheapest) internet at sea, you'll probably be in pretty good shape.

 

http://goo.gl/KqP3wT

 

(As someone who cruises NCL, who still has stone-age connectivity, I envy your cruise. Also, please ignore the folks who will try to shame you for wanting to stay connected via email.)

Edited August 2, 2016 by AdoraBelle

[h-sar]

I think most of the previous posters have answered this while ignoring the fact that you're booked on Anthem. As one of RCI's newest ships, and RCI having some of the best (and cheapest) internet at sea, you'll probably be in pretty good shape.

 

http://goo.gl/KqP3wT

 

(As someone who cruises NCL, who still has stone-age connectivity, I envy your cruise. Also, please ignore the folks who will try to shame you for wanting to stay connected via email.)

 

We were on RCL's Oasis last Christmas and the wifi was excellent. We bought our kids a one day package ($25-30, can't remember exactly) as a Christmas present and it was pretty much as fast as at home. The one we bought was only good for one device, so if a second device was connected, the first person would get kicked off. We used it to FaceTime with family back home as well. They have some pretty decent packages, some for the whole week, some for 2-3 days that can be bought mid week, if I'm not mistaken.

 

You've received some excellent answers to your questions and do keep asking away - there is a wealth of knowledge on this site and people are wonderful about providing information.

 

Another suggestion: the search box at the top right is a phenomenal tool. You can type in the most obscure question, such as: is there a public bus to 7 mile beach? is there self serve laundry on the Regal Princess? how many pools on the Carnival Dream? and you are almost guaranteed to get an answer through past postings others have done. Just be careful as some of those postings might be years old and the info no longer pertinent.

 

Happy cruising!

[GUT2407]

My husband and I will be taking our first cruise ever next April on the Anthem of the Seas. We have lots of questions, I apologize in advance for what may seem like silly questions.

1. When you port are there activities/beaches right off the port you can do if you don't book any excursions there?

2. Are there a lot of 24 hour activities on the ships? Ex. are the pools/casino 24/7?

3. What's the general dress code for walking around on the ship? Is there one?

4. Where is a good place to get prescription snorkel masks?

5. How sound proof are the cabins, is it easy to hear your neighbors?

6. How does cell phone coverage work? We have US Cellular and will be in the Caribbean.

7. Is water free on the ship or do we have to buy a beverage package for that?

8. Do you feel the ship move a lot? We are in the very front, right of the ship.

9. Is cruise insurance worth the money?

10. Internet wishful thinking? I just want to be able to check email

11. Any advice?

 

1. Varies by port

 

2. Most things close for part of the day/ night

 

3. Just common decency

 

4. No idea

 

5. Good, not great, but never had any real issues with neighbour noise.

 

6. Depends on your carrier, I don't use mine I cruise to get away from people

 

7. Any bar will give you a glass of water

 

8. Yep if the sea is rough you will feel it,man other reason I cruise

 

9. Yes. You might never need it,must can you take a $50,000'hit if something happens?

 

10. Yep they have Internet, yep it's slow, yep it's costly.

 

11. Join your roll call.

[trp1128]

I think most of the previous posters have answered this while ignoring the fact that you're booked on Anthem. As one of RCI's newest ships, and RCI having some of the best (and cheapest) internet at sea, you'll probably be in pretty good shape.

 

http://goo.gl/KqP3wT

 

(As someone who cruises NCL, who still has stone-age connectivity, I envy your cruise. Also, please ignore the folks who will try to shame you for wanting to stay connected via email.)

 

Yay that is good news! And thank you! As much as I would like to disconnect from the outside world on vacation sometimes it's just not realistic. I have a sick parent and want to make sure I have access to their doctors, caregivers, etc at least by email. I won't be able to relax much unless I have access so this is reassuring! Thank you!

[trp1128]

Hi TRP1128

 

Welcome to cruise critic.

 

Some tips on this site. This is a very useful, informative site.

 

If you go to the main Forums page, you will see the many sections.

 

Scroll down you will see the Heading : Cruise Lines...find your cruise line click the link. You will see many threads started by people who are asking questions or making comments specific to the cruise line you are sailing with. Take the time to review, there will be many topics that you aren't aware of that may be important to you.

 

Now same main Forum Page you will scroll down to Ports of call: all your cruise ports will be listed here, with topics on every subject specific to that port. Very informative and valuable (time and money).

 

Also very helpful will be the Homeports threads. They will tell you about hotels, food, transportation, etc...from your departure cities.

 

You may also consider checking out the Roll Call threads. If you pick out your cruise line, you will find lists for every ship and cruising date. If it interests you, these threads would allow you to communicate with people travelling with you on your specific sailing date.

 

Just a question about one of your questions. Regarding prescription snorkel mask: do you know for a fact that you need it? Once in the water a lot of people will find that the optics underwater allow you to see better than you see on land. If it is the case that you do indeed need prescription equipment, get it at home. Our optometrist has a selection of masks or goggles that they can put prescription lenses into.

 

hope this helps to start

have a great cruise

 

Thanks for your reply! Unfortunately my husband and I both need them. We got some a few years ago for Hawaii but our prescriptions have drastically changed since then so we need new ones. I've been shopping online the last few days, we should be able to find some now. :)

[Guest maddycat]

My husband and I will be taking our first cruise ever next April on the Anthem of the Seas. We have lots of questions, I apologize in advance for what may seem like silly questions.

1. When you port are there activities/beaches right off the port you can do if you don't book any excursions there?

2. Are there a lot of 24 hour activities on the ships? Ex. are the pools/casino 24/7?

3. What's the general dress code for walking around on the ship? Is there one?

4. Where is a good place to get prescription snorkel masks?

5. How sound proof are the cabins, is it easy to hear your neighbors?

6. How does cell phone coverage work? We have US Cellular and will be in the Caribbean.

7. Is water free on the ship or do we have to buy a beverage package for that?

8. Do you feel the ship move a lot? We are in the very front, right of the ship.

9. Is cruise insurance worth the money?

10. Internet wishful thinking? I just want to be able to check email

11. Any advice?

 

We've sailed on the Anthem and loved it. After 30+ cruises (20+ with RCI) it was our favorite ship.

 

We found the cabins to be very quiet, never heard our neighbors.

 

Sailing out of Bayonne, we've always been able to bring bottled water onboard. Some post that they put a luggage tag on a case of water, give it to the porters along with their luggage and it is delivered to their cabin. Others put a case of water in a carry on bag with a luggage tag.

 

We try to get a cabin mid-ship, towards the aft elevators. Cabins towards the front of the ship feel the most movement. You might want to change cabins to something further back.

 

The Anthem's internet is very fast.

 

We always buy cruise insurance. If you have an ill parent you really should have insurance. We purchase through the Trip Insurance Store. Call and speak to one of their very helpful agents. Their link is below.

 

https://tripinsurancestore.com/

 

You might like to read and post on the Cruise Critic Anthem of the Seas board. The link is below.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/royal-caribbean/anthem