Adriana

Good afternoon! I will be sailing on Anthem over Halloween. Has anyone sailed during during Halloween or know what to expect? Do people dress up (if so; some, half & half, most)? Any special events? Should I bring treats (no tricks) for crew or any trick or treaters running around (I know, not likely)? Would you recommend MDR or specialty dining for that day (solo cruiser)? Thank you! 

4 hours ago, twangster said:

No need to bring it.  Points post 7-10 days after the cruise.  If they are not posted with the extra point per night then call C&A ‭(800) 526-9723‬.

As a frequent solo cruiser sometimes they don't post as double.  It happens, don't read anything into that, just call and speak with the C&A team and they can correct it.

You get double points for cruising solo? I think I only got that when upgraded to a suite. Unfortunately, I doubt I will get it now since am in a solo balcony for next cruise. I have not cruised in four years thanks to buying my first home and COVID, so I could be getting this wrong! 

On 7/23/2022 at 12:50 PM, Walkercruiser said:

Is the food at the Vitality Spa complimentary?    I’ve heard they have smoothies there.   How are they?   What type of smoothies do they have?

The smoothies are sooo good! I get one each morning. It is my fave part of the refreshment/drink package! 

On 7/27/2022 at 10:49 PM, Bill Johnson said:

So with the UDP, you are telling me that when I visit Chops, I am stuck only getting 1 app, 1 entree, and 1 dessert? At Playmakers, I have to pay out of pocket once the amount of food I order exceeds $20? is that what I am reading?? (what is the point of an unlimited dining experience when I am tied to how much I order/eat?) In the main dining room, you can order to multiple entrees and appetizers and whatever you want. Not the case with specialty dining then?

Typically, you can get as many apps, sides and desserts as you like. Most places, except Chops, will allow for another entree. Personally, I would rather have the one entree and go back another night so I can fully enjoy it and not be so full. But that is me. The unlimited part is that you can go as often as you like. You can start at Chops for lunch (on sea days), Jamie’s at 5pm for apps and pasta then back to Chops at 7pm for a juicy filet. 

On 8/7/2022 at 12:31 PM, twangster said:

Ask your cabin attendant for a couple of glasses and you are good to go.  

Royal delivers several bottles of wine to me courtesy of the Crown and Anchor Society so I usually have glasses in my cabin when I board.  

When I bring wine I buy screw top bottles so no cork screw needed.  

If you bring the bottle with you to dinner then the MDR "could" impose the corkage fee but if you bring a full glass poured in your cabin they don't.  

Golly, I would love the Crown and Anchor Society to send me a couple bottles of wine!! I am a solo cruiser, so two bottles is fine and just made Diamond! They could spare it, right??

On 9/1/2022 at 2:21 AM, Gadget Hackwrench said:

I remember the days when Royal Caribbean didn't have specialty dining on ships. The big special meal was called the Midnight Buffet. You could find all sorts of amazing foods. It was part of everyday dining that has largely disappeared.

I loved those midnight buffets!! 

On 9/1/2022 at 5:00 PM, LRW said:

Does the Symphony of the Seas offer smoothies in one of the drink packages?  Or, can you get one in the buffet?

The smoothies are the best part of the refreshment package! Yes, it is offered. 

9 hours ago, Boardgamer said:

It was open when I was on it earlier this year. 

Thank you so much, Boardgamer! I don’t see it in the Planner or able to buy a pass. Hopefully, I can do it once on board. Was really hoping for a discount, but just happy it is open!! Thanks again! 

Yes! They are valid on day one and even on your last day if you would like a drink or specialty coffee, etc before heading home. 

Personally, it is worth it. If you are a water and soda drinker, the soda package alone will be like $9/day with a sale. The soda package does not include water and c$3/bottle, it adds up. One mocktail, three waters (you prob will want more) and two sodas alone will add up to about the price of the refreshment package. Plus, with the package, you do not have to worry about how much you are spending. And, you can explore different drinks like the Johnny Rockets milk shakes, different teas and coffees, espresso after dinner, fresh smoothies, etc. 

Good afternoon! Does anyone know if the Thermal Suite on Anthem is open? I can’t seem to find any info on it. It is perhaps my favorite part of the cruise! I was also hoping to find a discount for the full cruise pass during the Labor Day sale. I cruise on October 29th. … Thank you!!

I have been wondering about this, too. If the change the itinerary to something like Bermuda and the Bahamas, I have zero interest in cruising. We shall see what they say on Tuesday. I was excited when I began reading the email the sent, I thought it was going to say that we would get the extra refund or future cruise credit, but alas, it was just a wait and see. Even if they do offer an enticing itinerary, I am not sure I would want to cruise with all of the extra precautions and regs that will undoubtably put into place. I understand them, just not worth it for me. Hoping for the best for all, whatever that may mean for each person!

I am also a typical solo traveler. I have chosen to sit by myself and also with people. If there is one that you really want, you can wait until they have it available. I have had great conversations with table mates (or surrounding table mates). Have a great time!

I have brought some drinks back on board, but they were just like two or so, maybe like one or two waters or Diet Cokes. 

I went to grad school at U of Miami and remained there for my adult life until recently coming home to NJ. You will have so much to do while you are there, it depends on what you want like, how you want to dress, spend, etc. Bayside Market that has been discussed is like an outdoor mall by the bay. They may have some entertainment playing outside. There are restaurants right by you that you can walk to or take a cab. Public transportation is pretty good there, you can ask the front desk. Right by the McAuthor brings (mainland to South Beach) is the performing arts building, which is right by you. Depending on the date, you can catch the ballet, an opera, symphony, comedy, funky show. You can head down the block from you to Brickell for more restaurants, lounges, happy hour. A big suggestion would be South Beach and do trendy or boutique and unique shopping, beautiful scenery, cocktails, casual or fancy means, cool lounges, clubs, people watching, walking, galleries, symphony, more arts, farmers market, etc. I suggest to focus on Lincoln Rd in South Beach (I lived on the corner of Lincoln and on the Beach on Collins, across from the Ritz DiLido. That is a pedestrian “mall,” but def not a mall. It is more local and the prices, while high, will not be the out of control tourist prices of Ocean Dr. Be very wary of those Ocean Dr places and hidden fees. Lincoln has all the things I mentioned above, from the symphony to a club to outdoor casual dining to farmers and antique market (depending on the day) to Cuban coffee to dining that will not seat you unless dressed just right. You can look up on Groupon or Living Social for activities that may spark your interest. You can do parasailing, rent a boat, go fishing, those things that lift you into the air like a rocket pack (sorry, the name escapes me), the zoo (amazing), etc. No dearth of things to do in Miami/South Beach!! 

Thank you for all the input! It sounds like it is just a personal decision. I would not put down or judge anyone for wearing their pin, regardless of level. Someone said it nicely, that is shows loyalty or unity, can be pretty to dinners or tier events, and def can be a way to recognize those who have sailed so often and can have some great stories. I am very excited to have reached Diamond, but I probably will not wear mine, except maybe to the tier events or something like that. I may lose it and I am just happy to have been blessed enough to have been able to cruise this often over the years. 

2 hours ago, twangster said:

In this thread a video of an Ultimate Panoramic Suite was added.  The young couple are Pinnacles and wear their P badges nearly everywhere.  

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/17811-ultimate-panoramic-suite-on-oasis/&do=findComment&comment=183549

Even on their football jerseys to watch a game at Playmakers.

They are the Godparents of Symphony and are well known in Royal circles, but still.  Wearing the pin everywhere?

I lived in South Beach too many years and am beyond tired of that attitude. The Pinnacles that I like listening to and hope to be one day are folks with more years, class and earned stories to share. I am with you, wearing pins everywhere def would not be my style. 

54 minutes ago, bytheslice said:

Hello fellow Jerseyan!  Did an Alaskan cruise in 2016, enjoyed it and beautiful scenery as you said. On the ship, realized almost immediately when seeing the size and grandeur of Alaska that a cruise would not do it justice. A land based tour, in my opinion, is also necessary to fully discover that state. If we ever go back, will certainly do that along with the cruise.

Hello, fellow Jersian!! I agree with you (from what I have heard), for Alaska, it is best to add a land segment to the trip. I can only imagine its beauty!

48 minutes ago, bytheslice said:

I am a pin collector. The other day I found my diamond and another level pin along with my sea pass cards, compasses, etc. The pins were still attached to their cardboard. Forgot I had them and never added them to my "valued" pins. 

I like that! They are treasured memories.

2 hours ago, JSECKR6 said:

Going on my first cruise, other than 4 day Disney. Looking for recommendations about packages (pros/cons). Also, if there are any other suggestions/recommendations I should think about.

You are going to have a wonderful time!! I have yet to be on the Grandeur, but I have heard wonderful things about it and how friendly the crew are and it is an intimate and very outstanding customer service ship. Which packages are you looking at; dining, beverage? It may depend on who is sailing with you. I usually sail solo, so the buy one get one half packages do not help me. I do the deluxe beverage and voom package each time. I am about to take my first cruise as a Diamond level, and although I will get the free drinks during happy hour, I may still do the package. I am not a big drinker, but I like the idea of trying different things and since already paid for, no guilt in finishing it. I have calculated the price each day and it has always paid off substantially. I get like 3-4 water bottles each day, fruit smoothie each morning, specialty teas, soda and at dinner, my server last cruise made sure I tried all the different wines available, even if just to try and had a full glass ready for the my favorite ones. I think would end the meal with an espresso and kaluah, only a bit of it, but was nice. I could take a drink to the cabin or try something funky. You could get a glass of wine and dress up dinner in the Windjammer...which leads to the dining package. I have not done them, but they could be a good deal. I like the main dining room. The meal may be better in the specialty restaurants, but I really like the experience of having the same wait team in the main dining room and table mates if you have them. I may do the buy one night, get another free night one this time, just to give it a shot. I would not recommend to many specialty dinners on your first non Disney cruise since it will take away from the main dining experience, but if it something that you like, go for it. I need to be able to call my mother each day so she doesn’t call the Coast Guard as well as be available to the office in case there is a real emergency or crisis, so I get the voom attached to the drink package. If you are going to use the internet it will be making calls, it is a good thing to have and a better deal if attached to a different package. ... Have an incredible time!!

I am one of those people that bring everything on board with them in hand. I typically travel solo, so it is an extra bit of a challenge, but I manage. I prefer to have everything with me and as soon as I can get into my cabin, I do and unpack right away (as well as wipe down parts of the room with Clorox wipeys) and check out the Compass. Thus, I can begin to relax and not worry about my luggage or unpacking later, etc. I use only rolling luggage, my purse and garment bag. If you do only want to take the carry on, I recommend your evening outfit, ID, cash and/or cards, important documents and jewelry, any meds, (drinks if you have them), bathing suit, night clothes and any essential you would need for dinner or first night in case luggage is late or lost until very late. 

2 hours ago, Neesa said:

On our previous sailing there was a group of about 20 Pinnacles in the Suite Lounge. They all arrived early and as a group commandeered the best seats in the lounge for happy hour offerings. This group proudly wore their pins and did this every evening, but they gave me JOY!  I loved seeing them, so inspiring; everyone simply put was young at heart while not in years and I thought how wonderful for them, I want to be them when I reach that age. They were a quiet group and I felt like celebrating with them/for them as I thought "now that is how you do it"

With so many nights under their belts I was happy for them and in awe, I gathered the courage to break into the group one evening and the warmth, stories and information they shared left me wanting more. So while I have no desire to wear my pins given moving forward, on the day I reach Pinnacle I will proudly wear it, as it represents to me a celebration, I worked hard and played hard.  (So keep those window seats, you've  earned them!)

Thank you and exactly!! I don’t think I will wear mine, but I love to see the Pinnacle ones. For the most part, they are folks who have lived many great years, have had the blessing to sail and have wonderful stories to share. They have not been rude, but happy to share a conversation. I am with you, if I get to Pinnacle one day, I will proudly wear it. 

3 hours ago, ChessE4 said:

I wore mine to the Diamond Lounge once, and then lost the pin later that cruise.  I thought they would need it for ID, but the lounges generally use your Sea Pass (the door is typically closed so you scan yourself in). 

My advice is to save it as a souvenir, or put in on your SeaPass lanyard, etc.  At any rate, congratulations!

Thank you!! I agree, I doubt I will wear mine, I know I will lose it. I am not against anyone wearing it, just not for me...until I reach Pinnacle in like thirty years, then I will wear it everywhere! 

16 minutes ago, Newtorc said:

Thanks, I think it’s the regular price too, but it’s definitely saying it’s a sale. Maybe this cruise is just expensive  

Gotcha!! Perhaps the price changes when you put it into your cart. For instance, since my next cruise I am solo, my price would be the $65, but if you are buying two, when you put it into your cart, the price change will show for the second/fourth one you buy. 

3 minutes ago, Kathleen said:

I’ve looked at this same cruise in September 2021! I’d b love to hear your review of the cruise from the last time. I loved Alaska just because I feel like I could just sit and enjoy the beauty constantly.

I do not think that I could properly describe the awe and beauty of that cruise! I have sailed the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Belize, Bermuda. The most beautiful and exhilarating by far was the New England & Canada cruise. It was around September 8th, I think, of 2018 and was for 9 nights. The leaves had not begun changing, but I live in NJ and we get beautifully changing trees, too, so I survived.   As I had never been to any of the ports, I did an excursion at each one to learn about the area, history and try new things. I did a walking history tour in Boston, and the others were via coach and involved walking as well. To see the Bay of Fundy and get to walk inside sea caves was breathtaking...and to see the tide fill it all up just moments after being there. The reversing rapids was something to behold, Peggy’s Cove and St. Martins village was out of a picture book. I cannot stand any seafood, but to my surprise, one of the tours included a lobster lunch. When the tour guide said that, I panicked, but looked forwarded to trying something new. There were folks on hand to help special people like me who had no clue how to deshell a lobster and they served a big, grand lunch. Acadia was beyond beautiful. Maine is one of the naturally  prettiest places I have ever seen. The ride to Acadia and in there were amazing and to climb Cadillac Mountain gave me such joy. Mind you, it is no great feat, not like a real mountain climb, but being there, standing atop of it and seeing the majesty around me filled me with such gratitude and appreciation for being given that moment and life in general. Had that feeling in the sea caves, too. It was just one of those cruises that had me take stock and feel life and my blessings. There is beauty everywhere on that cruise. You can be quite active in that one since there are so many outdoor/nature activities, or you can still take the same excursions, but not walk or climb as much. Kennebunk port was so quaint, too!! Def consider it! I also would loooove to do an Alaska cruise for the same reason!