WannaCruise

We just kept our bathroom light on and the door open a bit. We have 2 kids and wanted to make sure they could find the bathroom during the night if needed. Although the door did sway a bit a couple nights, it just went a bit more ajar and wasn't an issue. I think I put a pillow or something so it would stop it from opening a bit more .

We must follow you as get on the Navigator on Aug the 26th

Same here. Saw it 4 or 5 times when it was in Toronto about 10 years ago, but love it. Can't wait to see it again on Anthem.

Ouch....At least the music is great, but I'm sure you wanted to SEE the show too. ? Interesting. I've heard that The Key isn't always front row and in fact is more often the front row balcony. To me, these are not prime seats. I think on Symphony, the Insider was main level but also further back....but I know it varies ship to ship. Sounds like you need to get there quite early , and even then, no guarantee . DD and I often line up 45min - 1hr early anyways so sounds like we need to stick to this plan.

Where were the seats? If up front near/at front row then that would be a reason to book (although at the same time, hard to spend $ when you can also see it for free)

Sounds like fun! Thanks. Will look out for it.

Thank you for the reply. Good to know the slides are split into two towers or areas so can find a spot on the appropriate side. Doesn't sound like a ton of shade, which may be rough in Aug. Hopefully there will be an umbrella or some spot that we can find.They have already mentioned their interest in that amazing pool too so not sure how long they will want to stay by the slides. (I'll do wave pool and regular pool...just not waterslides)

We purchased the waterpark tickets at CoCo Cay for our trip in August. On the ship, DH and I tend to wait at the bottom while our kids go down. But wondering logistically, is there a place we can wait for them in the shade and see them come down? And do different slides end at different spots? Or will it depend what slide they decide to go on (not sure if they go up a single spot and then decide which one to go on - or if they go up different spots depending on the slide)? Our kids aren't super young but I do like to keep an eye on them....esp as our older one may go on a slide that our younger one doesn't want to try.

What an amazing cruise! Too bad your other 2 kids couldn't be added but you'll have special time with your teen (when she sticks around...lol). Looking forward to following along. P.S. I like how you mentioned that Disney has gotten in the way. For us, cruises have gotten in the way of Disney. We are wanting to return but keep booking cruises over school breaks.

Yes escape room can be pre booked. I was talking about Laser Tag which I have yet to see in cruise planner (Mariner, Symphony, Independence and upcoming Navigator).

You can't book on cruise planner, but when you board you can book a time for Laser Quest (and can also do standby for other times if you want to play more than once).

Symphony is amazing....you certainly picked the best ship to start with. ? First off, book your shows so at least you have a reservation. The comedy show as well is a smaller venue (not tiny, but not as big as the theatre) so good to book. If booking specialty in a package, then when you board, go to any of the places and book your restaurant and times. Take the time to explore the ship...every stairway has really cool art. There is also interactive art at top of Windjammer stairs, MDR entrance (I think level 5), sound art on Boardwalk and near Shooner Bar, and I think the other interactive art is front of deck 12 (forget offhand but you can try and find it online - this is the one where you need the app). Quiet seating and pool tables on the running track level. Abyss is a blast if you like that thing and zipline and laser tag are tons of fun too. Service and food is amazing. El Loco as well is a great lunch spot and not crowded. Have an amazing cruise!

Have yet to be on a ship I didn't like but Symphony is my favorite. Love the neighborhoods (with Boardwalk and Central Park being unique), the shows (amazing!), the activities (waterslides, Abyss, zipline, laser tag), the many food options, and so many areas to explore. The ship too is so beautiful and unique with surprises all around. My next favorites in order...Allure, Independence, Mariner, Voyager, Grandeur. We have Navigator coming up which I'm guessing will go before Mariner, but lets see. And then Adventure, Anthem and Harmony to fill in the pieces. I love how different ships and classes offer their own unique thing.

Bet you'll love Symphony!

Ah ok thanks...read posts backwards so missed your post. Now I see on deck 4 where it shows where you can walk. Guessing for tables, they always try to offer the watch and tshirt sales. ?

Thanks for explaining. So to walk from 270 to the Royal Theatre, you go one deck up? Look forward to trying Anthem in March. I know it's not for everyone but pretty sure we'll love it too. The 270 seems like it has wonderful views and still tons to do for all.

Didn't realize that Anthem didn't have a Promenade. So deck 5 isn't a single walkthrough with the stores on each side? I'm looking at the deck plans now and notice it does list it as Esplanade but hard to tell if its just that single area and if you can walk from one end to the other. Do you walk around the outside to get from one section to the next?

That makes sense why no lines. ?

Do you need to line up early for roller skating too? Doesn't seem too bad of a line from your picture (or maybe that it out of the picture).

Welcome! This site is great for asking questions, sharing experiences and just talking about something (i.e. cruising) on which we all share a passion.

Ok gotta ask...and I know I probably look silly as it seems obvious, but what does "bot" mean? Keep seeing that term. ?

Lol...good you didn't have to pull out the parkas. I hear Quantum isn't for everyone so can understand. I think we'll enjoy it but will be interesting to see where it rates compared to others. (and will have to make sure the $18 drink package doesn't bias the trip...haha). And great you had a chance to try it again, and you must still be having a blast with the Royal blog group! So fun following along on here and periscopes.

Thanks for the tip! I know to line up early...and yeah, we're going March break so crowded x10. Will definitely warn them. We have a Nassau day on our cruise, which means ship day for us. Guess it just depends on what they run at the Sea Plex at the time. Btw...are you liking the ship a bit more in the warmer weather?

Between xbox and bumper cards, never going to get my kids to leave the sea plex (and dh too on computer game side)

Doh...we actually considered this cruise but went with Harmony instead as we haven't been on that one yet. Would have been neat though!