JRA

Thanks to all who replied!!!!!

My plan had been to drop off my wife and handicap (wheelchair) son thinking I can just drop off my luggage and go park somewhere cheaper .Im still unsure how that exactly works(luggage drop off) as Im new to cruising . I see I can save -/+ $56 but I hadn't considered the"convenience factor" , thats something to think about with our 4 hr ride home.

I have a 7 day cruise on Anthem of the Seas this November and I see my parking will be $154 at the port(port Liberty) . Someone on here mentioned a much cheaper near by parking area but never eplained 

exactly where it was . Any help would be great .

49 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Hmm...interesting.  Then you should take full advantage of it.  What ship and room category if you don't mind me asking?

Anthem of the seas , .1U Interior Virtual Balcony Stateroom

16 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

No.  You must be in a Junior Suite to get dinner access (upon availability).  Grand Suite or higher has full access.  If it is showing on your cruise planner, it might just be wonky IT.  If you go and try to book it, it will likely not go through.

Well a couple weeks back I had booked KC online thinking it was the MDR . I had to call and change it back after learning our travel agent had already set us up for MDR. I kept wondering  why the guy on the phone kept asking "are your sure you wanna switch ?"  Ill have to speak with my travel agent I guess . We are in a center room(accessible) on the 10th deck  , nothing special. This is our 1st cruise.

I've read you need to be in a suite or better room to do the Coastal Kitchen . We are in a handicap room (for son) which is not a suite yet I have the option for the KC .

Am I missing something here ?

2 hours ago, F1guynz said:

Here is a photo of the decorations for the cabin.

She will like that . Thanks for the picture. 

12 hours ago, CFL said:

We're celebrating our 20th anniversary on our February cruise and I'm ordering a personalized cruise magnet and a personalized set of pillow cases from etsy for our cabin. I figured we can keep the magnet on our fridge at home after the cruise and we can keep on using the pillow cases too.

 

Who are "etsy" ?

I can understand why folks don't get them after just applying for ousr at a cost of over $480 for 3 ,its kind of a hit to the wallet for something you can sail without.

Because of my medical history and my son being in a wheelchair our agent insisted we have these .

10 hours ago, ChessE4 said:

@JRA

Here is the link to Anthem deck plans.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/anthem-of-the-seas/deck-plans/1876/03

You can change the deck you are viewing by using the pull down menu on the upper right arrow.

MDR is not really the official room name, maybe Silk or Grande would show up.

I called the phone #  I found on the my cruise planner page . I was told  our time was set at 5:30 pm for the MDR . I'm not sure if my travel agent set this up or what ?

Ive check my calendar today and it doesnt show anything on dining . Maybe ill call back .

6 minutes ago, ChessE4 said:

No, it is another alternative restaurant.  If you look at the deck plans you'll see the MDR aft, and multilevel.  They give each floor a name.  On the Oasis class ships they decks 3-5.  On the Anthem it looks like Deck 3 and 4.  You can view deck plans online, and on the RCI app if it is available for your ship.

Wonder why its not showing me this on the calender ???I've search for MDR with no luck

My wife and I are doing our first cruise aboard Anthems Of The Sea for our 23 anniversary . I was just wondering if they offer anything special for couples celebrating anniversaries ?

Because it took a lot of convincing to get her to try a cruise id like to do anything to make it special so when we are back home maybe a second cruise can be booked . 

So Im on the schedule for dining . I cant find the Main dining room to select it on the first day out .

Is the Solarium Bistro the MDR ???

On 6/4/2019 at 1:24 AM, backpacker44 said:

I have a question about accessable rooms... I was in a bad car accident and have been using a wheelchair for almost a year exclusively, up until the last few months. We booked an accessable room for our cruise this November, as it was expected that I would need it. I am still using the chair most of the time, but my physical therapy is going better than anyone expected it would. 

I know how limited these rooms are and honestly I have lost sleep over the fact that there's a chance I *may* not actually need the chair when we go. I looked up the RC policy and it says they're quite strict and that we could be kicked out of the room into nother one if it's found neither of us need an accessable room. The thing is, I did when we booked the cruise and I very well might need it.... I'm just so nervous. I should be happy that I'm regaining the ability to walk on my own, but all I can think about is RC police coming and kicking us out of the room. Also, I don't want to take it away from someone who needs it. The thing is I won't know until much closer to the cruise. Should I call them and let them know the situation?

Any chance it Anthems of the sea Nov. 9 ??  We are on the cruise and have also got a accessible room for my son .

I wouldn't consider you having a accesible room a issue . Im sure you'll still be in some sort of recovery still and wouldn't you rather have the room you may need then changing and having problems during the cruise?

Great job on getting back on your feet !!! 

I was reading the discription for the Atlantis Tour and it says "This tour is accessible to guests with limited mobility; however, guests must be able to climb into the coach and take a few, small steps on their own." Does anyone have any input on if this is still a issue ? The problem is my son is 17 and in a wheelchair and he cant climb or walk (even a few steps)  . Ive been told the tour at Atlantis is great but is the vehicle doing the transporting doesn't have a lift ill assume we wont be doing that. 

On 5/28/2019 at 12:45 PM, JohnK6404 said:

Hi @hsweat22 !

Here are all of the MDR (dinner) menus from my cruise last week on Allure (5/19/19-5/26/19)... Western Caribbean itinerary w/ formal evenings on MON and THU...

 

Day 1 (SUN)...

+

 

Day 2 (MON)... 1st Formal Evening...

 

Day 3 (TUE)...

 

Day 4 (WED)...

 

Day 5 (THU)... Second Formal Evening... Lobster night...

 

Day 6 (FRI)...

 

Day 7 (SAT)... final evening...

 

Would the Anthem of the Sea menu for a 7 day Caribbean be similar to this ??  It looks so good id almost hate to dine in the Windjammer ..

On 6/6/2019 at 2:44 PM, tiny260 said:

They had gone away from snails on a few sailing I was on and switched in tiny scallops instead, they were really good, but I like escargot. 

I'm hoping they will return as its a dish i've never had and would like to try.  My wife and son on the other hand might not enjoy 

Thanks for the info .  I feel better knowing Ill at least get time to get use out of these considering the cost.

My family and I are getting our first passports soon and I wanted to know how long is a passport good for ? They do seem to be a little costly but our agent 

says its in case something happens and we need to fly home . We plan on a cruise on Anthems of The Sea with 2 stops in the Bahamas.

1 hour ago, MaryCS62 said:

We were on Anthem in January with 28 yo DD /(age ~ 5 mentally) who is also in a wheelchair -- CP -- can walk, but slowly, not for long distances, & not safe in crowds, so we use her chair most of the time.

1) The non Solarium pools have straight up & down staircases for access, so if he can't climb, it will be difficult, although I believe there are pool lifts, but we didn't utilize them.  The Solarium pools are shallow, with bench seats, but have shallow steps to climb down into them -- again, it depends on his abilities.  However, when I took my DD without DH, the lifeguards were very quick to help me (I also have mobility issues).  He would be allowed in the solarium as he is over 16. 

2) Port stops -- we had different ones (Southern Caribbean), & because the handicap accessible ones  are basically just bus tours, you will have to gauge how interesting that will be for all of you.  Our previous cruise (Adventure, last May) hit the spots you're going to, & our bus tour wasn't that enjoyable for me & DD, mainly because we ended up staying on the bus, since getting in & out was difficult for me. YMMV.  You can just choose to walk around Nassau -- there are several spots within a 1 mile radius of the port that are interesting -- but the streets are not too wheelchair friendly, and there are hilly areas, so again, it depends on what you want/are capable of doing with him.  

Coco Cay has the new Perfect Day options that weren't there when we went there, but there are sand wheelchairs that will get him around on the sand, and there are also little golf carts & a tram (I think) that will get you around so that you don't have to walk too much there.  We got a cabana, mainly to keep DD out of the sun, but there are shaded areas as well

3) There is plenty to do on the ship -- we took DD to the Gift (which didn't do anything for us  ), Spectra's Cabaret, which was the musical/acrobatic show that she loved, & We Will Rock You, which she enjoyed even though she couldn't follow the storyline, because she loves music.  We also took her to a few of the night time shows.  We had her tablet with movies on an SD card, so that was available to her when we wanted quiet time.  Didn't do the bumper cars or anything in the SeaPlex, because that's not her thing, although she did like the Dog House (hot dog /sausage place).  Also, while they are not marked on the website deck plans, there are several "family" restrooms which will help if only your wife is with him when he needs to use the restroom, or if it's just easier than using the handicap stall.  They are marked on the electronic deck plans on board.  I remember 1 on the pool deck (deck 14) & 1 in 270 (deck 5) for sure.

4) We took her up in North Star, & she loved that, as did we.  Definitely reserve a spot as soon as it opens up in your cruise planner.

5) The cabin doors are VERY heavy, and were just wide enough for her wheelchair to fit through, & hers is not terribly big, as we got it when she was 14 & she isn't that big even now.  If there are 2 adults, one to hold the door, & one to push (unless he pushes himself) it's ok,  but it's tough by yourself (although I managed to always find someone to help if I was alone). If you don't have an accessible room, that is something to consider. Also, the bathroom (again, unless accessible room) is a small step up from the main floor of the cabin, & the showers are fairly small, although you can request a shower stool if he needs that.  You can also request a toilet seat "booster" if it will be easier for him if the seat is raised. 

6) The staff was always very helpful & extremely accommodating to us, as were the passengers.  I always appreciate that, as it can be rough travelling with a handicapped person, & the offer of assistance, even when you might not need it, is very nice.

Hope this info helps, & that you all have a wonderful time!!

Thanks for all the great info !!!!!

1.) Yes he will require a lift for the pool so is the Solarium pools are for adults/young adults ?

2.)Yes I was concerned about a tour depending on the accessible stops . I assume the bus has a lift ? Anything great or must see near the Nassua port ?

I agree on CocoCay .We will at least will enjoy a meal there  , look around .

3.)The shows how a great chance of being enjoyable to him , ill know more when they are posted.Great to hear about the family restrooms , they will be a help.

4.) North Star is on our list.

5.)  In regards to our room we booked a acessible one and from pictures ive seen the bathroom will do well for him. 

6.)Looking forward to the staff helping .

Thanks for the great info there , it really helps !

12 hours ago, abbasmom said:

I have taken Anthem of the Seas twice with my Son who was 16 and the next year 17.  He is physically and developementally handicapped and used a wheelchair while on the trip.  We LOVED Anthem.  He can walk but is challenged.  One thing he did do twice was the iFly.  You would not believe how accomadation they where.  They lowered the fans and had two instuctors inside to assist him.  It scared me at first but brought tears to my eyes to see him have so much fun.  The bumper cars was a huge hit.  He went on many times.  The staff would wave us on to the front so he didn't wait in line for too long.  He loved all the movie charactors who walk around.  The North Star is accesible.  He loved all the shows and I would agree the Gift is not the most enjoyable.  The WindJammer is hard for us since we can't leave our Son and pushing a chair and holding plates is a challenge.  Book the Solarium Bisto for dinner.  Also go to the main dinning rooms for breakfast to take advantage of table service.  There is soooo much to do and see on the ship that there is no need to watch ipad movie for entertainment.  We didn't do Orlando excursions because of the length of time it takes to get there.  It's too long on a bus.  The Kennedy Space Centre was perfect.  The first time we did Gator Land.  AND you wouldn't believe they had a zip line there with a wheelchair set up.  Our Son ziplined OMG!!!  Bahamas we went to Blue Lagoon for the dolphin swim.  He did walk a short distance there, but I can't remember if that was by choice.  We also did a tour of Atlantis and that was great as well (all wheelchair accesible).  I highly recomment Anthem!

Thanks for all the great info , its great to chat with folks who understand my sons handicap. 

He cannot walk anymore , at 1 time yes(some)  , but in the last few years no.   

Ive considered the dolphin swim for him . Do they have those beach wheelchairs ? Because Id have to wheel him at least to the water if not in it I would need that.  So is it the Blue Lagoon dolphin swim ? Ive seen several listed . Do you recall the price ? 

The ifly may not work for him but we wont rule it out yet , .Im unsure how he would react to it.I might book it a couple days in so I can judge it first and if nothing eles just cancel.         North Star is something we will do for sure!! If myself or my wife ride with him im sure the bumper cars would make his day. Loading him in it would be a challenge but im sure well worth it . 

Our travel agent suggested touring Atlantis so its great to get a thumbs up from a parent.

What is the GIFT ????

Thanks for the great advice , im trying to get my plans in order so when the plan goes up at +90 days I can have things set.

11 hours ago, ThyriC said:

Also remember if you bring on your own wine, that you "MAY" be subject to a corkage fee should you wish to consume your wine in a restaurant.  Personally I feel the corkage fee is fine since the cruise will be responsible for your wine and hold onto it if you dont finish the entire bottle during your meal.  So if you have one glass with a meal, you can have it at a future meal without needing to keep it in your stateroom.  

Experience with the corkage fee miles may vary though.  Many people have not been charged the corkage fee, but some have been as well, so I'd expect to pay the corkage fee, and if they dont charge you, its a delightful surprise

I recall reading the corkage fee on Anthems was $25 . 

13 hours ago, Pima1988 said:

@JRA  You do not need to buy any refreshment package.  You can get complimentary,coffee, tea, ice tea or lemonade.  

You are allowed 2 bottles of wine and 12 17 oz bottles of water/soda per cabin in your carry on.  Just remember it is in your carry on and so you will have to lug it around with you until your cabin opens.  Cabins open @1.   

NorthStar feels very little movement (swaying)  It is more like being on an elevator...slow rise and return.  It also does not swing over the side of the ship so you don't need to worry about that kind of fear of looking over the water from a high height.  It really just goes up over the pool deck.

So it is just wine or would they allow for me to bring a small bottle of rum ? Wonder why they want you to do it carry on and not packed with the rest of my stuff?

Thanks for the advice on the North Star , im thinking my son will love it.

On 5/21/2019 at 7:00 AM, mslman said:

you might want to look into booking with this organization as you will get everything you need for your child provided through them.  you will also have time to relax on your own as they provide staff assisted cruises and give the parent a few hours a day by them self. 

https://autismontheseas.com/ 

 

Whats the normal cost of this ???  

Wow , lots of replies , thanks.  Ill be sure to check out the bridge as the ship goes under.     

Do I really need the drink package ? Myself and my wife don't plan on drinking sodas and my son does not drink them . I like my alcohol but the plan is for us to purchase a bottle of wine to celebrate our anniversary  and maybe 1 or 2 drinks for myself.

There was mention of North star . I might take him up that but I need to look up a video on it and see how he might handle it. 

2 hours ago, JennyB said:

Honestly, anything you would normally do with him would work and then doing all the extra things too.  I think he'd have a good time. 

CocoCay will be nice.  After watching @Matt's videos from there over this past weekend (on Facebook), I see that there are lots of paved walkways, makes it easy access for wheelchair.   Not many people on these forums seem to like Nassau, but when we went we enjoyed walking around the town and just "shopping" and seeing a part of the world that isn't home. 

I think a cruise would be a wonderful vacation for you...just because I think they are more "contained" with many things to do AND you can also just relax together and enjoy each others company.

How do you usually vacation?  knowing what you usually do and what you usually like, could help in our helping you.

Normally our vacation is a car trip to the mountians or something within a few hundred miles . My sons handicap as well as my own past  medical issues have ruled over any vacation . My health is fine now .

When you say "I think they are more "contained" with many things to do AND you can also just relax together" you nailed my thinking on the topic exactly!!!!  Knowing there will be great food (so i'm told) and a lot of things to do on the ship means something .

 Im looking forward to a  late night walk on the ship with a adult beverage and not a worry.