sk8erguy1978

We purposely book Chops (or whatever) on the formal nights so we don't have to get too dressy. We are Jeans and T-Shirt kind of people and at this point in our cruising career, we like to dress nice but over the formal night ordeal. We have also been known to enjoy fine dining in the Windjammer on formal nights :). That's us, we feel like we aren't missing anything different. (For the record, we aren't even really dining room people.)

Yes to everything @rjac said, especially the luggage tag holders! Something I do with luggage tags also is attach them to my carry on, just in case I leave my bags unattended (not that I would) we can hopefully reunite. I also keep a lose one on me for record.

I really wish Royal would make that a 7 night sailing with two overnights in Bermuda.

Welcome! Our first cruise was themed and 3 days, it was so much and so overwhelming I barely remember it. Our second cruise was 5 days and just when we got into it, it was over. I think 7 is a sweet spot for a first cruise, but with friends on board the 11 days will fly by, don't even sweat it. There will probably be a New Years celebration!

I leave my passport in the safe, it would be a pretty bad situation if I lost it while in a country, I wouldn't be allowed to enter the United States at disembarkation. This is why you should cruise with a passport though, and as stated, the ships officers will leave it with the country officials at port. Otherwise, with just a birth certificate in hand, you'll be having a fun afternoon at a U.S. Embassy. I suspect some of these rules will apply in the situation of missing cruise ship and only having Birth Certificate & Government issued ID https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/lost-stolen-passport-abroad.html

We sailed aft on a different cruise line from NYC to Caribbean, wife got sick and had trouble shaking it. It wasn't until I dragged her out of the cabin to a lower deck mid ship did she recover. On another cruise (forget if it was Liberty or Explorer) we had some rough-ish seas and I decided to use the elliptical in the gym (all the way forward) and almost fell off a few times. So, not too much help, but personally feel either way you're feeling it more, might as well take aft for the views.

I am headed straight to Royal's site to check on prices! I would LOVE Symphony & two private islands! Take my resort to two private islands for relaxing easy peasy beach day? I'm in.

This happened to me with an excursion, I put it in the cart and got distracted. Went back the next day and it was about $10 dollars less (for both) so - hey win! I try to make it at least a weekly habit to check prices.

I've never seen the base price for something on sale for a particular sailing increase. For my up coming cruise, when the 30% off drink package sale happened, it was the exact price I expected from the base price I calculated from previous sales. The marketing will definitely make it sound like it's a great deal, when in reality, (drink price example) 20%, buy one get one 1/2 off (aka 25%), and 30% really aren't that different from one another. My next cruise, the difference between 20% and 30% is $7 dollars a day per person. Sure, that adds up, but it's not as big as marketing makes you believe.

I don't even try on board LOL. Goal: gain all losses during trip! LOL! Our local beer selling guy has all different brands too, I grab whatever flavors I suspect my wife will enjoy ... I am the enabler LOL!

LOL! You know, I've heard that before, but she loves Stoli Vanilla & coke. Although, I added sprite once to the Stoli Vanilla and that was good - cream soda tasting if I recall (been probably 10 years).

My wife drinks both Truly and White Claw, she seems neutral to both -- although that Black Cherry White Claw does seem to be the favorite.

Unfortunately, my fridge contains both Truly & White Claw. Good to know Anthem has Truly for our upcoming cruise ... Although, I'm sure my wife will be all about vodka & coke, frozen drinks, rum drinks, and sangria ... forgetting all about those diet drinks at home. I know Michelob Ultra will not be my first choice on-board LOL!

Yep, my "friend" has warned me of that too :).

That's what we do, set it, forget it, cry when the statement comes last day. If you're someone who doesn't like to charge your CC, you could put cash on the account but that becomes a hassle. Either you need to go retrieve it at the end or 'settle up' with them, both seem like a pain to me (waiting in long lines at guest services last day adding to disembarkation stress). What I've done in the past (before I started playing the credit card points game) is whatever cash I didn't use (or lose) I'd put it on my account to make my credit card bill less. I'd do that late at night while the lines are minimal.

True story. Two years later sailed Anthem as an anniversary and forgot again. LOL. As we walked past we were quickly reminded. #thisisforty. Enjoy the cruise! Sailing her in September, third time. It's a great ship.

Interesting, guess I wrongly assumed they would only charge you for the pineapple... Maybe that's where the $9 dollars comes in?

Yes you only owe the difference. Not sure how much the pineapple drinks are unfortunately.

Congratulations! We took Anthem to Bermuda and were married on the island. A destination wedding via cruise ship with family and friends is the best way to do it, IMO! ? My tip: If I remember correctly, the entrance to the private sun deck (at least one of them) is aft a bit, inside, just before the bumper cars/basket ball/etc area. We walked past it a few times LOL! What are your dinner plans, specialty restaurant or CK? The wedding dress should be obvious enough, but definitely let them know you just got married, they will make a big deal about it :). They gave us this cake to share, even though it was the DAY BEFORE we got married, the gesture was still sweet (pun?).

Just to add, besides tipping staff members, the entire ship is cashless (to the best of my knowledge) except for the casino, which, Royal Caribbean will allow you to use your seapass card to get cash from the cashier, for a percentage.

Glad to hear no issues, didn't think there would be, just know if a ride is over 45 minutes, they don't know the destination until after accepting it (at least that's my understanding, please correct me Uber/Lyft drivers if I am wrong). I've ended up quite far from my destination while not being careful after a night out of drinking ... LOL! So, great tip, know your Terminal A's ? !

I've flown into FLL for a Miami cruise (great price SWF to FLL) but it was the day before. We took a cab which at the time cost about 80 dollars (give or take, it's been many years). I'd like to echo the private car suggestion by @AnnetteJackson pointing out the distance by @twangster. It might be fine at FLL, but, Uber (and probably Lyft) will not know your final destination, just get a warning "over 45 minutes" so who knows how eager a driver will be to accept. Again, FLL they will probably do it, but thought I'd point that out. (That would be a reason I'd get a car service, just to not have to deal with the hassle of an unwilling Uber/Lyft driver.)

That's exactly why I'd never wear one, no matter how great my body looks. However, whether you have the everyday gym bod, dad bod, or even a bit more 'fluffy' there is nothing wrong with owning it.

Yes, conveniently next to the restrooms, which if I remember correctly, have showers. +1 to the tip about walking a bit for a nice secluded spot. We loved Crystal Caves, very interesting and cool. We have gone first day and second day never too bad with crowds but we usually travel in September to Bermuda, however, I agree the second day is usually a bit calmer.

You said it, I was thinking it! Ha! I bought a pair of speedo brand bathing suit (but it's a regular man's bathing suit) just so I can do this joke: "be right back, going to put on my Speedos!" ... They are usually relieved to see a "normal" bathing suit when I return.