sk8erguy1978

My last cruise I gave a little extra to bar staff and cocktail staff ... It was a bit random with some exceptional getting it more often. I gave extra my two chops visits and tipped after a CK meal (only had one). I gave a bit extra to room steward and suite concierge. This was my first cruise tipping the suite concierge as it was the first time in 3 suites we actually used him a few times (only to make some calls and replace cards but it saved is some time and hassle.)

Beware of taking pictures at the terminal!!!!   I was wondering why the security staff started greeting me by name before my card dinged me on/off ship.  My husband finally suggested that I look at my picture on their screen the next time - turns out he had given me bunny ears while having my picture taken at check-in and the check-in person let it go.  Security thought it was funny too.  ?  

I just upload my pic with a smile on my face.
 

I don't bother with it anymore.  The last 2 times they have re-taken our photos anyway...so I don't even bother now.  It takes maybe 5 more seconds each to check in.

I talk about it everyday, look at the cruise planner every day, look at other cruises I want to take after (or before).

Just sailed Anthem to Bermuda on 9/21 (the shortened Bermuda sailing) and had a Grand Suite. We only dined in CK on 9/24 as a "date night." Reason being, we had friends on-board and made various plans to dine with them. While we enjoy CK, the company of a few friends was more important. :).

My husband always bids on RoyalUP whenever he has the opportunity.  I always tell him it will never happen.  Well, we are sailing on Anthem next week, and he received an email yesterday that our bid was accepted.  We originally booked a 2C (ocean view with large balcony) long ago.  I wanted a junior suite, but it was more than double the balcony price.  I kept checking the JS price, but it was never reduced.  We ended up with a J1 (junior suite with large balcony) for $1,000 (total bid).  We think it is well worth the upgrade.  We get a bigger cabin, better bathroom, giant balcony, plus dinner access to Coastal Kitchen.  We are hoping to get dinner reservations for CK every night.  We sailed on Ovation in March in a grand suite.  We had 5:30 dinner reservations every night in CK, and the place was practically empty.  We’re hoping for this on Anthem.  For those wondering about bid timing, he placed the bid on 7/29/19.  Upgrade email arrived yesterday 10/1.  Sail date is next week.
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My wife and I sailed in a JS last October around the same time you're sailing, and we had CK booked each night at 6:30; it was practically dead on all but the last night. Even that last night wasn't crazy busy, just more like what I'd expect from a normal dining venue at prime dinner hour. The ship sailed full, so I guess most of the JS / full suite guests were enjoying the specialty dining on board every night, or eating closer to the traditional dining times. 5:30 will probably be fine for you next week.
Have a great sailing, and congrats on the bid win!

Last cruise wow band but if that's not an option ... just put it in my pocket (even bathing suit) or backpack that we are bring to pool anyway (sunscreen, book, etc).
At one point I had 3 wow bands on when I went to get a round for everyone. LOL

Same! We always ask for cash. No gift cards, they complicate the situation! LOL

I have a simple solution for cruise funding shortages:
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I told my wife last night ... no matter what, we cannot stop putting X into the cruise savings account for next years cruises LOL!

Man, don't I wish I could be like that! ?
Need I remind everyone I'm still using an iPhone 6s bought four years ago, much as I'm drooling over the 11 Pro Max? Can't afford to upgrade, not even to a refurbished 8; all the money is going into my cruise budget! ??
 

Catch up on old Royal Caribbean Blog podcasts!

I try and keep money a bit separate, a mini envelope system if you will. I take out about $500 or so for gambling. I take $200-$300 for just general needs:  cash while traveling, cash for ports, etc. I also take $100 in small bills ($50 in 1's and $50 in 5's for tipping). If I run out of tipping money, I'll dip into gambling funds or general needs funds (since I usually return home with most of it) and ask casino cashier to break a bill, they are more than happy to help and faster than customer service.

Last cruise wow band but if that's not an option ... just put it in my pocket (even bathing suit) or backpack that we are bring to pool anyway (sunscreen, book, etc).
At one point I had 3 wow bands on when I went to get a round for everyone. LOL

I talk about it everyday, look at the cruise planner every day, look at other cruises I want to take after (or before).

No, it's not mandatory.  I do it, and have never had any trouble with it, but many people report that they just end up having to retake their photo at the port (which takes no time at all).  I just use my cell phone and stand in front of a light, neutral background. But it's no big deal if you don't want to go through the hassle. 

Last cruise wow band but if that's not an option ... just put it in my pocket (even bathing suit) or backpack that we are bring to pool anyway (sunscreen, book, etc).
At one point I had 3 wow bands on when I went to get a round for everyone. LOL

The anticipation is part of the fun! 

Officially paid off our very first for Symphony OTS which includes our round trip flights, hotel, and cruise! Still have 3-4 months to go until we sail and I've been staring at my countdown day tracker on the cruise planner haha.
I don't know what to do with myself now, i'll twiddle my thumb until sail day i guess lol.
Is there anything else to plan for or prepare prior to sailing? I'm looking out for deals for deluxe drink package / the key / excursions but the next significant sale probably won't be until Black Friday / Thanksgiving / Christmas / New Years.
I'm starting to wonder why I booked so far out ahead sometimes.
The wait will definitely be worth it since it's our very first cruise ever and I've been living vicariously through youtube videos.

Just be like Joe @JLMoran
 

My wife said that today ... "I'll toss in jeans and sweatshirt just in case" ... the weather looks like high 60s and 70s up north so I'll still wear shorts, but a sweatshirt would be nice. ?

Thank you for the information. I heard about the Titanic memorial, that is something my wife and I will be doing for sure. In regards to the whiskey/scotch bar, you just made two men VERY happy :).
 

We have done this NJ to Bermuda run several years in a row with two friends who do it almost every year. The year you're talking about we didn't go due to a different vacation conflict (first world problems huh lol) but they still did. While they LOVE Bermuda and were disappointed about missing the island, they enjoyed the sailing and the port stops chosen. Even said "we would have never seen X if it wasn't for the redirect."
As you mentioned you still got a vacation, that's an argument I have with a friend who has to make comments about me sailing during hurricane season. I tell him, my vacation isn't "ruined" I don't book just for the ports, I like the ship, being on the ocean, etc, etc ... but he doesn't care to hear it. One of those "I will not do it and I'm right so you're an idiot" kind of people at times, especially with his "opinions." Oh well, still a good friend, I just have to learn to ignore his ignorance. As I said prior, there are 14 of us (myself included) and my plan is to take it day by day. Right now Saturday looks like a great day for a pool and umbrella drinks before sail away!