Rakaia

I think that's a great suggestion!

We arrived a bit late once. Nothing happened other than having to wait in a longer line. Not a big deal.

I like both the MDR and Facejammer. We look at the MDR menu every day and definitely have those nights we are happier at the 'Jammer. There are also some nights I'd rather have a sampling of foods vs. an entree. I also appreciate a more laid-back night sometimes where I don't have to wait for a table, wait for food, etc. Plus....can't beat the view!

9 out of 10 times when I ask for a floater, it's just given with no questions asked or extra charges. I've even occasionally passed a drink back to the bartender when it tasted weak and they've nicely topped it off with whatever liquor was in the cocktail (that's usually with bartenders I've gotten familiar/friendly with).

Our absolute favorite is the Marriott Residence Inn Elizabeth/Newark Airport. Nice large rooms with kitchenettes, included complimentary hot breakfast, close to a big mall for food/last minute shopping needs and quick easy drive to port. Not 100% sure on a shuttle as we park at the port (which is easiest).

Love Two70 and the Cafe! The cafe was our go-to in the morning for breakfast/coffee (especially iced Chai lattes ) and it was easy to carry it into Two70 for my daughter to work on homework (we were on Anthem) after we ate. Loved their sandwiches at lunch as well (and that little shrimp cockail they had....yummy!).

Themed Christmas Eve meal...yes! Towel animals...yes! Displays on every floor on Christmas Eve. Live Christmas music in the Esplanade (I didn't see a singalong but there definitely could have been one we missed) I do remember Christmas themed drink specials.

I have to agree that despite the super-fun Christmas activities and events, we didn't enjoy our Christmas cruise last year quite as much as we have our others (hence booking a Christmas season cruise this year (and next) instead of one that included the holiday itself). It was totally the makeup of the other passengers that put a bit of a damper on it. Tons of giant family groups with pretty badly behaved kids and obnoxiously drunk adults. I think with these groups everyone figured everyone else was watching the kids when in reality, no one was. Definitely didn't feel the passengers meshing together as we find on other cruises with large groups taking up hot tubs/sections of the Facejammer/public areas/ect. We still had a great time (hell, it's a cruise, it's Christmas and RC really made it special) but due to the general passenger vibe, we will likely opt out of holiday cruises in the future (unless we find a great deal of course)

Anthem had a fantastic special Christmas show in the theater last year on Christmas Eve (or was it Christmas Day?). I also loved the pop-up brass concerts in the Esplanade, the egg nog (both of the "adult" and non-version), the hot cocoa stations, the Christmas cookies in the Facejammer, the special events (including a Santa meet/greet), the decorations, etc. We cruised last week on Anthem and none of this (other than the decorations) took place so it must just be for cruises over the holiday itself. Lots of decorated Christmas cabin doors on both cruises...we brought battery-operated lights for extra pizzazz

We saw him on Oasis last year. Very funny!

We always stay at the Marriott Residence Inn Newark/Elizabeth. Super nice staff, free hot breakfast, large rooms (with kitchenettes) and right next to a big mall for fast food/last minute needs. Quick drive to port as well (we just park at the port as it's the easiest option by far...I have zero desire to deal with a shuttle, especially at the end of a cruise).

Next December (when she is going out of Bayonne). Looking forward to seeing how she differs from Anthem (will be back on her next month )

My daughter is just starting her collection Next additions will be Odyssey (and MSC Meraviglia.......) We also have a mini fleet on our Christmas tree.

My daughter dislikes the kid's menu for the most part (says it is "boring"). She was cool with the kid's menu at Jamie's in the past (her pasta was great!) but has her eye on the chicken sandwich this time She definitely will have fun...kid loves to cruise (and eat good food )!

Even though we paid the child's rate?