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BSbrady, I see you took the 12 night S. Carribean on Anthem last March. Can you give me some advice on which excursions to book (if any) vs simply exploring a port on our own? With 6 ports of call, it could get pricey. Thanks!

I understand parents can leave their children in the Adventure Oceans program while they take a port excursion but is there a way to be contacted if the need were to arise? If we opt to purchase a roaming pkg for our cell phone? This is even a question for sea days too, how would someone reach me even if I'm onboard? Are 2-way radios an option if our kids have one and we have the other?

Has anyone any advice on whether a day spent at Carlisle Bay is a worthwhile plan for a day in Barbados? I'm open to any other recommendations!

Has anyone taken Royal's stingray swim in Antigua? Forgive my ignorance but don't these creatures sting?!

Thanks for the tips! Seems I really can't go wrong.

I'd be interested in hearing a response to this as well. In my experience as an employee in the service industry, tipping is a bonus in recognition for good service. If it's already paid, what's the incentive to provide good service? On the flip side, would a staff member assume there won't be a tip if it has not been pre-paid and therefore not feel motivated to provide good service?

Our family was planning on simply enjoying the complimentary dining aboard our upcoming Anthem cruise but I got to thinking that the hubby and I might want to treat ourselves! In your opinion, What is a "must try" specialty dining venue?

Can't wait to hear all about Anthem! Just over 100 days until my turn!

I've looked into Mayo Beach and think my kids would love to see the planes! Can you make a whole day of it or is there something else to do close by? I've heard Boatyard Beach mentioned in Barbados, any thoughts? My daughter wants to swim with dolphins in St. Kitts but the boys might like the train, it sounds interesting.

Thanks for the recommendations.

I'm trying to budget for shore excursions for my family of 5 (kids are 8, 9, 11). We have 6 ports on our itinerary and I'm wondering which ones we can do more affordably on our own (taxi to the beach) and which we should book a tour. Also what are some of the best ones? 

We arrive in San Juan late afternoon so I think we'll just walk off the ship into town, same with Martinique. The islands I'd love some advise on are Antigua, St. Maarten, Barbados and St. Kitts. Can someone make some suggestions?

Thanks for the responses. So if I understand this correctly, I'll be paying $17.30 CDN pp per day.

Do I have to pay automatic gratuities in US currency? Can I visit guest services and ask to be charged in Canadian or would I have to do the conversion math and then ask for an adjustment? I'm a firm believer in tipping and realize that to the staff it may seem I'm short-changing them but I have a hard time paying 30% more than other passengers just because I live in a country with a weaker dollar.

Thank goodness Royal quoted in Canadian when I booked or I might have cried!

I'm trying to reserve a viewing in the Anthem's North Star for our cruise in January. What time would be good? Sunset (what time is that likely)? A port day? I've never cruised and I'm not sure how much there will be to see on sea days. Thanks in advance!

With the changes to the Drink Pkg, has anyone still encountered the prepaid 10-drink card on their cruise? Wondering if it's ever been spotted on Anthem.

Hi folks! I tried to look up the cruise compass for our 12nt S. Caribbean on Anthem and only spotted a 9nt itinerary. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? BTW, everyone has been so helpful, thank you!

Thank you! This info helps a great deal. From what I hear, you can prebook certain shows on Anthem (not sure if this is true) so we'll hit Windjammer those nights. I've booked a MyTime of 6pm for 3 nights so far just to guarantee we'll be able to try the MDR. I wonder if anyone can verify whether you can pre-book shows?

Hello, I'm trying to book my MyTime dining for our Jan. Anthem cruise and would appreciate some input! What time are the family friendly evening shows generally? Is it best to just dine at the buffet then catch a show and eat in the dining room on nights we aren't attending a show? I just don't want to miss out on anything!

Thanks for the reply! It's actually $500 more for the adjoining staterooms. Hubby feels it's worth it for the extra space but I'm still unsure about straying away from a mid-ship location.

Our family of 5 is currently booked in a Family jr. suite with balcony, mid-ship on Anthem for January. We can switch to 2 adjoining balcony staterooms either forward or aft. Can anyone tell me if $500 is worth the switch? Will we be more likely to experience sea-sickness if we're aft or forward? Thanks!

Thanks for your input!

Can anyone tell me if it's possible to purchase a case of beer or bottle of wine for our stateroom?