Lovetocruise2002

@Matt thoughts on if you think that price is a good deal?

I agree...for the ice show the reserved seating is good. First two rows off to one side. The aqua show the seating was right in the middle, not the front (but imo that is a better view). Warning though...the middle reserved section you will get a bit wet from the aerial person above. Funny thing, the had umbrellas in that reserved section and we did not know why they were there as it was not raining that evening. As soon the the show started we knew exactly what they were for. The main theatre the reserved seating is suppose to be in the middle right behind the sound booth, in the upper deck as @Matt said. However, on our sailing there was no reserved seating at all for Sky class in the main theatre. Strange. Anyway, we only made reservations for the comedy show and then with the rest we just used our card to get in early and then we sat in the reserved section for the aqua and ice show but for the main theatre (Columbus and Grease) we chose our own seats after getting in. The good thing with the Sky class perk is that you can just walk in without reservations and basically sit wherever you want (except in the Star class sections).

I will not say who but a few people I know who are frequent cruisers do this. I actually just had a conversation with them about this last week and was surprised to hear that they have been doing this for years. They basically tip on the first night (wait staff in the MDR and stateroom attendant) and then tip again on the last night. On top of this they tip their automatic gratuities as well. These people that I know, they are genuinely kind people who do this primarily because they know that the crew is often underpaid and are supporting families back at home. However, they have noticed also that the service seems to be better when they do this. But they would do this even if the service isn't better. This is the only case I know of.

Thanks for all the input so far. Over the weekend I thought of another question... How is the Sky Class experience on Anthem different from the Oasis class ships? I have read on CC that things like the suite sundeck on Anthem is lacking in comparison to Oasis ships. Also many on CC have commented that the concierge club is not worth the time compared to the the suite lounge on Oasis ships. I find it hard to believe that there is such a big difference? Those of you who have sailed Sky class on both types of ships can you provide any input? Good or bad? Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks :)

That would be super early this time around...usually doesn't come out until spring...and even then the itineraries trickle in.

Someone else posted a thread about this a few days ago. Some good info here too.

Yes, with the JS it is way easier to say what you do get (which is not much as far as suite perks go). You get: -priority embarkation only (not disembarkation) -double C&A points -upgraded bathroom amenities -dinner only at Coastal Kitchen (for the ships that have CK) ...and that's about it.

If you want to be in one room only then only the Family Junior Suite & Royal Family Suite can technically accommodate 5. Or you could get creative and book connecting cabins. Other suites are big enough but RC will say that they can only accommodate 4 because of the number of beds available. I have even asked them if they can accommodate a rollaway bed in the suites that I know are big enough but the standard answer is "No, but you can ask your stateroom attendant once you get on board." That to me makes no sense because with 3 kids you cannot take that chance. There's one other option on Anthem that may or may not work for your family. My kids are 9, 11 and I decided against it but it is the Family Connected Junior Suites. Only the Quantum class ships have this set up. Basically it is a block of 3 rooms (a Junior Suite, a Balcony room, and a solo inside cabin) connected by a small hallway. The rooms themselves don't really connect though (that is why I decided against it). You can book one, or two , or all of that block of 3 if it is available.

Don't go rubbing it in...that's just cruel What a great opportunity though...I will have to wait until my kids grow up to do one of those...

That pic and the luggage in the halls...worst sight always on a cruise. Thanks for all the pics and blog this week @CGTLH! I've enjoyed following along.

If you do you and tell them it was changed without your consent I would think you have a case. Speak to someone higher up.

Do you have the original booking confirmation that shows your name on the account??

I won't hate you if you provide the blogs and pics. That way we can live it through you

Oh and warning...many RC agents on the phone do not know the policies. If you are not happy with an answer, speak to a supervisor.

@Sweety I feel your pain! I envy people on this board that can take off for last minute deals and cruise anytime. @twangsterhow do you do it?? 5 cruises in the next 6 months! Love it! I am so jealous! People think teachers have it easy with the summers off but we work lots of unpaid hours and then when we can vacation it is during the peak seasons when the prices are sky high. 15 more years for me and then diamond plus here I come! Lol.

Wow. Sorry to hear you are going through all of this. If the cruise was booked under your card then no one other than you should be able to make changes. And if you booked through RC and are calling from North America they should not be closed. I have called them many times on a Sunday. Maybe try again? Anyway, good luck with everything. Hope it works out for you.

If you wanted something big in front of an audience another idea could be to do it at some point during the Love and Marriage game show. It usually takes place in the main theatre and is run usually by the cruise director and his/her staff so if you contacted the cruise director ahead of time they might be able to get you onstage at some point. Good luck!

It means you can go into any show (except the comedy show) without a reservation and sit in either their sectioned off area or any other area of your choice (except those areas reserved for Star class). It's a great perk. When we were on Harmony there was an unexpected break down of equipment and basically all shows for the week had to be rearranged. Those that made reservations ahead of time had to scramble to re-book and some even missed the shows completely because they couldn't re-book it. With the suite benefits, we just walked right in. It made it worthwhile.

Oh....@twangster is on a whole other level lol...but I am a sucker for cruise food photos

Loved looking at all the pics this week. You have definitely motivated me to do WJ recon daily for my next cruise lol.

Can't do the mock bookings online for this type of cabin. Normally you need at least 6 people to book it but anything over 4 people you have to call them to check. You cannot enter more than 4 guests online. And when you enter 4 guests online the royal family suite (or soon to be called 2 bdr grand suite) does not show up even if it is available. That's why I was hoping someone here might know. Typically this cabin type falls somewhere in price point between the Grand suite and Owner's suite. That's about all I know.

I will not deny it....

That farewell party looks delicious! Do they always have that on the Oasis class ships? I have never seen that before.

Lol! @rjac that's what I originally started with! But then I couldn't bring myself to go 8 nights without CK so we upgraded to a Family Junior Suite when they had Kids Sail Free. But I want back into Sky Class and the kids don't want to share a bed...first world problems, I know...

Ok...to all the frequent suite cruisers out there...I'm trying to figure out if this is a good deal or not.... Suite prices did drop on my Anthem of the Seas sailing (March 9, 2018/8 nights). There are 4 of us going. 2 adults, 2 kids. Right now, I can get a Royal Family Suite (2 bdr, 2 baths) for $6409USD for all 4 of us. Is that a good deal? I don't even know because I have never booked that class of suites nor have I ever watched prices for that particular class either. All I know it that the exact same room was about $1000 higher last week and normally you need at least 6 to book this room but they will allow 4 of us in it. It is a March break sailing and it is for 8 nights....