An old woman, her ho-hum (so sweet) hubby and a genie. Anthem, February 26, 2023.

[Yesiamthere6]

Three weeks from now we are on the Anthem of the Seas!  Last time, which was many years ago, hubby and I booked last moment and ended up in an interior room.  I think everyone should experience an interior room.  To truly enjoy or appreciate a suite you need to have first experience a “basic” room.  I have friends that only book interior rooms.  They do not stay in the room much, and love the total darkness for sleeping.  I, on the other hand, have a true fear of having nowhere to escape if there was a fire blocking my entrance door, so hubby knows I need options.  This cruise we booked the grand loft, room 8324.  I know now, that I should of gone higher in my room choice due to noise from the club, but then again, I’m a night owl.  Rarely, will I be in bed before 1am.  You all would be proud that I stayed away from those corner lofts.  Do I hear a amen?

Last cruise we had our adult kids with us in a two bedroom aqua suite, which was wonderful.  I’m curious what I will think of the loft suite. It’s no 17th floor suite, but a suite nonetheless.  Royal has twice sent us the “RoyalUP”  We have two options:  Owner’s loft starting at $280 a person, or the Royal Loft starting at $700 a person.  Looking at online videos, I don’t think the owner’s loft is worth bidding on.  The Royal Loft looked a bit…intriguing.  It’s nice, for sure, but do I really want to spend over $1400 to look at “really nice” or would “nice” be enough.  Shoot, what would we do with the second bedroom.  

Now, I wasn’t born yesterday, so I know those rooms are most likely booked, and Royal is covering any “no-shows”, but I was a bit amazed that Royal sent me the second RoyalUp email.  I did win a RoyalUp a year ago.  We moved from a balcony to a grand suite.  

Hubby just came into my “girl cave” and said:  Would you really spend an extra $200 a day to move to the Royal Loft?  He said he thought that would be silly.  We have been married way over 30 years and both know how the game is played.  We have an understanding that it is his duty to “not” want to spend the money, and it’s my duty to spend the money.  We balance each other out that way.  

I’m thinking that I would rather spend that extra $200 in the casino.    

 

[WAAAYTOOO]

AMEN !

I loved the GLS.  What I didn’t love was the walk and I missed the convenience of the CK on 17.  But that’s the nature of the SC suites on the Q class ships !  Take ‘em or don’t travel in S.C. !

I’m always torn about whether or not to bid on a RU when I’m already in S.C.  it seems so frivolous….but that elusive Royal suite always beckons….  It’s a sickness….  …and as you say, the chance of actually winning a SC RU are astronomically low.

8324 is a beautiful suite.  Forget about the noise.  It’s over before you know it !

[Yesiamthere6]

It’s going to be a bit odd to leave out of New Jersey, and a bit cold.  Hubby and I fly in the day before and are staying near the airport at the Renaissance.  I’m guessing we will Uber to the port.  I really would like to have preplanned transportation leaving the cruise to the airport.  Lots of horror stories of people standing out in the cold while waiting for their Uber.  Thousands of people leaving the ship and thousands of people trying to board.  Old White Woman does not do well waiting in the cold.  I’m getting to the point that I understand “why” old people push their way to the front of the line.  It’s all about time left in front of you.

To give you a little insight to how much my hubby enjoys cruising, I’ll tell you about the conversation we had yesterday.  I was so excited when I told him that in three weeks we would be on the ship, and wasn’t he excited too.  He looked at me and said “four” weeks.  I said, no, three weeks.  He repeated four weeks again with a smile in his eyes.  

“Four weeks is when we will be getting off the ship.”

I’m pretty sure he is going to add seven days to whatever I say our countdown is.  For some odd reason he thinks he is being so darn funny.  I laugh because it’s such a small price to pay to sit for seven nights in a suite.  

We got our welcome letter from our Genie, Monica Sosa.  Anyone ever have her?   She’s been amazing so far.  She sent a list of questions and has already responded to my answers.  Star Class will visit the bridge, galley and theater.  Anybody ever do the theater tour?  I did tell her we would like to do bumper cars twice, northstar twice and hubby wants to do the IFly.  

I would like to have seats reserved in the music hall, but there seems to be both, yes you can, and nope they can’t do that on the internet.  Is it possible?  

Thanks!

 

 

 

[SweetPea]

Definitely following! We did SC on Anthem prior to the pandemic and loved it. We were just above you in 10324. Relegate hubby to the downstairs bath like i did . 

I missed having a suite area, but the Genie made up for it. Sorry i have no experience with Monica or the Music Hall to help you along. 

[Yesiamthere6]

28 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

Definitely following! We did SC on Anthem prior to the pandemic and loved it. We were just above you in 10324. Relegate hubby to the downstairs bath like i did . 

I missed having a suite area, but the Genie made up for it. Sorry i have no experience with Monica or the Music Hall to help you along. 

Where did you eat for lunch when you boarded?  Any of the restaurants stood out?  

[WAAAYTOOO]

As you noted, there are always conflicting answers to the question, “can we get reserved seats in the music hall (or the jazz club)”.  The official answer is “no” and I’m willing to bet that is the answer you will get from your Genie in writing.  I have never really gotten a reasonable answer as to why they “cannot” reserve seats in the Music Hall but the latest answer I got was that they can not reserve seats in a “revenue” venue, which I guess they must consider the MH to be.

In actuality, I have always managed to get reserved seating in the MH but that will depend entirely on the Genie and her willingness to “bend” the rules.  On Anthem, our Genie (Yen Lee) simply sat down and guarded 2 seats on the balcony level until we arrived (no “red towels” involved).  On Oasis, our <very bold> Genie, Joyce, laid down the red towels for our Journey tribute band without hesitation (to include a very special guest, who I shall not name, but whose initials are @twangster). As a side note, on that same cruise, Joyce laid down some red towels for us at the Jazz Club and was chided by the Club manager and forced to remove them.  It turned out to be fine as there was almost no one in attendance anyway so more than sufficient seat availability.  The bizarre thing (to me) is that it is ok to reserve seats for the comedy club but not in the Jazz Club.  Whaaaat ?  Those 2 venues are identical in their function, IMO.  It seems arbitrary and capricious IYAM.  🫤

The rule of thumb, as explained to me by Joyce (the chattiest of any Genie, to date) is….never say anything, in writing, that violates the rules.  So my guess is that your written answer will be “no”.  I have had Genies who absolutely would not bend the rules at ALL (Allan F to mention one) but most will accommodate you if they can.

[SweetPea]

4 hours ago, Yesiamthere6 said:

Where did you eat for lunch when you boarded?  Any of the restaurants stood out?  

Hi, we just grabbed a snack at the Pub (Bass & Brock, Brass & Bock, whatever). I'm glad we did because we had dinner in Chops that night and once they found out we were SC, we got a lot of food and they left the bottle of wine, which I'm the only one of the 2 of us who drinks wine .... Or was it the Italian place? Either way, dinner was way too much so I'm glad we only did a snack!

[Yesiamthere6]

@WAAAYTOOOIt does seem silly to reserve the comedy club but not the Jazz club!  I do know that six guys that were staying in the four bedroom suite had their genie reserve a big section at the dance club.  Friend said the genie had roped it off until they arrived.  While there the friend met an older woman who was celebrating her 70th birthday.  Friend had his genie make her a special birthday cake and delivered it to the woman’s room the next day. 

Hubby and I are pretty darn easy, but when I want something done then I want it done.  We are spending thousands of extra dollars for a bit more than dining and drinking.  It seems people online are complaining that Star Service isn’t what it use to be. Not sure what that all entails.  

Has anybody ever had Monica has their Genie?  Doesn’t seem to be a lot of information online about her.  

[WAAAYTOOO]

Sorry…not familiar with Monica

[Yesiamthere6]

20 minutes ago, SweetPea said:

Hi, we just grabbed a snack at the Pub (Bass & Brock, Brass & Bock, whatever). I'm glad we did because we had dinner in Chops that night and once they found out we were SC, we got a lot of food and they left the bottle of wine, which I'm the only one of the 2 of us who drinks wine .... Or was it the Italian place? Either way, dinner was way too much so I'm glad we only did a snack!

I was thinking either there or 270 for a light lunch.  Mentioned that to our genie and she replied that we could also eat in the suite lounge or a speciality restaurant.  I think she was amazed that we were not going to eat at Coastal.  Lol

[WAAAYTOOO]

Frankly, I don’t think there’s anything particularly special about Coastal Kitchen for lunch (unless you’re comparing it to the Windjammer) so I don’t know why the Genie would be steering you there unless they’re just looking for the easiest way out for them.  Besides, remember that night #1 is very likely to be filet night at the CK so unless you want to skip that or you don’t mind eating in the same venue twice in 1 day, you are probably better off with a different choice.  To be fair, turnaround day is extremely busy for the Genies (and everyone else) but I’ve always found a specialty restaurant lunch to be the way to go.  Many people like having food delivered to their suite on boarding day but that is doubly hard to do as that is such a busy time.  Technically, in order for you to get suite delivery from a specialty restaurant, that restaurant must be open for service at the time you want delivery…so that kinda limits which restaurants you can utilize on boarding day.   Sometimes the simplest thing is the best answer so we just ask the Genie which specialty restaurants are open and have the Genie book lunch there. We try to keep things simple that first day.

[Lovetocruise2002]

20 hours ago, Yesiamthere6 said:

I’m curious what I will think of the loft suite. It’s no 17th floor suite, but a suite nonetheless.

You're going love it! While you know that I am 100% #teamDeck17, the aft lofts on Anthem hold a special place in my heart. I don't love the walk back there but the views from the Anthem loft balconies cannot be beat, not even from Deck 17. Also, the upper level of the Quantum class lofts has a better layout than the loft on Oasis class. It feels more open.

[GregD]

21 hours ago, Yesiamthere6 said:

  I think everyone should experience an interior room.  To truly enjoy or appreciate a suite you need to have first experience a “basic” room.  

 

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

You're going love it! While you know that I am 100% #teamDeck17, the aft lofts on Anthem hold a special place in my heart. I don't love the walk back there but the views from the Anthem loft balconies cannot be beat, not even from Deck 17. Also, the upper level of the Quantum class lofts has a better layout than the loft on Oasis class. It feels more open.

While I have yet to experience #teamDeck17, I too can fully vouch for the Anthem aft lofts, as long as the neighbours (neighbors?) are good ones! If I'm able to sail star class on Anthem again, that's exactly where I would be! They really are spectacular.

We also had lunch in coastal on embarkation day. It was convenient and the food was good. I don't think I am alone in my assessment that Anthem has the best CK.

[Yesiamthere6]

Is it true that you can order, let’s say spaghetti from the dining room, and have it delivered to CK?

[Lovetocruise2002]

26 minutes ago, Yesiamthere6 said:

Is it true that you can order, let’s say spaghetti from the dining room, and have it delivered to CK?

If you arrange it with your Genie ahead of time, it can usually be done. Or better yet, CK can probably make the spaghetti for you. 

[Yesiamthere6]

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

If you arrange it with your Genie ahead of time, it can usually be done. Or better yet, CK can probably make the spaghetti for you. 

That’s exactly what I’m going to do!  Thank you!  

[Yesiamthere6]

3 hours ago, GregD said:

While I have yet to experience #teamDeck17, I too can fully vouch for the Anthem aft lofts, as long as the neighbours (neighbors?) are good ones! If I'm able to sail star class on Anthem again, that's exactly where I would be! They really are spectacular.

We also had lunch in coastal on embarkation day. It was convenient and the food was good. I don't think I am alone in my assessment that Anthem has the best CK.

You so funny!  My first interior room, I was like WTH, what if there is a fire blocking us getting out of the room. I need a balcony where I could beat down the dividers to get to safety, or jump into the ocean.   

[GregD]

11 hours ago, Yesiamthere6 said:

You so funny!  My first interior room, I was like WTH, what if there is a fire blocking us getting out of the room. I need a balcony where I could beat down the dividers to get to safety, or jump into the ocean.   

Yep, I need space, and escape routes too(side effect of my job)! Pretty sure the boss would divorce me if I tried to book her in an interior room

[Yesiamthere6]

Since it’s just the two of us going on this cruise, I’ve decided on a different approach this time.  First, I’m going to try a different drink at each bar.  I’m not much of a drinker, but I refuse to die without knowing what “sex on the beach” taste like.  Think of it like a life’s “bucket” list.  I’ve also read in amazement @Ampurp85live blogs, and realized I need to do more “people” watching.  Now, I’m not looking for any upside down pineapples for myself, but I’m surely gonna be more aware of people who are!  If there is not much going on one night, and the casino is trying to force me to visit a food bank, then I’m going to make my hubby sit with me at the dance club to watch people for our entertainment.    

[WAAAYTOOO]

18 minutes ago, Yesiamthere6 said:

 I’m going to try a different drink at each bar.

Lol. I’ve made similar vows before but just can’t seem to do it.  I guess I’m just a <alcohol> lightweight.  I think I’m going to try a few different drinks but then when the time comes, I can never think of the name of a drink I want to try !  Then later I think to myself, “why didn’t I ask for a mud slide or a chocolate martini or something like that ?!”.  Speaking of chocolate martini, I did manage to remember that one last night at the Grandeur “Tango Buenos Aires” show.  It was quite tasty !

Good luck with your quest !  I don’t think I’ve ever had a “sex on the beach” either.  Will I remember that when the occasion presents itself ?  Probably not.

[Yesiamthere6]

1 hour ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Lol. I’ve made similar vows before but just can’t seem to do it.  I guess I’m just a <alcohol> lightweight.  I think I’m going to try a few different drinks but then when the time comes, I can never think of the name of a drink I want to try !  Then later I think to myself, “why didn’t I ask for a mud slide or a chocolate martini or something like that ?!”.  Speaking of chocolate martini, I did manage to remember that one last night at the Grandeur “Tango Buenos Aires” show.  It was quite tasty !

Good luck with your quest !  I don’t think I’ve ever had a “sex on the beach” either.  Will I remember that when the occasion presents itself ?  Probably not.

I’m a lightweight in drinking too.  The kids are always amazed that I need to “get air” after one drink.  I did relive my twenty’s a few years ago when I found the chocolate martini in the casino.  All I could taste was the chocolate, which led me to asking for another then another.  Hubby found me “hooting and hollering” and bidding much higher than usual at a machine in the casino.  He was like, what the heck Old White Woman, how many of these things have you had……and, are you really betting $2.50 a pull.  I remember thinking that you gotta play big to win big.  Lesson learned was if you play big you lose big and fast.  We headed back to the room with me protesting that he was killing my free spirit.  He kept telling me I was the victim of the chocolate martini while I swore it was just the boat swaying.

My plan is to ask the bartender at each bar to give me their specialty drink, and I plan to spread the bar hopping over the seven nights.  Hubby thinks just what you said.  He thinks that I will, after the initial surge, start ordering just a coke  

[GregD]

Sex on the beach is good, but you have to watch out for sand in places........oh wait......thats not what we are talking about here is it?

 

[Ampurp85]

Hello virtual Bestie......I am excited for the "vintage" white woman and her star class cruise.

I have to admit I am a lightweight when it comes to drinking. I don't like the taste of alcohol. But when I did Star class, I went around trying to drink all the specialty restaurant and bar drinks. I had a bunch of misses but that's how I fell in love with the Japanese Strawberry at Izumi and Cheshire Cosmo at Wonderland. Also, I have never had a chocolate martini.......next cruise.

[Yesiamthere6]

Sex on the beach…..nope, nada, not going to waste my precious cruise time worrying about the lifeguard rushing to us thinking one of us needed medical help. 

[Yesiamthere6]

49 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Hello virtual Bestie......I am excited for the "vintage" white woman and her star class cruise.

I have to admit I am a lightweight when it comes to drinking. I don't like the taste of alcohol. But when I did Star class, I went around trying to drink all the specialty restaurant and bar drinks. I had a bunch of misses but that's how I fell in love with the Japanese Strawberry at Izumi and Cheshire Cosmo at Wonderland. Also, I have never had a chocolate martini.......next cruise.

Hello, my younger “still got it going on virtual  bestie!”  Never heard of those two drinks, but those jokers are now on my bucket list!  

[FireFishII]

Just in case anyone is wondering what is in Sex On the Beach drink, here is the recipe from Tipsy Bartender:

SEX ON THE BEACH
1 oz. (30ml) Vodka
1/2 oz. (15ml) Peach Schnapps
1 oz. (30ml) Orange Juice
1 oz. (30ml) Cranberry Juice
Garnish: Orange Wedge, Cherry

PREPARATION
1. Add ice to serving glass and pour over vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice.
2. Garnish with an orange wedge and cherry.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

 

https://tipsybartender.com/recipe/sex-on-the-beach/

 

This Old White Woman is also a light weight drinker.  I usually can handle 2 drinks before I become VERY LOUD!

[FireFishII]

Again from Tipsy Bartender:

GODIVA CHOCOLATE MARTINI
1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Creme de Cacao
1 oz. (30ml) Vodka
2 oz. (60ml) Half and Half Milk

PREPARATION
1. Chill a martini glass.
2. In a shaking glass with ice, combine Godiva chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao, vodka, and half & half. Shake well.
3. Strain mix into chilled martini glass.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

[FireFishII]

Boy, you have not even left yet and I am enjoying this live blog.  LOL!

[MLH]

Looking forward to your blog.  Our Star class plans changed and the 3 20 something's are not coming,so I am interested in hearing how just the 2 of you enjoy Star Class!

[SweetPea]

Tips from a professional drinker:

1) Liquor before beer, in the clear. Beer before liquor .... shut up, you'll be fine. 

2) Where possible, stick to one alcohol type (e.g., vodka), taking a breather before starting another (e.g., rum). Then it's safe to mix.  Breathing time needed may vary. 

3) It's important to have a code word or phrase with your hubs. This indicates you're about 10 minutes away from making a fool of yourself in a world where everyone uploads videos to YouTube and TikTok. Ours is "we gotta go." 

4) Once you get back to the privacy of your own room, PUI (posting under the influence) is strongly encouraged. Because it's funny. At least to me. 

[Yesiamthere6]

18 hours ago, MLH said:

Looking forward to your blog.  Our Star class plans changed and the 3 20 something's are not coming,so I am interested in hearing how just the 2 of you enjoy Star Class!

Last year we had three of our four adult kids with us in an Aqua suite, and boy did they enjoy having a genie. It is going to be really different just having hubby and myself this time.  With the kids, having a genie really allowed me to relax, and let go of doing the mom duties that I should of let go back when Uncle Sam started taking a good chunk of their paycheck.  Hubby and I are not needy, and hubby is not comfortable with someone waiting on him….unless it is me!  I will let you know how the genie does with just two people.  

[Yesiamthere6]

@FireFishIIThank you so much for those wonderful ingredients you posted.  I’m definitely going to love “sex on the beach” drink, and have such “fond” memories of the chocolate martini.    

[Yesiamthere6]

16 hours ago, SweetPea said:

Tips from a professional drinker:

1) Liquor before beer, in the clear. Beer before liquor .... shut up, you'll be fine. 

2) Where possible, stick to one alcohol type (e.g., vodka), taking a breather before starting another (e.g., rum). Then it's safe to mix.  Breathing time needed may vary. 

3) It's important to have a code word or phrase with your hubs. This indicates you're about 10 minutes away from making a fool of yourself in a world where everyone uploads videos to YouTube and TikTok. Ours is "we gotta go." 

4) Once you get back to the privacy of your own room, PUI (posting under the influence) is strongly encouraged. Because it's funny. At least to me. 

This is so funny, definitely going to save it!!  I did have code sentence with hubby, “you are killing my free spirit.”  I thought my sentence was pretty darn clear…..you go to the room and leave me with my chocolate dessert.  Apparently, hubby thought it meant that I “should” immediately go to the room before security had to take me.  I got up the next morning with a smile on my face, even though I felt like all that chocolate was not too happy in my tummy.  No way, was I going to admit that it wasn’t the ship swaying the night before…..no way!    

[SweetPea]

On 2/8/2023 at 1:02 PM, Yesiamthere6 said:

This is so funny, definitely going to save it!!  I did have code sentence with hubby, “you are killing my free spirit.”  I thought my sentence was pretty darn clear…..you go to the room and leave me with my chocolate dessert.  Apparently, hubby thought it meant that I “should” immediately go to the room before security had to take me.  I got up the next morning with a smile on my face, even though I felt like all that chocolate was not too happy in my tummy.  No way, was I going to admit that it wasn’t the ship swaying the night before…..no way!    

Just wanted to say, that is the beauty of cruising. Should you be a bit "hyper" (which is the code word we use around kids for "tipsy") and you happen to stumble or trip, there is always a convenient scapegoat:  simply exclaim, "Ship shift!"

Note: this does not work at home. Talking from experience. 

[Yesiamthere6]

[Yesiamthere6]

Two weeks from tomorrow we will be headed to New Jersey to board the Anthem of the Seas!  I’ll start packing a few days before we leave, and hubby will start and finish the morning we leave.  I swear he does that just to bother me - but that’s a story for another time.  

I’ve been thinking about “cash” and how much I need to bring.  Since it’s just the two of us this time I’m not sure how much to tip our genie and room steward.  I read once that I should tip the genie well, even if we chose not to use their services much, because the genie is available.  Let’s say I go into a really nice restaurant where the waiter is there to provide me with a memorable evening.  The most expensive steak cost $100 but I order the $30 steak.  Should I tip him on what I ordered or what I could of ordered?  I’m thinking $700 for the week as a starting point.  It could go up or go down a little.  

I do think genies shine better when working with a family with kids. What in the world could a genie do for two “older” people? Anyone have any ideas please share them!!!

 

[WAAAYTOOO]

I do agree that the Genie is particularly helpful for families with children but we (maybe I should say “I”) enjoy having a Genie.  He/she is particularly helpful when you have a change of plans or want to do something spur of the moment. It is becoming more and more difficult to make last-minute changes onboard for various reasons.  The Genie can make almost anything happen.  It’s just nice to know that you have someone working for you to help you make it all come true.

Don’t forget to have dinner on your balcony one night.  It seems that time goes by so quickly and there is so much to do that this one is often overlooked.  Some afternoon when have had a super busy day and you just can’t muster the strength to get dressed [up] for dinner, just call the Genie and tell him/her that you would like your Chops lobster (or whatever you choose) delivered.  It’s so decadent.

Also, don’t let your Genie overbook you.  I think their default programming is that every SC passenger wants to see every show and eat at every restaurant and attend every game show.  Just say “NO” !  …unless, of course, you want to wear yourself out !  Make your priorities and let the rest slide.  Personally, I think the Genie is more valuable on the Q class ships than on the O class b/c there are so many unique activities.  Ride the North Star whenever you want (we’ll, almost) !  Get an up-front seat for Spectra’s Cabaret (actually, you might want to sit back a few rows…you have to crane your neck to see what’s happening behind you if you’re too far forward), ride the bumper cars without a wait (it was one and done for us with the bumper cars but we did it !).

[SweetPea]

I think $700 is plenty generous. We're not that much younger than you and were 2 adults so I understand your feeling completely. We didn't ask for much, but appreciated the guidance our Genie provided and tipped based on that. My philosophy has always been to tip with what we can sleep with at night and kiss the rest up to God.

And i absolutely agree with @WAAAYTOOO. If your Genie overbooks you, say so. I always let my Genie know when we wouldn't be doing any activities and he never took offense, but appreciated our letting him know. I read a ton of blogs, especially WAAAYTOOO's, before our trip as 2 adults. She has tons of great advice!

[Lovetocruise2002]

On 2/8/2023 at 12:49 PM, Yesiamthere6 said:

Last year we had three of our four adult kids with us in an Aqua suite, and boy did they enjoy having a genie. It is going to be really different just having hubby and myself this time.  With the kids, having a genie really allowed me to relax, and let go of doing the mom duties that I should of let go back when Uncle Sam started taking a good chunk of their paycheck.  Hubby and I are not needy, and hubby is not comfortable with someone waiting on him….unless it is me!  I will let you know how the genie does with just two people.  

We have only done one SC so far without the kids. The vibe is most definitely different. Is there more value with families? I definitely think so.

The one thing I did appreciate a lot when sailing star with just Hubby is the ability to really make use of the Genie and plan on a whim. With the kids and star, it is still a bit more structured because they want to do certain things. When it was just Hubby and I, we really put the "last minute planning thing" to the test and I loved it. There were nights where we decided only an hour or so before a show that we wanted to see it, or restaurants that we changed our minds on at the the last minute and we were accommodated for all of those. I also cannot complain about not having to share the suite with the girls.

Would I do star with just Hubby again? For sure. Is it necessary? Not really. We are pretty content with Sky when it's just the two of us. We have Wonder coming up this July for our anniversary and I am not feeling a huge need to try for Royal Up like I did with Symphony for NYE with the kids.

[Yesiamthere6]

@WAAAYTOOOI’m going to heed your advice and have a dinner on our balcony.  I’m thinking it will be my spaghetti night.  I love the way the dining room cooks it, so going to see if I can have that delivered.  Do we have to ask for, let’s say, salt and pepper?  Do I put a request in for a table cloth?  I did our last genie cruise for breakfast.  

@SweetPea What kind of room did you say in during your genie cruise?  How did you handle snacks for two people?

@Lovetocruise2002 I’m thinking, after this ‘couple’ genie cruise, I’ll go back to the grand suite/sky class, unless we have our grown kids with us.  Hubby and I both receive four free drinks for being diamond and the suite lounge/coastal for dinner since booked in a grand suite.  Grand suite’s bathroom is pretty darn nice too!!