LESLIEKURZ

On 8/11/2019 at 12:36 PM, bananawindnj said:

Never been on the really big ships yet. We are cruising on the Allure this Thanksgiving week with our kids and grandkids.

That's usually our week.  This year we're departing on 12/01.  Hope you enjoy!!!

On 7/28/2019 at 11:06 AM, Noreen411 said:

 

Even with all the desserts, Scott ended up losing almost 10 pounds this cruise.  He spent more time at the gym than he gets to when we’re home.

 

I totally have a sweet tooth and always like to have something sweet after I eat.  It doesn’t have to be anything huge but I like something.  At home usually it’s a cookie.  I’ve gotten Scott into that habit too.

And you walk so much more, take the steps up/down multiple floors, etc.  I always come back a few lbs. lighter.  Loving the review so far BTW.  Thanks for posting!

19 hours ago, bananawindnj said:

We sail on both as we live in South Jersey, but the different times of the entertainment on Anthem each day or night are so scattered that it is difficult to plan when to eat and try to make the shows. We end up missing shows.  I like on the smaller ships the 7 & 9 PM shows every night. 

 

We feel the same but, after a few years doing the same ship and itinerary, it's nice to be able to switch it up.  I wish the Oasis would stay longer than the few months it's scheduled.  It would be nice to sail her again.  SO doesn't like to fly when it's crowded and we tend to cruise over Thanksgiving so... 

Looove you review.  You guys sound like my and SO's kind of people.  Can't wait for more.  

On 8/7/2019 at 9:51 AM, parmagal said:

I did this on Anthem this summer.  The entire event lasted about 40 minutes. We had 5 very small sips of wine, amounting to less than 1 normal glass in total, plus a community plate of various cheeses and dried fruit.  It was informative but too brief, in my opinion, to learn much about the different wines.  I enjoyed it. However, I won't do it again.

Exactly this.  

We like Grandeur for the common areas (Centrum, Schooner, Pool, etc.) but it's quiet at night.  Even around the holidays.  Port in Baltimore is a breeze but so is Cape Liberty when you're coming from the suburbs of Philly.  Anthem had way more going on but it was spread out so you lose that "communal" feel.  Food and service is definitely better on Grandeur.  Anthem just offers more stuff to do and better late night activities.  If you're East coast and looking for a drive port, both are decent options.  

4 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

I think you are saying that the casino host can email the maitre d, however that does not necessarily mean that they welcome direct email from the general public to that address.

Correct.  My specific issue is that I need to be seated at a 2 top that is not on top of its neighbors.  I don't care where the table is located, just that those criteria are met.  Though I always tell Special Needs, it never seems to get to the ship.  Like ever.  It's not fun to stand in the maitre d line on embarkation day.  The host was pretty confident that her email, sent at the right time, will ensure my request.  She seemed to know when they make the seating chart, etc.  Fingers crossed.  

I've only seen the ones listed above too, but for my next cruise, which I booked through the casino, my host said that they can email the ship directly and specifically in my case, the maitre d.  

I have a life threatening food allergy onion.  I have found RCCL to be very accommodating.  There is a Special Needs Department that you have to contact.  Here's the link to the form:  https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/allaboutcruising/guestSpecialNeeds.do  

Just like the other line, you'll get menus at dinner and will be able to pre-order.  Most dishes are made from scratch, so they can usually alter or make you a special version of almost anything.  Day 1's dinner will not go well.  No matter how many times I've tried, I always end up with plain, dry steak and dry lettuce passing for salad.  The kitchen just doesn't have time for my special BS on turnover day.  Any other questions, feel free to ask.  

Usually you can get tender tickets the day or so before the port.  It's listed in the Cruise Compass.  

I wonder if that is because they are relocating them temporarily. Like, they're calling them South Beach when they're really, technically not.

1 hour ago, MainerRN92 said:

I got the same email for my Dec 1 sailing on Harmony, but it's still available to book a cabana in South Beach in my cruise planner which I find odd. 

BTW... apparently South Beach will be closed for December 1 sailings.  I am on Anthem that week and we got a letter via email.  Seems that they are going to temporarily relocate the beach beds and floating bar till they're done working on that side of the island.  

We like pool deck, but we usually sail in the winter so, that's not the most comfortable place.  Last cruise out of that port, there was norovirus and our departure was delayed for some hours so, it was dark when we got to the bridge.  We opted for our balcony and ended up loving seeing things that way.  It was warm enough, comfortable, private, not crowded...  Pretty sure it's our new place.  Just MHO.  :@)

17 hours ago, TYMAN said:

 

Are you there before me? If not, I'll post a pic here on Aug 21st when we get there....unless someone get there before us.

I'm not sailing till December so, that would be awesome!!!!

2 hours ago, TYMAN said:

Got this for our 08/19/19 cruise. I would say, as long as there's only one ship there it should be no big deal. I'm just wondering where on Chill Beach are they moving the Daybeds etc too since that's normally where we hang out.....guess I'll get some pics next month.

I was wondering the same.  Guess we'll find out.  

Got this email re: my 12/1 sailing and thought I'd share...

Pardon our sand

ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING TRAVELS     Dear Guest, Our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, is unlike any in the world and has something for everyone. Lounge in our Oasis Lagoon, the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, or take the plunge down North America’s tallest waterslide, Daredevil’s Peak! When hunger strikes, indulge in all-you-can-eat tacos and guac at Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill. Or, swing by Snack Shack, whose array of fresh bites are perfect for those grab & go moments. Need a refreshing beach cocktail? Captain Jack’s is the perfect place to chill with live music and great views. Soar to new heights on Up, Up & Away or just unwind at your leisure. Either way, Perfect Day at CocoCay has you covered! You are going to love it here! The island is pretty darn epic! Not only are we screaming it from the rooftops, but so are they. Oh, and them too. And, we are still at it! We continue to update areas to make sure they are larger-than-life. During your visit, South Beach will be closed to make way for Coco Beach Club and a reimagined South Beach. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. While we work on these areas, we’ve relocated our fan-favorite features for your enjoyment. Our floating bar will be at the beach just past Oasis Lagoon and our Bungalows and Daybeds have temporarily moved to Chill Island. To learn more, visit  www.RoyalCaribbean.com/PerfectDayCocoCay,which you can access free of charge while onboard! We can’t wait to have you onboard. See you soon! Sincerely, Royal Caribbean International

©2018 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships' registry: The Bahamas. Royal Caribbean International 1050 Caribbean Way Miami, FL 33132 USA

 

 

 

To be honest, and unfortunately,  this has never worked for me.  Due to a life threatening food allergy, I can't be seated with others.  No matter who I contact, how early or how many times I check and double check, I am always assured a 2 top, not abutting another table, yet once onboard, I find that we are , without fail, assigned to a big table or a 2 top an inch away from another 2 top.    Standing in the Maitre D line on embarkation day is not really how I like to spend day 1 of vacay, but it's better than anaphylaxis.  This year my trip was actually booked thru the casino.  That rep said that I can call a month before sailing and they can send a message directly to the ship so that a proper seating assignment can be made.  We'll see...  

I always do.  

I was wondering if RCCL had given an updated date on docking myself. I did Anthem last year and loved getting my tender tickets the day before thus, avoiding the lines. Looking forward to being able to stroll on and off. Will be nice not to have so many cancellations for that port too.

Soooooooo... I watched the live FB broadcast yesterday detailing the re imagining of Coco. Just now, I got the email from RCCL and checked it out as well. I am NOT happy. I might be in the minority but I don't really want a commercialized experience when I go to a private island. If I wanted a theme park, I'd go to one. That being said... I am curious what all of you think. Oh... and here is the link from the email so you can look if you haven't already.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cococay-bahamas-perfect-day-island/explore/arrivals

Cruise was amazing. Working on my review and will try to get those scans done ASAP. Have to do them at work but we are particularly busy right now. Darn holidays.

Last Sunday, the Eagles game was on the pool screen and also in Michael's Didn' see the game elsewhere. Oh... also in the rooms. Not great viewing at Michael's but too cold to watch outside.

Makes me mad when I see someone go into the Windjammer and refuse the offered hand sanitizer. It's not offered to protect him/her, it's offered to protect the rest of us. This person is going to touch all of the serving utensils in the buffet.

Was not an option last week. No washy AND sani then no Windjammer.

I will try to scan them next week.