DragonOfTheSeas

I have been looking for a cruise with something different. 😜

We sail on Anthem this weekend.  I plan to do a live thread. 

I think this is the more up to date list.cas-amenities-jan-2024-final for D+.pdf

I enjoyed the balloon ride. It has a large circular basket. We had to stay still while the balloon rose.  However, after that we could move around in the basket.  We enjoyed looking at all the venues on the island and seeing the parts of the island you never see.

YMMV

6 hours ago, BND said:

My understanding is that if she doesn't have suite privileges then they will say no.   We did two weeks on Wonder in Jan and never even tried to get into CK.  We ate there one time on Oasis a few years ago. We only book JS, regardless of ship size or amenities.  We love the space.

We occasionally book a JS.  It depends on the itinerary, ship and price.  We booked this one for the unique set up with the solo cabin and JS with the small-internal hallway and the large balcony.  We have not sailed this class of ship--but, it seems like a small apartment. So, eating in CK did not enter into the reasoning for booking a JS. 

But, I am curious.  Since JS are allowed in CK on a space available basis for dinner, is there a reason you did not even check into it.   . . . I wondered if you felt it was not a great experience when you tried it.

OK, I have on my most protective jacket--because I expect to be flamed.  

We are in a spacious balcony JS on Anthem of the seas.  Our DD is sailing with us in the solo cabin.  It is part of a two room set up on a hallway. [8630 and 8632]

We have never been on a ship with CK when we had any type of suite. [ We would like to try it --but, would only do it is adult DD could be included]  What do you think are the chances we can get one dinner in CK to include DD?  DH's b-day is one of the days.  That would be my first choice or the first night which is always a train wreck. OK flame away!

13 hours ago, ringers0815 said:

Sunny and hot day in Newcastle

The sky is even bluer than the ocean in your pictures.

Thank you for your posts.  We are living vicariously thorough you. 

It depends on the port of embarkation.  US ports require 21.  Europe, Asia South America and Australia it is 18.  

I have never heard of a parent waiver.

27 minutes ago, CSHS1979 said:

Pilot arriving. Lucky timing, John was headed to helipad

Wow--that is one of the best video or picture of the pilot.

7 minutes ago, BecciBoo said:

Ours has never budged from the lower price of  $62.99 for September Icon and I check it every day

Have you checked it today?  I just got an email about a leap day sale. Yes, I know their sales are often not sales.  But, my Hideaway went down to $22.99 +tax. I cancelled and repurchased. 

Also, In Nassau I saw several excursions listed with a Diamond and above sale.  I had never seen that before. I mentioned this on the FB group and a non-diamond guest said she could not see that sale price.  It was 30%. 

2 hours ago, Tlbecker1 said:

It is definitely heated and agree maybe too much.

We are going at the end of March.  Please don't lower the heat before then.  I am looking forward to it.  That is one of the main reasons we booked this.

On 2/25/2024 at 2:17 PM, BirdTravels said:

Even though we are older (o.k. we are old), we thought the Abyss (on multiple ships) was fun. 

 

And I second that you need to make sure to keep those elbows tucked in. 

Ha Ha --we are likely in your same age bracket. DH and I both enjoyed it on the Harmony.  We rode it a few times.   

I love the crystal-clear blue water!!  Love, Love, Love your pictures. 

1 hour ago, vacationlover_mn said:

As a couple in our late 40’s, who like a relaxing beach view near good food and drinks, we really enjoyed our time there, and will go back if we get a decent price again 🙂

That is good to know. 

We are older than you but would be glad to enjoy our time there.  We are not so set in our ways that a little bit of music from another era would be an issue. 

32 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Actually you can still dispute this charge with your credit card. I worked at amex in disputes. There are things you buy in advance that can be disputed.

I was going to say the same thing. YMMV 

We were on a Mardi Gras cruise to New Orleans a few years ago.  We purchased tickets to a restaurant on the parade route for dinner, drinks and grandstand seating.  They did not deliver.  I submitted my receipt, the advertisement for the experience and even a picture of the space where the grandstand should have been with the grandstands for the adjacent restaurants.  We had paid way in advance but got all of our money back. It is worth a try. 

I have been on both of these in the last year. They both could use a refresh, but they each have their own positives. I would sail each again.

However, for a Bermuda cruise it would be Liberty all day. The Vision cruises have VERY poor port times.  

For me 7 days is always better than 5--no matter which ship it is. 😁

7 hours ago, fletch1027 said:

 

I found another map that shows the bathroom locations. Looks like there are 4 sets of them scattered around (man/woman icons) - either side of the slice of paradise pizza, behind the main pool and over by the hideaway hut food place...

 

Thank you.  That is very helpful.

1 hour ago, dbancroft said:

@DragonOfTheSeasMy wife and I were there last week. . We did not have to walk in any sand to get to the heated pool or rest rooms. The paths are all paved. On a side note glad your husband is doing well. 

That is good to know. Thank you!

Yes, he is mostly back to where he was before his fall.  This will be our first cruise back.  On a positive note our adult daughter will be with us on this cruise. 😁

OK--this may be too specific a question. 🤣 TIA

Where are the bathrooms located.  I noticed on the map there is a building near building 8 that looks like a bath house [not labeled on map].  Also, I would assume they are near the food venue by the pool. 

DH has some mobility issues and it makes life easier if we are within a reasonable distance of the facilities. [food, restrooms] He uses a walking stick and as you can imagine sand is not his friend.  However, we have always been beach people--and a little planning makes for a good experience.

2 minutes ago, fletch1027 said:

I mentioned the music in the 2nd post I just posted - it was more like standard pop music that the DJ turns to a dance mix. I'm in my 50's and it wasn't offensive to me 🙂 - nor was it overly loud or blaring.

 

Sorry--reading is fundamental.😁

What type of music was it?  a good mix? 

edit:  Thanks for this.  It makes me feel a little better about booking this. We got it for the same price you did.  Since there seem to be lots of kids on our cruise we wanted an adults- only experience. . . . but, were worried the music would get to us after a while. 

36 minutes ago, xpcdoojk said:

Barely touches Africa

JMHO--I would pick #1

This is an impressive array of countries.  Africa has way too many countries to "touch" the continent.  However, this itinerary does a much better job that the original route. [I would be bummed about missing the Red Sea, Jordon and the Egyptian ports, too] But, it does seem like Royal put a lot of thought into this and wants it to be a unique experience.  Cruisers knew there was a strong chance this segment of the cruise would need to be changed due to world events before they ever boarded. I have not heard the full WC cruisers or full segments complaining.

The mini segment cruisers have voiced the complaints and I feel they have a right to be upset.

Do  you remember if the Solarium Bistro was open for lunch the day you board?

The 2+ yr old would not be in Adventure Ocean. They must be 3 yrs old.  There are nursery options --[check out toys, open play with a supervising adult and day/evening nursery for a fee]