gepgelmik

If you’re coming into the area the night before and staying at a hotel, you can save money on parking (and some hassle) by doing a hotel package. In November, one night at the embassy suites and parking for a week was a little over 200 bucks. It also included shuttle to and from the port.

Just received an email stating that due to a Coast Guard inspection, boarding is now from 12-3pm. for our upcoming cruise. Is this common at Port Liberty? We were planning to arrive around 11am.

 

Thanks in advance for any advise!

My Thanksgiving 2017 sailing on Anthem had boarding delayed due to deep-cleaning (Norovirus on previous sailing). I had planned to get there at 10:30, but was happier with how things turned out. I left hotel at 12, got to port at half past, and was having my first drink on the pool deck well before 1 pm. Easy peasy.

Prologue

I went on my second cruise the week of Thanksgiving 2017, a 7day on the Anthem. My first cruise was also on the Anthem, a 10 dayChristmas/New Year’s 2016/2017 itinerary. The first time I went with my parents(we had separate rooms), the second time I went solo. This is kind of a review,kind of a narrative. A long, long narrative.

I booked my second cruise before I hadtaken my first one.

I booked the trip in October 2016 at a local travel exposponsored by the travel agency we all know. There was an RCI sale going on atthe time, so it was discounted. I got a free carry-on size Samsonite spinner asa bonus and a bit of onboard credit. Since it was over a year out, I wasable to get stateroom 6248, a super studio with a balcony on the hump. More onthat later.

This cruise was especially anticipated by me because of theroom, but also because it would be my way of congratulating myself on asignificant accomplishment- completing my doctorate.

I was really happy with my hotel/shuttle situation.

First of all, I don’t fly because it makes me feel like I’mdying.

My cruise started on Saturday the 18th, so my plan was to drivefrom Cleveland to NJ on Friday the 17th. I paid for a parking/hotel roompackage at the Embassy Suites, which was a fantastic, fantastic decision. Theyhave room service so I was able to stay in and rest. It was much cheaper andeasier than driving myself and parking. The only tiny problem with it was thejarring 30 minute ride to the port left me feeling awful. (That’s because 5days before my cruise I had to have gallbladder surgery. Surprise! There’sanother thread where I go into detail and agonize over whether I should go ornot.)

I’m mentioning this because people always ask about packing, andthe gallbladder thing interfered with my packing. I’m that lady that always has12 bags, three of which are full of yarn.

My packing was a swashbuckling adventure.

The Sunday (the 12th, I think) a week before thecruise, I was packing and sorting laundry until pain sent me to the ER at 2 am,so I never got to pack properly. I was marooned at my parent’s houseuntil Thursday, when I drove home and in a weird fog “packed” my bag.

No, I didn’t have any narcotics that day.

It was the best packing I’ve ever done. While I was packing,there was an epic movie soundtrack playing in the background. Of my mind.

I couldn’t swim because of incisions, so no suits or swim shoes.I took out my formal wear because…I have no idea why. I didn’t take any socksfor the same reason. I took a travel outfit (tunic and stretchy comfy pants), acouple of t-shirts, a pair of cargo pants, an endearingly loud Hawaiian shirt,a pair of jeans, a black pair of pants and a dressy top. I wore a pair ofsneakers and packed black sandals. I was short one pair of underwear andhad to wash them in the sink. Took my iPad and my knitting and headphones and toiletries.I put all this in a large spinner and a carry on spinner. The carry on spinnerwas empty except for my iPad and sandals, but whatever. I was out of it. I alsopacked a bag of popcorn…because I wanted to take popcorn. Don’t judge me.

The drive from Cleveland to NJ was long and occasionally ouchy.I was ordered by my doctor to stop and walk around every two hours, so I did. Iwas starving by the time I got there, because I think the after-surgery nursetold me not to eat anything greasy (and that’s all you can get on the road),but in retrospect I really think that was a hallucination. In any case, Ihaven’t had any issues eating anything.

Excursions enhanced my experience.

On the first cruise, I only booked one “excursion” (a beach bed)and only got off the ship at 2 of 4 ports. For my second cruise, I wanted tomake sure I used the ship more and went on land at every port.

In Port Canaveral, I didthe Pontoon Lagoon cruise. I enjoyed it, but it was two hours long, the seatswere extra hard, and my butt went numb. It’s literally a two hour ride througha man made lagoon in a residential area. You see lots of pelicans, pelicandroppings, and people’s yards. And also pelican droppings.

I got a bungalow onCocoa Cay. Yes, just for myself. It was fantastic, but the food wasdisappointing (you select your food the day before off a menu. Lots of tacosand taco-ish things). The “waiters” brought it out in those plastic to-gocontainers that make the food sweat, so of course the food was soggy. It cost175 bucks, so for that I thought I’d have a waiter bring me drinks, like lastyear in Labadee. However, I was happy with my choice. It’s impossible for me toget in and out of lounge chairs, and being around a lot of people and noisemakes me anxious. The cabana area was quiet, spacious, and beautiful. There wasa private restroom area.

I booked a third partyfood tasting excursion in Nassau, but due to misunderstandings on my part, itfell through. After that, I was hot, annoyed, and my knees hurt, so I got backon the ship. I had lunch, watched the people in Spectra’s Cabaret rehearse, playedtrivia, and watched ships. It turned out to be a great day, but I look forwardto visiting again and taking that tour.

The final excursion, anda highlight of my trip, was the sushi making class. The instructor, who has wonRCI’s sushi competition for a few years running, was fantastic. The sushi wasmiraculous…truly some of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten. We made aspicy tuna roll, a shrimp tempura roll, some rice things (can’t remember thename), a crab cone and I think something else for less than it would have costto purchase. At the end we had a “graduation ceremony” where we receivedcustomized certificates and were able to take photos with the chef. It was acheap experience at around 30 bucks. I look forward to doing this again!

I thought the food was better this time.

I know that dining is asource of anxiety for solo cruisers, but I wouldn’t sweat it. I took my Kindleto the MDR with me each night, but I was seated at a table for 8 with a nicefamily of three (parents and adult daughter). The other half of the table wasalways empty because that group had chosen a different dining time. There wereawkward moments as there are when striking up conversation with strangers, butoverall it was really enjoyable. I’m glad I didn’t chicken out and eat in thebuffet every night. Actually, I don’t like the buffet so I didn’t eat there atall this time around. I had lunch at Chops on the final day, and the food wasfantastic. The menu is abbreviated, but it’s ample and just as delicious asdinner.

On my first cruise, Iremember disliking several things I had in the MDR and being disappointed inthe service. Going forward, I’ll definitely choose the dining that allows youto sit at the same table each night- much better service. I was impressed withthe effort put in to make sure one of my table mates, who had a gluten allergy,was happy with her food.

The new room service menuwas also memorable. I tried pretty much everything, and everything wasdelicious and worth the surcharge. I recommend the cheesesteak, the cheese plate,the chocolate cake, and the hot cocoa.

My Super Studio had a lot going for it, but…

The studio room with abalcony made this trip affordable for me. When I first walked in, I felt a pangof claustrophobia, but it turned out that the room is just enough for oneperson. Just enough space, just enough storage. I missed was having a couch orchair to sit on in the room, as I enjoy hanging out in my room. I loved the oversize balcony and it gave mesuch a wider, more panoramic view. Before we left Nassau, they lowered andtested one of the little boats positioned right below the balcony, so it wasfun seeing that. I was very happy with the proximity of the elevators and thefact that I was right above decks where lots of stuff happens. It wasn’t noisy.

However, going forward,if I can afford it, I think I’d just get a regular balcony room. I want morespace than “just enough” space. If I had done my regular packing, I wouldn’thave had enough room for my stuff in the little cubbies. And I don’t likehaving to sit on my bed or a tiny round stool.

Remember you’re unique. Just like everyone else.

Many people in cruiseforums and other social media admit to feeling nervous about cruising becauseof various personal characteristics…disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation,weight, socioeconomic status, etc. I have “characteristics” myself, and I stillhad a great time. Don’t let whatever you feel nervous about stop you from beingyourself and having a good time. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for whatyou need to be happy and comfortable. Don’t let asinine comments on the boards criticizingother people’s characteristics make you think that cruise ship passengers arebunch of intolerant malcontents. People are nice, people are interesting, peopleare complex universes unto themselves.

Finally, it’s yourvacation, and you’re surrounded by strangers. For example, as a result of myhaphazard packing, I ended up wearing the same things over and over again. Youthink I care? I don’t care. I was on vacation.

Cruising while being alone

Sorry, mom and dad-I hadmuch more fun cruising solo. I did what I wanted, when I wanted, and it wasfantastic. I met all of the personal cruise goals I made for myself.

I knit a hat, so thatwas awesome. I won $234 in the casino. I met cool people.

Being familiar with theship made a big difference. I felt comfortable and at home this time, notoverwhelmed like the first time.

While watching variousgroups of people try to find and save seats and not be separated from the 28 bazillion people they were with, I laughed.Silently. On the inside.

Seriously though, cruisingalone lets you attain chillaxing nirvana. If you are a person who enjoys theirown company, I highly recommend you try going solo.

Voldemort may or may not have been onboard. Also miscellany.

Embarkation anddisembarkation were fast and easy. I was able to walk straight on and straightoff the ship. Easy peasy. The hotel shuttle was there when I got outside. Wewaited about 20 mins for more passengers, but when no one showed up, we left.(Drivers will go back and forth until everyone who signed up for the service iscollected.)

Okay, yes, boarding androoms being ready were delayed. They had to disinfect the ship because of thedreaded NOROVIRUS on the previous sailing. You couldn’t get your own coffee inthe café, etc, and they had fewer sales where people touch everything. Butfolks, it wasn’t like the staff were wearing hazmat suits. I think, in general,people over sensationalize or maybe just worry too much about the whole NOROVIRUSthing. It’s not Voldemort, for heaven’s sake. Yes, people get sick on ships.There were at least two medical emergencies on this ship. Unless you yourselfget sick, it’s unlikely to impact your experience. Wash your hands, get enoughsleep, drink enough water, don’t try eating everything on the ship and dressfor comfort, not necessarily cuteness.

Some GUY brought aguitar into 270 and was singing songs! Loud, sad songs sung by a random passengerguy. I went to my room.

I’m looking forward to booking my next cruise.

As before, my favoritething about cruising is being on the ocean. Peering out at the endless waterreally invites you to think about the grand scheme of things and your place inthem. I’m pretty sure my destiny is to go on as many cruises as possible.

No, I’m not sorry my post is the length of an epic poem.

DOES ANYONE KNOW IF ROYAL CARIBBEAN HAS SINGLE CABINS LIKE THE 1As ON CARNIVAL?? ANY INFO WOULD BE GREAT. :confused:

I'm not familiar with Carnival, but RC's Anthem of the Seas has a few studio room for single travelers.

Glad that you are feeling better! Now you can relax and enjoy your cruise.

 

btw... really curious about your studio cabin. Is it a single studio with a balcony? Any info or pics would be appreciated.

Yep, it’s a single studio with oversized balcony. It’s what made the trip affordable for me - no single supplement. So far, I’m finding it just perfect for one person. Very cozy and comfy, but storage on a long journey might be annoying. I’ll attempt to post a review of the room with pics at journey’s end. Let me know what questions you have.

I’m actually on board now!

I started to feel much better Thursday, and drove to New Jersey without incident on Friday. I had one harrowing experience...the shuttle to the port was so bumpy it left me feeling ick for hours.

Some things aren’t as I envisioned. I can’t wear what I wanted because some items irritate incisions, I can’t go swimming, I’m still nervous about eating some of the stuff I wanted to try (high fat), and there are these norovirus protocols in place that also make me nervous.

All things considered (health, finances, scheduling),this turned out to be the right decision for me.

(And holy cow, this super studio on the hump is awesome!)

Good luck. When is your cruise again?

 

jc

Hi everyone!

The cruise is Saturday the 18th, but I would need to leave Cleveland the morning before for the drive. I was discharged Tuesday evening and am now recuperating at my parents. I’m jealous of everyone who recovered quickly because I’m struggling. I have oxycodone which works for pain but makes me sleep. As an experiment to see if I’d be able to drive, I took just ibuprofen this afternoon. I was able to stay awake but wasn’t comfortable enough to drive.

I’m exhausted and sore and stifffen up horribly when I sit too long. I won’t be able to swim and I’m terrified I’ll eat something that will make me sick. I’m even annoyed that because I can’t reach my feet, I can’t paint my nails all pretty so I can wear sandals. As it stands this evening, it looks like I’ll be cancelling.

Hi everyone. Posting from my hospital room! Thank you all for your advice. I’m still undecided.

I think I originally said surgery was Tuesday but had it last night. The night was rough, not because of pain but nausea. I’m actually surprised how little pain there’s been. The first med they gave for nausea didn’t work, and I was annoyed and amused to find that the second med was the same patches I was prescribed for seasickness (just in case) before my first cruise last year. It worked perfectly. Even though the after surgery hadn’t been horrific, I truly don’t understand how people cope with this outpatient.

I was admitted Sunday morning around two and can go home today IF I eat and don’t get sick. Wish me luck.

I'm really surprised your doctor told you to go on the trip. Does he realize the mere hours after having surgery, you'll be driving, alone, for 7 hours to get there? Even the simplest surgery can have complications and you'll be so dependent on other people...to put your bag in the car, get it out, and the same at the other end of the trip, plus having to cancel excursions and such. Even with an early morning colonoscopy I was told no driving until the next day. (due to the anesthesia)...your surgery is in the evening so it's hard to imagine a doctor saying, "no problem, get in the car tomorrow morning and drive alone for 7 hours." At the very least, I'd get a second opinion on that.

Surgery is today some time, drive is Friday.

I am in almost the same situation. I was supposed to have mine removed thursday the 9th but it got rescheduled to Dec 7th. I am sailing on Harmony next Saturday. I am going to be careful with what I eat. I have meds with me in case I have an attack. The one difference is I will have my daughter and some friends with me. The other day I felt an attack coming on but was able to stop it by drinking 8 tablespoons of Apple cider vinegar. Do a search on apple cider vinegar - it will pull up the thread from the other day. So my suggestion is to wait until after the cruise for the surgery. Have you had a hida scan?

 

Kathy

Rescheduling isn’t something the doctor will allow me to do. I think because the attack was so severe. I’m not leaving this hospital with a gallbladder.

Had my gall bladder removed laparoscopicly several years ago and recovered quickly. In you place though would likely cancel the cruise. You'll still be on meds so might not be able to drink and with an open wound would think twice about water activities. Check with your doctor. Since you have insurance why not postpone the trip until you're fully recovered.

 

Oh yeah, there are also rumblings about a noro outbreak on Anthem.

I don’t like the taste of alcohol, and never drink, so that’s one less worry.

Postponing is tough for me because I have very little vacation time. I can only really go during thanksgiving or Christmas breaks. Booking over a year out and getting the studio plus the dates made this itinerary perfect.

Also my student loans come due in January...this might be my last vacation for some time.

Did it hurt? Mine didn't hurt. Doctor said my gallbladder wasn't performing as well as it should but it was still working some of the time. Too bad we are not on the same sailing -we could watch out for each other.

The ultrasound (sonogram?) felt like I was being stabbed, but the scan was just tedious...I had to do it three times.

I can't relate and haven't been any where near this situation but I wonder...if you DON'T go what will life look like for that week?

 

Who is cooking for you, who is cleaning up after you, who is making your bed etc. There will be people to help carry bags (bring tip money). It will be a hassle and stressful to get to the ship/your room. But, once there life should be pretty easy, no? If the doctor seems to think it is a good idea perhaps it is? You likely won't be doing any fancy moves on the ship but it could be the ultimate lazy, recovery week.

 

All that said, what are the odds of a complication and does medical coverage cover it after a surgery? I have no clue.

Yeah, this along my thinking right now. I’m considering cancelling all excursions and drastically reducing the stuff I’d planned on taking. Complications he mentioned would result from lifting (hernia) and failing to take breaks while driving (blood clots).

I am in almost the same situation. I was supposed to have mine removed thursday the 9th but it got rescheduled to Dec 7th. I am sailing on Harmony next Saturday. I am going to be careful with what I eat. I have meds with me in case I have an attack. The one difference is I will have my daughter and some friends with me. The other day I felt an attack coming on but was able to stop it by drinking 8 tablespoons of Apple cider vinegar. Do a search on apple cider vinegar - it will pull up the thread from the other day. So my suggestion is to wait until after the cruise for the surgery. Have you had a hida scan?

 

Kathy

Kathy, I had the HIDA scan today. To answer your other questions, he said no lifting of 25 lbs or more for weeks. Should be a laparoscopic removal barring any complications. And incredibly, the attack that sent me to the ER was the first one ever.

I knew even before going on my first cruise that I’d love it.So last October I booked a cruise on the Anthem of the Seas. Two months later, my family and I had a great time on our ten day holiday trip.

I’ve been anticipating my November 18th, 2017 return to Anthem for months, and three things make it special. I’ve booked a super studio with an extra large balcony, I’ve completed my doctorate, and this time I’m traveling solo. So with a week to embarkation, you can imagine all the prep I had to do.

Friday morning i woke up with pain in my left shoulder, my stomach and my back. When I inhaled, the pain intensified. The pain tapered off during the day. Saturday night I was packing when pain slammed into my lower back. I knew it was muscle spasms so I took pain killers, but within an hour, intense crushing pain had spread to my stomach and wrapped like a vise around my upper abdomen. At 2am, shaking and sweating, I hobbled into the ER. I wasn’t having a heart attack, so for hours I was given medication to numb my stomach, followed by three other painkillers, and a sonogram. Finally, I was admitted to a room, pumped full of narcotics and anti nausea, and sent off for hours of testing. They finally confirmed a diagnosis of gallstones, and my gall bladder has to come out.

My surgery isn’t until Tuesday evening. I need to drive seven hours to New Jersey, alone, on Friday. I can’t lift anything for six weeks or so. To my surprise, the doctor encouraged me to go on the trip....he said he would go if he was in that situation.

So....I have trip insurance and could get my money back, but so many stars had to align for this trip to happen, I’m hesitant to cancel. But with me traveling alone there’s so many things to consider. My carry on bag, swimming, my shore excursions, the long drive...

Has anyone had something like this happen to them? Any advice? What would you do?

Sent from my iPad

I booked my first cruise for my daughter and I July 30th 2017. I live in Dallas and was thinking of driving down to New Orleans day of the cruise. We depart 4pm, I figure if I leave by 5am we should get down there by 1pm and parking is $20 a day or $140 for 7 days. Is this a bad plan?

I agree with everyone's responses wholeheartedly. It's too risky. And even if everything goes smoothly, you'll be exhausted and won't fully enjoy your first day onboard. Arriving the day before the cruise is the best protection of your investment. And you can get some beignets!

Just out of curiosity, why? I've only been on a few cruises but every beach I've been to at any port of call has chairs to rent for a reasonable price. Why go through the hassle of bringing your own chair? No disrespect, just wondering if there's a reason I haven't thought of.

If you have mobility/knee/back/weight issues, getting out of a low lounge chair to a standing position can be a nightmare, if not an impossibility. I've thought about investing in a chair like this myself.

Thanks for this info. I just rented one of these for myself for my November trip on the Anthem. Since I have walking difficulties I tend to have anxiety about the transport details, but now I'm just plain old excited!

What is your exact cruise date?

Nov 18th - 25th

Does anyone know a good mainline makeup remover? The one that is the same brand as the makeup I use doesn't really work well. It doesn't bother me at home since I use colored washcloths, but I don't like to get the white ones they use on ships and hotels stained.

 

Thanks,

Kathy

I don't use makeup wipes because my experience is that they leave product behind and also sting my sensitive skin. I totally get what you're saying about staining the washcloths; I find that embarrassing. Now I just take a dark washcloth with me and use Philosophy facial cleaner and makeup remover.

Can you please list where you have gotten yours and about how much I should expect to pay for a good plus size swimsuit?

 

I have gotten some from Target & Khols but they do not seem to hold me in as much as I want.

 

I'm looking at a couple from Torrids. If someone has purchased from Torrid, can you let me know if the quality of the suit is worth it.

 

I'm looking to mostly look good in my suit, not too much swimming just playing in water.

 

I do have 1 good swimsuit from Kohl's to use for swimming at home, but it does not hold me in as much as I would like and not sure how it would hold up to salt water?

I'm pretty hard on my suits as I do water aerobics and swim laps. Junonia makes good quality stuff that lasts. They just came out with some cute stuff.

Can anyone tell me about their experience using the Embassy suite cruise and park package? I'm cruising solo and thought it might be easier than driving from the hotel, but now reading some of the comments, I wonder if for convenience it might be easier just to drive myself. I went on the Anthem with family in December, and since I have a handicapped tag, parking was easy and very close.

Great review! I was on the Anthem in December, and you gave me a lot of information I didn't know.

I am a recently widowed single man who hasn't cruised on RCL in several years. I booked a 12 day cruise

on the Anthem for January, 2018. I would love to hear some first hand tips on dining options, reservation procedures and anything else you think would help me enjoy my cruise. I will admit I am a little reticent about

the "single" thing, having always cruised with my wife in the past. I am a Diamond status member, and have booked a Balcony Guarantee cabin. I'm very grateful for any advise....Gary

Consider having breakfast and lunch in the Solarium bistro instead of the Windjammer if you want to eat at the buffet. It's smaller and might be easier to find a seat.

I'll be traveling solo in November, so this is a great tip.

This happened to me shortly after I'd moved into my house 9 years ago. I stripped and went into the bathroom to take a shower, and the lock was broken. I live alone, and wasn't expecting any visitors for three days. I didn't have my phone with me, and obviously no clothes or shoes. Luckily the outside of the house was being painted at the time, so after wrapping myself in the shower curtain, I banged on the window (which was covered with paper on the outside- its too small and high for me to have gone out of, by the way). The painter was able to break a lock on my door and came inside and removed the doorknob. It's funny now, but I've never been so terrified in my life as those 40 minutes or so I was trapped in the bathroom. Nearly a decade later and I still carry my phone around with me in the house and never, ever close the bathroom door all the way.