Frick_&_Frack

I'm definitely looking forward to this review! I board when you disembark.

I had been thinking of doing this on Anthem this trip; however, it's my first cruise on Anthem. I figure I'd check it out this time and then can do it next March. I'm a super-early riser (yes, even on vacation), and I've been to these ports a lot. So, may just be something cool to do for me. I'd love it if someone who takes it gives us a mini-review when they get back. Thanks!

It seems like you really love her, and that's a great thing to hear! What about maybe getting your nails done together (so it's just Mom/DIL time?). Or something like that. Just to create memories. Enjoy!

I had an Aft Suite on Breakaway (twice) and Escape and loved the room (though the balcony on the Escape was noticeably smaller than Breakaway). I honestly used the restaurant once or twice on the Breakaway (never the Courtyard) and never at all on Escape (except the obvious embarkation and debarkation). I did feel like I used the ship much more than any other NCL Haven trip (the Gem) I'd ever taken.

Thanks for posting. I'll be on Anthem first and then Allure later this year. These postings about the Genies is super. (Though, still haven't quite figured out what I'll need - I'm lower than low maintenance LOL).

I know it is (or at least, was a week or so ago) offered for my upcoming Anthem cruise. I had been considering it.

I'm trying to find that review and I must just be missing it. Can either of you provide a link?

 

Trojan, we too would never ask the Genie to unpack, pack, or shine our shoes. We do all those things at home ourselves and we can sure do the same tasks while on holidays.

 

I do like your favourite sampler meal served in your cabin. I just told my wife about that and we will be doing that this March. MMM.:)

Andrew -

I think this is the one they are mentioning:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=560251

Thank you so very much for the review. I'll be on Anthem (also in Star Class) in March, so I was interested in seeing if it was pretty smooth. Sounds like it's going to be perfect for me.

Thanks, again, Happy Retirement! and Happy New Year!

In the NCL cruises I've taken (all in suites), the few times in the uber-early beginning, I attempted to tip the butler before the end of the cruise, it was always politely declined by them. So, I stopped trying. I just "track" in my head the "extras" they do during the cruise (room service, whatever it may be). And I adjust the tip accordingly. :D

I used to buy the Verizon coverage (and I did on my last cruise for the land days); however, I used Skype - voice only - for wifi calling (Motorola Droid Turbo). It was fine (though, on NCL, internet was way, way spotty). But, as is always the case, there was a massive emergency and I needed to be on the phone at sea. It did work.

Just wish Verizon would go back to the plan they used to offer though. :(

Thanks so much, Andria, for the great details! I'll be following along every step of the way. I'm so excited for you (and, it's passing the time until it's my turn). Thanks!

Thanks for doing this! I'll be on Anthem in Star Class in March, so I'm very interested in this review.

(and, Nupie is adorable!)

Fantastic, Andrew!

I found the infamous missing room service menu.

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

My 8 year old is pretty disappointed. He doesn't understand why they don't have hamburgers, hot dogs, or grilled cheese. Hrmph.

Andrew posted the paper menu (page 24 of this thread). There is a burger on that one at least. :)

So i have severe food allergies and can't really be near seafood, i sail in april and was wondering if i can email or call ahead of time to try and get a table for 2, since it is my wife and i traveling, or is the only way to go in person on embarkation day.

 

if i can email, what should i include in the email other than my food allergies and my request? should i include my booking number?

DH had airborne and ingestion allergy to Shellfish. So, on nights that it was going to be prevalent in the Dining Room, we ate in the Steakhouse. He was actually unable to enter the Dining Room/walk through if too many people had shrimp/etc.

We would work it out for the Steakhouse so they knew and would place us in an area that would be more isolated from it in case others had ordered it. (Hot shellfish only - cold items such as shrimp cocktail did not set off the airborne allergy).

If it is the ingestion variety of allergy, then the other responses pretty much cover it (we always contacted Special Needs and immediately reconfirmed all upon boarding).

Sadly yes in the CLS and rumoured to be as well in the SLS as they are tubs as well upstairs. My understanding is that too many people who have been staying in the crown loft suites were complaining that they didn't have a tub.

 

Oh the humanity. [emoji849][emoji24]All joking aside I will miss the rain head and big shower.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks for this update. Weird as it seems, I like having a tub and will miss it on the cruises I have booked. Never have the time at home.

Might be a reason to try Harmony out! :D

Thanks for your review/scopes, Andrew (and Lisa). It's like being there!

Heidi

a/k/a @HCoutieri on Periscope

Hi!

There are several threads on the Royal Genie experience. I just randomly pulled one here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2413185&highlight=genie

I'm booked for those for the upcoming cruises (switching from NCL with the butler set-up).

I do know that Genie's are *not* butlers. The are assistants/facilitators. Personally, I'm very excited to try this level of service out. From the various reviews of it, I believe it will be a very good fit for me (and for how I like to cruise).

I think some depends on what services you require of a butler on a daily basis and how those are handled with a Genie rather than a butler.

For example, I do like to have breakfast in the suite daily. On RCCL, this is via room service (however, it appears that it is prompt, etc.). So, for me, personally, it doesn't matter who delivers it. I'm not sure if these are the things that matter to you.

Happy Cruising!

It's not crazy to stay aboard for the 7 days. However, I've never had any real issues in Nassau (just sort of ignore the "pestering" at this point - but it's definitely not Bermuda :D). There is Junkanoo Beach within walking distance of the ship which would be a nice time for the kids (though, staying aboard to use waterslides, etc. is fun).

In Port Canaveral, there's a jitney to the beaches. I've never used it so don't recall if free (or very low cost). Again, could be nice to get off the ship a bit and roam around.

On GSC, there is some shade to be found. Also, you could rent one or two of the clamshells since the kids would want to be in the water. Or, just tender (if stopping there) and have lunch at the BBQ, and come back.

There's always a way to be in port and do it economically. :)

I do feel badly for anyone who has concerns over Zika. It appears from earlier posts that they were not letting anyone disembark at all. Even without any refund of fare.

OMG sounds like we are twins.. lmao

 

btw do you know what you are doing excursions wise?

I'm going to Universal to do more of the Harry Potter section (did a bit last March). Nassau I think, for the first time ever, I'm going to the British Colonial Hilton for a day (my DH couldn't be on a beach due to his medical condition/equipment). On CocoCay, I'm renting a cabana for the day.

I've done a lot of excursions in Nassau over the years - so, I think I want to be more low key this time (and walk around and shop :eek: :D )

As for the genie, I plan to use them for reservations and maybe to do some shows (haven't gone to any show in years and years now due to DH). But, I'm very low maintenance. Once I'm set up, I am pretty independent. I will use room service for breakfast though.

I'm really looking forward to Anthem (and then Allure). I think these ships have tons to offer as far as doing and being out and about. I'm not as used to that, so, for me, I think this will be a great experience.

Did you pick excursions yet? The theme parks are difficult; however, if you have a "game plan" of exactly what you "need" to do, it can be fun.

Thanks. I have watched (forgot I did LOL). I'm an over-planner (in addition to being an over-packer!) :D

That is a good room steward!

The funny thing was that I was solo - so I used the 2nd sink for this and the washcloth set up from that. He fixed that up and gave me extras. I had more towels and wash cloths than I knew what do do with (and still had more in the 2nd bathroom!) LOL

He complained that I was too neat and left him nothing to do. :D

I'm sure you've looked at the benefits. My TA and I decided on deck 8. We looked at the cabins and what areas of the ships (decks) I'd use "more" and made the decision based on that.

Benefits Link: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/royalsuiteclass/star

This will be my first time in many years on RCCL. I went for SLS myself since I've only sailed in the Haven on NCL (see below - quite a few times) and suites on the other lines. So, this, to me, would give me the comparable benefits.

It's been pointed out there are no butlers on RCCL. However, all I need is Room Service and I didn't particularly like the Haven (noise, etc.), so, for me, this looks to be a good fit (good enough that I've booked 3 already without going once ;) ).

If you search the threads, there are pictures of a SLS for sure from Allure that I looked it. All reports are that the suites are absolutely amazing.

Happy Cruising! :) (and Happy Anniversary!!) :)

I used my Tervis and several pods of coffee, etc. to make a large cup "to go" so I could sit outside/walk around. (and, yes, I wash my tervis all the time - I bring a small bottle of dish washing liquid for use in my sink ;) the room steward realized what I was doing and left extra washcloths for me in the bathroom to use for that purpose)

Edit: The tea is very very good (I'm not a tea drinker and I had some each night before bed it was just that good).

It's refilled twice per day (and you can request more be left if you use more than provided). They also fill creamer and sugar. I drink quite a lot of coffee and they figured out quickly to leave me extra. Enjoy!