barb1256

 We all have the drink package and usually we all have two glasses of wine with dinner.  We will be in the MDR each night.  I was hoping to give the bar server a tip on the first day asking for automatic wine at the beginning and 1/2 way through our meal so we don't have to look for him.   We did this a few years ago and it worked great and I would think the server would appreciate it especially since it is an easy order.   It was nice to arrive at our table with a glass of wine waiting.   Has anyone ever done this or have a similar suggestion?

We will be on the Anthem in November visiting Coco Cay.  We are not buying passes for the Water Park, but I was wondering if we are still able to walk through.  I suspect not because I think I read that you are scanned as you enter the park area.   I was just hoping to look around and watch the slides for a bit, but I can probably see from outside too.

Thanks.

We will be on Anthem of the Seas in November and I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of the WOW band I'm reading about.  I realize the cannot be used to disembark the ship.   In particular, I was wondering if these bands waterproof.   Also, is it the type of band that is put on and cannot be taken off?   I still like to dress for dinner and I don't want to be stuck with a band, but it might be useful during the day.

Our first time on the Anthem.  We have connecting cabins on Deck 9.   Does anyone know if the partition on the balcony can be opened or removed between our two cabins?

Also, what is your opinion on the best time to reserve North Star - at sea or in port.  I'm not sure if it is open while at sea due to wind.

I will have an OBC of $500 when I board. I've already paid for my drink package and shore excursions so now I'm worried I may not use it. How do I get the balance back or do I lose it?

I'm going back to the mid 70's, but I remember that guests were allowed on board before sailing and hearing the "all ashore that's going ashore" announcement. I also remember throwing streamers to those on the dock as we pulled out.

I'm sure both of those traditions were lost due to security concerns and dockside cleanup!

I also remember as we pulled into Nassau several times, children jumping into the water and passengers threw coins and dollars down to them. The kids would dive for the coins and come up to show everyone they retrieved it and put it in their mouth to dive for more.

I'm very torn on whether or not to purchase a drink package for our upcoming March cruise. Everyone in our party are now diamond members and will be able to use the Diamond Club (or drink vouchers) during cocktail hours so I'm not sure it would be cost effective.

A couple of questions:

1) If we get the drink package, how difficult is it to get bar service in the DR to get a glass of wine? The bar servers are pretty few these days.

2) With the drink package, am I able to walk into the DR with a full glass of wine so I don't have to ask for bar service immediately?

3) If we opt not to get the drink package, is the wine & dine package for bottles still offered for the DR?

In addition, our cruise is pretty port intensive so I'm not sure the drink package will work, but could be used to take some bottles of water on shore. Like I said....I'm torn on what to do (but grateful that I have something like this to concern myself with!)

I think 50% of our my cruise experience is anticipation. We normally book about a year in advance and spend that year shopping, planning, shopping, discussing, shopping. Our next cruise is March, 2016 and this weekend is "girls weekend". We are taking a 90 minute ferry ride to our nearest outlet shopping area and to spend the day. We'll then spend the ferry ride home discussing our purchases over a couple glasses of wine and go to dinner upon landing. By the time the cruise comes and we hear that first "bing" we are all so excited !:)

We had several cabins for our group and used a small dry erase board to leave messages "Meet in the Schooner Bar at 5pm" or "we went to the pool". There was a string to attach the marker. This worked great until some smarta** decided to start leaving their own messages. There is always someone to ruin a good thing.

Saw an question earlier on balcony dividers and it made me wonder if Serenade has dividers that can be opened. It's one of the older ships, so I doubt it, but thought I'd ask. How about adjoining cabins?

This happened a few cruises ago when hubby ran down to the Café Promenade early one morning to get us both coffee and danish because we forgot to put our room service order outside the night before. It was too much to carry so we took the little tray that was under the ice bucket. Couldn't believe how many people stopped him whenever he did this to ask where he got the tray. Now we pack a little one because not all ships use these little trays anymore. It doesn't take any room in the suitcase since it is flat.