sailing sue Posted December 1, 2016 #26 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Just wondering where do you get the WOW bands? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare lattegirl10 Posted December 1, 2016 Author #27 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Guest services. But one day one there is a kiosk in the middle of the prominade with one or two people working. I suggest you go there first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
setsail Posted December 1, 2016 #28 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Great thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrsinsyder Posted December 1, 2016 #29 Share Posted December 1, 2016 I don't want to take the thread off topic' date=' but here goes anyway . . . :rolleyes: I would really like to hear your thoughts about your NCL cruises vs. Harmony, Oasis or Allure. We've done Princess and RCL, but never NCL and I find myself wondering whether it would be a good alternative. I know there are lots of reviews elsewhere, but would appreciate your thoughts --- pro's and con's of each. We enjoy the size, activities, entertainment and specialty dining of the Oasis class; how do you think the NCL ships compare? Thanks.:)[/quote'] Not OP, but I've sailed on NCL many times (and RCI). We found our recent sailing on NCL to be overall superior to the experience on Allure. However, if you like the size of Oasis, NCL won't compare. Overall, the MDR food was better, and the speciality food was MUCH better on NCL. The shows were a higher quality, though not as 'gimmicky' as NCL. Then again, we thought Blue Planet was absolutely ridiculous, while a lot of people like it. Activities between the two probably gives a nod to RCI; we found there was more going on with our Allure sailing - we found ourselves more often 'bored' on NCL than we did on RCI. Overall, it's a tough toss up for me because the experience on NCL is far superior IMO, but I like the Oasis class ships more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlcpandb Posted December 1, 2016 #30 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Thanks so much for info. Are the WOW band removable during the cruise or did you have to wear them all the time. Do they scan them for drinks, getting on and off the ship and for show reservations? Are they worth the $5 esp with kids to not have to carry around their sea pass card? Did they stay on well. While swimming etc? Thanks in advance. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted December 1, 2016 #31 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Thanks so much for info. Are the WOW band removable during the cruise or did you have to wear them all the time. Do they scan them for drinks, getting on andoff the ship and for show reservations? Are they worth the $5 esp with kids to not have to carry around their sea pass card? Did they stay on well. While swimming etc? Thanks in advance. WOW bands are removeable. I don't believe they can be used for getting on and off the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mirp Posted December 1, 2016 #32 Share Posted December 1, 2016 My child loved having a WOW band. Although I went to guest services and signed for it, we were not charged for the WOW band. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare lattegirl10 Posted December 1, 2016 Author #33 Share Posted December 1, 2016 (edited) The wow bands are worth the money. Especially when guest services won't give you a duplicate card. We had a balcony 9540 and an interior 9541 that were directly across from each other. My husband and I had the balcony and the kids had the inside room. Since we couldn't get a duplicate card to access the kids rooms and vice versa, we exchanged WOW bands. Edited December 1, 2016 by lattegirl10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted December 1, 2016 #34 Share Posted December 1, 2016 They wouldn't give you extra key cards?!?!? What was that all about, I wonder. :eek: Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare lattegirl10 Posted December 1, 2016 Author #35 Share Posted December 1, 2016 The Guest Service person told me that if they key in a new card the other card will not be valid. We didn't understand this either, since we have always gotten an extra copy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravenjls Posted December 1, 2016 #36 Share Posted December 1, 2016 The wow bands are worth the money. Especially when guest services won't give you a duplicate card. We had a balcony 9540 and an interior 9541 that were directly across from each other. My husband and I had the balcony and the kids had the inside room. Since we couldn't get a duplicate card to access the kids rooms and vice versa, we exchanged WOW bands. Yikes! My son and his friend are switching rooms my my sister and husband on our upcoming cruise. Not sure what to do if they dont allow extra key cards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptf2009 Posted December 1, 2016 #37 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Guest services. But one day one there is a kiosk in the middle of the prominade with one or two people working. I suggest you go there first. Excuse my ignorance, but what are the WOW bands? I mean what purpose do they serve? After reading your "tips" we are looking so forward to going on HOTS in March! However, we will miss not having a pool in the solarium. We enjoyed going there in the evenings when we had the pool to ourselves! And hottubs are not an option. Happy cruising! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted December 1, 2016 #38 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Excuse my ignorance, but what are the WOW bands? I mean what purpose do they serve? After reading your "tips" we are looking so forward to going on HOTS in March! However, we will miss not having a pool in the solarium. We enjoyed going there in the evenings when we had the pool to ourselves! And hottubs are not an option. Happy cruising! See the bottom of this page: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/anthemoftheseas/already-booked/smart-check-in/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare lattegirl10 Posted December 1, 2016 Author #39 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted December 1, 2016 #40 Share Posted December 1, 2016 The Guest Service person told me that if they key in a new card the other card will not be valid. We didn't understand this either, since we have always gotten an extra copy. I am just curious: Did you "push" this at all? Question the person? Try a different person? That is just SO not true! "Everyone" gets an extra key when they ask. It has never been a big deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
setsail Posted December 1, 2016 #41 Share Posted December 1, 2016 See the bottom of this page: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/anthemoftheseas/already-booked/smart-check-in/ Are they free to suite guest? I thought I read they were Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRQfireman Posted December 2, 2016 #42 Share Posted December 2, 2016 Just off the Thanksgiving week sailing of the HOTS. This ship is amazing! I sailed with my husband (46) and two teenage sons ages (17) and (14). We have sailed Oasis, Allure, Disney Dream, Norwegian Getaway and Escape as well as Carnival Breeze, so my perspective is comparing HOTS to those ships. Instead of periscoping and writing a full review, I am going to give you tips that I haven't seen on cruise critic, and things that I wanted to know before cruising on HOTS. Tips: Obvious- Book everything early and before you get on the ship. On day one, get to the port early, get your WOW band first before you eat, you will be eating all day, every day on the ship, so park cafe can be second. While you are in the Prominade, walk by the casino kiosk and spin the wheel for free prizes. I won free drinks at the casino bar. If you are an adult and you purchased the drink package, don't bother buying the soda package for the kid in the room, because a soda cup comes with your package. Especially, if your family aren't big soda people. The worst thing about the soda package is the big cup you have to lug around everywhere, and the majority of the kids and I'm assuming the adults forget the cup and leave cups everywhere. Besides, having a cherry coke from the pub "boots and something" is everything. A little known place that your drink package covers is the vitality spa cafe. Its on the same side as Starbucks and you can get smoothies, coffee, protein shakes and if you want to be totally healthy, get freshly made juices. Did you know that fountain drinks are complimentary at Johnny Rockets? I didn't, until day 4 when I ate there (Wish I had this list). I love free stuff!! The Spa---- Bought the couples spa pass on day one. This was a disappointment coming from Norwegian Escape. There is only 6 maybe 7 hot bed loungers in the thermal spa area. When we were there, people were doubling up. We got our money back and enjoyed the vast beauty of the solarium, which is free. We really enjoyed this area at night and found that hideaway area in the front of the solarium that has the glass bottom. You don't need sneakers to slide down the abyss. But, listen to the instructions, I skinned my elbow coming down the second time. Still super fun. Ladies, it was not super cold on the ship. I wanted to know this for packing purposes because I get cold easily and I wanted to wear my cute tube tops and spaghetti strap outfits. The waterslides are super fun, did all three. My suggestion is to do the yellow first, the blue (which is super fast and fun) and then the green which the toilet bowl one. Here's a huge tip, I've noticed on most ships I've been on, Lunch has the best and most options. Instead of rushing and waking up early to catch the breakfast buffet, just order room service and have your coffee in bed or on your balcony, a slowing enjoy you beautiful vacation morning. Enjoy lunch around 1ish at the hot dog place or any of the vast restaurants that are only available at lunch time. Then you will be good and hungry for dinner reservations. Add garlic sauce and/or pizza sauce to your already made pizza slice, you'll thank me later. So much more to add and I have't gotten to the slot machines yet; let me know if you want some more........ whoa.........where are the beverage police at? Are they off duty now ? I thought they'd be piping in by now.......somebody know the # to the beverage police ?:D:eek::D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiGal117 Posted December 2, 2016 #43 Share Posted December 2, 2016 whoa.........where are the beverage police at? Are they off duty now ? I thought they'd be piping in by now.......somebody know the # to the beverage police ?:D:eek::D They're all on a cruise [emoji12][emoji12] Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiGal117 Posted December 2, 2016 #44 Share Posted December 2, 2016 WOW bands are removeable. I don't believe they can be used for getting on and off the ship. That's true. You need to carry your card for leaving and coming back onto the ship. They look like watches. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aubreyc1988 Posted December 2, 2016 #45 Share Posted December 2, 2016 Tip on how to win in the slots please. Sent from my iPad using Forums don't play. no one is ever truly ahead on slots :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jagmanss1 Posted December 2, 2016 #46 Share Posted December 2, 2016 whoa.........where are the beverage police at? Are they off duty now ? I thought they'd be piping in by now.......somebody know the # to the beverage police ?:D:eek::D Oh! Now! C'mon why would you Allert them... Really! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easyboy Posted December 2, 2016 #47 Share Posted December 2, 2016 don't play. no one is ever truly ahead on slots :P Most likely:( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maksim Posted December 2, 2016 #48 Share Posted December 2, 2016 Just off the Thanksgiving week sailing of the HOTS. This ship is amazing! I sailed with my husband (46) and two teenage sons ages (17) and (14). We have sailed Oasis, Allure, Disney Dream, Norwegian Getaway and Escape as well as Carnival Breeze, so my perspective is comparing HOTS to those ships. Instead of periscoping and writing a full review, I am going to give you tips that I haven't seen on cruise critic, and things that I wanted to know before cruising on HOTS. Tips: Obvious- Book everything early and before you get on the ship. On day one, get to the port early, get your WOW band first before you eat, you will be eating all day, every day on the ship, so park cafe can be second. While you are in the Prominade, walk by the casino kiosk and spin the wheel for free prizes. I won free drinks at the casino bar. If you are an adult and you purchased the drink package, don't bother buying the soda package for the kid in the room, because a soda cup comes with your package. Especially, if your family aren't big soda people. The worst thing about the soda package is the big cup you have to lug around everywhere, and the majority of the kids and I'm assuming the adults forget the cup and leave cups everywhere. Besides, having a cherry coke from the pub "boots and something" is everything. A little known place that your drink package covers is the vitality spa cafe. Its on the same side as Starbucks and you can get smoothies, coffee, protein shakes and if you want to be totally healthy, get freshly made juices. Did you know that fountain drinks are complimentary at Johnny Rockets? I didn't, until day 4 when I ate there (Wish I had this list). I love free stuff!! The Spa---- Bought the couples spa pass on day one. This was a disappointment coming from Norwegian Escape. There is only 6 maybe 7 hot bed loungers in the thermal spa area. When we were there, people were doubling up. We got our money back and enjoyed the vast beauty of the solarium, which is free. We really enjoyed this area at night and found that hideaway area in the front of the solarium that has the glass bottom. You don't need sneakers to slide down the abyss. But, listen to the instructions, I skinned my elbow coming down the second time. Still super fun. Ladies, it was not super cold on the ship. I wanted to know this for packing purposes because I get cold easily and I wanted to wear my cute tube tops and spaghetti strap outfits. The waterslides are super fun, did all three. My suggestion is to do the yellow first, the blue (which is super fast and fun) and then the green which the toilet bowl one. Here's a huge tip, I've noticed on most ships I've been on, Lunch has the best and most options. Instead of rushing and waking up early to catch the breakfast buffet, just order room service and have your coffee in bed or on your balcony, a slowing enjoy you beautiful vacation morning. Enjoy lunch around 1ish at the hot dog place or any of the vast restaurants that are only available at lunch time. Then you will be good and hungry for dinner reservations. Add garlic sauce and/or pizza sauce to your already made pizza slice, you'll thank me later. So much more to add and I have't gotten to the slot machines yet; let me know if you want some more........ Thank you for putting this together. Quick question: since you sailed on both Allure and Harmony, would you prefer one over the other? We are thinking of going as a family with kids and grandkids next year. Harmony is a lot more expensive and I like Allure itinerary slightly better. What would you recommend? Helen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare vacationlover_mn Posted December 3, 2016 #49 Share Posted December 3, 2016 Is the garlic sauce/pizza sauce sitting out, or do you have to request it? Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare lattegirl10 Posted December 3, 2016 Author #50 Share Posted December 3, 2016 (edited) There's a long counter where one side is "make your own pizza" with all the ingedients out and the other side, there's about four different types of pizza you can request that's ready to go. I didnt want to wait for my pizza to be made so I got a pepperoni slice and went to the other side and had them add extra garlic sauce. Edited December 3, 2016 by lattegirl10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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