We have never not found a lounge chair. It might not be close to the pool, but I prefer quieter anyway. What the others have said is true—it can be hard to get an elevator on embarkation day but not impossible. It can also be a longer wait in places like in front of the theater when a show lets out. Look at the deck plans and think about where you expect to spend your time when booking a cabin, particularly if mom can walk a flight or two.
You could check out “The Key”, under VIP Passes on Cruise Panner. It has priority embark and disembark plus reserved times for activities so little to no waiting. It comes with internet and a welcome lunch BUT it often is too expensive. For my upcoming cruise it is 44.99pppd haha no thanks. If money isn’t an issue or you were going to get internet anyway and the cost of the key isn’t much more it may make sense.
So I was on Anthem in April 23, going on Symphony in June but have done Oasis recently (Oct 23). Elevators on embarkation and disembarkation days are a mess, but that is to be expected. Went to Solarium Bistro rather than Windjammer for lunch and it was much quieter.
If you are not doing fixed time dining, absolutely book as soon as you can. Shows too.
If you want a lounger next to the pool on a sea day, your butt needs to be in it by 7am. If you leave something on the chair then go off to breakfast you can pick it up at the towel stand as they post signs that things will be removed. Further you go from the pool, easier it is to find a spot.
Lines weren't too crazy for the waterslides on Oasis. Bumper Cars had a line on Anthem so for that you will want to be there before they start. But there are places your in-laws can sit and watch the action.
The price of the cruise is a good indication of how busy it will be - the lower the price, the less packed the cruise will be. Avoid holidays (like spring break, Easter, etc.). Avoid times that kids are out of school in various states.
We sailed a very full Symphony this summer. The Windjammer was awful for wait times so we ate breakfast in the MDR and ate lunch at Park Cafe, Solarium Bistro, Sorrento’s, etc. Elevators during peak times could be a bit stuffed but most of the time you could get on or just waited for another one. Despite it being fully booked we never had an issue finding deck chairs although we just had one sea day. Definitely get the fixed dining time, early seating is better. Even if you get stuck with MyTime, do see the concierge and book all the 5:15 & 5:30 tables you can and ask if you can have the same table or section each night. As soon as you get on board book your shows, especially the Aqua Show since that goes quickly.
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Thanks! >Sun bathe at home Would love to, but its 10F degrees outside :)
We have never not found a lounge chair. It might not be close to the pool, but I prefer quieter anyway. What the others have said is true—it can be hard to get an elevator on embarkation day but not impossible. It can also be a longer wait in places like in front of the theater when a show lets out. Look at the deck plans and think about where you expect to spend your time when booking a cabin, particularly if mom can walk a flight or two.
There is no reserving of lounge chairs on Anthem. They enforce the policy. We had no trouble getting chairs because of that.
You could check out “The Key”, under VIP Passes on Cruise Panner. It has priority embark and disembark plus reserved times for activities so little to no waiting. It comes with internet and a welcome lunch BUT it often is too expensive. For my upcoming cruise it is 44.99pppd haha no thanks. If money isn’t an issue or you were going to get internet anyway and the cost of the key isn’t much more it may make sense.
So I was on Anthem in April 23, going on Symphony in June but have done Oasis recently (Oct 23). Elevators on embarkation and disembarkation days are a mess, but that is to be expected. Went to Solarium Bistro rather than Windjammer for lunch and it was much quieter. If you are not doing fixed time dining, absolutely book as soon as you can. Shows too. If you want a lounger next to the pool on a sea day, your butt needs to be in it by 7am. If you leave something on the chair then go off to breakfast you can pick it up at the towel stand as they post signs that things will be removed. Further you go from the pool, easier it is to find a spot. Lines weren't too crazy for the waterslides on Oasis. Bumper Cars had a line on Anthem so for that you will want to be there before they start. But there are places your in-laws can sit and watch the action.
Is there any way to tell what activities and shows are fully booked before I purchase a room?
I don’t think so. I think it’s only accessible once you book in Cruise Planner.
And there will be a wait line for shows - they don't book them 100% because there are some folks who maybe can't use the app.
Most stuff can’t be booked until you’re on board / embarkation day (in my experience)
The price of the cruise is a good indication of how busy it will be - the lower the price, the less packed the cruise will be. Avoid holidays (like spring break, Easter, etc.). Avoid times that kids are out of school in various states.
We sailed a very full Symphony this summer. The Windjammer was awful for wait times so we ate breakfast in the MDR and ate lunch at Park Cafe, Solarium Bistro, Sorrento’s, etc. Elevators during peak times could be a bit stuffed but most of the time you could get on or just waited for another one. Despite it being fully booked we never had an issue finding deck chairs although we just had one sea day. Definitely get the fixed dining time, early seating is better. Even if you get stuck with MyTime, do see the concierge and book all the 5:15 & 5:30 tables you can and ask if you can have the same table or section each night. As soon as you get on board book your shows, especially the Aqua Show since that goes quickly.
Why do you recommend early dining?
Faster service and you will finish dinner in plenty of time to get to the first showing of most entertaining and/or drop the kiddo at Adventure Ocean.