Anniversary Celebration on the Fantasy - advice needed About This Page:

[jpwest]

Hi all - my wife and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary on a Fantasy 7-night cruise this summer. I am looking for suggestions for making this event as special as possible for my wife. A few details and options to consider:

1. Our actual anniversary is the last night of the cruise - so no matter what, we'll have to contend with getting everything packed up and suitcases out in the hall that evening. On the plus side, we'll have seen all of the shows by then, so at least we won't have to plan around that.
2. This will be Castaway Cay day on our cruise, so anything I can schedule there is a possibility.
3. We've discussed Palo and Remy and decided not to go that route. We'll be with our kids (8&9), and just don't like the idea of having dinner without them. I am intrigued, however, by the "eat together, then the Oceaneer counselors take the kids down to the Club" option.

In general, I want to give DCL every opportunity to help us celebrate - who should I tell about the special occasion, and when? And finally, what are your recommendations for stateroom gifts, most romantic spots for a glass of champagne, or other surprises I can have in store? Thanks in advance!

[EddieCVS]

Hope somebody is able to give you the answer you are looking for.

[Dave Marx]

Consider also celebrating your Un-Anniversary - with the last night "problem," rather than try to cram your celebration into an already busy and distracted day, spread it out. Days at sea are a good opportunity, as it's easier to focus on family and each other when a port of call/Castaway Cay is not competing.

As far as notifying DCL - call DCL or your travel agent, and have it noted on your reservation. That info makes its way to the dining room staff. First night, when you meet your dining room staff, they should ask whether you have any special occasions. If they don't ask, when the head server pays his/her first visit, mention it.

Don't save the "Dine and Play" option (kids picked up in dining room by club counselors) for your special night. It can be a help every night of the cruise, and will allow you some adult alone time at and after every meal. That may also be a help in extending your celebration to the entire cruise.

On Castaway Cay, a couples cabana massage is a nice idea. Check the kids into the club on the island for a couple of hours. A couples spa treatment on board is a good Un-Anniversary treat.

You may not want to do Palo/Remy dinner, but brunch at Palo (available on your at-sea days) could work well. It may be less disruptive of your family rhythm, as the kids will probably be used to spending time in the club during the day. Since lunch is probably not a family meal at home, lunch apart isn't as disruptive of normal family patterns. If you can't get Palo brunch, check the kids into the club and have lunch at Royal Court or Enchanted Garden (you might be able to do this more than once during the cruise).

Even Palo or Remy dinner is a possibility, if you make it a kids night out as well as Mom and Dad's night out. They may like the idea of eating dinner with the kids club, or you can do an early dinner with them at Cabanas buffet or the pizza/burgers route, then they go to the club to watch movies on the big screens, play, etc. A lot of couples prefer that their anniversary dinner include the kids (that's the way it is in my family) but that doesn't mean you couldn't do Palo or Remy another night. It'll be special and romantic, regardless of whether it's your special night.

As to a special place for a glass of champagne? I like Meridian Lounge (12 aft) between Remy and Palo - it's elegant, generally quiet, has a great view, and a private deck area. There are plenty of other options, considering there are six choices in the adult entertainment district alone. I can't recommend any one in particular, especially since the theming will be new in four of them. One hidden possibility is that there's an entrance to that area right out onto the deck 4 promenade. You could pick up a drink, duck outside, and have your drink by the railing.

If a particular stateroom gift looks appealing, go for it. However, you don't necessarily have to pay at all. Take advantage of room service throughout the cruise to keep the room stocked with fruit and cheese platters and other snack items. All you have to do is add a bottle of bubbly.

[chezp]

I have to agree with Dave about getting it noted on your reservation. We did that for our last cruise on the Wonder in Alaska. It was DH's birthday and he had a card and towel animal from our stateroom attendant and he got a cake from our dining staff. It was a lovely extra.

And I'd like to echo Dave's suggestion of brunch at Palo - that is just amazing and not-to-be-missed. It is so good with an amazing array of items on offer and I'm sure the kids won't miss you for an hour or so. They'll probably be having a ball in the kids' club.

[jpwest]

Great insight, Dave. Thanks!

Is Palo brunch bookable ahead of time, or not until we're onboard?

[Dave Marx]

Yes, it's bookable in advance the same time that dinner is available to book. It's also a harder reservation to get than dinner, because it's only available on days at sea, while dinner is available every night.

[nurse_mom]

As far as your last night goes and being your castaway cay day. We have done this. The 2nd to last night we start packing up. We only leave out what we know we will use for the last day and the morning we leave. Yes, its depressing to start packing, but on the other hand it let us enjoy our last night on board. No rushing around, we enjoyed the evening show and slept well into next morning.

[MollyB]

Wow I really appreciated seeing this post...Thank you! We are planning a 20th anniversary cruise in 2013/14 but our kids will be a bit older (teenagers!). Good to get some ideas