ATLgirl15

Our 7 day Silhouette cruise last year had a group on board and I don't think there were more than 50 in the group. We quite enjoyed watching them ride in port and had no issues on board with crowding or venues being closed. I think they did en event the first night but it was in a conference room sort of place so its not like its any place we would have missed. Most of the time they were just mixed in with all the passengers.

But the room was refurbished other than that? Were celebrity suites refurbished?

North Star does not go over the side at all on the 5 day Bermuda cruise. We were told they only do the 10 minute "trip" so that they can accommodate as many people as possible. With so few days and so many passengers and most likely closed some of time due to wind, it's the only solution.

My original question had nothing to do with price. I posted to see if the actual cruise would be better (more scenic) out of Vancouver. So far it sounds like it really varies by cruise line. I didn't realize how much the itineraries vary from ship to ship. Even though I've been researching for weeks I still have so much more to learn.

Thanks for all the information!

Lisichka, I will be anxious to hear about your experience since i am looking at the infinity cruise with about the same timing next year. Mickeysgal, I agree, I love the s class but it probably does not make sense in Alaska-lots of idle time on itinerary and from the reviews I have read in general it seems too windy to hang out on the top deck anyway. I think I will also do some research on NCL since it goes to Glacier Bay. We were not impressed with our one NCL cruise last year (not bad by any means, just not special) so I hadn't even considered it. But the consensus seems to be that Alaska is different on any cruise line.

What about best times for whale watching?

I was thinking along the same lines as you Coral-trying to escape the hottest weather back home which for me is July/August. August is cheaper but I was afraid of rainy season. End July seemed to be in the downward side of peak pricing so it seemed to be a compromise.

Don, we once did a combined Vancouver/Seattle trip (non cruise) and took the bus between. It took forever to cross the border and we ending up losing practically a whole day. This was a long time ago so it might be different now but I don't have fond memories.

I looked at HAL and the itinerary looks good and suite pricing seems very reasonable. But i forgot why I was looking at Royal and celebrity in the first place-my husbands casino comps! If they don't have a good offer, then maybe we'll try HAL...new casino relationships have to start somewhere. More reading to do...

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't realize Hubbard was so far away for viewing-thanks for that info. I've been primarily looking at Celebrity. Yes, we are Royal fans but explorer does not appeal to me at all and now it's for sure out after your itinerary comment. Really wanted to do Radiance southbound but we cruise in suites and they are sold out for the entire summer 2017 already! I'm sure some of the reservations will cancel before final payment is due but I don't want to wait until last minute and then be stuck with sold out excursions or high flight costs/inconvenient times. Or wait until 2018. Celebrity ships seem to have a good amount of suites available. Which cruise line does Glacier Bay? We're looking at late July for sailing so hopefully the icy conditions they are having at Tracy Arm this year would not be an issue that late in the season. Yes, I would be very disappointed to come all the way out and miss a glacier.

Spa day sounds like a perfect way to spend the day at sea! I read a lot of reviews where people go to the gym which would also be good to flight against all the extra calories I'll be eating :)

Yes the flights to Vancouver require a connection AND are way more expensive. But the cruise price is cheaper from Vancouver...maybe due to smaller ship....at least with Celebrity it is. I'll keep plowing away with my research.

I'm doing all the research to book a 7 day Alaska cruise for next summer and the more I read the more unsure I am about what is the best choice. A one way north or south would be ideal but for various reasons I don't think it will be possible. There are round trips from either Seattle or Vancouver and I can find advantages to either but would like some input from prior cruisers.

We typically cruise the Carribean and choose based on ship since the ports are are pretty similar. We prefer the big ships with lots of amenities. But I'm not sure that is the best way to cruise Alaska. Seattle departures offer the bigger ships we are acustomed to but it seems like there are a lot of sea days. We enjoy sea days in the Carribean in the warm weather lounging out at the pool, etc. which would not apply here. The Vancouver departures seem to spend longer in port and the sea days are not listed as sea days since they are in the inside passage. My question is, does that mean the ships are close enough for viewing during that passage? And is that worth it? I'd be willing to sail a smaller ship if it will be more rewarding overall. We can't fly nonstop to Vancouver from atlanta so Seattle wiould be easier. But if the experience will be better from Vancouver then I'd rather do that.

Any feedback is welcome. Thanks.

They did that on our sailing too (June 11th) but it was the week before! Needless to say the message boards were blowing up with complaints. I was fortunate not to have booked the shows that changed so I was not impacted. I had assumed it had to do with a sick or injured cast member but I don't think that is the case. They also switched around some of the parties/activities from what was on the April 30th Compasses that were posted here. But that worked in our favor. They ditched the Glow party but added Quest...which is sooooo much better. I think Royal is listening to the feedback from all the sailings and that is why they are making changes. Months ago they created "Classic" dining. So yes the changes are frustrating but I think its a good thing that Royal is reacting to their customers.

We changed time and/or location of half our dinners and never had an issue. I think if you are a small group you will be able to do so when you are on board. Plus dinner moved pretty quickly - none of ours was more than an hour. But the reservation system assumes 1.5-2 hours so there is more availability in true life than on-line.

Anthem is a great ship but different than traditional cruising so that's where a lot of the negativity comes from. But it has so much to offer that you won't find on any other ship. Plus all the things you expect - friendly crew, clean and beautiful ship, etc.

We were on the June 11th sailing and did run into issues with reservations. I was under assumption spaces were held back from on-line booking. I think this was the case with Northstar - we were told they did have space available on boarding day but they were all gone by the time we got there. However, there never seemed to be a long line for stand by. We did it the first day between sail away and dinner and didn't wait more than 10 minutes.

Ifly was a different story. Nothing available to reserve at ALL. They apparently took standbys at the beginning but the lines were getting so long that they stopped. Yes, there are always going to be cancellations or no-shows but basically it breaks down to a group of 12 every 20 minutes so unless you are one of the first 5 in line for standby you could be there for hours which is why they stopped. I went on the last day (sea day) at opening (9 AM) and was able to get in. There were 2 cancellations and 1 no-show so 3 of us got into the first group. Another standby got into the next group or the one after. But it was very disorganized. They were trying to tell that guy standbys weren't allowed and he argued that they just let the 3 of us in and why not if there is an open spot? He finally got in. Anyway, you will probably be able to do it but don't expect it to be easy. But its worth it so keep trying.

Does Oasis have a puzzle room? Or are they planning on adding one any time soon? I missed this on Anthem and was hoping I'd have another opportunity here.

I totally get the comments about missing the promenade deck outdoor space. But one of things I love about Oasis class is the jogging track on that deck. There is nothing worse than trying to navigate the track on the top deck in between sunbathers who move around all the lounge chairs or people leisurely walking to and fro. yes, I know I can get up early or use the gym instead, there is always an option. I just really enjoy it the way it is.

Agree some version of the Viking Crown lounge should come back. That truly is a loss.

You can definitely fit in everything the ship has to offer in the 5 days and still have plenty of time left over to relax. I thought the same thing beforehand but somehow everything falls into place. If it was a longer cruise I don't think I would do anything additional, probably just a second round of the things I already did and enjoyed.

We had complimentary WOW bands because we were in a suite. My husband didn't use it at all. I thought it was very convenient for the gym or if I was just going for a walk but most of the time I just used my room key.

Smoking on Anthem seems to be consistent with other Royal ships - there is a designated outdoor area on deck 14 and a designated outdoor area on deck 5. The casino is divided with a smoking and non-smoking section. We played at non-smoking tables and didn't have any issues with smoke wandering over. Although if you are sitting right on the border you may still smell it. I can't speak to the conditions at the slot machines. At one point a smoker was walking through to the smoking area but already lit up and one of the staff specifically approached them to put it out.

It will come the week before you leave and contain general information. Depending on the ship, the concierge may or may not be able to do some bookings for you before you board - that was not the case with our recent Anthem trip but I believe when we did Allure years ago we were able to book a Labadee cabana ahead of time. One thing the letter did NOT include which would have been really helpful is that the concierge was available starting at 2:30 embarkation day. Seems like an important bit of information. Below is our e-mail:

Dear Suite Guest(s),

It is my pleasure to welcome you onboard the amazing Anthem of the Seas. We are honored that you have selected Royal Caribbean for your cruise vacation.

My name is Dionne, your Concierge onboard. I am available to assist you with any requests throughout your cruise. My desk hours in the Concierge Club are daily from 8:00 am to 11.30 am and from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The Concierge Club is located on deck 12, aft.

As a special VIP Sky Class Guest, you are offered exclusive amenities and services not available to other guests. For your convenience, below is a summary of those services:

- Use of the Concierge Club

- Spa bathrobes for use onboard

- Continental Breakfast served every morning from 7:00 am until 10:00 am in the lounge

- Hors d’oeuvres, petit fours and a complimentary beverage setup are served in the lounge every evening from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm

- Access to Coastal Kitchen, our exclusive restaurant reserved for suite guests, open for breakfast, lunch (on sea days only) and dinner (reservations recommended)

In-room dining service is also available from our Dynamic Dining restaurants (American Icon Grill, Chic, The Grande, Silk and Coastal Kitchen). Please be aware that some room service menu items have an additional cost (bottled water, sodas, wine, beer etc.)

- The use of the private Suite Sundeck, located on deck 16, aft (entrance via deck 15 by SeaPlex)

- Reservation assistance for any of our Specialty Restaurants, Shore Excursions, Vitality Spa and other onboard activities

- Reserved VIP seating for shows. (Please show the Cruise Director’s staff member your SeaPass card at least 20 minutes prior the beginning of the show). Suite guests require reservation for the Spectra’s Cabaret show only. Please note that 10 minutes prior to the start of the shows, reserved seating will be opened up for walk-in guests

- Complimentary pressing is available on the second day of the cruise via your suite attendant

- One day complimentary Spa Thermal Room access (reservation required onboard)

- Luxury Pillowtop Mattress, which offers luxury sleep and comfort

- Complimentary water on suite arrival

- Complimentary Voom Internet, one device per guest (you will receive an access code upon suite arrival)

- Exclusive Suite Cocktail Party

Our Speciality Restaurants will be glad to take your reservation ahead of time. The restaurants are Chops Grille! (Steaks House), Izumi Restaurant (Asian Restaurant), Jamie's Italian Cuisine and Wonderland Restaurant (Imaginative Cuisine). These restaurants bear a cover charge fee. Kindly let me know if you would like me to reserve in advance for you.

Coastal Kitchen, our fusion of Mediterranean and Southern California Cuisine restaurant, is open for lunch on boarding day. It is located on Deck 14, Starboard Side, Aft, opening from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

The Concierge Club is open 24 hours and accessible by using your SeaPass card and/or WOW band. The Concierge Club is a designated no smoking area, including the use of electronic cigarettes. We respectfully request that guests observe a smart casual dress code whilst visiting the club. No swim or pool attire is permitted and footwear is required at all times.

Guests under 21 years of age must be well behaved and accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Please visit the Concierge Club or contact me by dialing 29015 from any ship phone.

I look forward to assisting you to make your cruise experience truly memorable and wish you an unforgettable time onboard Anthem of the Seas.

These pillow are far from flat - very big and firm. We always request 2 extra feather pillows when we cruise and have never had any issues. I think they also offer memory foam pillows although I do not specifically know that about Anthem. Here you can see a picture of the pillows-I think the top ones are the feathers and the bottoms standard.

Agree. Just came off Anthem and had fun. When I started reading the reviews they were all negative but then started turning more positive. In general the complaints were from traditionalists. Anthem is a very different experience but different can be good too! Sure we had some minor complaints but nothing more than any other vacation-s*it happens. Despite not having reservations I was able to do everything I wanted to do so I left satisfied. I also felt there was plenty of room for flexibility and last minute changes, etc. Relax, take the reviews with a grain of salt, and get excited for your cruise!

Your view should be fine from the main balcony. I am trying to attach a photo so you can see but I'm not sure I am doing it right. Your room would be directly above the barrels (inflatable crew lifeboats) on the far right.

As for the wrap around balcony, don't even think about it. calling this a large wrap around balcony is like calling 2 adjoining staterooms a large suite. I just sailed in the superior grand on deck 13. There is a divider separating the 2 sections. I was disappointed at first but then realized it is necessary. The wrap around section is facing forward so when you are sailing it would be really windy if it were open. The second reason is privacy. Anyway, the usable space is the same a a regular grand suite.

Thanks for the information. Looks like I should have hit 140 on our Allure cruise and I would love to have a block with that ship. I think I will give C&A a call soon.

What is the crystal block you mention? My husband and I were at 152 points before the cruise last week and we never received anything at the 140 mark.

Fishkillbill, if you book a car service they can pick you up at Hertz and dragging back to the terminal for a taxi. We just did this last week from Avis which is right next door to Hertz. It took some phone communication with driver to clarify but it was pretty convenient.

One thing to keep in mind about carry on bags-yes you can carry similar to what you can carry on a plane. But the rooms usually aren't open until 1 so if you board early you will be stuck dragging your bags with you. If you board after 1, no problem go straight to the room and drop it off. We like to just carry on a shoulder bag so we can maneuver easily and don't have to straight to the room.

Just got off anthem so I can answer a few. You can't carry on luggage but you can carry it off. It was the easiest carry off process I've experienced in the last few years.

Changing dining times shouldn't be an issue if it's just you and your friend. We were always accommodated and told because we are only 2 that is why.

Good luck with ifly. Keep checking the cruise planner to see if something opens up-you might hit it right with timing and someone else's cancellation. I assumed they did not release all reservations in advance and I could do it on board but they was nothing available. Your only option is standby and they were even weird about that-they stopped letting people just wait in line and it was more an issue of being in the right place at the right time. I did get on the last day (5 day cruise) at 9 am. I imagine you'll have better luck on a 9 day. But don't expect to get a reservation when you board. But do put in the effort to get on-it was so worth it.