VernRDH

We were at Coco Cay today on Anthem. Only ship there. Windy day but nice temp and sunny blue skies. The ocean was cool, but the pool was COLD! Went back to the ship to sit in the hot tub in the Solarium. We have never paid for anything there, just don't see the need to, but to each their own. We have been there at least 8 times, both before the "perfecting" and after. I like it way more now and agree that the food options and the pool are huge plusses. We were in Labadee twice last year and did not enjoy it as much. We are at a point where destinations are not as important as just being away and relaxing. We are doing this same itinerary in October and again in February next year.

We are on Anthem and ate at Jamie's on night 2. Two of us, we had the creamy burrata and the arincini for apps, the beef short ribs and the Calabrian chicken for mains and pavlova and the cheesecake for dessert. You could ask for additional sides, we didn't but the table next to us did. We found we could easily share. Jamie's is not my favorite, but I like it much better than new Giovanni's. My fave is old Giovanni's, love the pork belly. We haven't had the meat plank, but it looks like a lot of food. They do aim to please, we found the service to be excellent, so with a larger group I am sure they will be glad to bring extra sides for you. Enjoy your trip!

We had 10 am boarding time for Anthem yesterday. No one checked times at all. Everyone allowed in upon arrival. Might have been due to the fact it was about 10 degrees outside. We did wait about 10 more minutes after check in to board. Still on ship by 10:45am. There was no way they were going to have people waiting outside in that cold.

Since we are now cruising/travelling multiple times per year, we opted for a yearly plan through Allianz. I hope we never have to use it, but we do feel better knowing we have it.

Have never had a problem getting distilled water from cabin steward. Or we have asked concierge in D lounge, always been delivered.

Money not a concern really, I know I get more benefit using it for dinner, but we would rather use it for lunch.

we just made D+, so this will be our first time using this benefit. I will see what happens when we go on day 2.

Thanks. We booked Jamies on day 2 and Chops on day 8, both for lunch. If we get the BOGO, it's great, but the sale prices were decent enough that I don't mind paying for it. But BOGO is even better.

Is the BOGO only able to be used for dinner or can you use it for lunch? We did pre book lunch at Chops and Jamie's on our upcoming Anthem cruise.

We play roulette, always $5 minimum. Haven't played blackjack in a while, so can't say what those minimums are. Service fee applies if you take cash off your card at the tables.

Anthem Feb 4, 8 night PC, Miami, Nassau and PDCC Liberty 5/23 4 night Canada TBD for October, but probably Anthem again

We have been to Horseshoe bay, it can be VERY crowded, depends on when you go. This August we did the Secluded beach excursion through RCI. Small beach just up the road from Horseshoe, just our group of 22. Stopped at grocery store on the way there, two brothers do the tour, very nice and informative. We even saw a wedding. Water was gorgeous and there was a cove a short walk away where the water was shallow and calm, great for little ones. Was probably the best beach trip we have had.

I will be thrilled with Odyssey in NJ in 2024! Don't get me wrong, I love Anthem, but like Odyssey more. Symphony would be fine too, just nice to have some different ships.

We love Anthem, and not just because she is in the closest port to us. We have enjoyed the Solarium immensely, especially on sea days. We do not sail during busy times generally, so have not had issues with crowds really. We also loved Odyssey, really like the Quantum class. Not a fan of Oasis class, but that's us. My goal is to sail all the RCI ships at least once, so I will have to do those bigger ships at some point.

Having been on both, agree Odyssey has the "new car smell". It was my first Quantum class ship and I loved it. Playmakers, El loco fresh pluses in my book. Not a fan of either Jamie's Italian or Giovanni's, but YMMV. We are in NY, so Anthem is our closest ship, so we will be on her more often. Yeah, not a huge fan of the MDR on Anthem, but like the outdoor WJ seating. Either is a good choice.

Thanks for the replies! We would have gotten the first one on Freedom last year and should get one on Anthem this Feb. Will they give it to you if you hit the milestone during the cruise? We are on an 8 night, and only need 3 points to hit 210. Glad it wasn't on Adventure this August, the LA was TERRIBLE! Could not be bothered when I went to ask a question. Ignored me then said she had to leave for a meeting, even though there was still 30 minutes left in her posted hours. Had to go back later, again ignored me then finally answered my question ( which was what FILs C&A number is) but had an attitude the whole time. Made sure to note her name and put it on my survey. I don't expect her to blow sunshine up my backside but at least act like you care.

So we have never gotten a block,never been told about it. Can someone refresh my memory as to when you get them? We are D+ with 207 points. Not that I necessarily need more stuff,but would at least like to be offered! Thank you

It is what happened, but as she has now made diamond of her own accord, nothing I can do I don't think.

Just a thought about 15 yo son: when he turns 18, his status will change. He will only have the credits for cruises he has actually been on. This happened with DD, who is now 23. We were Diamond before she turned 18, but then her status changed because she had only earned Emerald. She just made Diamond this summer after our 9 night Adventure cruise booked during double points promo. We, however are now D+.

Yes it's far to get to Disney. We are WDW veterans, and aren't interested in thrill rides. We are going to go to EPCOT, as the Festival of the arts will be happening. We know our time is limited, but DH and DD did it pre COVID, so we know it can be done. To some it may be "a waste of money" but it is the only excursion we will do this cruise. To each their own.

Excursions are available now. We booked the Disney transfer. I was worried for a while when PC wasn't even listed! We are on the same Anthem sailing as you are in February

Izumi is one of our favorite restaurants. I am allergic to shellfish, but the have always been able to accommodate me. Love the futomaki roll. The udon, if the have it, is fantastic! The steak one is made with filet, so tender. We split the one prix fixe meal as it is a lot of food. Chicken kara-age, futomaki roll and udon or teriyaki. The chocolate cake for dessert. Looking forward to it in 3 months on Anthem!

We were wondering the same. We are also on the 2/4 Anthem sailing and concerned about when excursions will be available. Hoping for a Disney transfer, but would at least like some choices.

I agree, can't say I am at all interested in Icon. It's a floating water park. I know young families will be attracted by it, guess that means more room and lower prices on the older smaller ships. Only thing I liked that I saw was the infinite balcony, but not enough to deal with the rest.

On Adventure this August we saw staff putting sticky notes on unattended chairs. Problem was people were in the pool or hot tub or had gone to get a bite to eat. So those folks came back maybe 10 minutes later to find a note on their chair. Pissed them off. I will not apologize for using a chair in the shade all day. DH and I like the quieter spaces, so we tend to go further away from the pool in the Solarium. On sea days, that is where we stay. We may go in the hot tub or pool for a bit, but we enjoy relaxing there, enjoying the view, making new friends or just reading or playing games.