Frick_&_Frack

I've been following you and your husbands review and it's great. We're going on the Anthem in July. P.S. - we're practically neighbors. We live in Farmingdale and my husband grew up in Levittown.

Yes, definitely a small world. I'm sorry about the scuba thing for you. I would like to try Snuba sometime. Or those underwater scooters.

Thanks, Sheryl. I cannot Snuba either (same medical form - drats!). But, I may try to snorkel. Hope you get to try Snuba!

And lettrich - Hi to others from Farmingdale!!!! (sorry for the slight thread highjack!)

Remember, the 3 points would be for a solo in a suite.

Yes, I travel solo since my DH passed (in a full suite - Star Class). It wasn't correct on their website, so I reached out to them to see if they will, in fact, credit me using 3 points (and not 2).

The Genie made all my reservations (iFly, Northstar). Met me at the location a few minutes prior to the reserved time. I didn't feel like it was "too much" (unless I just meshed with my Genie really well). She had a "plan" for me based upon my e-mail and then we just had to tweak it a bit during the week (like when I bailed on a show and wanted to have dinner earlier - handled quickly). I'm pretty low maintenance, but wouldn't dream of sailing without a Genie.

(and, Clarea - thanks! on the points item. I didn't realize solo's get 3 points. I have to check my account for this past cruise.)

Glad to see Sharon Hinds is still handling this. She dealt with my DH's food allergies and other medical issues and was always on top of all the communications. A great person to deal with.

Hi Sheryl & Family -

Thanks so much for the live review, I truly enjoyed it (and belated Happy Anniversary!). Happy to hear you're feeling better (sorry about the ER on your return home - ugh). Glad your DH got his certification (and sorry your DS had issues). I was following closely since it's my dream to SCUBA (but, the doctor just smashed my hopes last week). Just wanted you to know that I really enjoyed your take on Anthem!

FYI - I'm from Farmingdale, but my Mom lives in Wantagh. Small world. :cool:

Definitely let your Genie know. I know mine always circled during dinner to see how things were going (and, if not towards the end of dinner, then she caught up with me the next day to ask how dinner was). They cannot address service issues if they are not aware of them. Not sure what can be done regarding food quality - but they should be aware of that as well.

Hi There!

I received the "generic" questionnaire on 02/21 (for a 03/12 sailing) with my first contact from my Genie on 02/28 (for a 03/12 sailing). So, I would think the Genie would be reaching out shortly to you.

I did not take yoga, etc., sorry, can't be of any assistance on those.

I had a fantastic cruise and can't wait for my next one!

Happy Cruising!

Thanks so much. I really appreciate the feedback. Personally, love the early hours (as I get up "late" at 5am). Enjoy!

Thanks for doing this live review! If you would post your DH and DS's thoughts on the SCUBA class, I'd appreciate it very much (I'm thinking of doing it next March).

Enjoy every minute of the Anthem!

Loving the food porn - showing me all the items that I didn't try! Glad you're enjoying and happy the ship is repaired. Hope a good night of rest will help your back! Thanks for this live review!

I can tell you that the prices for the 2 BR ATS are absolutely skyrocketing !!

 

My first 2 BR ATS (8330 on Harmony Feb 2017) was base priced at $5549 PP (prior to any discounts).

My second 2 BR ATS (9730 on Harmony Sept. 2017) is $5713 PP

The price on my third 2 BR ATS (8330 on Harmony for Feb 2019) is $9998 PP

 

That is almost double what I paid earlier this year. I think the popularity of these rooms combined with the Star Class perks has made them valuable and Royal seems to be pricing them to a level where they are going to see how high they can go before they see a drop in demand.

 

I generally receive a very good casino rate discount (so far at least) so they are still within reach but I don't know where this tops out. Much higher and they will be too pricey for me !!!

I cruise solo - Sky Loft (well, now "Star Loft"). For Sept 2018 - it's gone up by 50% over what I paid for the 2017 (and March 2018) cruises. It was quite a bit of sticker shock to have to fork that much more over. :eek: Let's hope the service continues like what I just experienced (which was amazing).

Of the 3 Aft H6's I've been in (all the others were inside the Haven itself), one butler was good, one was fine, the last (Escape) was just awful (as in bringing foods that I kept telling her I was highly allergic to, into the suite). I tried to speak to her about it, then the concierge, but they never corrected it. After a few days, I just put it on the balcony each time (and my room steward got a nice tip for having to deal with it all - and, yes, he tried to talk to her too).

I think it's luck of the draw; however, all my "inside" the Haven were really excellent. (It's been mentioned that, since I'm solo now, they may have thought I'd tip less?) YMMV

I will let you know if Jennifer gives birth when were back on in May lol! Anyone know the Giraffe's name ? :)

 

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The Giraffe's name is Gigi. :D For those who want the backstory - it's here: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/connect/all-about-the-giant-giraffe-on-anthem-of-the-seas/

Glad you and the Mrs. are having such a great time! Can't wait for more updates!

The label said no hot beverages on the cup.

I brought my own Tervis for coffee; HOWEVER, I used one of their clean cups to get coffee and pour into my own (hygiene reasons). :D

I know someone in my group didn't have sneakers on and they gave him shoes from the rock climbing wall (he had socks on). So, maybe they do that if there are those shoes available at the time.

Great Live Thread. Thanks so much for doing this. I feel like I'm back aboard! Enjoy - Anthem is a great ship!

I was on 9 and spent all day in the hot tub when I was on the Sky. Loved every minute of it. Now every balcony pales since they don't have a hot tub! ;p I used it practically from right after the boat drill until sunset each day. I would think, even with an overnight, you would still use it (and, what better way to end the day - even in port - talking about everything while relaxing in the hot tub). :D

Thanks for the review for Oasis. I just did it on Anthem, the only downer was they couldn't get a cabana on CoCoCay. So I wonder if it's different between the two islands? (Didn't matter as we had to bypass CoCoCay anyway this time due to weather). I'm just curious (since I'm on Allure and Labadee is a port and I want a cabana there). I guess it would be similar to Oasis?

I'm glad you had a super time! Sounds like your genie did a great job for you!

I didn't try to complete any; however, as soon as I got to my cabin, I did it on the TV - was super-fast.

Sorry to hear about the Star Class issues you're having. I hope they smooth out for you. I'm surprised they didn't have it "together" since this isn't a maiden voyage (where you expect lots of "issues"). I'll be having my first go at it in a few hours when I get on Anthem....I hope there aren't too many bumps there.

Safe travels (and Tim Horton's is a MUST)! Poor Lucy... :(

Remember that there is the new terminal now and things run much better than in the past.

Last time I was there was in 2006. My husband refused to go back there (LOL) - said it was too much of a cluster. :eek: If you cruised then, you'll know what I mean with the long traffic lines for hours, the bus to the ship, etc. etc.

I'm going to try to follow you posting/scopes while I'm on Anthem next week (can't believe that cruise is here - took my first advice about the "newer" RCCL and "genies" from you!). My Mom is sad that she'll miss listening to your scopes since I'll be away. LOL

Thanks for the posts on timing. I know the Genie hasn't pressed me for an arrival time yet (last time I was out of that cruise port - well, was long enough ago that I barely recall - except for traffic lines that were ugly).

Thank you - every bit of information helps!

What time did you arrive at the port? I know they say traffic does get congested - so, I'm trying to figure out the timing.

Thanks!