Photofinish4

RCCL is my favorite they do have so many activities on board. We just got off the Anthem and had a great time. I loved going to the 4 different dining rooms but that will end late Nov. My second favorite is Princess which I will be heading to Hawaii in Feb again. Because RCCL left the west coast I might be doing more Princess so I don't have to fly

We were also on this sailing. One thing I thought was great are the ac vents coming out of the back of the seats in the Royal theater I had never heard anyone mention that before. We had a great cruise, I thought the weather was great except for the last sea day. I loved the idea rotating to the four different restaurants and I feel royal is making a big mistake getting rid of that concept. Now the dinning is just like all the other ships. We enjoyed the escape room, north star(did it twice) and the I fly (did it twice). I thought the food was pretty good not like what a lot of people have been saying. I feel it was over all a great cruise.

we just got off on Sat. We were on the hump cabin 6644 and the bed is by the bathroom. There is no obstruction.

And we'll see how this goes from there! I'm starting this with the intention of following through to a complete "review" or walk-through of our vacation, but we have a lot going on besides the cruise right now so please be patient and forgive me if I have to quit before I'm done! :eek:

 

Today marks just 11 days to embarkation! The anticipation of cruising is *almost* as fun as the cruise itself, and this one is no exception, but we have a big move happening before & after this vacation, so my brain is going crazy! We can't wait to board Anthem at Cape Liberty next Thursday and RELAX after what I know is going to prove to be a stressful couple of weeks.

 

My family is DH (30), me (27), and DS (1.5), and we are traveling with my mom and dad (not posting their ages out of respect :p). We try to do a vacation each year with them, but haven't done a cruise for a few years because we got a little tired of the same Caribbean ports. We actually booked this cruise right after our last vacation together in northern California about a year ago, and are really looking forward to the NE and Canadian ports. My parents will be staying in a Grand Loft Suite and we will be a few doors down in a balcony room on the 8th floor. It'll be interesting to hear what their thoughts are of the genie and other Star Class perks. And to see how we, as their traveling companions, are affected by them (if at all). I should mention, we begin with no expectations that we will see any benefits at all from their genie, since we are not Star Class, other than ease of confirming reservations for dinners that are with them. Just being together and not cooking or cleaning makes an enjoyable vacation for us!

 

We have booked everything in advance... well, kind of. iFly, North Star, Puzzle Room, and all 3 bookable shows are reserved. We also have the 4-Night Dining Package. My parents have booked reservations for specialty dining through RCL Dining for themselves (Wonderland on Day 1, then Chops once, and Jamie's twice later in the cruise). Once we get onboard, they will ask their genie to add us to their reservations for each of those 4 nights. We will not have any drinks packages, as we aren't big drinkers, and this is our first cruise as Diamond members, so we plan to use the lounge for specialty coffees, and happy hour for drinks. Beyond that we don't mind paying for maybe one additional special drink each day for DH and I.

 

We have not booked any excursions or tours through RC or otherwise, but we do have vague plans in mind for each port. Scratch that, we've reserved 4 bikes and a bike trailer in Halifax, but otherwise we plan on doing our own thing, which I will tell you about afterward.

 

Last week we did a lot of cruise shopping, and this weekend we've been trying to get our house purged and packed up. We have furniture being picked up for donation later this week, and our 2 U-Boxes being delivered on Thursday! Tomorrow I'll start doing laundry, and by Wednesday I hope to have all of our cruise suitcases packed up (so nothing for the cruise gets accidentally put in storage!). So exciting! ...Better go now, I'm supposed to be working on packing up the kitchen today, the worst room to pack!

we are also on the same cruise and we are also in the middle of moving. It has been very stressful and hope to relax on the sea days. We have 40 and a half years of stuff. We hope to get our house on the market before we leave.

The D lounge is always available for coffee. & tea. However, opens at 5PM for snacks & drinks. We had a 5:30 dining time and usually got a quick beer & diet coke. We're not big drinkers.

thanks form the quick reply

Sorry for the detailed & lengthy review.

 

Anthem cruise that began on August 25 was my 2nd sail on a Quantum class ship and loved it as much as the previous one. This time around it was much easier as we did not have to battle sleet/snow conditions getting to the pier on a February day. We live in Monmouth County, NJ around Garden State exit 117. It took us approximately 2 hours door to door. A bit of back-up incurred on the turnpike and in dropping off our bags. Parking was a real breeze.

 

Embarkation: Easy as pie. Checking in done via Pads and took about 3-5 minutes to complete task, including our pictures and health information. A bit of foul up in the printing of the sea pass. Usually on other ships the printed sea pass includes all passengers. However, on the Anthem separate printouts are required. No big problem, were directed to a kiosk station inside the terminal and got the second sea pass. Once inside, as Diamond+ members, we avoided the lines and went directly up the ramp leading onto the ship. Cabins became available at approximately 1PM.

 

For lunch we headed to the Windjammer and it was crowded as it is customary on embarkation day on all of the RCL’s ships that we’ve sailed. Typical WJ offerings, except that I noticed a larger selection of fruits and salads, including an ice cream station. Offerings were okay, as buffets go. Got a big surprise on future visits to the WJ and it was the adding of a pasta station—this station was very popular with passengers.

 

After lunch, we explored the ship and a 2 PM went to our cabin and to our surprise our luggage was outside our cabin door. We unpacked our bags and later continued exploring the ship. We wound up by 2x70 when the ship left the pier at 4:15pm. It was a great place to see the ship leaving (add’l info in the tour section of this review.)

 

Cabin: We had #9250 which is the opposite of #9650 that we occupied on the Quantum. It’s a D7 cabin approximately 5 cabins from the elevators—very convenient. It was also what is called on CC a “hump cabin” which encompasses a larger balcony than the average. I don’t recall on other ships whether the balcony sliding doors are locked for both the inside & outside to maintain the air conditioning setting.

 

Dining: For dinner we selected Dynamic Classic with 5:30 seating. The Classic comprised of rotating each night within the 4 complementary restaurants. The wait staff and fellow diners rotated with you. Our 1st was Chic, followed by Grande (formal), Silk & American Icon. We did not know what to expect, but we found the concept quite easy and very accommodating. I had requested, via RCL dining, a table for 2, and were assigned table #125 by the window. The 1st night was the only night that we waited to be seated. On subsequent nights we simply walked in and went to our table.

 

Although subjective, we found the quality and variety to be quite good. Each night we basically began with an appetizer, followed by either salad and soup, main entrée and of course followed by the wonderful desserts. A surprise awaited us the 5th night when we left Bar Harbor, Maine. Our waiter Nemesh (who was fantastic and always a smiling) informed us that Lobster was available, although not on the menu. We thought that it was the usual lobster tail, but to our surprise it was a full lobster sliced in half and the head stuffed with tiny shrimps. Subsequently found out from the Captain that they spent $40k on the lobsters.

 

For breakfast we basically ate at the Windjammer (WJ), Main Dining Room (MDR) and once in the Diamond Lounge. We’re not large breakfast eaters and settled for an occasional omelet. Most of the time, it was coffee, water, fruit and pastries. The night before arriving in Boston we ordered room service for the following morning as we had an early tour. It was a wonderful presentation of fruit, continental breakfast, and a large pot of coffee. Rate this service an A+.

 

Lunch, we frequented the WJ and the MDR on sea days. The WJ had its usual buffet items. However, a welcome addition was the pasta station which was a hit with passengers as there was always a line. You had a choice of marinara, meat and cream sauces to go along with pasta of penne & spaghetti. In the mix was the availability of various vegetables.

 

Specialty restaurant: Had the opportunity to dine in Jamie’s on the 1st nite to take advantage of the D+ BOGO coupon. Began with the meat plank, comprised of mozzarella balls, parmesan cheese, prosciutto, salami, capicolla, caponata & flat bread. The caponata & flat bread was a meal unto itself. Followed by entrees of lamb chops (3) and prawns in marinara sauce over linguini. Had room for dessert. LOL

 

On the 7th nite, we dined at Chops Grille. Began with large shrimp cocktails, French onion soup and the 6oz filet. Enjoyed the filet as one could cut it with a fork. Also followed by dessert of 3 large cookies with vanilla ice cream.

 

To be continued,

What time did they open the diamond lounge? I'm on the Sept.22 cruise with early dining.

Any chance of a West Coast itinerary either from LA or SD.

I was hoping after the 2 coastal cruises they did last year and they were sold out that they might decide to return. They are not providing the west coast people any options but to use another cruise company.

our online check in just opened up for our November cruise on the Anthem. We have a superior ocean view cabin with balcony. In brackets it says smaller balcony. Has anyone had or seen these cabins? How much smaller is the balcony compared to your average one? This is the first I've seen any mention of it being smaller. Thanks in advance!

My info just showed that also and wasn't there before. I called c&a and they told me I have a regular size balcony

thank you for your feed back on your cruise. I'm also on the sept.22 sailing and was glad to see a post cruise post.

We had to get off a cruise half way through because of medical with my mother and we received all our points. Also missed one day of a cruise because of plane delays and received all points. I'm a firm believer of cruise insurance.

I dont think Honey Stung Chicken is available anywhere on any Royal ship anymore. I know its still listed on the room service menu :confused: We were brought chicken tenders.

We had it last sept. I remember it was always in the windjammer on sailing day for lunch. I loved it but now only found it for room service and not as good as I remembered. I think it was still there on my Jan cruise.

I also remember we use to get the fresh fruit and flowers in our room

our first cruise was 1980 on the Nordic Prince. I still have my passenger list and copy of the menus they use to give out. I remember in the wee early mornings you could smell the fresh breads being baked every morning. The waiter would serve you your meal and he would make sure you liked it or want to know if you wanted something else. Back then their tips depended on people being pleased and you personally gave them envelopes with money the last evening. I miss that personal touch. I think once the tips became automatic the service was not as good. I love the good old days, but with bigger ships, more passengers and many more things to do the help seams to be overloaded. I still love cruising and love the new ideas they have come up with. It is nice to have the memories.

Hi all,

I'm back again. And doing another blog.

 

I have just returned from another amazing trip. I didn't make this a LIVE blog due to it being such a busy schedule and not enough time to keep up to date.

 

It was a huge trip. A real "Bucket List trip".

"Around the Horn" of South America on Rhapsody with a few 'side trips'.

The 'side trips' were two days to Iguazu Falls, a few days in Buenos Aires and 21 days to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands. Then Around the Horn. I saw such amazing stuff. Things that nearly made my head explode. You have no idea what it is like to stand on a beach with 400,000 King Penguins!!!! :eek:

 

 

I know people want to hear about the Iguaza Falls trip (as it is a common side trip when cruising) ........... but do you want to hear about Antarctica as well? Let me know!

 

As normal my blog is about the trip rather than life on the ship. I am a boring cruiser - when it comes to reviews and blogs. I really travel for the ports. I go to the Concierge Lounge and explore ports. I don't go to heaps of shows or evening activities. But I will be able to answer some ship questions.

 

So ask away!

 

And my little caveat - This is being done from my notes that I did on the trip.... so there will be tense errors.....and because it is me - there will be (many) spelling mistakes and typos! Life to too exciting for proof reading :D

 

And there will be lots of photos....... I am so proud of some of the photos I took on this trip..so I just have to share!

 

I'll try to remember to keep my actual report in this blue old font - so it is easier to skip to the next part if you want to skip the chat.

 

Raina

Raina you are a wonderful story teller and make people think they are right there with you. Your photos are magnificent and you are one gutsy lady to do all this by yourself. As soon as my husband reads your blog he will want to do this. I bet all your students have great memories of you because you probably made it exciting to learn. Happy traveling

I don't think I'm interested in doing a cruise for visiting AUS and NZ. It would seem that doing it that way would not explore much of the interior. I'm thinking a land tour for down there, although I appreciate the suggestion! I guess with some lengthy excursions the circumnavigation might work for me, but I'm wondering if it could turn into something like people who decided to visit Moscow while the ship was in SPB - talk about a LONG day! Or the 13-hour excursion to Iguazu Falls from BA...think I'll pass on that too.

we did a land tour of Aus, NZ and Figi with a company called Grand Circle. It was great and we added a pre tour to the outback with same company. They also have a sister company called Overseas Adventure Travel ( oat ) WE USED THEM FOR Africa safari, Galapagos, Amazon and Machu Picchu. All wonderful trips

what deck is a good walking deck

Could you clarify what you mean by "We plan on taking ship shuttle back to the airport via 911 memorial"?

 

It's all a function of time, money and stress. Public transit to downtown Manhattan will cost you $22/pp rt, so that's a minimum of $44. From the hotel it will involve going to the P4 Airtrain Staion via hotel shuttle, taking the free Airtrain to the Newark Airport station, taking NJ Transit one stop to Newark Penn Station, taking PATH to World Trade and walking 15-20 minutes to Battery Park/South Ferry to get the SOL ferry.

 

Car rentals at Newark Airport for your date are in the $40-50 range. I'd consider renting a car and driving to Liberty State Park - NJ Turnpike to exit 14B and follow the signs to the park. Tolls are $2.15-3.60 but well worth it. Parking for the SOL is $7. Luggage could be left in the trunk of your car. In the middle of the week I see no reason to prebook SOL tickets from NJ unless you want to go into the pedestal or crown.

 

Also visiting the 911 memorial area the same day is an option. From the SOL you can return by SOL ferry to downtown Manhattan and walk to the 911 memorial area, which is open into the early evening. To get back to Liberty State Park you take the Liberty Landing Ferry from World Financial Center to Liberty Landing where your car will be parked a short distance away. With a SOL ticket stub this is $5/pp - http://www.libertylandingferry.com. Last ferry is 7:45 or 8:45 pm.

At the end of cruise there is a shore excursion that takes you to the 911 memorial and then drops you at the airport. Is there a train that leaves the airport P4 station and has a stop near ( walking distance to Liberty Park NJ)

What's your date and what's your timeline? Are you spending one or two nights? Are you committed to Country Inns? Did you buy their cruise package?

right now we have 2 nights booked . Cruise is Sept 22, but we are thinking of taking a red eye that arrives at 8 am dropping luggage at hotel and then doing Ellis Island and Statute of Liberty and only staying one night. We do have Country Inn booked with shuttle. We plan on taking ship shuttle back to Newark airport via 911 memorial. Wondering if we went back to airport if there was a train transit that went near Liberty Park

We are staying at the Country Inn by the airport in New Jersey.We are wondering if there is a way to go to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty using the transit system? We were going to do this with friends with a car but they are no longer going.

Hi Everyone.....chatted with Princess and it appears that the $31 is for a port tax credit and has nothing to do with the fact the we are boarding late. And yes, she encouraged that we be on board at 3pm due to the contracted workers leaving (porters and security).

If it was port tax credit it would go back to your charge card not onboard credit.

It states it is an operational reason for the late check in and if you notice they are giving each passenger $30.19 in ship board credit.

I'm surprised we even have a lounge to go to. When they started offering the 3 drinks on our cards I figured that was there way of slowly getting rid of the lounges. We usually only go to the diamond lounge or over flow room because that's where we have the most fun.

I think they are showing a double feature The Posiden Adventure and The Titanic. Bonus of the Perfect Storm.

1 shot Baileys

1 shot Kahlua

1 shot Amaretto

top off with milk or cream and ice

Checking Google maps it's 9-10 miles from the Ramada to Liberty State Park, most of which is on the turnpike. Newark Penn Station is closer, but the estimated drive time is similar - about 15 minutes - because of the local streets. Even at rush hour it will be very doable. The turnpike can back up from the Holland Tunnel, but usually not as far as Exit 14B.

 

As I said our family did the Liberty a State Park thing last year by car (I've done the SOL from NY several times) - four of us and an infant. IMO much easier. I was tired, so I just did the ferry ride and went back to the hotel while the others explored Ellis Island. I walked from the SOL ferry over to the Liberty Landing ferry and rode across the channel to Warren St. From there I walked the 4 blocks to the light rail and took it up past Exchange Place to Newport to get back to the Courtyard. Lots of options in this area.

 

Normally having a car in this area is a liability because of the traffic and parking cost, but going round trip to the SOL and lower Manhattan from NJ is the exception. IMO the ferry back is discounted to encourage folks to do just this exact trip.

This seems to be our best option, we won't be that late that we would need to get the path. thank you again