Anthem of the seas review .....

[Stitchman]

Hi all.

Just back from the 22nd of may canaries cruise.

BOARDING ....... faultless.

SHOWS ....... All bookings lost from account.

IFLY ....... booking lost.

ROCK CLIMBING ...... I'm a spider.

270 arena ....... The most stunning and impressive venue.

SEAPLEX ...... lack of seating ruins this area .... but how could you fit it in ??

I can't comment on the speciality restaurants as (apart from the odd "warm meal" the 4 main restaurants were great. However, the best restaurant was divinely decadence...... brilliant !

POOL AREA ...... personally, it's too small, reminded me of island escape ....... sorry :(

NORTH STAR ...... didn't use it due to queues, not that they were too big, I just couldn't be bothered, but it looked great :)

BIONIC BAR ......... quirky but didn't do beer lol.

MUSIC HALL ...... great venue, and I sang with "rock the boat" !!

CASINO ...... rubbish, I lost a grand !! but you can smoke in there :)

JAMIES ITALIAN ....... got a bit of a bad rap on board, didn't use it so I can't really say anything.

ROYAL NIGHT ....... could have been so much more, but due to its lack of advertisement, it lost the edge a bit. Most people hadn't seen it in the cruise compass.

CLASSIC DINING ...... worked very well indeed ... impressed !!

 

OVERALL ....... its a lovely ship, but there were so many people (including myself) that kept comparing it with indy.

It lacks the opulence and grandeur of the voyager and freedom class ships. that's a shame. It feels like they've gone backwards with the quantum class ships.

 

That's my opinion and I'm entitled to it.

However, a lot of people raved about it too.

 

I'm sure I can write much more but if you need answers to any questions, please ask :)

[barneymag]

Hi Stitchman

 

Thanks for posting your review

 

We're on the Anthem in September for a 14 night Med cruise, our first time on a RCI ship - Did you have the drinks package ? We have the Select included but I will upgrade to Premium or Ultimate on the ship .... Did you see how much it was to upgrade ? Also heard that staff/passenger ratios are low compared to Celebrity, don't know if this is all of RCI ships or just Anthem so wondered how was service in bars and restaurants. Finally did you book the shows etc before boarding and did they manage to get you in any of the shows and the Ifly after losing your bookings ??

 

Cheers

[Turtles06]

Finally did you book the shows etc before boarding and did they manage to get you in any of the shows and the Ifly after losing your bookings ??

 

Cheers

 

Stitchman, thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts. We're aboard in Oct. and I'd be curious to know the above as well, particularly how they handled the situation after losing your bookings.

[Stitchman]

Hi Stitchman

 

Thanks for posting your review

 

We're on the Anthem in September for a 14 night Med cruise, our first time on a RCI ship - Did you have the drinks package ? We have the Select included but I will upgrade to Premium or Ultimate on the ship .... Did you see how much it was to upgrade ? Also heard that staff/passenger ratios are low compared to Celebrity, don't know if this is all of RCI ships or just Anthem so wondered how was service in bars and restaurants. Finally did you book the shows etc before boarding and did they manage to get you in any of the shows and the Ifly after losing your bookings ??

 

Cheers

 

I upgraded just myself (Ann doesn't drink) and over 10 nights it was about 130 dollars. I think I had my quoter in a few days. It doesn't take long at their prices tbh.

forgot about the staff thing !!

There just wasn't enough staff to cope with the volume of passengers. It was quite bad. The easiest place for service was the casino. Boleros was really diabolical, and Michaels pub.

none of the shows were at a good time, but wasn't too bothered really. We will rock you was spectacular apparently :)

[Stitchman]

Stitchman, thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts. We're aboard in Oct. and I'd be curious to know the above as well, particularly how they handled the situation after losing your bookings.

 

 

basically a shrugged shoulders approach really re the shows, and how to re book them.

I'm on in October too, on the 24th. It was booked before I travelled on this cruise.

[ententecordiale]

Just back too and adjusting to being back on land, keep bumping into everything!

 

I would agree with most of the above.

270: Magnificent in everyway. Pity more and more people discovered it as the days went by. We loved being there in the afternoons when we got to see artists rehearsing and many other fun activities. The variety of seating is absolutely brilliant. Couldn't get off the large round bamboo comfy seat just looking at the sea in front of us.

 

North Star. We did it twice and didn't queue either time. Quite impressive, but once done, you've done it.

 

I-Fly. Absolutely brilliant. Such a pity they wouldn't let anyone do it again, even paying extra.

 

Shows. 'We will rock you absolutely fab', Spectra, just sublim. The Gift was wierd. Worth seeing for the technology, but like many, couldn't really get my head around it.

 

Staterooms: Fantastic. Everything was thought of, to the extent of the dimmed light in the bathroom at night so as not needing to turn the light on.

 

Agree with swimming pools too small. Great idea to have one covered, but didn't really see any adults in the entire time except for belly flopping time.

 

Gym: Brilliant, really impressed and the classes were very good too.

 

Seaplex: What a fantastic place. Tried to trapeeze and almost collapse before I was told to let go! Bumper cars, great fun for all ages, and no restriction in bumping others, were actually encouraged to do so. We did it 3 or 4 times and never had to wait longer than 10 minutes to get on.

 

Flowrider...what can I say... after watching people giving it a go day after day and confirming that it didn't hurt to fall, we gave it a go and what fun that was! Definitely wished we had tried it sooner.

 

There have been many reviews about the staff lacking in presence and manners (on Quantum mainly) but I found them all delightful and very eager to please.

 

Our only disappointment in comparison to the Adventure of the Sea was the Windjammer. We felt that the layout let it down, all too central and too easy to miss things on the sides. The layout for tea/coffee was all wrong (that was everywhere) with people constantly bumping into each other to get to the water, then the sugar etc... We enjoyed the food there, but it certainly wasn't the quality of the AotS. I supposed the emphasis was on Classic Dining, which indeed, was great on the nights we did it.

 

Some tips if it can help:

Shows in the theatre: Go and grab a seat about an hour before the start. You can only see the stage properly at the front. Quite surprised how poorly visibility was and I had to stand at the back of my seat to see about 3/4 of the stage and these were from far the worse seats. Still felt grateful as some people didn't even get to go in for We Will Rock You despite having reservations.

 

Spectra: We absolutely loved it and went to watch again for a second night on stand-by. Didn't think we were going to get in as even 45 minutes before start of the show, there were already about 25 people queuing without reservation but we all got in and even managed good seats there.

 

Puzzle break: Gutted we didn't get to do it. It wasn't stated on the Compass (or we looked for it and didn't see it), only realised on day 8 that you had to book for it once on the ship. By then it was all booked. Make sure you book it as soon as you can when you're on.

 

Make sure you listen to Captain Klaus announcements. He really made us laugh the entire 10 days!

[Justmekaren918]

Thanks for the honest review. I find that beyond interesting of your thought process between the Freedom/Voyager class to Quantum class!

 

1) How was the Queen show?

1b) What cabin cat., and how was it?

2) Is there a freestyle soda machine?

3) How was the animal thing in person?

[2cruisetogether]

Hi all.

Just back from the 22nd of may canaries cruise.

BOARDING ....... faultless.

SHOWS ....... All bookings lost from account.

IFLY ....... booking lost.

ROCK CLIMBING ...... I'm a spider.

270 arena ....... The most stunning and impressive venue.

SEAPLEX ...... lack of seating ruins this area .... but how could you fit it in ??

I can't comment on the speciality restaurants as (apart from the odd "warm meal" the 4 main restaurants were great. However, the best restaurant was divinely decadence...... brilliant !

POOL AREA ...... personally, it's too small, reminded me of island escape ....... sorry :(

NORTH STAR ...... didn't use it due to queues, not that they were too big, I just couldn't be bothered, but it looked great :)

BIONIC BAR ......... quirky but didn't do beer lol.

MUSIC HALL ...... great venue, and I sang with "rock the boat" !!

CASINO ...... rubbish, I lost a grand !! but you can smoke in there :)

JAMIES ITALIAN ....... got a bit of a bad rap on board, didn't use it so I can't really say anything.

ROYAL NIGHT ....... could have been so much more, but due to its lack of advertisement, it lost the edge a bit. Most people hadn't seen it in the cruise compass.

CLASSIC DINING ...... worked very well indeed ... impressed !!

 

OVERALL ....... its a lovely ship, but there were so many people (including myself) that kept comparing it with indy.

It lacks the opulence and grandeur of the voyager and freedom class ships. that's a shame. It feels like they've gone backwards with the quantum class ships.

 

That's my opinion and I'm entitled to it.

However, a lot of people raved about it too.

 

I'm sure I can write much more but if you need answers to any questions, please ask :)

Great review, we are on it in just over two weeks so always good to to have prior information

[cocacola86]

How is the Anthem as a first RC cruise, we've only gone on Carnival and were booked on the Anthem for next year

[Stitchman]

Just back too and adjusting to being back on land, keep bumping into everything!

 

I would agree with most of the above.

270: Magnificent in everyway. Pity more and more people discovered it as the days went by. We loved being there in the afternoons when we got to see artists rehearsing and many other fun activities. The variety of seating is absolutely brilliant. Couldn't get off the large round bamboo comfy seat just looking at the sea in front of us.

 

North Star. We did it twice and didn't queue either time. Quite impressive, but once done, you've done it.

 

I-Fly. Absolutely brilliant. Such a pity they wouldn't let anyone do it again, even paying extra.

 

Shows. 'We will rock you absolutely fab', Spectra, just sublim. The Gift was wierd. Worth seeing for the technology, but like many, couldn't really get my head around it.

 

Staterooms: Fantastic. Everything was thought of, to the extent of the dimmed light in the bathroom at night so as not needing to turn the light on.

 

Agree with swimming pools too small. Great idea to have one covered, but didn't really see any adults in the entire time except for belly flopping time.

 

Gym: Brilliant, really impressed and the classes were very good too.

 

Seaplex: What a fantastic place. Tried to trapeeze and almost collapse before I was told to let go! Bumper cars, great fun for all ages, and no restriction in bumping others, were actually encouraged to do so. We did it 3 or 4 times and never had to wait longer than 10 minutes to get on.

 

Flowrider...what can I say... after watching people giving it a go day after day and confirming that it didn't hurt to fall, we gave it a go and what fun that was! Definitely wished we had tried it sooner.

 

There have been many reviews about the staff lacking in presence and manners (on Quantum mainly) but I found them all delightful and very eager to please.

 

Our only disappointment in comparison to the Adventure of the Sea was the Windjammer. We felt that the layout let it down, all too central and too easy to miss things on the sides. The layout for tea/coffee was all wrong (that was everywhere) with people constantly bumping into each other to get to the water, then the sugar etc... We enjoyed the food there, but it certainly wasn't the quality of the AotS. I supposed the emphasis was on Classic Dining, which indeed, was great on the nights we did it.

 

Some tips if it can help:

Shows in the theatre: Go and grab a seat about an hour before the start. You can only see the stage properly at the front. Quite surprised how poorly visibility was and I had to stand at the back of my seat to see about 3/4 of the stage and these were from far the worse seats. Still felt grateful as some people didn't even get to go in for We Will Rock You despite having reservations.

 

Spectra: We absolutely loved it and went to watch again for a second night on stand-by. Didn't think we were going to get in as even 45 minutes before start of the show, there were already about 25 people queuing without reservation but we all got in and even managed good seats there.

 

Puzzle break: Gutted we didn't get to do it. It wasn't stated on the Compass (or we looked for it and didn't see it), only realised on day 8 that you had to book for it once on the ship. By then it was all booked. Make sure you book it as soon as you can when you're on.

 

Make sure you listen to Captain Klaus announcements. He really made us laugh the entire 10 days!

 

we found it but couldn't get booked. It was just outside the seaplex starboard.

Thank you for adding to my review. its a nuisance doing it on your phone lol.

Did you see me ? I won the music quiz in 270 lol :)

[Stitchman]

Thanks for the honest review. I find that beyond interesting of your thought process between the Freedom/Voyager class to Quantum class!

 

1) How was the Queen show?

1b) What cabin cat., and how was it?

2) Is there a freestyle soda machine?

3) How was the animal thing in person?

 

like I said, it's my opinion and I wouldn't say anything against Quantum class. which I haven't.

everybody loved we will rock you.

cabin 7458

not sure

and very big and bright .......

[Single Cruiser]

Interesting review..

 

Sounds like you spent a lot of time in the ca$ino after not getting to see your booked shows. :eek:

 

How was the onboard tech like using the rfid tags for luggage or your wristband for purchasing drinks etc?

 

What time did the nightclub (music hall? ) finish or was it like Indy where it's dead after 1AM?

[intothevoid0214]

How is the Anthem as a first RC cruise, we've only gone on Carnival and were booked on the Anthem for next year

 

For a first Royal cruise I really would've gone with either a Voyager Class or Freedom class.

I haven't sailed on Oasis class yet (that is my next cruise) but the AOTS and FOTS class ships are just incredible and so easy to get around.

[Stitchman]

Interesting review..

 

Sounds like you spent a lot of time in the ca$ino after not getting to see your booked shows. :eek:

 

How was the onboard tech like using the rfid tags for luggage or your wristband for purchasing drinks etc?

 

What time did the nightclub (music hall? ) finish or was it like Indy where it's dead after 1AM?

 

wow bands worked really well most of the time.

We used to dance (outside boleros at the entrance) until about 2 and loads of punters inside. but they close the bar at half 1.

I just hate the fact that RCI are just about the sea days rather than port intensive.

Edited June 1, 2015 by Stitchman

[cocacola86]

We're 347 days out, how far in a advance can you book dining, entertainment?

[silentbob007]

I kind of like the WJ (improvement over Oasis class). In fact, it's just the buffet from the X Solstice class ... perhaps that's why I liked it since I already knew where to look for things.

[barneymag]

How did you find the food in the 4 main complimentary restaurants ? I've checked out the typical menus and like the look of Grande, Chic and Silk in that order .... American Icon doesn't look like it ticks many boxes for me 😕

 

Also on the longer cruise did they vary the menus in these restaurants ?? Did they change them each night or alternate nights or alternate weeks ??? How did you find it compared to the normal 1 main dining room offering a different menu every night ?

[Stitchman]

How did you find the food in the 4 main complimentary restaurants ? I've checked out the typical menus and like the look of Grande, Chic and Silk in that order .... American Icon doesn't look like it ticks many boxes for me 😕

 

Also on the longer cruise did they vary the menus in these restaurants ?? Did they change them each night or alternate nights or alternate weeks ??? How did you find it compared to the normal 1 main dining room offering a different menu every night ?

 

they had 2 menus in each restaurant . The food was great but I still prefer the mdr. I felt the windjammer was a joke. people pushing and poking all the time. but a great selection of food. but that's not my idea of enjoyment. and having to find your own table. maybe I'm a snob, but I just know what I prefer.

[barneymag]

they had 2 menus in each restaurant . The food was great but I still prefer the mdr. I felt the windjammer was a joke. people pushing and poking all the time. but a great selection of food. but that's not my idea of enjoyment. and having to find your own table. maybe I'm a snob, but I just know what I prefer.

 

Must admit that i always use MDR for Dinner, Lunch on Sea days and Breakfast if room service not possible .... I dislike the bun fight in all buffet restaurants on any ship, pushing, shoving, hygiene issues and then having to find a seat and "guard it" during the rest of your meal

 

Out of interest on Anthem how often did they change/rotate the two menus in the 4 restaurants ? Was this daily rotation or weekly ??

[gizmo911]

I kind of like the WJ (improvement over Oasis class). In fact, it's just the buffet from the X Solstice class ... perhaps that's why I liked it since I already knew where to look for things.

 

Hi Chris, I am unable to open the Chris's guide for budget travel document. I received an error alert. Is this no longer assessable, and would you mind helping me retrieve or send email. Thanks, Ramona

Edited June 2, 2015 by gizmo911

[little britain]

Well, we were always going to disagree :rolleyes: but I really must question

It lacks the opulence and grandeur of the voyager and freedom class ships. that's a shame. It feels like they've gone backwards with the quantum class ships.

. I cannot see how you can say that the shoe-box ambiance of the Royal Promenade is more enticing and exciting and interesting than the wonderful design, décor and layout of Anthem.:cool:

 

 

If anyone wants a slightly more positive review feel free to read mine and ask questions - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2211126

Edited June 2, 2015 by little britain

[Bobal]

I cannot see how you can say that the shoe-box ambiance of the Royal Promenade is more enticing and exciting and interesting than the wonderful design, décor and layout of Anthem.:cool:

 

]

 

That was my thought when I read this review. Some things I agreed with (270 is a wonderful space) some I disagreed with - and some weren't really reviews were they, just comments about not doing shows/activities.

 

However, I'm at a loss as to how someone could prefer the decor on Voyager and Freedom class ships over the stylish and chic look of the Anthem. Opulence and grandeur are definitely not descriptions I would use for Freedom/Voyager

[Enforcer]

Hi All,

 

Having just got off this cruise I can say it is a beautiful ship that is stunning.

I do have a few gripes but they didn't have much or any effect on my holiday.

The checking in / boarding process was excellent as long as you have fully compleated the on-line process, it took us about 10 minutes from having

our luggage taken from our car to being checked by the lady with the iPad to going through the security to getting on board ship.

 

As it has been said the shows were brilliant we saw "We will rock you" great, "Spectras caberet" very entertaining, comedian very funny, "The Gift" not to my taste, didn't understand it, maybe the technology went over my head as I didn't get it. The Beatles tribute band were really good.

 

The dining experience is different to any other cruise we have been on, I know they call it "Dynamic Dining" but there is nothing dynamic about it, it's just different. My problem with it is that the menus for all of the different dining rooms were the same throughout the cruise, there is a selection of about 5 main courses that are particular to that dining room then every dining room has the classic options. They need to change the menu every couple of days because you get bored with the same offerings. To me it is as though they are trying you to use the specialty dining options where you pay an extra charge. The best complimentary restaurant was the "Divinly Decadance" (formaly know as The Solarium Bistro) They do say that you don't have to book just turn up at the restaurant of your choice, not advisable if you want peak times or a table for a large party, I saw many peole trying to get large tables that they had booked prior to the cruise but had been split up by the computer system. We had booked several restaurants on-line but it didn't resemble our cruise calendar on the TV system. To me, there was a sense of ironing out the gremlins before the ship goes to the American market. The 270 cafe (Park Cafe on other ships) is really great for breakfast and lunch.

 

270 is an amazing place, the technology in there cost more than the first Royal Caribbean ship!

 

Some of the locks in the public toilets don't work, you can be sat there riding the porcelain horse and someone comes in. The flush works on a light sensor so it is difficult to flush, it is though you have to leave the cubicle so that no shadow covers the sensor, bit hard if you have a double flusher! What did shock me a little was as the ship has only done a few cruises there were signs of wear and tear around the ship such as tables and chairs with lumps out of them, cabinetary in the stateroom not fitting propery also safe not working, the lift to the North Star not working as it had been damaged in a storm etc.

 

We had an accesible room which was really good and met my needs the (slightly funny and embarrasing) thing was, in the UK we don't have light switches in bathrooms but the accesible toom has an automatic door opener where a Brit would expect the light switch to be so my wife on several occasions opened the door whilst I was in a state of undress (not a pretty sight) and as everyone knows when you are walking down the corridor if you see an open door you look in. Luckily no body passed.

 

The amount of people we spoke to that said "what a great ship but we prefer the Indy" was considerable. I do think the opulence and grandeur is better on the Indy.

 

Pete

[CCFC]

Did you get the classic dining table size you requested and did you have any empty seats? (Assuming you didn't do a table for two!)

 

Two weeks to go!

[little britain]

The amount of people we spoke to that said "what a great ship but we prefer the Indy" was considerable. I do think the opulence and grandeur is better on the Indy.

 

Pete

 

...still shaking my head in disbelief. :rolleyes: