Anthem live review 12/12-12/19/2015

[Coochuck]

Did you notice if they broadcast NFL Games on the Pool Deck large screen for Sunday and Monday Night Football?

[klass2]

Day 7 compass:

 

Day 7 daily planner:

[njmomof2]

Thanks for these additional posts.

 

Did anyone notice (or is it just me because I proofread so much for my job every day) that the menu is called "Opulence" and the blue bar on the Royal IQ app calls it "Opulance"? Really, can't anyone spell these days?

 

Seriously, while I agree it doesn't take away from my cruise if someone is not formally dressed, but if you're going to book a restaurant that has a more formal dress code, why can't you just follow it? If you don't want to dress up, then eat at any of the other dining areas. It's not like you only have that and the Windjammer to choose from. I have both of my boys with dress shirts, ties and dress pants. The older one has a lovely new jacket we bought for his winter dance. Younger one is growing so fast that I can't get one to fit him more than one time, so he goes with just a vest. But I think they will look nice enough for a well dressed restaurant.

 

Tshirt in a formal restaurant? Nothing left to say.

Edited December 18, 2015 by njmomof2

[klass2]

Did you notice if they broadcast NFL Games on the Pool Deck large screen for Sunday and Monday Night Football?

 

 

Sure did! DH is a bit of a fantasy football addict which is one reason why he couldn't do without the internet package. It's playoff time for fantasy.

 

They had 4 games on the bigscreen on Sunday, Monday night's game and last night they had the Thursday night game on too.

 

They also show the games down in Michaels pub.

[CheerMom15]

Thanks for these additional posts.

 

Did anyone notice (or is it just me because I proofread so much for my job every day) that the menu is called "Opulence" and the blue bar on the Royal IQ app calls it "Opulance"? Really, can't anyone spell these days?

 

Seriously, while I agree it doesn't take away from my cruise if someone is not formally dressed, but if you're going to book a restaurant that has a more formal dress code, why can't you just follow it? If you don't want to dress up, then eat at any of the other dining areas. It's not like you only have that and the Windjammer to choose from. I have both of my boys with dress shirts, ties and dress pants. The older one has a lovely new jacket we bought for his winter dance. Younger one is growing so fast that I can't get one to fit him more than one time, so he goes with just a vest. But I think they will look nice enough for a well dressed restaurant.

 

Tshirt in a formal restaurant? Nothing left to say.

 

I feel the same way. While my husband doesn't love to get dressed up, he does it for me. We are the classic dining but he will have a suit if I can't sucker him into wearing a tux. I've never seen him in one before so it may be my only chance (we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary on the cruise)! I, personally, would be embarrassed if my DH wore a t shirt into a formal restaurant!

[klass2]

And now it's time for some odds and ends when it comes to photos.

 

The current crown and anchor coupons/specials/discounts for platinum level:

 

If you are taking a little one and taking a stroller in a standard cabin things can be tight. We take a small sturdy umbrella type stroller (Maclaren quest) on our cruises. When not using it we have collapsed it and put it under the bed or inside the armoire/closer area.

 

I have seen this stroller outside this room on deck 12 quite a few times.

 

The hallway there is quite wide so it being out there doesn't in any way impede the flow of traffic. This is room 12160. So any rooms below or above would have a similar hallway footprint. And likewise the room 12560 would be the same. But whether or not they would allow strollers out will probably vary from week to week. Because I don't think I have ever seen an official policy about it.

 

I did read on CC about a policy mandating medical scooters be stored in the cabin though.

 

And down in the shops I think there has been an increase in the cost of these ships. I swear they were $39 or maybe $35 on the allure and oasis...

But this one has a moveable North Star so surely that makes it worth the extra $10...

 

 

This morning I woke up. Had a quick bite to eat in the windjammer and then went down to wait for the shops to open. My mistake. The $10 t-shirt sale started right when the shops open. Large crowds. Craziness. Madness.

 

Afterwards I went to drop stuff off in my cabin, checked into my flight on the southwest app and have been sitting in the solarium for a long time.

 

Devinely decadence opened at noon. I popped in to get a snack. No chicken enchiladas! I'm so sad. I had visions of a large portion of them today. So this means they rotate out their menu for lunch.

 

Those of you who will take the same trip, go on day 6 and get the enchiladas.

 

It's a rainy dreary day today. The solarium is packed.

 

Nothing interests me until 6pm. So it's time for me to relax and enjoy the day with a cocktail in hand.

[Coochuck]

Sure did! DH is a bit of a fantasy football addict which is one reason why he couldn't do without the internet package. It's playoff time for fantasy.

 

They had 4 games on the bigscreen on Sunday, Monday night's game and last night they had the Thursday night game on too.

 

They also show the games down in Michaels pub.

 

Thank You so much...will be boarding the Anthem tomorrow morning...nice to know I'll get my football fix after dinner on Sunday and Monday evening!

[klass2]

DH took some pics of the Xbox room for me today.

 

The big screen has soccer but the little screens had CoD on them. I've seen CoD on the big tv too.

 

DH says that when you start up the Xbox you have a choice of several games. He thinks halo, soccer or CoD.

[robtulipe]

I'm sorry. I have been looking for that info for you.

 

When setting up Internet I don't think there is an option for that. But we are platinum and they had our 15% discount tied into the Royal IQ app when we bought. So maybe your discount will be there when you log in?

 

Also on today's "late night/early morning show" Abe did mention something about a 60 minute internet package. I was half watching and getting dressed so I didn't get all the info. I was hoping it would be in the compass today but it's not.

 

I will try to find more out when I can. Sorry you haven't been able to get a good answer.

That consecutive 60 minute internet special is usually offered on the last full day at a lower price than the daily rate for those who simply want to check in for their disembarkation day flight home and don't need nor want a full day of internet. We seen that offered for at least the last few years on the RCI cruises we have done.

 

It might be because you had the Royal IQ app for all of your cruise and used that to set up your internet package that the total time onboard options may have been the only ones showing. It may be one must use the regular Wi-Fi logon/set up web page to get all internet options.

 

On our Freedom cruises RC didn't offer that app so we set up our internet using the log on/set up page when one went onto the ship's Wi-Fi with our laptop computer. Once you log on with your folio #, last name and birthdate it showed what internet options, including cost, were available, what your C&A credit was and the net cost to you after your credit was applied. There was a total/rest of cruise package for one and two devices and the consecutive 24 hour session one device only. The latter could only be gotten one at a time and not multiples at one log in. On the last day the consecutive 60 minutes session appeared.

Thank you for your effort and response.

Edited December 18, 2015 by robtulipe

[Blondynka]

Thanks for your review! We are on the 12 night sailing on Jan 25th. Just wondering if there were any headline or comedy shows during your cruise?

 

Thanks so much!

[klass2]

Thanks for your review! We are on the 12 night sailing on Jan 25th. Just wondering if there were any headline or comedy shows during your cruise?

 

 

 

Thanks so much!

 

 

 

 

Yes there was a headliner on day 3 or 4 maybe? I can't recall his name, but if you scroll up you can find this info in the compass for that day. Kenny James maybe? We did not go. He was a singer.

 

We also did not go and see the comedian. There was one bc I heard people talking about it but I missed the info about it. We stayed busy though.

 

Speaking of things I haven't seen--the stowaway piano player. Haven't seen him or eve heard people talking about him.

[klass2]

Today we have been putzing around. About 2 o'clock we headed to Johnny Rockets for some onion rings and Milkshakes.

 

The walk on deck 14 from the solarium to JR was cold and wet. Buuurrrrr. Welcome back to winter.

 

I snapped this pic bc it was the only time I didn't see a long line at the ice cream machine:

 

This is located starboard side on deck 14 by the sky bar.

 

We took or Johnny Rockets food to the windjammer and noticed they had heater on blowing warm air. It felt good bc we were chilly outside waiting for our food.

 

After eating we went to do some more FaceTime with my mom and the plumber.

 

Then down to deck 4/5 to do some more shopping for souvenirs.

 

We hung out in the shore excursions area bc it was quiet and close to everything. DH was researching plumbing stuff, prices and costs hence the scowl.

 

 

After that we went back to our cabin to drop some stuff off.

 

Tonight we have no plans other than seeing a virtual symphony in the 270 area and maybe watching a game and attending the silent dance party.

 

For dinner I think we may just snack at various venues or try room service.

 

 

Day 7 adventure ocean:

 

[SportsFanatic]

I wanted to walk through the casino at least once so we did and walked forward to the music hall area and there is a cool hallway with funky decor and seating. We also ran into another CC friend there and chatted a bit.

 

 

We had a good amount of time to kill before our 1045 reservation to see spectra's cabaret.

 

We watched a singer in the music hall for a bit. Entertaining and she had great stage presence but she was not a great singer IMO. People were having fun dancing and listening to her though and that's what counts.

 

I caught up on some posting for this thread and DH sipped a drink and entertained himself with his phone too.

 

So as we headed to the show I told DH that we might not like it and we could always leave early.

 

So many mixed reviews about it.

 

Before the show we ordered the cotton candy martini and the crescendo citrus one.

 

 

 

I am not a martini person at all. 2 tiny sips of those and my throat burned. Ugh. Even though they were fruity and sweet martinis still too much for me.

 

Again this is where I like having a drink package so I don't feel guilty about wasting a drink.

 

The show was great. I loved it. The music was more to my liking. Upbeat contemporary music with lots of bass. Kind of like being in a night club. The technology was pretty cool too.

 

It was kind of psychedelic and trippy at times but overall I loved it. DH liked it too.

 

I would see that over we will rock you any day. But we all have different taste so it's nice to have a variety. Sometimes I feel that event for the cruise are either geared towards and older generation (I'm genX, 39 yo) or to a much younger one and then I feel old or to kids.

 

When will Royal get rid of the 1970s party and go with an 80s party? I think it's high time for that... But they didn't ask me. Lol

 

After the show we went to music hall to dance but ended up sitting and watching and listening to music. I was still kind of sore and achy so not up to it.

 

I fell asleep pretty quick. This concludes day 5.

 

Sea day tomorrow.

 

 

Do you think children would like these shows or are they geared more towards adults? Bringing my 8 and 10 year old grandchildren

[klass2]

Do you think children would like these shows or are they geared more towards adults? Bringing my 8 and 10 year old grandchildren

 

 

Lucky kids! You are a fun grand parent.

 

I think we will rock you might get a bit long. The gift is shorter but we didn't stay. Spectra's Cabernet is bright and LOUD and full of pumping upbeat music so it would keep their attention for sure.

 

I saw kids at all performances. There is a little language and sexual innuendo in we will rock you. But it will probably go over their head.

 

I will say that when I have taken my kids on cruises (the allure and carnivals breeze) they beg to stay in adventure ocean and we dropped them off after dinner each night and do shows alone. My kids are 13,11,9,7,4,2.

[SportsFanatic]

Lucky kids! You are a fun grand parent.

 

I think we will rock you might get a bit long. The gift is shorter but we didn't stay. Spectra's Cabernet is bright and LOUD and full of pumping upbeat music so it would keep their attention for sure.

 

I saw kids at all performances. There is a little language and sexual innuendo in we will rock you. But it will probably go over their head.

 

I will say that when I have taken my kids on cruises (the allure and carnivals breeze) they beg to stay in adventure ocean and we dropped them off after dinner each night and do shows alone. My kids are 13,11,9,7,4,2.

 

Thanks so much for reply. We have done a few Disney cruises and they always loved the kids club so hoping they will have as much fun in the adventure ocean. I have looked at some of the things they do and sounds like a lot of fun. I'm sure they will have a great time no matter what. Thanks for all your help and have a great cruise

[AdvGirl]

Thank you so much for sharing your cruise experience with us. - I am even more excited to take my cruise in Feb - though not looking forward to New Jersey in Feb though - brrr :cool:

 

Have safe trip home to Chicago. Hope the plumbing is ok when you get home.:)

[klass2]

Thanks so much for reply. We have done a few Disney cruises and they always loved the kids club so hoping they will have as much fun in the adventure ocean. I have looked at some of the things they do and sounds like a lot of fun. I'm sure they will have a great time no matter what. Thanks for all your help and have a great cruise

 

 

:) you will have a great time.

 

 

 

Thank you so much for sharing your cruise experience with us. - I am even more excited to take my cruise in Feb - though not looking forward to New Jersey in Feb though - brrr :cool:

 

 

 

Have safe trip home to Chicago. Hope the plumbing is ok when you get home.:)

 

 

Thanks! I bet you will have a blast on the anthem.

 

Plumbing issues don't look so great. They want $5k to to dig up pipes in the front outside the house and can't even start until Monday.

 

We told them to hold off and we will investigate when we get there. Maybe get a second opinion. DH thinks he may be able to fix it. He's pretty handy. We shall see... We have had to call 2 service people out for things since moving to this house 10 months ago. Both tried to screw us. DH ended up fixing the hot tub and the AC for a fraction of what they estimated it would cost. Everything is on the internet these days. It's just a matter of having the right tools.

[luv2cruisekc]

Thank you for the running commentary about your cruise. It was great to read.

Good luck with the plumbing. Safe trip home.

[klass2]

So last night we were beat and worn down from the cruise (vacation is exhausting lol) and emotionally drained from the last day of dealing with worry about the plumbing issues at home. Stress even in vacation. Doesn't seem right!

 

But there are so many other things that could have gone wrong. And I'm thankful for being able to communicate with the family at home about the situation.

 

We went to the virtual symphony in the 270 venue. It was great. Very relaxing and upbeat at times.

 

We decided we just wanted to relax that night and not get dressed up at all.

 

We went to the casino so we could redeem out 2 free slot machine pulls that we get as platinum members. They give you 2 tokens at the cashiers desk in the casino and there is one dedicated token slot machine

 

I won 6 cents. DH won nothing. But hey, 6 cents is 6 cents. The paper will serve as a good souvenir.

 

We ate at the windjammer. The food was ok. Not outstanding but served its purpose.

 

Some windjammer pics:

 

Hand washing stations which are nice except when you walk into the area with you hands full (bag in one, freestyle cup on other).

 

A panoramic pic from the starboard side of the entrance to the WJ:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After dinner went and changed into our swim wear and paid one last visit to the solarium. We stayed in the hot tubs for at 5 cycles of the jets. Probably against all the doctors advisements they have posted on the wall next to the tub but it was relaxing and very quiet and empty in the solarium.

 

The last day of a cruise is always hectic bc people are trying to do everything they haven't done all week. And then to top that off we had rain all day and a return to cooler/cold temps. The ship was rolling bc of wind. The tv screen in our room said the wind was 62 knots (I think that's the meaurement).

 

So we decided to just chill and not fight crowds by heading to any public venues. Although there was a silent dance party that I thought may be fun. Ultimately we went back to our room and packed up most of our stuff and fell asleep.

 

We were up by 5:30am. We dressed, finished packing and headed to the elevators by 6:15. The line for walking off was LONG! I don't think I've ever seen a line that long. We were scheduled to start at 6:30 and by the time we got there the line stretched all the way from the next cruise area down the via, past Jaimie's Italian and we were right to the side of vintages headed back to 270.

 

After waiting for about 5 or 10 minutes 2 couples walked up in front of us and proceeded to cut in line.

 

You've seen how I don't normally say anything to people but today I decided to. And this is why I normally don't.

 

I said to the man in a nice voice "I think the start of the line is back that way" and pointed to the end of the line.

 

He said "we are with these people". I repeated "the end of the line is back that way and we have all been down here waiting".

The wife said something to the other couple like we will just all have to go to the back then. Everyone started to move to the back. But the man said "we will leave bc of a b**ch in the morning".

 

Then he huffed off and my DH said "what did you call my wife?" .

 

He said "you heard me a-hole" and kept walking.

 

We are not confrontational people at all and what were we going to do, throw down and brawl right there? Um, no. That's stupid. Those people were in the wrong which is why they left and that guy was just a hot headed loser who probably flies off the handle when he doesn't get his way.

 

But yeah it was embarrassing.

 

It got quiet real quick in that area. But they were far enough behind us that we didn't see them again. The people behind me said nice words of encouragement.

 

DH was all pissed off that I said something and it was just awkward and sucked. Ugh. People suck.

 

So anyhow we left the ship with some drama.

 

The line started moving and we walked forward, scanned our cards and started the sad walk to the terminal. It's huge and they were setting up and delivering the luggage.

 

They had 10 customs agents working (10 illuminated green lights). We didn't have a wait at all. It was pretty efficient. The agent wasn't the friendliest but whatever.

 

We were through customs by 0640. I tried to do uber but there was a high demand no vehicles available so we cancelled out request rather than wait in the cold outside. The estimated time to get an uber was over 25 minutes but the fare was estimated from $18-24.

 

We headed to the taxi area. There was an option to take a shuttle but you had to wait until the bus was full and we would be the first people onboard.

 

The shuttle to Newark airport was $20. A private can would be $68.20.

 

We chose the cab and were at the airport by 0710.

 

We have a 0950 flight and are now waiting around until boarding time.

 

I will be posting some final thoughts later today.

[Sanz]

After waiting for about 5 or 10 minutes 2 couples walked up in front of us and proceeded to cut in line.

 

 

Thank you again for your wonderful live review.

 

You will encounter a few people in every large crowd that will stand out as "memorable." Sorry to hear of you and your husband's encounter.

 

Hope that the rest of your day goes well!

[denatravels]

That wasn't actually 6 cents that you won (for future info). If you go to the cashier, you redeem it for a raffle ticket. Don't remember if the raffle included anything decent though.

Your review was awesome and glad you didn't get into a brawl on disembarkation.

Edited December 19, 2015 by denatravels

[AdvGirl]

Like I said before right is right and wrong is wrong - ugh wish people would treat people like they want to be treated instead being self absorbed and selfish. Anyway you made them take their proper place in the line - sticks and stones as we said as kids - good for you.

 

How much was the Taxi to the airport - just curious. Also is there a warm place to wait for Uber if we choose to go that way.

[klass2]

After waiting for about 5 or 10 minutes 2 couples walked up in front of us and proceeded to cut in line.

 

 

Thank you again for your wonderful live review.

 

You will encounter a few people in every large crowd that will stand out as "memorable." Sorry to hear of you and your husband's encounter.

 

Hope that the rest of your day goes well!

 

Thanks. Yep, there are always jerks in every crowd. Fortunately we generally run into nice people where we go.

 

I try to be nice and friendly to all until they aren't to me. It usually works just fine. :)

 

 

 

That wasn't actually 6 cents that you won (for future info). If you go to the cashier, you redeem it for a raffle ticket. Don't remember if the raffle included anything decent though.

Your review was awesome and glad you didn't get into a brawl on disembarkation.

 

 

Well good to know. Thanks. We will definitely cruise again and take this knowledge with us.

 

 

 

Like I said before right is right and wrong is wrong - ugh wish people would treat people like they want to be treated instead being self absorbed and selfish. Anyway you made them take their proper place in the line - sticks and stones as we said as kids - good for you.

 

How much was the Taxi to the airport - just curious. Also is there a warm place to wait for Uber if we choose to go that way.

 

 

 

Sorry, no warm place to wait for uber. They kick you out of the building after you clear customs and then you are out into the cold. There are benches and a few covered areas.

 

The taxi was $68.20 (including tolls) from port liberty to Newark international.

[windjamming]

I've been following along quietly on your review and have been really enjoying your fair and detailed take on everything from food to entertainment to the ship.

 

I'm so sorry you had to deal with jerks on your way off the ship. You're absolutely right - the guy was a sore loser and knew he was wrong. It's too bad he couldn't just act like an adult.

 

Have a safe trip home, and hope the plumbing issues can be resolved smoothly.

 

Thanks again for a lovely review. Happy holidays to you!

[manazca]

Thanks again for sharing your experience with us. Have a smooth return home and good luck with the plumbing issues. We are boarding today. Happy Holidays!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk