2 Weeks to Anthem!

[Tender Lady]

All new entertainment as I have never heard of any of those listed.

I've been busy Googling because it beats finishing my taxes.

 

Google "Jesse Hamilton Jr" to hear clips. He doesn't sound bad. His calendar says he's been on a variety of Celebrity ships prior to this stint on the Anthem. There's another guy by the same name who auditioned for American Idol in 2010 - not him.

 

Dan Bennett is a juggler/comedian. Looks pretty entertaining on YouTube. Apparently he has a PhD in mathematics, which explains some of his patter.

 

Jeff Tracta is an impressionist. I'm hard on impressionists, not my thing, so I'll just say he has lots of good clips but I think he's not ready for the Not Ready for Prime Time Players. Either there are two Jeff Tractas or he was on The Bold and the Beautiful at one time.

 

Robbie Printz - standup.

[gaylemh]

I have my green all ready to pack. It would be nice if they had some kind of Irish entertainment and corned beef in the restaurants. From what I hear on CC, there wasn't anything special on the ships for St Pat's. Maybe being Anthem is a new ship, that will change.

[Trainman52]

Wow - green for St. Paddy's Day. I forgot all about it. I'll have to remind Ellen. Unfortunately, my selection of green attire is somewhat limited. Green tends to go with my complexion - just kidding.

 

Gaylemh - we have to discuss memories of the Oceanic. What a great ship that was in its day.

[gaylemh]

Wow - green for St. Paddy's Day. I forgot all about it. I'll have to remind Ellen. Unfortunately, my selection of green attire is somewhat limited. Green tends to go with my complexion - just kidding.

 

Gaylemh - we have to discuss memories of the Oceanic. What a great ship that was in its day.

 

One thing I will always remember was every time I went into a lounge they were playing "Rock the Boat". It was like it was the ships theme song. I also remember that they didn't have lounge chairs on the pool deck. They just had mats that they would put out.

 

Had a great time on the Oceanic. My 2 girlfriends and I were the youngest on the ship, and we had a great time hanging out with the crew on the pool deck at night.

[CruisingChick]

Gary Lovini is a violinist. I saw him on my January cruise. He was good, but once is enough. Not my thing.

 

I'm sure my DH will love it. Thanks for letting us know.

[CruisingChick]

I've been busy Googling because it beats finishing my taxes.

 

Google "Jesse Hamilton Jr" to hear clips. He doesn't sound bad. His calendar says he's been on a variety of Celebrity ships prior to this stint on the Anthem. There's another guy by the same name who auditioned for American Idol in 2010 - not him.

 

Dan Bennett is a juggler/comedian. Looks pretty entertaining on YouTube. Apparently he has a PhD in mathematics, which explains some of his patter.

 

Jeff Tracta is an impressionist. I'm hard on impressionists, not my thing, so I'll just say he has lots of good clips but I think he's not ready for the Not Ready for Prime Time Players. Either there are two Jeff Tractas or he was on The Bold and the Beautiful at one time.

 

Robbie Printz - standup.

 

Thanks for the info.

[nelblu]

One thing I will always remember was every time I went into a lounge they were playing "Rock the Boat". It was like it was the ships theme song. I also remember that they didn't have lounge chairs on the pool deck. They just had mats that they would put out.

 

Had a great time on the Oceanic. My 2 girlfriends and I were the youngest on the ship, and we had a great time hanging out with the crew on the pool deck at night.

 

My 1st cruise was on the Oceanic out of NYC with only one stop at Nassau. I remember that I had to reserve & pay for the lounge chairs by the pool. The food quality & quantity was out of this world--maybe it was due to an all Italian staff. Remember fondly of the midnite buffets and the Maitre D cooking requested specials by your table. Oh the good old days.

 

Sailed it some many years later as part of the "Big Red Boat/Disney" and also saw her in Villelfrance (France) harbor about 9 years ago by her distinctive shape, funnels and macrodome.

[gaylemh]

Oceanic 40 long years ago.

 

[Clarea]

Oceanic 40 long years ago.

 

Looks like the Love Boat.:)

[finallyonboard]

Too Funny Gayle. Same thing, I sailed about 40 years on the Oceanic with 2 girlfriends. We were also the youngest ones on the ship. Loved it. :D

[CruisingChick]

I wish I had sailed on a cruise 40 years ago, although I was still in high school. We only started cruising 16 years ago.

[Trainman52]

Oceanic 40 long years ago.

 

The retracting dome over the pool. That was quite the "deal" back then. We were also young, but not the youngest.

 

Yes, you had to pay for the deck chairs and you picked your spot. Every day the chairs were set up for you. If you wanted anything to drink, your deck steward was always at the ready. Dinner was REAL lobster. Don't remember "Rock The Boat", but there were many Italian bands on board playing. We still have some souvenirs that we bought on board.

 

We should have the Oceanic cruisers group meeting on board. I still have the menus too.

[nelblu]

The retracting dome over the pool. That was quite the "deal" back then. We were also young, but not the youngest.

 

Yes, you had to pay for the deck chairs and you picked your spot. Every day the chairs were set up for you. If you wanted anything to drink, your deck steward was always at the ready. Dinner was REAL lobster. Don't remember "Rock The Boat", but there were many Italian bands on board playing. We still have some souvenirs that we bought on board.

 

We should have the Oceanic cruisers group meeting on board. I still have the menus too.

 

Maiorani Trio was the house band when we sailed and I still have the LP. LOL

 

Gambling was comprised of bingo and horse racing by the pool. Some very colorful horse names such as Kielbasa, Whatsmatter u, etc. Remember bidding on horses which the winners and later in the week, the owners race.

 

Entertainment, mostly performed CD & staff.

 

I remember the ship and cruise fondly. The cost was $225 each for an inside cabin--The cabin size was very large with the cocktail table firmly screwed in the floor.

[CruisingChick]

I remember the ship and cruise fondly. The cost was $225 each for an inside cabin--The cabin size was very large with the cocktail table firmly screwed in the floor.

 

Adjusted for inflation that would be $992.25 per person in today's dollars.

[nelblu]

Adjusted for inflation that would be $992.25 per person in today's dollars.

 

I'm glad that you came up to the .25 cents. LOL. Gladly pay that price for the quality of the service and food.

[gaylemh]

Maiorani Trio was the house band when we sailed and I still have the LP. LOL

 

Gambling was comprised of bingo and horse racing by the pool. Some very colorful horse names such as Kielbasa, Whatsmatter u, etc. Remember bidding on horses which the winners and later in the week, the owners race.

 

Entertainment, mostly performed CD & staff.

 

I remember the ship and cruise fondly. The cost was $225 each for an inside cabin--The cabin size was very large with the cocktail table firmly screwed in the floor.

 

I don't remember the cabin being large. We had 3 in a porthole cabin. There were 2 lower beds and one upper, and one small dresser that we shared. What freaked me out, is there were 3 girls in the cabin, and when we came in at night they had our nightgowns laid out on the bed, and they always got the right one. To this day I don't know how.

 

I also remember that after the midnight buffet, if you were still in the lounge they would come around with pizza.

 

I learned how to do the Hully Gully to Winchester Cathedral on that cruise too.

[nelblu]

I don't remember the cabin being large. We had 3 in a porthole cabin. There were 2 lower beds and one upper, and one small dresser that we shared. What freaked me out, is there were 3 girls in the cabin, and when we came in at night they had our nightgowns laid out on the bed, and they always got the right one. To this day I don't know how.

 

I also remember that after the midnight buffet, if you were still in the lounge they would come around with pizza.

 

I learned how to do the Hully Gully to Winchester Cathedral on that cruise too.

 

Now that you mentioned it, yes I remember the cabins steward laying out pajama & nightgown on the beds (bunk beds). Also, it seemed that he was always available, day & night. I don't remember if our cabin had a port hole, but do remember that it was adjacent to the crew's quarters.

[CruiseNTheWorld91]

Sounds like a great cruise! We are boarding her May 5! Looking forward to a good review when you return!

[Thetrail]

Passes printed, packages for drinks and internet purchased, a couple of specialty dinners booked, all included dining reservations made, shows booked and the following booked for the islands: (feedback welcome)..

 

Cozumel: All inclusive day at Occidental Cozumel

Costa Maya: Maya Chan AI beach day

Grand Cayman: Booked a cabana @ Royal Palms

Falmouth: Spend some time at Margaritaville, not planning to go much farther than that.

Roatan: Our spend the port day on the ship day... already booked a discounted massage!

Labadee... been there lots of times, debating on getting off the ship or not.

 

Packing soon... and then LETS GO!!!!!

Will also be sailing March 7th, looking forward to the food, crew, IFly, bumper cars, rock climbing wall, Chops, desserts, the gym, Spa JS, nightly beverages in the CL, meeting new folks, catching up with old friends, previous crew members, quiet mornings with a book, shows, casino, relaxing, running on the deck, more food, more desserts, relaxing, etc.etc.etc......K.O.:)

[Tender Lady]

What freaked me out, is there were 3 girls in the cabin, and when we came in at night they had our nightgowns laid out on the bed, and they always got the right one. To this day I don't know how.

I had never heard of the SS Oceanic until I read this thread, and our first cruise was in 2002 on the (wow!) largest cruise ship afloat - the Star Princess, currently tied for 54th in that category.

 

However, this recollection of yours made me laugh out loud. I can see the puzzlement on your face after all these years. Just accept it - you had a Jedi cabin steward.

[mmmmbacon]

Just got off the Anthem this past weekend. Here are my suggestions for you:

 

1. Buy the iQ Concierge app....$7.95 for the week per device and totally worth it. This used to be free on the Quantum...not sure why Anthem charges for it, but it will not only show you the Cruise Compass on your phone but it will show all of your scheduled appointments and allow you to text anyone on the ship.

 

2. Make all your dinner reservations in advance. We loved Wonderland and enjoyed Izumi. The food at Jamie's was wonderful but we were disappointed in the service. We loved breakfast and dinner at American Icon, and we were pleased with Silk and Chic. Rotating menus keep everything fresh.

 

3. We walked out of both The Gift and We Will Rock You. We found both shows quite stranger and embarrassing for the performers -- they are very talented but the shows simply do not make sense.

 

4. Grab breakfast in Devily Decadent and lunch in the two70 cafe. We loved these places!! So much less crowded than the Windjammer.

 

5. Bingo is not what it used to be years ago -- it seems to be more of a scam and a ripoff.

 

6. The casino was fun, but smoky!!!

 

7. Definitely do iFly, the North Star, and bumper cars (although for the latter many people stood in line for 90 minutes for a 2.5 minute ride.)

[gaylemh]

Just got off the Anthem this past weekend. Here are my suggestions for you:

 

1. Buy the iQ Concierge app....$7.95 for the week per device and totally worth it. This used to be free on the Quantum...not sure why Anthem charges for it, but it will not only show you the Cruise Compass on your phone but it will show all of your scheduled appointments and allow you to text anyone on the ship.

 

2. Make all your dinner reservations in advance. We loved Wonderland and enjoyed Izumi. The food at Jamie's was wonderful but we were disappointed in the service. We loved breakfast and dinner at American Icon, and we were pleased with Silk and Chic. Rotating menus keep everything fresh.

 

3. We walked out of both The Gift and We Will Rock You. We found both shows quite stranger and embarrassing for the performers -- they are very talented but the shows simply do not make sense.

 

4. Grab breakfast in Devily Decadent and lunch in the two70 cafe. We loved these places!! So much less crowded than the Windjammer.

 

5. Bingo is not what it used to be years ago -- it seems to be more of a scam and a ripoff.

 

6. The casino was fun, but smoky!!!

 

7. Definitely do iFly, the North Star, and bumper cars (although for the latter many people stood in line for 90 minutes for a 2.5 minute ride.)

 

We paid 14.95 for the IQ App on Anthem on the 10 night in January. I wonder if t was cheaper because yours was a shorter cruise. We paid on Quantum. You may have been on one of the special Quantum cruises where they were giving free internet along with the IQ app.

 

Shows were Ok, not something I would walk out on, but not sure if I'll go again on this cruise or in April. Loved Spectra.

 

Everyone has different taste is food. Loved Chic and Grande. Wasn't crazy about American Icon, and didn't like Silk at all.

[CruisingChick]

We paid 14.95 for the IQ App on Anthem on the 10 night in January. I wonder if t was cheaper because yours was a shorter cruise.

 

$14.95 for an App? Not if my life depended on it. That's ridiculous.

[denatravels]

We paid 14.95 for the IQ App on Anthem on the 10 night in January. I wonder if t was cheaper because yours was a shorter cruise. We paid on Quantum. You may have been on one of the special Quantum cruises where they were giving free internet along with the IQ app.

 

 

 

Shows were Ok, not something I would walk out on, but not sure if I'll go again on this cruise or in April. Loved Spectra.

 

 

 

Everyone has different taste is food. Loved Chic and Grande. Wasn't crazy about American Icon, and didn't like Silk at all.

 

 

My IQ app was free. Download ages ago in anticipation-- maybe that's why?

Hated silk, hated spectra. Loved hanging out in 270 (food and atmosphere). Liked icon, grande, and chic.

[pearlie]

Ship is in good shape. However Noro is aboard. Bring gel. I recommend bringing your own antibacterial soap and Lysol or wipes to give the room a swipe.