Solo live- Anthem April 2-9

[missaud]

Thanks sharonlacey! I just love these threads,

[BermudaBound2014]

Thanks for this great review! I'll be sailing solo on Anthem next March and now I'm really looking forward to all the entertainment options :)

 

 

You made an excellent choice choosing Anthem for solo cruising. I am fortunate enough to one "me" vacation each year. I don't choose cruising each year, but I have sailed solo on NCL, MSC, Princess, HAL, and Radiance class (several times). My favorite ship style is Radiance with full connection to the sea, but a solo balcony was significantly more than Anthem. HAL was actually quite nice for a solo but it was a 14 day Alaskan cruise on a smaller ship (Amsterdam) and everyone really got to know one another, Princess wAs fine, MSC had great pricing (even at 200%), and the NCL studios were set up great for solos, but I hated that inside room. When I sail solo my most enjoyable time is sitting out on my balcony.

 

With all that said, I strongly feel that the solo BALCONY cabins on Anthem are the best bang for the buck for solos. In fact, I did a next cruise cert in a "48" on anthem again. Itinerary sucks, but when I sail solo I'm mostly looking for ship time. Price- $1,199 (and I do think I'll be able to get that lower by watching price structure), $175 OBC from RCL and once I switch to an agency I fully expect free grats and another $150 OBC.

 

The nightlife was very conducive to solo travelers also. I had no trouble at all as a solo dancing in music hall or watching the shows. I typically pass on trivia as a solo but I am a music junky with a heavy leaning toward rock (although I appreciate all music) and this cruise was my all time favorite for music- Hands down. There is great musical talent onboard this ship.

 

That was a long winded reply to: You are going to LOVE anthem!! :) if you have any solo specific questions I'd more than happy to try to answer :).

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Thanks for doing this review. We are on the Anthem May the 11th. So excited!! Was wondering if there were electrical outlets by the bed. My husband has a CPAP machine and didn't know whether to bring extension cord or not. our cabin on Adventure of the Seas had the outlets by the bed which was really nice.

 

 

The bed had these great cubbies to store charging phones built right into the sides. I'm sure it will work perfect for a cpac.

 

 

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[reallyitsmema]

Enjoying your review. The balcony cabins we have sailed in do have an outlet above one of the night stands but they did not have the little cubby that your solo balcony had. That would have been very convenient to hold kindles and even the phone my DH kept knocking off his night stand.:rolleyes:

[BermudaBound2014]

So last night I totally chilled. It was formal night and I just didn't feel like going to the restaurant so picked through the windjammer for dinner. nothing appealed. The quality of food in windjammer on anthem is much poorer quality than even the Rhapsody that I was on last August. Example, the soft serve ice cream is really a lower quality ice milk where rhapsody had real creamy soft serve yogurt. I've only made it down for breakfast once, but the parfait I so enjoy on other ships has very stale granola. The meat selection at wj last night was an extremely dried out prime rib or turkey. Not complaining, just an observation. Tonight I'm doing the solarium bistro again. The salmon was terrific the other night and their appetizer bar was much better than WJ.

 

Instead of fighting the crowds I Spent the evening on my balcony reading and drinking one of the bottles of wine I brought on-board. I really enjoyed the motion of the ocean (it puts me to sleep). Again, for me it was not at all bad motion- it was just enough so we knew we were on the sea.

 

I ordered room service dinner (tomato soup, Ceasar salad, wings with warm chocolate chip cookies and milk for dessert.) The bill was $4.95 because the wings are part of the Michael Swartz experience. I did not at all care for the tomato soup, but the rest was very good.

 

Not sure what time but I actually fell asleep outside. The balcony chairs are very comfy! The weather did turn cooler, but my balcony is protected from the wind. I did switch into a comfy hoodie and leggings though, so I would recommend at least one long sleeve for the ride back up to NJ.

 

I used Room service for coffee and a wake up call for the sunrise this morning. So nice to be able to sit outside with a cup of coffee watching the world wake up-

 

My plans for this afternoon consist of soaking up as much sun as possible. There is not a cloud in the sky! I'm not going to do solarium today as I expect it to be packed. You can tell the weather is getting chilly, but on my balcony, protected from the wind and in the sun it is toasty warm. I am wearing a 3/4 tee and leggings so it's not bathing suit weather, but it is definitely sun block weather still.

 

Tonight's plans- first, I am so excited because the acoustic performance of the gal from "We Will Rock You"'is on for tonight in schooner (huge thank you to whoever tipped me off on that). Then there is RED dance party in 270 with virtual fireworks at 11:00. I still have some money on a casino slip, so the casino will come into play somehow.

 

From paradise,

 

 

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[reallyitsmema]

Tonight's plans- first, I am so excited because the acoustic performance of the gal from "We Will Rock You"'is on for tonight in schooner (huge thank you to whoever tipped me off on that). Then there is RED dance party in 270 with virtual fireworks at 11:00. I still have some money on a casino slip, so the casino will come into play somehow.

 

From paradise,

 

 

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You're welcome.:) She is very talented and had a big crowd when we saw her. We really enjoyed all the different music they had in the Schooner Bar and in Micheal's. The singers that sang were never listed in the compass, they were just surprises that we didn't realize were sitting at the back table near the service entrance. The pianist just introduced them and a couple came up and sang.

[Addictedtocruising]

 

I ordered room service dinner (tomato soup, Ceasar salad, wings with warm chocolate chip cookies and milk for dessert.) The bill was $4.95 because the wings are part of the Michael Swartz experience. I did not at all care for the tomato soup, but the rest was very good.

 

Oh, so the new menus with the $7.95 service charge isn't being implemented on the ship yet?

Hmm the list stated April 2nd for the Anthem.

[BermudaBound2014]

You're welcome.:) She is very talented and had a big crowd when we saw her. We really enjoyed all the different music they had in the Schooner Bar and in Micheal's. The singers that sang were never listed in the compass, they were just surprises that we didn't realize were sitting at the back table near the service entrance. The pianist just introduced them and a couple came up and sang.

 

 

 

Thank you Reallyits... I am very excited as she absolutely threaded bohemian rhapsody. The 8:00 performance doesn't indicate any guests but the 10pm does. I'll probably go to both :)

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Oh, so the new menus with the $7.95 service charge isn't being implemented on the ship yet?

 

Hmm the list stated April 2nd for the Anthem.

 

 

 

That is correct - anthem was scheduled to implement this cruise but did not. We are still on the old room service menu.

 

 

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[michele.catskill]

"...Then there is RED dance party in 270 with virtual fireworks at 11:00..."

 

Note: (Hi! I'm on same travels with you…) On Morning Show today Dru/Kevin said RED show tonight is canceled for the rescheduled performance Spectra Cabaret which was canceled last night. They are still doing a virtual fireworks though. Enjoy Day 7 !!!

Edited April 8, 2017 by michele.catskill
Mis-spell

[BermudaBound2014]

"...Then there is RED dance party in 270 with virtual fireworks at 11:00..."

 

 

Hi!! Thanks for that heads up- I have yet to catch that morning show lol. If you haven't yet seen spectra it's a great show worth catching tonight. :)

 

 

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[tangled1010]

This has been great to follow along!! Thanks for taking the time. We sail in 3 weeks and have a balcony cabin ending 648. Cant wait. Enjoy the remaining time you have on board :)

[Noreen411]

If you don't mind me asking...and if you are Diamond +.

 

Can you share a picture of the C&A amenities sheet?

 

I'm looking to see if they indeed discount the deluxe beverage package 30% for members.

 

 

 

Thanks!

 

 

Hi

 

We are diamond plus and were on Anthem late January.

 

I am attaching a picture of the note that listed the diamond plus discounts including 30% off the deluxe beverage package.

 

 

 

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[Addictedtocruising]

Hi

 

We are diamond plus and were on Anthem late January.

 

I am attaching a picture of the note that listed the diamond plus discounts including 30% off the deluxe beverage package.

 

 

 

 

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Thank you Noreen!

[BermudaBound2014]

HOLY CRAP! I-fly was incredible. I almost didn't show up for my afternoon appointment figuring it would be canceled like yesterday. It wasn't and I took that as a sign to gfi. I was apprehensive. I'm in my 50s and in decent shape, but I read somewhere I-fly can be hard on the lower back and I don't have hubby to schlep my bag tomorrow. But I did it and survived :). My advise to everyone regardless of age, book this experience!! I am so glad I didn't chicken out :).

 

Roller skating was packed too, but I wasn't about to push my luck ;)

 

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

I went to the wake again and took some more pictures. Upon closer look, It does look like the right has less output, but I could be wrong. Regardless, No worries for those boarding next as we are experiencing perfectly smooth seas traveling 17k and expected to arrive right on time.

 

Here are a few pictures taken back to back. Those more in the know than me can analyze:

 

 

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Red at night- sailors delight. Those boarding tomorrow it's looking good!

 

 

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[Maraprince]

So last night I totally chilled. It was formal night and I just didn't feel like going to the restaurant so picked through the windjammer for dinner. nothing appealed. The quality of food in windjammer on anthem is much poorer quality than even the Rhapsody that I was on last August. Example, the soft serve ice cream is really a lower quality ice milk where rhapsody had real creamy soft serve yogurt. I've only made it down for breakfast once, but the parfait I so enjoy on other ships has very stale granola. The meat selection at wj last night was an extremely dried out prime rib or turkey. Not complaining, just an observation. Tonight I'm doing the solarium bistro again. The salmon was terrific the other night and their appetizer bar was much better than WJ.

 

Instead of fighting the crowds I Spent the evening on my balcony reading and drinking one of the bottles of wine I brought on-board. I really enjoyed the motion of the ocean (it puts me to sleep). Again, for me it was not at all bad motion- it was just enough so we knew we were on the sea.

 

I ordered room service dinner (tomato soup, Ceasar salad, wings with warm chocolate chip cookies and milk for dessert.) The bill was $4.95 because the wings are part of the Michael Swartz experience. I did not at all care for the tomato soup, but the rest was very good.

 

Not sure what time but I actually fell asleep outside. The balcony chairs are very comfy! The weather did turn cooler, but my balcony is protected from the wind. I did switch into a comfy hoodie and leggings though, so I would recommend at least one long sleeve for the ride back up to NJ.

 

I used Room service for coffee and a wake up call for the sunrise this morning. So nice to be able to sit outside with a cup of coffee watching the world wake up-

 

My plans for this afternoon consist of soaking up as much sun as possible. There is not a cloud in the sky! I'm not going to do solarium today as I expect it to be packed. You can tell the weather is getting chilly, but on my balcony, protected from the wind and in the sun it is toasty warm. I am wearing a 3/4 tee and leggings so it's not bathing suit weather, but it is definitely sun block weather still.

 

Tonight's plans- first, I am so excited because the acoustic performance of the gal from "We Will Rock You"'is on for tonight in schooner (huge thank you to whoever tipped me off on that). Then there is RED dance party in 270 with virtual fireworks at 11:00. I still have some money on a casino slip, so the casino will come into play somehow.

 

From paradise,

 

 

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Just what exactly is the "Red" party?

 

MARAPRINCE

[brookmill18]

What was the Bobbi Brown event? Was there a huge push to buy products--and were they basically the same price as on land? I haven't seen this mentioned in older compasses but am interested--you just saw it in the compass?

 

Thanks so much for sharing your cruise with all of us!

[BermudaBound2014]

Just what exactly is the "Red" party?

 

 

 

MARAPRINCE

 

 

 

This is the description:

RED PARTY: The hottest high-energy party at sea. With DJs, surprise performances, special effects and technology, this all out nightlife extravaganza is an experience not to be missed.

 

With the high text in 270 I bet it's worth checking out :)

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

What was the Bobbi Brown event? Was there a huge push to buy products--and were they basically the same price as on land? I haven't seen this mentioned in older compasses but am interested--you just saw it in the compass?

 

 

 

Thanks so much for sharing your cruise with all of us!

 

 

On every cruise I've ever been on I get my make up done one night by a professional artist. It's fun to try different things and let them work their magic. There wasn't anything in any compass- I just go their early on in the cruise and make an appointment. The anthem had a bobby brown specialist- some cruises it is Clinique, Lancôme, etc... The gal on anthem was GREAT with zero sales pitch. She couldn't care a less whether I bought or not. I did buy something that was same price as back home (actually, back home might even be cheaper); but she was so good I wanted to give her a sale. I also tip and it's always appreciated :)

 

 

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[cocod08]

On every cruise I've ever been on I get my make up done one night by a professional artist. It's fun to try different things and let them work their magic. There wasn't anything in any compass- I just go their early on in the cruise and make an appointment. The anthem had a bobby brown specialist- some cruises it is Clinique, Lancôme, etc... The gal on anthem was GREAT with zero sales pitch. She couldn't care a less whether I bought or not. I did buy something that was same price as back home (actually, back home might even be cheaper); but she was so good I wanted to give her a sale. I also tip and it's always appreciated :)

 

 

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Gonna have to try that. Maybe on one of the formal nights. I love having someone do my makeup and trying something new.

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

So, I pulled another all-nighter. Did I mention I'm 50 something? This girl has still got it :)

 

I went to spectra again. First time I saw from the balcony, second time from the floor. Each show was entirely different from that perspective.

 

The acoustic version with Joyce was excellent. Lots of guests. I sort of wish she would have jammed more. Scaramoooch did landslide by Stevie nicks and then Brittany spears (cast name) did The Who and Wanted. All ripped. This was the best musical cruise I've ever been on.

 

From there I did the 11 farewell fireworks. It is not to be missed. According to dru, Royal spent 10k on this show for New Years ever 2017 and then decided to keep showing it because they have so much money invested. I can not imagine that a better venue than 270 exists anywhere on the sea.

 

 

The casino was good to me! I have a whopping 50 to donate each cruise. At one point last night I was up 50%. Ended up losing everything but I played for a long time.

 

Debarkation was smooth as silk. I travel with just a carryon so I packed this morning. I didn't do any specific lounge to wait in, just joined the line around 8:30. Took shared transport to Newark for $20.00. Sitting at the gate by 10. Newark is the typical cluster- even with pre-check I had to remove liquids and laptop.

 

I'll wrap up this week with more pictures and also my overall opinion of the anthem including some areas that could be improved, but overall I enjoyed her tremendously.

 

 

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[Justmekaren918]

Great review, thanks for sharing. Safe travels home.

 

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[sharonlacey]

Thanks again for the lovely report. Wish I wanted to take the time to do it when I am away. Just never find the time. Thanks again!!!!!!