Anthem - love and hate

[yankees4898]

Hi All,

 

I've been on 15+ cruises, and have been on 3 cruises on the Anthem of the Seas.  The first time on Anthem was our favorite cruise to date, but the second two were very disappointing.  There are some things we loved and some things that I just don't understand why they can't be fixed/updated.

 

Loved on Anthem 1st time:

-Synergy Band - best band at sea.  I heard they tried renewing a contact and Royal Caribbean hasn't responded to them.   I don't understand why such a great house band wouldn't be welcome back after 2 years.

-Cruise director Dru - best cruise director out of all our cruises.  Great activities, great host, great at improvising and adjusting the compass for  weather, etc.

-Staff - each cruise, the staff has gone above and beyond to exceed all expectations

-Pool band - love all of the reggae bands that have been on the Anthem of the Seas.

-Entertainment - loved the shows the first time, had some good fly on acts as well (ventriloquist, comedians, singers, tribute band)

 

Disappointments as a repeat cruiser:

-Copy/paste compass - especially for repeat holiday cruises, can't they change things up a little.  Especially knowing that many cruisers are from the area and may be repeat guests, can't they change up some activities that are easily replaceable rather than copy and paste the compass year after year for the same sailings.  Feels like it's a repeat rather than a unique experience.  I get some things can't change, but how easy would it be to change some trivia games/questions, add some new daytime contests, etc.

-Cruise director Dennis - unenergetic, scripted and unable to improvise well (i.e. - weather, port cancellation, etc.).  Felt like everything was rehearsed, scripted and by the book, complete opposite of Dru who was the epitome of a perfect cruise director.

-Repeat fly on acts - I get that the production shows would same, but after 3 holiday cruises, 3/5 fly on acts were the same all 3 years.  How easy is it to look at the holiday sailings from prior years and choose different fly on acts knowing that there will likely be repeat tri-state area cruisers looking for some new experiences?

-No sail away party - just because it's cold out, how difficult would it be to schedule a sail away party with the band in 270 like 3 years ago?  The Compass said sail-away party with the band for the past 3 years weather permitting.  3 years ago, it was rescheduled to be indoors in 270.  Knowing that it's winter in NY and that the pool would likely not be a suitable spot for a sail away party, how about schedule a backup at 270 like Dru did 3 years ago rather than just cancel it altogether and have everyone wondering aimlessly which anyone could have anticipated.  Or if you don't want to take the risk, just schedule it indoors during the winter months.  Great start to what had become a trend on the Anthem with poor scheduling and improvising (270 was empty the past two December sail always, I know there could be conflicts, but this clearly was not the case in multiple instances).

-Same old - 70s "party", Name that Tune... we absolutely loved these the first time, but could anticipate the songs year 2 and recite song by song, answer by answer, costume by costume by year 3.  This was true with half the contestants and audience which made the show much less interesting as half the participants knew what song was coming as it's impossible for multiple people to guess almost every song after a mere note or keyboard tap.  Again, I get production shows can't change, but how difficult would it be for every few months or years to change up the routine, add a few new songs, or dare I even say change the order of the songs?

-Pool games - cancelled due to weather.  How about reschedule them to another day when there were 0 activities at the pool for a beautiful day?  So much for improvising and amending.  The one pool game they had - hairy chest - can't they change it up and do some new contests and games to keep things interesting?  I once saw the CD on Independence host a women's cannonball contest instead of the same old belly flop.  Would be nice to see some changes to the standard script once in awhile.  Same old love and marriage questions, same tv trivia questions.

 

I love cruising and I absolutely love Royal Caribbean.  Anthem is a fantastic ship with a great staff.  It's awesome for first time cruisers and even repeat cruisers.  I just think Royal Caribbean needs to revamp some entertainment leadership and also look into doing a better job updating content that could be tweaked to keep things fresh and interesting for both new and repeat cruisers.

 

Please feel free too let me know if you have any questions.

 

-Justin

Edited January 4, 2019 by yankees4898

[Krazyfuntimes]

We had Dennis last February and I was a bit disappointed. Not the worst Bobby Brown was terrible on Harmony!  I do think that the cruise director has control of what can make for a more fun experience. Any cruise is better than none, but i agree, there needs to be some change up.

I often change ports and ships to keep it interesting. I have to fly anywhere to cruise, so its always fun to see where and what will be in store for my next adventure!

[sparks1093]

I think this would be a problem when repeating a ship year after year regardless of which ship or cruise line it is. It's far easier for the cruise line and the staff to keep doing the same thing for each sailing.

[KmomChicago]

I agree with Sparks.  I have been told by cruise staff that it's easier for them to shuffle the ships and keep their programs intact than it is to change things up aboard the ship.  I don't think there's going to be any way around this except to pick a different vessel.

 

With the exception of Oasis of the Seas, I haven't really ever wanted to repeat ships - partially for the reasons you noted.  Even Disney Magic.  As a cast member I sailed her twice, just for 3 day cruises, and after the second one, I had little interest in returning.  And let's face it. That's a nice ship, a very nice cruise, Castaway Cay is a spectacular private island. However, been there, done that, as they say.  Now that I type it out, I have to wonder if repeating Oasis would be a mistake as it may have lost the novelty and perhaps not live up to our "perfect" memories - maybe better to try the others in the same class or Quantum class.  I think overall I'd rather "collect" ships and try as many as possible. My husband wants to try Carnival's Vista class, and I have my eye on the planned new Mardi Gras a few years down the road.  And this is not even considering all the lines (potentially in our budget) that we haven't ventured to consider - yet. Princess, HAL, NCL, perhaps MSC or maybe another Euro-based carrier like Pullmantur or Costa.

 

I would love to try Anthem once.  In fact, we would probably have preferred it over Adventure, which we actually booked, because the family wants to go north to Canada rather than south in the hot summertime.  At least I'm glad to hear you liked it a lot and recommend it for a one time experience.

[suesnake2002]

I was on anthem in nov. And the sailaway was in 270 with the house band. 

I took a cruise in nov 2018 (rhapsody), and then one in march 2019 (harmony)  I was very surprised to see the same house band, and some of thr same acts. 

[bowler15547]

Happens on all the ships... Have been on Grandeur six times now, and it is typically much of the same headliners. Sometimes you get that different person, but as someone mentioned above its easier for them to shuffle ships than to revise activities/entertainment sometimes. 

 

Funny you mention about Love and Marriage. I may be dating myself here, but I remember when it wasn't commercialized. Just three chairs on stage and the cruise director making it up as he went along. Now there are cue cards and they have the custom desk and it is, like you said, mostly the same.  

[Iamcruzin]

I think this will happen on any ship on any line when the ship is the destination and not the itinerary. I have sailed on the Caribbean Princess 5 times but each time was different due to the itinerary and or my CC group or others that I was traveling with. Princess doesn't come close to having the large choice of activities on the worst Royal Caribbean ship, yet my kids made friends and enjoyed whatever activities that were being offered at the time.  The good news is that Anthem will not be sailing from Cape Liberty for the summer of 2020. This would be a good opportunity to try an Oasis class ship if you haven't already done so. 

[loudbmw]

I have been on the anthem 10 times, my humble opinion:

 

PRO's

 

-No airfare if you live in the North East

-Prices for balconies with C&A discounts can be very good in winter for some sailings but at least 2 days will be cold.

-Great cabins, even the insides with virtual balconies are good.

-The longer itineraries are great in winter as warm weather starts after day 3.

-New terminal, check-in and parking garage ($20/day) are very convenient.

-They start embarkation early - as soon as 10:30 am.  After 11:30 the line to drop luggage gets long.  Boarding is by suites and status of course. Self-debarkation starts very early sometimes before 6:30am.  Cafe 270 is good place to get a small breakfast after you join the line to debark.  The line to exit will be long before they start self-debarkation but it moves really fast.

-Very good windjammer, nice variety for lunch and dinner.  It's tends to get crowded 30 minutes after opening

-Hand washing sinks are at the entrance of the windjammer, a great idea - still some folks sneak by them saving 30 seconds

- I-Fly - lots of fun and free, you get one flight, if not signed up in advance, sign-up reservations throughout the week will be available first thing upon embarkation = they go quick. 

-Do bumper cars on embarkation day - shortest lines.  Flowrider lines are shortest in the morning and port days.

-If you are a Queen fan you should love We Will Rock You - it's very LOUD!  Avoid sitting near the front/right side by the drummer.  The band is visible the whole show and are very good.  You can also catch some band members (guitarist Joyce) doing solo's at various times out side Jamie Oliver's. The Gift is OK,  You will either love Spectra's Cabaret or not.  We love it when Terry is the lead performer - you can't miss him he's over 6 feet tall. Get there very early for a good seat, since its a bar you can in earlier than typical shows, they will come around and verify that you have a reservation if seated early.

-Coastal Kitchen is excellent if you are staying in full suites or Pinnacle, JR suites can dine there for dinner only.  Reservations should not a problem if you make your reservations on day 1 for the entire week.  Availability is tight for early dining times but usually isn't a problem if you are willing to eat around 8:00pm, service is also much better later in the evening as its past the rush.

-Make it a movie night at the pool, pull up a couple of beach chairs and blankets - Johnny Rockets is right there

-Chops lunch on sea days is a bargain compared to the dinner pricing - get the filet.

 

CON's:

 

-Atlantic Ocean can be rough, especially in winter, don't go if you are very sensitive to rough seas, in any case bring motion sickness meds,  A tip, cabins near the aft elevators and further back seem to have less motion, avoid the extreme back of the ship and the Anthem tends to "fishtail" when going full speed.

-Do some research on your week - If the schools in the NY/NJ metro area are out, expect a ton of small kids that do not always behave well.

-Aft elevators are often very busy, front elevators are good alternative except when main shows let out.

-Coco Cay still requires tenders until they finish the pier.  You will need a numbered tender ticket, they will announce when they are distributed.  Get there early for tender ticket distribution or it will be noon before you gets off the ship.  Stopping at Coco Cay van be hit or miss during the winter due to weather.  If you have concierge access, he can take care tender tickets for you.

-Casino is smoky, sea day mornings are better with regard to smoke.

 

I go again in less than a month. I hope this helps.

 

Lou

 

 

 

 

 

[KmomChicago]

9 hours ago, loudbmw said:

I have been on the anthem 10 times, my humble opinion:

 

PRO's

 

-No airfare if you live in the North East

 

-New terminal, check-in and parking garage ($20/day) are very convenient.

-They start embarkation early - as soon as 10:30 am.  After 11:30 the line to drop luggage gets long.  Boarding is by suites and status of course. Self-debarkation starts very early sometimes before 6:30am.  Cafe 270 is good place to get a small breakfast after you join the line to debark.  The line to exit will be long before they start self-debarkation but it moves really fast.

-

 

Lou

 

Hi, Lou, thank you for this info. We are on Adventure out of Cape Liberty in August so thanks for the info on the terminal. We parked at Port of Miami which was also very convenient and plan to do the same in Bayonne so glad to hear we can expect a similar experience.

 

Since you obviously are in the area, have you also sailed Adventure and do you have a similar list for it?  I expect a bunch of kids as it's a summer sailing, and frankly our teen is why we are going then as well, so we are used to that. I am not sure Midwest kids are any better / worse / different than North East kids. :)

 

We will be in Jr. Suites on Adventure and my understanding is no Coastal Kitchen for us for any meal, but we do get priority embarkation so I will assume they board early like Anthem.  We will be staying within 30 minutes of port the night before so we can wait until rush hour thins out and still be there by 10 or so. Thank you for that as well.  Any other insights would be appreciated.  Sorry to hijack this Anthem thread with questions about its port mate.

[yankees4898]

Thanks.  Do any other recent repeat Anthem cruisers have an opinion on this?

[renza]

We went on anthem in June. We loved it. We live only 40 min from Fort Lauderdale and have been on oasis class many times but my college son really wanted to try this ship. We flew up to NY and stayed four nights in the city and boarded anthem for 9 nights. Our family loved it. One of our best vacations. 

[lovescats5]

We have only been on Anthem once but have 2 more cruises coming up.  April and November, 2019.  Unlike yankees4898 we chose the Anthem for the activities, not necessarily the shows and other entertainment.  Since we were Star Class we did not have to worry so much about reservations for the shows but we are looking forward to seeing the Queen show again (especially my 11 yr old granddaughter, she loved it) and we thought Spectra was very good.  We will see those shows again.  Derick took care of the iFly times but my son and husband also stood in line several times to see if there were any cancellations, and there were always some, because they were hooked after the first flying trip.  Bumper cars were great fun and we went several times and it was nice that we did not have to wait in line although when the line began getting long we let other people enjoy hitting each other.  Coastal Kitchen was a great place to eat and we are early eaters but even as we were leaving around 6pm there always seemed to be plenty of tables available.  Since we are more activity oriented we did not really see the shows yankees4898 was getting tired of but I know that the second time on Oasis was enough that I would only go back on her again if I could book the A1 again.  Anyway, my opinions, and although I have only been on Anthem once we are very excited to sail on her again 2 more times.

[KmomChicago]

See now you all have got me wanting to hurry up and get on Anthem before it leaves Cape Liberty. Which I think would have to be spring break 2020, because we are all booked up until then, and she will be heading to Europe after.  We would love the Queen show, iFly, North Star. I would love to try Trapeze School but I'm probably too old. Thanks for sharing all the great info!

[lovescats5]

You are never too old to try the Trapeze School.  My husband, 69,  did it in Sept. with our son and granddaughter and he had a great time.  You are never too old or young for iFly either.  You will have a wonderful time on Anthem.

[ryanl02]

Went on the Anthem two years ago and I loved it, but having gotten off Symphony OTS yesterday, I have to say Anthem felt more crowded in my opinion. Anthem also seemed to have more lines for everything too. Not sure if that's always the case or if it was just bad on my sailing. 

[Dennis#1]

4 minutes ago, ryanl02 said:

Went on the Anthem two years ago and I loved it, but having gotten off Symphony OTS yesterday, I have to say Anthem felt more crowded in my opinion. Anthem also seemed to have more lines for everything too. Not sure if that's always the case or if it was just bad on my sailing. 

Agree.  This was my experience also on our sept. 6th sailing on the Anthem.  I prefer Oasos Class.

 

[ryanl02]

2 minutes ago, Dennis#1 said:

Agree.  This was my experience also on our sept. 6th sailing on the Anthem.  I prefer Oasos Class.

 

Same here.  I'm not sure if I'd go back on a Quantum class ship but I'd go back on an Oasis class ship in an instant