Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

Just back from Anthem: Some Observations

compman9

By compman9,
in Royal Caribbean International

 Share

Recommended Posts

pthjudy

pthjudy

Posted
Posted
On 10/15/2021 at 10:31 AM, compman9 said:

This is for those that haven't been since, you know . . .

 

The muster drill has gone. The worst inconvenience of any cruise is finished.

 

Everything is all about the App. This is clearly going to grow in importance, so if you have technophobes in the family, well I'm afraid they will have to get with the programme as this progresses. It really is good though, so don't be scared (that's a message just for my father in law 🤣)

 

The Diamond Lounge was the same as usual, despite the five drinks vouchers. This was nice, as it enabled people to enjoy their nibbles and socialise with others.

 

Charging for ship amenities such as IFly, North Star etc., is unacceptable. These amazing ships are built and promoted on the basis of their innovative facilities. Charging is one thing, but sawing passengers off with outrageously expensive prices is disgraceful. Just getting that off my chest 😉

 

The food was the best I have experienced for many years. From the nibbles in the lounge to the Windjammer offerings. Everything was outstanding. Pies in Sorrentos. Pies! Brilliant.

 

The internet is now two speed. If you don't buy the most expensive version, you will experience old fashioned connection issues. It is sad to say, but knowingly selling an inferior product is not good practice.

 

This is the first all-British cruise I have experienced. For the RCI employees on this board - WE NEED MORE BARS - On three of the six nights there were no available seats in any of the drinking venues. We Brits like a drink, but 🤣

 

A tip for anybody and everybody - We did not print out our Covid vaccination proof and the NHS App went down while we were checking in. Fortunately, DW saved them in our wallet and remembered last minute - PRINT EVERYTHING FOLKS

 

If you object to the Covid safety etc., stuff don't let it get to you. The cruise line has had to jump through many hoops to get our holidays back and having just four in the elevator but hundreds everywhere else, and leaving two spaces in the theatre next to you but none in front. A few let it get to them, but just let it go. They are doing their best.

 

There was one common mantra among senior officers - Everything will be back to normal by next May.

 

Was the Solarian Bistro open for breakfast? We purposely selected our cabin to make use of the secret door to that area. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
kernow "Live from...." Rare

kernow

Posted
Posted

We were on the sailing before the op and the Solarium Bistro was closed completely all week, I think on OPs sailing it was just open for dinner. It will depend on the number of passengers, our sailing was 1800, the next one was 2400. If you have higher numbers perhaps it will be open more. The 25th Oct sailing is reported to be busier as it's British school holidays.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
cublet

cublet

Posted
Posted
20 hours ago, kernow said:

These Anthem cruises were exactly the same but I'm not sure you could book the free slots more than once.

Hello,

 

According to the DL Concierge, you can have no more than one free North Star booking per cruise. According to the chap with the laptop at the NS Bar, it's no more than one free booking per day - but I did not put this to the test.

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
kwokpot

kwokpot

Posted
Posted
On 10/16/2021 at 4:55 AM, kernow said:

You're right, Brits (and probably other Europeans) do have a different attitude than Americans. Pubs here have become social meeting places where you can go with all the family to eat and drink, it's not just about alcohol though, I'll often go to a pub with friends and have just a soft drink or a coffee. I'm not sure you really have an equivalent in the US, anywhere with a bar feels more like an adult environment. 

We also had a problem finding somewhere to sit after dinner on a couple of nights the week before, it seemed to me that the ship was missing a big lounge where you could just sit and chat. If Americans don't go to the bars not sure where they will go instead.

As if on cue last night 60 Minutes did a whole segment on English pubs and what they mean to the British. Not sure if there will be regional restrictions on viewing but I'll put up the online link to view the report.  My comments about the British and drinking weren't a criticism but just an observation of the cultural differences. The 60 Minutes news story is an elaboration of my statements.

I'm on the Anthem for Christmas this December and will report back on this thread about crowds and whether there's any capacity issues 

 

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/england-pubs-covid-19-60-minutes-2021-10-17/

Link to comment
Share on other sites
gavvy

gavvy

Posted
Posted

If you sat in 270 there were servers asking if you wanted a drink, they had a full bar behind the scenes, so it was a bit silly to close the actual physical bar. I think if more had known there was service in there they would have used it.

 

We watched a Disney film and 'the history of Royal Caribbean' (basically a corporate video that nobody should have to watch) and received full service from the crew there.

  • Haha 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
cublet

cublet

Posted
Posted
12 hours ago, gavvy said:

If you sat in 270 there were servers asking if you wanted a drink, they had a full bar behind the scenes, so it was a bit silly to close the actual physical bar. I think if more had known there was service in there they would have used it.

 

We watched a Disney film and 'the history of Royal Caribbean' (basically a corporate video that nobody should have to watch) and received full service from the crew there.

Hello,

 

It wouldn't have been so bad if the corporate video was current - those not bored to death may have noticed that it was 'Copyright 2018'.

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Wedgeh

Wedgeh

Posted
Posted
On 10/16/2021 at 2:53 PM, alexgtp said:

Were all the specialty restaurants opened for lunch on embarkation day? Specifically Jamie's? Thanks.

 

We ate at Jamie's on embarkation day.

 

As others have said for a sailing that was half full it certainly felt fairly packed most evenings. Having a cocktail selection which didn't try and knock you over within three drinks was a welcome change after our nights on Celebrity Silhouette 😆

 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Moltar

Moltar

Posted
Posted (edited)
3 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Ripcord rides are more expensive on land and venues are far apart. 

Ok, so I'll be sure to quote him and talk about lasagna and changing tires.

 

Why would he quote me in regards to that?

Edited by Moltar
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Moltar

Moltar

Posted
Posted
On 10/16/2021 at 9:12 AM, billslowsky said:

If someone thinks $29 is outrageous for iFly, try booking it on land.  If it's even within 100 miles of you.

So yeah when you pull over on the highway you should always be careful when changing tires. Also make sure you know how to change a tire when you get a flat.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Merion_Mom

Merion_Mom

Posted
Posted
On 10/16/2021 at 9:53 AM, alexgtp said:

I am an American, and I love hanging out in PUBS (bars sounds lowclass).:classic_biggrin:

 

 I just read a popular cruise blogger couple page on their Anthem bar hopping Adventure, there seemed to be a lot of places one could find a cocktail. My worry level is not back down to 1. LOL!!  So excited!

 

Were all the specialty restaurants opened for lunch on embarkation day? Specifically Jamie's? Thanks.

 

I assume that you will be on the Anthem when she is sailing out of Cape Liberty.

 

Jamie's has always been open for lunch on those cruises.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Biker19

Biker19

Posted
Posted
4 minutes ago, Moltar said:

That a firm negative Ghostrider. Please Re-read.

 

On 10/15/2021 at 6:06 PM, Moltar said:

 They charge for iFly, NorthStar in Asian, Australian and apparently European cruises. Was never ever charged leaving out of NJ.

To me and perhaps some others, mentioning a charge or lack thereof, is mentioning pricing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Azamazingal

Azamazingal

Posted
Posted
53 minutes ago, TravelMadBrits said:

For UK cruisers that used Eurofins recently, did you take any ID like passport? I can’t find any info on this. Have our test tomorrow 8.30am for Monday’s sailing.  Really hoping they get the results processed quickly! 

You must take your passport so they can check that it is you taking the test - not a covid free substitute.  I tested today and was okayed wearing a large hat and a face mask!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
PJL1973

PJL1973

Posted
Posted (edited)
On 10/16/2021 at 4:42 PM, gavvy said:

The bionic bar also broke after day one and was not fixed so that took out an area to chill with a drink, there was nobody there most of the time.

It still wasn't fixed for my cruise either (I was on the one after the OP's).

 

Some bars were busy at certain times on my cruise as well. But I always found alternatives. Solarium bistro was only open for evenings I think. Windjammer closed in the evenings (though they're open for the current sailing during half term - looks like it has to be at least 50% of ship capacity before they open it up). 


Nearest thing to a lounge area on Anthem is probably the centre of the Via (where Jamies & Vintages are situated).

 

270 did have a bar that was open which you could order from. Or you could just wait until the servers approached you like everywhere else.

Edited by PJL1973
Link to comment
Share on other sites
TAPNKEGS

TAPNKEGS

Posted
Posted

Hello All,

 

  Just hoping for a bit of clarity here. Through reading the entire thread, I am seeing the Windjammer buffet is closed for dinner (with the exception just posted about somewhat open during half-term). I am not a huge fan of the MDR, just like being able to hit the buffet during the evening grab something, sit, eat and head on out (MDR is just too time consuming 🙂 ) Is this a perm thing or is there any factual basis for the determination of ship capacity % equating if the windjammer is open for dinner...   seems a bit odd is all. I am getting away for the southern 12 day from Jersey in December and was curious if the rules change once in the US.

 

Many Thanks for any clarification !

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...