newxmascruiser

Wow great photos. Have loved following this thread from the start. Shame it got derailed for a bit, but fully back on track with fantastic photos to boot. Im so intrigued by this experience for those on board and can only imagine being able to take enough time out for this trip. Safe travels to you all and looking forward to whoever shares more of the rest

Just back off this 12 night Canaries cruise on Anthem so a quick run down. We usually cruise from Florida with a few European port departures sprinkled in, but this 12 night from Southampton just seemed too convenient to pass up with no flights and only a 2 hour drive. We went for a balcony this time. With Ultimate dining package and Ultimate beverage package. Despite being Diamond we still feel the UBP is value for us. Im not going to go day by day or port by port but just note some things which may be useful or if interest, but happy to answer any questions on UBP or UDP or anything else on this ship So a few observations which might be useful There was a new cruise director on this sailing, like brand new. He was ok, nothing to write home about, I’m sure he will settle in North Star is free on port days it goes up tilts to each side for a minute or so then back down. Takes 10-15 mins On sea days it was $40 pp ride was more like 20 mins and weather permitting goes out to the side of the ship. To me it’s more interesting in port anyway with something to see. Plenty of availability if you’re flexible on times Ifly same - free on port days or $40 on sea days. Have done it before so didn’t do that this time. Slots for the complimentary times on port days show up on the afternoon the day before. Royal puzzle break is like a bit of a watered down escape room. It’s held in Fuel. They don’t list it on the paper cruise planner but it’s in the app. Loads and loads of time slots. You have to reserve in the app. 50 min limit in the room. Really really good fun Ship in good shape, loads of maintenance going on inc a lot of carpets being replaced I assume ready for the TA Bingo was $69 for the full package if that interests anyone Casino was completely nonsmoking as is the case with UK sailings No enforcement at all of pool chair hogs and that was in FULL force Spectra’s cabaret was the only showing requiring reservations The guys for reserving dining using UDP were right on deck 5 as we boarded The ship was so so crowded. It’s probably my least favourite class for that reason, like every venue, every night Loads of great live music all over Jonny Rockets shakes were available with the UBP Solarium Bistro is a good quiet breakfast spot and the bar there has the freshly squeezed OJ machine. Same for Two 70. Seaplex hold a laser quest session. Don’t be fooled it’s not just for kids!! Was brilliant fun. The put up a big inflatable kind of maze for you to run around in with the scores on a big screen and running commentary on which teams winning. Again reserve in the app Think that’s about it but any questions happy to try and help

I did the 6 night in 2022. Did a quick run down here with a bit about pre cruise hotel, transport and the 3 ports we did. We have cruised from “Rome” in the past on different itineraries and stayed in Rome itself and headed to port on sail away day. We’ve always taken a cab but you can get the train. The train station is around a 20 min walk to port. If there is anything specific I can try and answer for you would be happy to help

I just cancelled my UDP as the price had gone down and it now wont process my payment to rebook, annoying. Whats the betting the price has gone up again by the time the payment issue is fixed

Currently on Liberty. We have eaten in the MDR twice so far. Both times were good. The portion sizes were good and the food hot. Prime rib and strip steak both well cooked and came with a larger portion of vegetables than I remember before. Most disappointing for me is that the earliest time for my time is now 7.15 which is just way too late. Had I known I would have requested early seating and will do so in future as I suspect will many others as the my time queue starts forming around 6.45 from what I have seen. We were in just after 7.15 both times and it’s pretty frantic with waiters running around changing tables over around us with table cloths glasses and cutlery being rushed out. Other than that no complaints so far

Yep. At the Cafe Two70. Was one of the best I’ve had there a couple weeks ago. Enjoy!

Yes on the app. That will be the simplest way. The times for North Star and iFly didn’t show up for us until we were connected to ship wifi.

We tested at home, since we only spent 1 night so were within the 2 days before requirement

No worries!! We had our own with us ready to use on the ship anyway, so I can’t say I’m afraid.

We just stayed 1 night. Hopefully the other replies have answered your taxi questions 👍

Yes exactly as we did. We also booked from the ship back to FCO when we disembarked. The driver was waiting with our name on a card. Same price. Was really good value to what others paid. Also to note regular taxis aren’t available outside the ship, prebooked ones only, so the options are pre book, take the shuttle back to the port entrance and try and catch a cab from there, or lots of people took the shuttle then walked to the train station. Maybe a 15-20 min walk

Yes the tender numbers were not relevant to anyone with a tour. You’ll get the details with your tour tickets of where and when to meet on the ship. Have a great time!!

Great choice with Casa Sul Mare they were fantastic hosts. There is an old fort down by the port which you can walk around. There was also a little street market right across from the property. We mainly just wandered around and enjoyed the bars and cafes in the sunshine. Yes when you leave the apartment you cross the street and walk down to the port entrance, the shuttle picks you up there. Loris even offered to walk our bags over with us.

Yes correct reservations are once on board or in the terminal if you’re waiting and have pre paid internet package. There we’re also a couple of podiums dotted about when we boarded who could handle it for you. Honestly no hassle booking everything we wanted. Im pretty sure the book and the effectors were the only 2 requiring reservations.

Wonderland was great. We left the choice of apps to them, all were delicious small/one bites. The mains were large. We had the pork and the short rib. Both were good. I didn’t care for either of their special cocktails though. Service was fabulous but I definitely felt the menu was a one and done