barneymag

I am booked on Ovation in a cat K category. I have studied the deck plans and can't seem to find any staterooms for 4 passengers that have 1 or 2 Pullmans. They all seem to have 2 singles and a sofa bed. Does anyone know if Anthem or Quantum have Pullmans in this category? My agent said this could change but could not confirm until the ship has been built.

The only Pullmans are in the JS grade with balcony. Even then looking at the deck plan for Anthem there are only single Pullmans plus Sofabed on Decks 8 and 9.

However there are a number of connecting K and L interior cabins - Could this work out for you ??

Hi All

I really enjoy a good Martini and last year on Celebrity Eclipse we were spoilt with fantastic drinks at the Ice Martini Bar ...... Great variations on a Martini, Cosmo etc all using premium brand spirits such as Grey Goose Vodka and Tanquery Gin :) never sailed Royal or Anthem before ..... am I going to be disappointed or do Royal offer premium brand liquor and a premium service ?? If so where would you find the best drink on Anthem ?

We also enjoyed breakfast in American Icon Grill and the served options were:

 

Eggs Benedict

Southwest Huevos Rancheros

New York Bodega Breakfast

Louisiana Beignets

Traditional Full English

Pancakes

 

Plus you could help yourself to the buffet items with cereals, fruit, pastries and a few hot items...

Hi Clio

Can you remember if Corned Beef Has was available in American Icon for breakfast ?? I love Corned Beef Hash and fried eggs for breakfast when I visit the U.S. ..... Obviously I can manage the full English if I have to ;) but first time on RCI and Anthem so not sure if they serve this option ??

Last year we could even get Corned Beef Hash and eggs on our room service breakfast on Celebrity so hoping I can at least get this in the served restaurant :)

going back to the food, I love those lobster tails at Grande!!

Love Lobster !!!!! and looking forward to it in the Grande .... I think I've seen a photo somewhere and they were very small - How many do they serve in a single portion ? and can you ask for extras ?? ;)

Came off anthem canaries cruise 13 June great ship upgraded to spirits and cocktails for last six days 15 dollars a day well worth it considering a single cocktail was 12.50 dollars can upgrade at any bar at anytime during holiday

Hi Andrew

Thanks for the feedback - last year on Eclipse we had the classic drinks package and upgraded to premium as we boarded ship. As you say with cocktails, Martinis and better wines it was a no brainer for us and will do the same in September when we go on Anthem.

Btw anyone have the Martinis ?? On Eclipse they were really good in the Martini Ice Bar, Grey Goose Vodka or Bombay Sapphire ..... No "local" spirits used as the cheap option.... Are they the same on Anthem/RCI ??

I think a tall latte was about $4.50. We have at least 2 large starbucks a day so the additional $10 made sense (and we were only on a 7day cruise so used our OBC to pay most of the difference).

You have to pay for a latte or cappuccino after a meal, only regular coffee (which we didn't really enjoy tbh) is included.

If you're not a big coffee drinker it probably isn't worth the extra to go ultimate.

Thanks for the feedback

I guess at $4.50 a coffee we will just pay for those as and when as we'll probably only have them every other day on average

Curious what does DJ stand for? Dinner jacket or something else? Thought couldn't hurt to ask...:) as never saw that abbreviation before. Thanks

Haha

DJ stands for Dinner Jacket or Black Tie or Tux .... All the same in UK but I guess even though we all speak English we all have variations of the meaning ..... for example Coat - UK = something you wear to go outside when it rains, U.S. = a jacket you wear in restaurant. Vest - UK = something you wear when you're 3 year old under your shirt and jumper (sweater :)) when you're cold , U.S. = a tee shirt without sleeves you wear in a restaurant when you want to ignore the dress code ;) ...... Honestly last bit is tounge in cheek :)

I honestly take those numbers with a pinch of salt.

 

The ones that have had an 'awful' time will be the ones on there writing every negative thing possible to bring the ratings down.

 

I read on one of the negative reviews someone said - "The Vietnamese Tacos Picture outside Silk showed 3 Tacos. I was very disappointed to find when I ordered it they only brought two Tacos"

 

I mean FFS just order another one.

 

It's those sort of people who go on cruises just to complain afterwards.

I read this review recently .... Think they gave 1 out of 5 ...... couldn't stop laughing at the 3 tacos in the picture thing ..... Disgraceful :):) HaHa .... Get a life some people !

Hi,

The included drinks package didn't show on my booking but I upgraded at the drinks stand once I got on board and it was fine.

They had a list of names/cabin numbers who were entitled to the basic drinks package.

 

We upgraded to ultimate package for $25 per day

Hi T

hat seems a lot for the Ultimate package upgrade - A few have posted $15pp per day to Upgrade from Select to Premium on Anthem which to be honest as I mainly drink premium brand G&T, Grey Goose Martinis, cocktails and a nice NZ Sauvignon Blanc is a steal for me .... however another $10pp per day on top of that x our 14 nights would add $280 for premium coffee and sparkling water :eek: Not sure that works out for me .... any idea how much a premium coffee is ? I would normally only have a max of 1 per day .... also can you get a latte or cappuccino after evening meal free or is this an upcharge as well ?

Have been looking at the dining options for the Ovation of the Seas. We like to dine in a restaurant for breakfast and to be able to order bacon & eggs, omelettes, etc.

 

Can anyone tell me which complimentary restaurant you can get these dishes?

I am also looking for confirmation of this as I normally use the MDR for breakfast. We're on Anthem in September which like Ovation doesn't have a traditional MDR. I believe they use American Icon for this purpose for breakfast and Lunch options for those not wanting to use WJ

So now I am confused.

 

We wondered the same thing and assumed if we purchased online prior to boarding, we would avoid the VAT since it is a "US" purchase. (I imagine same applies for specialty restaurant booking charge, etc.) We have been researching to see what other items we should 'pre-purchase'.

 

At first this thread seemed to support that, but the post by SAVVO indicates the VAT was not applied to their onboard package purchase. As always, could be an accounting error by RCCL (which is possible) and I am sure by the time we sail in October they will have it all sorted out. But will be interesting to see what others report.

Hi

It all depends on your embarkation point and your ports of call

I am guessing SAVVO sailed out of UK for their med cruise - if so they almost certainly will have called at Gibraltar which is Duty Free. RCI can therefore sell Tax Free on the whole itinerary when at sea (even if the ship calls at Spain)

If you're out of Barcelona and don't call at any tax free/non EU ports then tax will be due.

We did a 3 nighter on Ventura in May out of Southampton and into Guernsey and Brugges (Guernsey Tax Free) therefore Tax free shopping all trip. But if the same 3 nighter had only visited Brugges (EU) then no tax free sales would have been possible .... I think Anthem's first 3 nighters had this issue with no Tax free sales.

The sofabed is by the balcony, I just checked to see if I had any pics of the inside of the room, but unfortunately I don't.

Thanks for that - I'm only guessing that 12160 will be the same - funnily enough I know there are mixed opinions on this but I prefer the extra feel of space with a sofa next the balcony rather than the bed .... others prefer the other way. I'm yet to experience the bed next to the balcony as all my previous cruises the sofa has always been next to balcony, bed next to bathroom ..... In fact I just assumed all were like this until others had posted on c.c. :o

Hi, room was quiet, & there was a sofabed in the room which appeared to be the size of a double bed (we only had 1 person in it, so can't really say how easily it accommodated 2 people)

 

When the sofabed is pulled out, there is only about 4 inches between that & the vanity area, which is very much a squeeze, however, this wouldn't be specific to this room- this is normal for that category. The rooms are just narrow.

 

For an obstructed room I think it's great as you don't really notice any obstruction.

Hi Glad Trimble

Just wondered what layout the cabin had i.e. sofa bed next to balcony or bed next to balcony ? we're in 12160 in September and assume the way these ships work the cabins alternate this layout along each deck but all cabins directly above each other will probably have the same cabin layout.

So most cocktails are now $12 - Celebrity were doing this last year and were offering 2 main drinks packages, Classic and Premium. We upgraded to premium at about $10 pp per day (over the classic package) and the advantage was you got top shelf liquor inc Grey Goose, Tanquery, Tanquery No 10 and Hendricks and gave good measures in both straight mixers and cocktails ..... Martinis, Bloody Mary's and G&Ts all excellent .... Only once did a barman attempt to short change me with Beefeater Gin saying that's all I could have ..... this was on day 10 of a 11 night where I had enjoyed premium drinks and premium service all cruise .... I got Tanquery after a couple of minutes of discussion 😉

Now I am sailing Anthem (and Royal) for the first time this September and will upgrade to premium/ultimate drinks package and all I hope is they don't attempt to give low quality spirits or short measures .... Same parent as Celebrity so hope they don't try to be "cheap" - I have no problem paying premium pricing if you get premium brands and premium service

The problem RCI have got is that because they opened the online reservation system to book tables, it has started a chain off which has resulted in the majority of people pre-booking slots online.

 

If they wanted true 'dynamic dining' then they'd shut down pre reservations altogether, and people just turn up at whatever restaurant they want, when they want to eat.

 

I suspect that wouldn't go down to well though, if people ever had to wait

I believe the idea is that x% of tables and slots are available for pre-booking and x% are held back for every time slot for people just turning up. No one has confirmed what the split is but I have read this.

I think having no pre booking at all could be chaos at peak dining times I.e. between 7 and 8 if a large majority choose one restaurant and the other 3 are almost empty ..... you could have 2000+ people chasing themselves around the 4 restaurants to find something that's still not their first choice.

Although I am yet to experience it, I can see the benefits if they release 50% of all tables and slots for pre-book, allow you to cancel or move these easily and leave the remainder for more flexible dining choices for those that don't like set dining times or foods.

Hi,

 

A question to those who have already sailed on Anthem.

 

My parents are celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary and will be sailing on the Anthem (June 20th) & with only a few days left I am a wee bit concerned that they have not yet made any online dining reservations....

 

Do they really need to make some dining reservations or is "Dynamic Dining" as good as they think it will be and they can just turn up to what restaurant they want when they want and get a table?

 

I have visions of them both being all dressed up sitting in the Windjammer as there are no free tables in the restaurants of their choice at the time they want.

 

Kind regards

Meg x x x

Hi Meg

If they have already created an online account they can go into their cruise planner and create dinner reservations in any of the complimentary restaurants with times shown for each restaurant for each day - I think this is possible up to 4days before they cruise (not 100% on this but the cruise planner will show this)

I've not been on yet as we sail in September but I've already booked for all nights with various times dependent on sea day, shows (we will rock you only on 2 evenings) and shore trips/sail times

Once on the ship I understand you can cancel/amend restaurants and times on the app available to put on smartphone and tablet, I assume you can also do this on your TV and obviously in the restaurant

Finally as others have reported you can just turn up at any restaurant on any evening and there may be a wait, but I understand that they don't allow all of the tables for pre book so there should always be some tables avail for those just turning up .... Obviously there could be a queue for these

Hi Barneymag, we've just arrived home from 12nts on the Anthem. I totally agree with Sea Lavender. None of the restaurants are very formal, although you are expected to dress formally when at the Grande. How formal is up to you. Having read other posts prior to our cruise, i decided to leave my DJ at home and took a suit and jacket. We were on classic dining, you alternate between the four restaurants during the cruise, and ate at the Grande on two nights. Most people did dress either in suit and tie or DJ, unfortunately there were some 'scruffbags' allowed in. I find it so annoying that RCI make rules but then do not enforce them!

The restaurants do not have the open opulant look or feel about them as you find on the like of Liberty or Independance. The food is good but I did get a bit bored with it as the menu does not change much between the four restaurants. Avoid the lemon, vanilla plum crepe, its like a lump of cardboard with a small amount of fruit syrup. Jamies, is $30pp, the food is good but nothing special.

However, the cruise on a whole was great. Personally i think the staff are fantastic. Be open minded, as the ship is different from others in the fleet. The theater entertainment is a delight and really worth going to.

Im sure you'll have a good cruise.

Hi PDOska

Thanks for the comments - I have nothing to compare to other Royal ships or cruises as this is our first with them ..... our previous cruises have been on P&O and Celebrity - never had a bad cruise, but maybe because I always have a glass half full 😉

We will be totally open minded and as I said in an earlier post will pack all combinations of evening wear so I can dress as I feel comfortable with the rest of the ship.

Although I don't agree with those that totall disregard a venue/cruise lines dress code I also feel that if 90% of the ship dresses smart casual then I'm going to dress accordingly.... And if they're all wearing DJ/tux then I'm in there no problem !!

less in real formal attire. 30% suits and jackets 60% punters getting jackets 10% (scruffbags) they should have been turned away really.

Thanks Stichman

I will be packing tux, multiple suits and a couple of jackets. Fortunately as not having to fly luggage allowance isn't an issue 😀

Will dress accordingly where appropriate and to what makes me feel comfortable in each venue ..... I definitely won't be needing to borrow a jacket or turn up as a "scruffbag" as you described - have to agree on this as although I'm not 100% hung up on tuxes only as appropriate formal dress I do believe that you need to respect the venues dress codes - ok we're all paying the same (ish) rates for our cruise but if we choose a certain line or certain venue we should respect the required dress ..... If you don't agree with the standard or dress code then choose a line or venue that suits your standard !!

It actually annoyed me seeing people in there not in formal dress. When were were walking in one night, a man in a polo shirt and jeans walked out, handed his jacket back to the door staff with a big smile on his face and said "thank you"...

 

He looked like an absolute moron.

 

If you don't have formal dress. They should enforce it and not let you in. Simple

Hi Swoopy

I totally agree with both yourself and Stichman on this ..... However we're still missing the point of my question, which is how formal is formal ?? RCI's own description in the blurb about The Grande was DJ/Tux or Suit and Tie or Jacket and Tie !! Now I am happy to wear all versions of RCI's formal dress code but as I've never cruised with Royal before or on Anthem I just want to understand how formal is formal on Anthem and The Grande

Thanks again

as I said in my previous post, the formal night is now called "Royal night" and the dress code is "Dress your best"

Hi Stichman

Thanks for your comments

As I said before I have no problem dressing to the cruise lines requirements but equally I think the majority of people become the dress code policy with what they're wearing if that makes sense. Cunard v conservative and formal, P&O quite formal, Celebrity half and half, Royal ??? I don't know as never cruised with them yet but will be in September and therefore just trying to understand what to expect to be in the majority on Anthem out of Southampton

Thanks again

It actually annoyed me seeing people in there not in formal dress. When were were walking in one night, a man in a polo shirt and jeans walked out, handed his jacket back to the door staff with a big smile on his face and said "thank you"...

 

He looked like an absolute moron.

 

If you don't have formal dress. They should enforce it and not let you in. Simple

Hi Swoopy

TBH I totally agree with you and really enjoyed your review and photos - I noticed you were in full Balck Tie but as I have said I have no problem wearing full formal DJ/Tux or business/wedding formal Suit and Tie but I was trying to gauge what was the proportion of DJ/Tux to Suit and Tie and then I guess Jacket and Tie and then those just taking the $@#% :(

No matter what I would as a minimum dependent on the cruise line be wearing a suit and tie or smart jacket and tie if it was a more relaxed cruise line ..... I would never feel comfortable dressing down in a formal restaurant or a formal evening

Thanks

As you have suggested a requirement fur a good hotel and great food, may we suggest the Terravina. It is an excellent small hotel just outside the town, and you must dine at the hotel, taking the tasting menu with wine.

 

The great send off you may be seeking.:)

Thanks Port Royal for the heads up :rolleyes: but can't remember asking for this but I'm sure the Southampton tourist office will be delighted with your assistance in helping local businesses ;)

What I (and I think the OP) would really like to know is what are the proportions of men wearing DJs/ lounge suits/chinos with jacket and no tie? I assume most will fall into one of these categories, apart from those who come in casual and are lent a jacket.

 

We really need to hear from people who have been on Anthem not on Quantum, where the majority will be Americans who tend to dress less formally anyway.

Absolutely the question I was asking

Don't get me wrong, on traditional formal nights on P&O I would always wear DJ/Tux and Black Tie as this was the majority ..... On Celebrity I packed DJ but wore Suit and Tie as this was the norm on the Eclipse and I felt more comfortable with the majority ....... Now I truly hope that the norm in this restaurant is not shorts and tee shirt as that's not what I signed up for but would like an understanding from those that have cruised on Anthem how formal is formal in the Grande ??

As I said in earlier posts I had heard that this ship did not have traditional ship wide formal nights but if that's wrong are all 4 restaurants formal on these evenings and is it DJ/Tux for the majority or small minority ??

Thanks again

Hello Barney,

 

We really enjoyed our dinner at the Grande. The other passengers were all dressed in formal attire a couple of tuxes mostly suits for the men.

 

For starters my wife and I loved the Lobster Bisque, rich, velvety, savory and delicious.

 

I had the Sole Almondine which was superb. A lovely, flavorful piece of fish tender and flaky.

 

Can't remember what we had for dessert, our waiter was terrific very efficient and took great care of us. We loved the Grande and can't wait to return on Anthem next February.

 

Jonathan

Hi Jonathan

Thanks for the feedback - Looking forward to some good food in the Grande. Would you suggest its the closest restaurant to the MDR on other ships from RCI or Celebrity ? I never dine in the buffet and always dine in the MDR or a speciality restaurant for a change _ I'm looking forward to try this new concept but went for 5 nights in the Grande and 5 nights in Chic as the online menu examples reminded me more of the MDR menus on Celebrity or P&O. Were first timers on Royal so hoping we wont be disappointed.

Regarding the dress code don't have a problem with it - On P&O out of UK ports formal is pretty 100% DJ's/Tuxes where on Celebrity I found it was more suits than tuxes .... perhaps 70/30. Not witnessed anyone really abusing Formal on either P&O or Celebrity in the MDR, but on Anthem I got the impression as the ship as a whole will not have true formal nights then "formal" in Grande would be more how you would arrive at a wedding or fine dining restaurant ...... Hard Hat on waiting for the "formal attire police" :)

By the way did you eat in Chic as well, and what did you think of the menu there ?

Thanks again

There was sit down breakfast in American Icon. Devinly Decadence had buffet and it was underutilized. Cafe 270 also offered breakfast. And the Cafe Promenade has continental breakfast pastries.

Hi All

Thanks for the answers

So do Royal use American Icon as the "MDR" option for breakfast and lunch on Anthem ? if so what are the food options like ? Eggs cooked to order ? Corned Beef hash ? Smoked Haddock ? English or American breakfast etc

I know on our last cruise on Ventura we used MDR everyday and breakfast was great .... Always started with fresh juice, fruit, cooked English, Smoked Haddock and toast, pastries etc great options and very chilled start to the day