Anthem of the Seas review. Pre-inagural cruise with pictures.

[Stickman81]

Greetings everyone,

 

My wife and I just returned from a Pre-inagural cruise on RCI, Anthem of the Seas. The cruise departed Newark, NJ on Friday evening and returned on Sunday morning. This was it's second special cruise in a series of three. There were mostly travel agents, media and some RCI executives on-board. I went as the guest of a TA as it was by invitation only. Two of our friends were also on-board.

 

This is only my second cruise and, first one on Royal Caribbean.

 

The whole event was spectacular and, the ship is AWESOME!

 

The sail-away on Friday night up the Hudson, past the Statue of Liberty and back was one of those once in a lifetime opportunities.

 

I have only been to New York one time, several years ago and it was just passing through. Seeing the lights of all the buildings in the Manhattan area was breathtaking and I'm sure my cell phone pictures will not do it justice.

 

We had a balcony room that was VERY nice.

 

More to come as time allows -

Thank you.

 

Readers Digest Version -

* Short cruise to nowhere to show off the ship to TA and media.

* Awesome sail-away up the Hudson and back out.

* Brand new ship with very cool features.

* Roomy accommodations with ample storage.

* Lots of dining venues.

* Great staff.

* Lots of activities.

 

[Stickman81]

The weather the past few days (weeks) in Atlanta has been yucky. Overcast, rain and generally blah. It's no where near as bad as the weather in other parts of the country at this same time though, so for that, I am thankful.

 

We flew out of ATL and arrived in EWR at about 1130 Friday morning. We were met at the gate by our friends and made our way to the prearranged buses that provided transfers for us.

 

We were on-board the ship in short order.

 

At Port Cape Liberty about to board the Anthem of the Seas.

 

 

 

Our Balcony Cabin - 12700.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 8, 2015 by Stickman81

[Stickman81]

 

 

View from our balcony while at port.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The North Star -

 

 

 

One of the pool areas.

Johnny Rocket's restaurant just to the right in this picture.

 

 

 

 

[ARCruisinNana]

Looking forward to your review. What was your cabin number?

[Stickman81]

Around the ship -

 

Restaurants.

 

 

Deck 14.

 

Coastal Kitchen.

This is a special restaurant where specific level guests can dine for breakfast and lunch. I believe it is then open to all guests for dinner.

 

Windjammer Cafe.

To label this as a buffet is in my opinion, an inaccurate injustice. There are numerous stations located in this area that have awesome bites. While it is serve yourself, the venue just does not fit into my idea of a buffet.

 

 

 

 

 

Coastal Kitchen -

 

 

 

Before you enter the Windjammer, there are wash stations with soap and water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stickman81]

Two more from Windjammer -

 

 

 

 

 

[Turtles06]

 

Restaurants.

 

 

Deck 14.

 

Coastal Kitchen.

 

This is a special restaurant where specific level guests can dine for breakfast and lunch. I believe it is then open to all guests for dinner.

 

That's not correct. We were just on the Anthem TA; Coastal Kitchen is open only to guests in suites and to Pinnacle members. (Breakfast and lunch is restricted to the "real" suites and Pinnacle members, while at dinner, guests in the "junior suites" are allowed in as well.)

 

Glad you had a chance to experience Anthem; thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts and photos.

[Stickman81]

That's not correct. We were just on the Anthem TA; Coastal Kitchen is open only to guests in suites and to Pinnacle members. (Breakfast and lunch is restricted to the "real" suites and Pinnacle members, while at dinner, guests in the "junior suites" are allowed in as well.)

 

Glad you had a chance to experience Anthem; thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts and photos.

 

 

Thank you for the clarification.

So much information at one time.

I will correct my post.

 

Thanks,

Jim

[Stickman81]

Oops -

Guess I cannot edit the post.

 

Correction for Coastal Kitchen as pointed out above -

Coastal Kitchen is open only to guests in suites and to Pinnacle members. (Breakfast and lunch is restricted to the "real" suites and Pinnacle members, while at dinner, guests in the "junior suites" are allowed in as well.)

[Stickman81]

More pictures -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stickman81]

 

 

Micheal's -

 

 

 

 

Chops Grill and Schooner Bar area.

 

 

 

Bionic Bar -

 

 

[Stickman81]

Jamie's Italian Restaurant -

 

 

 

 

 

American Icon -

 

 

 

 

 

Silk Restaurant -

 

 

 

 

[Stickman81]

The Grande Restaurant -

 

 

 

 

 

Chic -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stickman81]

TWO 70 -

 

 

 

 

 

View from our balcony on Friday before departure.

 

 

 

 

From our balcony room on Deck 12.

 

[Stickman81]

Friday night sail away, 11-6-15.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stickman81]

On Friday evening we ate dinner in The Grande.

 

The menu for this itinerary was limited yet was a mix of items from several of the restaurants.

 

I had the Chili Ginger Shrimp (from Silk I believe). I thought is was very good. It had a nice little bit of heat to it that left a bite on my lips.

 

The missus and our friends all had the Surf and Turf. I understand the Turf portion was good but not a Filet Mignon. I had a sample and found it to be good. Don't expect anything outside of the "medium" range for the Turf.

 

For dessert, I had the warm sugar free cookie. It was served in a small skillet like pan, warm, with a dab of vanilla ice cream. Awesome little bit of sweetness.

 

The missus had the Apple Tarte Tatin and our friends had the cheese cake. They were all wonderful.

 

Service was friendly and prompt.

 

 

My Chili Ginger Shrimp -

 

 

 

Surf and Turf -

 

 

 

Dessert Menu -

 

 

 

My cookie -

 

 

 

The Apple Tarte Tartin -

 

 

 

Cheesecake -

 

[Stickman81]

For the smokers -

 

I believe there are three locations on the ship to smoke. One is on the starboard side, aft of mid-ship on Deck 5. The other is in an area of the casino and, reportedly a third on Deck 14, but I never found it. I believe there is also a cigar bar for those that enjoy the cigar (and I believe pipe).

 

This was my go to spot on Deck 5.

While it is outside, it is somewhat protected from the elements with glass overhead and around the outside.

 

 

[Stickman81]

The Seaplex is a really cool area to go to. The main court serves as base for several different events.

 

We missed the time-frame for bumper cars. They do roller skating and other sports using the same area. On the second level they have ping pong, Foosball and, a special area just for X-box games.

 

There is a "Hot Dog Stand" in the aft port corner.

 

They also have a video game area with one game that appeared to be a simulator type flying game. The machine was down and being worked on when we were there.

 

 

 

 

 

[Tura Lura]

Do the video games or Xbox cost money?

[Stickman81]

More pictures from around the ship -

 

Deck 14, just forward of the Skybar is this indoor pool. I believe the roof retracts...

 

 

 

 

Deck 14, forward area is the Solarium.

There are more pools and hot tubs there plus the "Devinly Decadance" restaurant and, the "Sunshine" bar. It is a really neat area to hang out in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stickman81]

Do the video games or Xbox cost money?

 

On this itinerary they did not.

However I would imagine that they would normally have a fee of some-sort.

[fishbonz]

Great job cant wait till our march cruise.

[Stickman81]

Breakfast on Saturday morning was in "American Icon". I thought the service was fast and the food was very good.

 

Apparently, I am creating my own tradition and, succumb to Eggs Benedict for breakfast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stickman81]

Some room tour photos -

 

Grand Suite with Balcony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 9, 2015 by Stickman81

[Stickman81]

Royal Loft Suite -