Anthem - January 3rd - 15th - REVIEW

[Nessa1dc]

Well....I'm back...BOOOOOOOO!!!!

 

First let me give you the basics:

 

6 people Traveling

Stayed at Country Inn & Suites the night before Cruise (getting run down a bit)

Room Numbers: 8622 and 8624

Type: Family Junior Suite

Tier: All Diamond Members

Casino: 2 VIPs

Overall: We had a Blast...they need some changes, but nothing too bad.

 

January 2, 2016 - Used a private car service to drive us from DMV area to New Jersey...Excellent service and cost efficient...if anyone is interested, please let me know and I will share the contact information.

 

January 3, 2016 - Left Country Inn and Suites (getting a little run down) at about 10:30am using Independent Driver (EXCELLENT and cost efficient)...will share information if needed.

 

We arrived at the Port about 11:10am, had traffic for drop-off...nothing too major. Our scheduled time was 11:30am - 12:00pm, but they were ready for us. As soon as we got out of the van, there were porters there to take our luggage. Upon heading into the building a gentleman stopped us and directed us to a check-in agent standing outside. It took literally 5-10 minutes from drop off to heading onto the ship. When we went in, it was bit more chaotic. I suggest looking for someone outside.

 

So now...just hitting the highlights:

 

Embarkation: EXCELLENT....Checked in outside and was on the ship in 5-10 minutes

 

Ship: Anthem is BEAUTIFUL. It has a very different set up from the normal RCCL ships, but it didn't take long to get accustomed. I think the ship style and artwork are beautiful. My family is a huge Promenade fan, but I must say that we enjoyed the Esplanade (Sp?) a lot. I like the 2 separate floors.

 

Royal Theatre - Like most Theatre's on RCCL...the poles on the balcony made for difficult viewing if you got behind one. They should remove the seats in those areas. You can't see.

 

270 - Beautiful room. Also had balcony space. We visited here when eating at the 270 Café, and attended a show here. Tried to attend the Quest (that was a joke)..will tell you later.

 

Music Hall - Beautiful, but again, not enough space)...they had bingo and a lot of the music related games, etc. here. Diamond Club is connected on the top level.

 

Diamond Club - Lovely and had a Diamond Concierge there most of the time. Not enough space though. It often overflowed to the Music Hall.

 

Windjammer - NOT ENOUGH SPACE...(seems to be a theme).

 

Family Junior Suite (8622) - There were 3 of us in this room and it was perfect. I loved the 2 bathrooms, but I did miss the closet space, but it was easily maneuverable and we were able to open the slide on the balcony so our friends in 8624 and us could share 1 big balcony. Our room attendant was Berris, and he was great. Truly our star for the week.

There were WOW bands in our room upon arrival. I don't know how we got them for free (Diamond or Suite)...but we loved them. We used them more than anything.

 

It took us a day to figure out the lights and air...you have to use your seapass card to get the lights on and to have the air conditioning on....that was a bit inconvenient...we just went to Guest Services and requested a duplicate card, and left it in the room the whole time.

 

Food - Ok...so:

Windjammer - Never enough space for Breakfast. Find your spot before getting your food, you could be walking around for 10 minutes. One lady gave her plate to a server and walked out in disgust. We did that one morning too, just frustrating. Lunch and Dinner are not too bad. The servers don't assist you in getting seating and I did notice a bit of a "not my issue" attitude from some...but others did try to give you great service. It can be hit or miss. Breakfast was the same thing every morning....I don't mind that for 4 or 5 days, but they could change it a bit after a few days...it wasn't memorable.

Lunch and Dinner at the Windjammer wasn't very memorable either. The food was ok, but what I did notice was that they acted like they were serving 500 people, know thing ship had over 4000. The serving dishes are wayyyy too small. They kept running out of stuff all the time. It became ridiculous.

American Icon Grille - We ate here a number of times. The service was hit or miss....the problem is quite simply, too much for one person. We did have one server that was excellent, and we wanted to be seated in her section each time, but that was almost impossible. The food was good, but it was the same menu each time.

Chic - Went here once, food was excellent and the service great

Chops Grille - Food and service was excellent

Previously Devinly Decadence - Already forgot the name, but this was great food...and EXCELLENT service. This service was the best by far.

Coastal Kitchen - For Suite Guests only. The food was great. Service was great too, we actually had time to get to know the server...she was able to spend some time.

 

Overall: We found the food good, nothing special to write home about, but we did enjoy going to different places...and while it was a little work to set everything up beforehand...everything went smoothly. American Icon is just too busy...and you can't get personal with the waiters. We missed seeing the same person every night....we like that aspect of RCCL.

 

Shows - How do I put this....if it was a RCCL production, we should have skipped it....I mean, they were ALL horrible (imo). The Gift, We Will Rock You, Spectres Cabarat,....We went to 2 and left early from both...one person went to the Gift...and left in 10 minutes....sometimes trying to be creative and abstract can make the show stupid...the talent was ok, but we didn't get the gist of anything...it was horrible. The Beatles and all of the outside acts were Phenomenal....don't miss those.

 

Activities:

IFly - We loved it...can't believe we did it, but we did. It was so much fun. It was free for us. I would highly suggest doing it.

Northstar - Another line...sick of it....and it was just ok...wait until later in the week when the popularity dies down some. If you miss it, don't stress.

Bingo - Too Expensive

Quest - 270 Club used, wayyyyyy toooo small. Not enough space. We couldn't stay.

Love and Marriage - Held middle of the day, which doesn't help with keeping kids out. But was good.

Cruise Director and Staff - Eh?? They were alright, but didn't really get into them too much.

Casino - PitBosses, Not Personable. Some Dealers, Not Friendly (Romel, Anthony were great). Hosts, Very Good. Bartenders - EXCELLENT!!!!

We were VIPs and received our rebates upon arrival in the casino. They will be changing their way of doing things concerning the Casino VIPs so be aware. We had a great time in the Casino. Great space.

 

Ports of Call: I will just hit on the ones I didn't like:

Martinique - Waste of time...the port is not developed. Should have stayed on the ship

Barbados - They were a bit stuck up in my opinion....could have stayed on the ship.

 

Any issues I had, I brought to the Guest Services area...I didn't have many, just 1 big one....when I boarded the ship with my liquor, there was no one there to take the liquor and get my room number, etc. I took it to Guest Services and left it there. A lot of others, didn't know the rules and took their liquor back to the room.

 

Overall, I loved my cruise and would sale Anthem again. The Royal IQ worked great the whole time on the ship. I'm sure that you all will love her too

 

If I a theme for the problems of Anthem it would be: Trying to give a Freedom Experience to an Allure Crowd...meaning...they were prepared for 2000 people....not 4000.

 

You will have a ball...trust me.

[nycruise]

Great review.

 

This line summed it up.

 

"they were prepared for 2000 people....not 4000."

 

We were on the New Year's cruise and had 4700 passengers. The ship seems too small to accommodate much more than 3500.

 

Agree on Martinique, we were there 20 years ago on a cruise and I guess not much has changed.

 

The only area we disagree on is that we loved "Spectre's Cabaret".

[toad455]

Thanks for the review. I'll agree with Martinique, terrible port. Was there about 10 years ago and locals want nothing to do with cruise passengers. Very nasty, I'm surprised cruise ships still go there.

[wdaniels73]

I would like to know who the car service was from DMV

[Alter Ego]

Quest held in 270? I thought I read it was in Seaplex, and too many people had to stand? Sounds like they are trying to improve that complaint, but maybe still not working out.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

Quest held in 270? I thought I read it was in Seaplex, and too many people had to stand? Sounds like they are trying to improve that complaint, but maybe still not working out.

 

Quest was being held in SeaPlex, but that was not working. Two70 was probably their next option, which IMO would be much better than SeaPlex.

 

OP: can you elaborate on Two70 being too small for Quest? Seems like it's a rather large place, especially with the upper level balcony seats.

Edited January 19, 2016 by OfTheSeasCruiser

[lovetocruise/diamond]

What type of bands did they have in the music hall?

[Nessa1dc]

Balcony great if just observing...but that was full...if you want to participate, you had to be on main level.

 

I hope I have the correct event...I think it was the quest. I'm pretty sure it was.

[Nessa1dc]

The Beatles Group, played a couple of nights...EXCELLENT...check them out whenever you can.

 

There was another group...a lady and some guys playing. They were cool.

 

Didn't see any others....they did Karaoke in there too.

[libertybelle41]

Any comedians or places to hear jazz?

[sunny days]

We we on the second sailing of the Quantum. We did not have the Quest game at all. We were told that they did not consider Quest when designing the ship so there is not good place to have it. We did not have it at all so it sounds like they are trying to make do on a location but not having a lot of success.

[Newbcruiser1]

Thanks for your review! Boarding in 2.5 weeks.

 

You mentioned boarding with liquor - was there a duty free store in the Cape Liberty terminal? If so, did you notice any bottled water or pop in there? Hoping to pick up a few bottles or cans after hearing the ships pricing!

 

Also did you try 270 or the solarium for breakfast? Any less busy?

 

How was it trying to get chairs by the pools?

[Nessa1dc]

Any comedians or places to hear jazz?

 

They had 2 Comedians, both were great...one was a headliner and the other was a headliner and late night comedian.

 

Don't miss any of the guests....all the outside acts were phenomenal.

 

Edited to add: I didn't see any jazz acts, but that's not to say there weren't any....

 

Boleros was full of Salsa, I almost went in there to cut a rug. Great music.

Edited January 20, 2016 by Nessa1dc

[Nessa1dc]

Thanks for your review! Boarding in 2.5 weeks.

 

You mentioned boarding with liquor - was there a duty free store in the Cape Liberty terminal? If so, did you notice any bottled water or pop in there? Hoping to pick up a few bottles or cans after hearing the ships pricing!

 

Also did you try 270 or the solarium for breakfast? Any less busy?

 

How was it trying to get chairs by the pools?

 

No duty free in Cape Liberty

 

We did the Solarium Bistro for Breakfast and the service was great. It is set up Buffet style and you can order your eggs how you like them. They will bring them to the table. They didn't have a wide selection (no bacon????), but most everything else, and it kept me away from the Windjammer.

 

I didn't experience the Chairs situation personally, but did speak with some passengers who said that people were coming up early in the morning and starting to save chairs with books and towels placed in them, then going back to their room to change, then eat, etc. Not supposed to be allowed.

[JezzaC]

Thanks for the review. I'll agree with Martinique, terrible port. Was there about 10 years ago and locals want nothing to do with cruise passengers. Very nasty, I'm surprised cruise ships still go there.

 

Couldn't agree more. Terrible city. However the island should be quite beautiful - so should have booked an excursion or taxi tour round the island.

[Arzeena]

Couldn't agree more. Terrible city. However the island should be quite beautiful - so should have booked an excursion or taxi tour round the island.

 

We did not find anything terrible about Martinique or its people. It is a beautiful island and we found the people were very nice.

[Nessa1dc]

I would like to know who the car service was from DMV

 

They were excellent and quite reasonable in price....I believe she also does cruise planning.

 

Sweet Escapes Travel.biz

Kimberly.hay@cruiseplanners.com

[Nessa1dc]

We did not find anything terrible about Martinique or its people. It is a beautiful island and we found the people were very nice.

 

Actually have heard that other ships dock in another area in Martinique that is more in the city..,

 

That was not where RCCL docked.

[#4'smom]

"January 3, 2016 - Left Country Inn and Suites (getting a little run down) at about 10:30am using Independent Driver (EXCELLENT and cost efficient)...will share information if needed."

 

Could you tell me who you used for transport from CI&S to the port please? I need a ride for 8 people and nervous about getting seats on the hotel shuttle.

[JezzaC]

Actually have heard that other ships dock in another area in Martinique that is more in the city..,

 

That was not where RCCL docked.

 

So that wasn't the centre of the town? We saw MSC ship docked behind the fort, I think it was further from main attractions (those few).

[JezzaC]

We did not find anything terrible about Martinique or its people. It is a beautiful island and we found the people were very nice.

 

Commented only Fort-de-France - not rest of the island or the people. There wasn't much to see - should have gone round the island.

[mar915]

I would love transportation info we will have either five or eight from the Hyatt jersey city to the ship. Plus ship to Manhattan

[MisterBill99]

Quest was being held in SeaPlex, but that was not working. Two70 was probably their next option, which IMO would be much better than SeaPlex.

 

OP: can you elaborate on Two70 being too small for Quest? Seems like it's a rather large place, especially with the upper level balcony seats.

I thought that Quest worked really well in Two70, and I sat in the balcony. I'm not sure how many the Studio B space seats on the other ships, and I guess it is possible that Two70 seats less people, but it's the best they can do. It's certainly better than the SeaPlex, where everyone would have to stand. I believe that this was the first cruise where they moved it to Two70. Kudos to cruise director Abe, who I gather was responsible for the move.

Edited January 24, 2016 by MisterBill99

[MisterBill99]

American Icon Grille - We ate here a number of times. The service was hit or miss....the problem is quite simply, too much for one person. We did have one server that was excellent, and we wanted to be seated in her section each time, but that was almost impossible. The food was good, but it was the same menu each time..

Were you eating there for breakfast/lunch, or dinner? Yes, for breakfast and lunch there was only one menu (for each meal), but for dinner there were 2 that alternated so unless you timed it really badly, you should have tried both. Breakfast menus are always the same, so I guess you're talking about lunch. Also, we had no problem getting the same server each time we requested someone, but that was for dinner. I don't think the same people work breakfast and lunch every day.

 

Also, what was "too much"? The portions? The number of guests at a station?

 

Any issues I had, I brought to the Guest Services area...I didn't have many, just 1 big one....when I boarded the ship with my liquor, there was no one there to take the liquor and get my room number, etc. I took it to Guest Services and left it there. A lot of others, didn't know the rules and took their liquor back to the room.

I don't understand why you felt the need to surrender your liquor if they didn't find it or why you thought it was worthy of going to GS. Yes, they're supposed to take it, but if they don't and you bring it to your cabin, they're not going to find it and report you. They didn't take a bottle of rum punch we purchased in Barbados so we just brought it to our cabin. We weren't planning to drink it onboard, so no big deal. I was much happier having it than having to worry about having it returned on the last night. We did have 2 bottles of rum that we had purchased in St. Maarten returned to us, but those had been delivered to the ship by the merchant, so it wasn't a matter of having them taken from us.

 

PS to OP -- you might consider editing your signature so it's shorter than most posts here. It's cute seeing your cruise history and reaction but it takes way more space than almost any signature I've seen here (and there are many blank lines that could be eliminated to make it shorter).

Edited January 24, 2016 by MisterBill99