Anthem of the Seas Review - Bermuda - August 26, 2017 - August 31, 2017

[clochette]

DAY 2 CONTINUED

 

Scott ordered the large seafood tower for us all - it was an extra $40 or so. OMG this thing was huge. At home something like this would easily be over $200. It has lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab claws. It was really good. But we were all sort of full after the seafood tower.

 

 

Is the seafood tower new at Chops, it looks amazing, and I would go there just to get it. $40 is a bargain.

[Noreen411]

DAY 2 CONTINUED

 

 

 

Scott ordered the large seafood tower for us all - it was an extra $40 or so. OMG this thing was huge. At home something like this would easily be over $200. It has lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab claws. It was really good. But we were all sort of full after the seafood tower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is the seafood tower new at Chops, it looks amazing, and I would go there just to get it. $40 is a bargain.

 

 

 

Hi

 

Not sure if it is new but I definitely recommend it.

 

There was a smaller one also for $20 or maybe a little more. Since we were 5 people we got the larger one.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Noreen411]

Sorry it is taking me so long to finish.

 

I will try to get the next day up before the weekend.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Noreen411]

Thank you for the kind words and encouragement.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Noreen411]

Below is the day 4 compass and planner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Noreen411]

TUESDAY 8/29/17 - BERMUDA

 

Scott and I went to the gym together. Michael didn't want to join us today when we called him to check.

 

We did our usual routine of stopping at the Patisserie for water and iced white chocolate mocha then showering and getting dressed after the gym.

 

Scott and I had breakfast in the dining room. We both had omelets - Scott with ham and cheese in his, and me with just ham in mine. We also had sausage and bacon on the side. We both had fresh squeezed orange juice. We are enjoying having breakfast in the dining room this trip.

 

We met Donna, Michael, and Michael jr after breakfast and headed to Snorkel Park. It's very convenient to be able to walk right over from the ship. It's not anywhere near as pretty as Horseshoe Bay Beach. We were quickly set up with our lounge chairs and umbrellas. We were set up further along the beach close to the water where it was less crowded. Sort of a shallow cove of water next to where the majority of people set up and swim. Later in the day more little kids would play in that area since it was shallow.

 

 

 

We talked about renting kayaks or stand up paddle boards, but decided to swim a bit first and do that later. Michael wanted to rent a jet ski but decided against it when he found out it was a tour and your couldn't just go off on your own with it.

 

We went into the water and swam and snorkeled. There were more fish here than at Horseshoe yesterday. The water was cloudier but when you swam further out it was clearer. Of course as soon as I jumped in I realized I forgot to take my Fitbit off my wrist. Scott took it back to our chairs and put it in the beach bag. Happy to say that the quick dip in the ocean didn't hurt it and it's working fine.

 

Despite using SPF50 sunscreen we both got a bit sunburned.

 

We sat on our lounge chairs for a bit. Scott wanted to get his water shoes and the under water camera that we forgot to take with us this morning. Scott and Michael jr walked back to the ship to get those items then re-joined us.

 

We went back in the water and swam and snorkeled some more.

 

We ended up losing interest in renting the kayaks and/or stand up paddle board at this point.

 

Scott, Michael jr, and I left the beach around 3 and went to the Bermuda Museum for about an hour. It cost $15 per person to enter. There was a lot of walking and plenty of things to see but it was very hot. We walked around much of the place but probably would have stayed longer if we weren't lugging our beach bags too. Scott was carrying all the bags.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 13, 2017 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

DAY 4 CONTINUED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After leaving the museum we stopped in a few shops, then headed back to the ship.

 

Once back on the ship we went to our cabin to shower and change. We washed out our snorkel stuff and put it on the balcony to dry.

[Noreen411]

DAY 4 CONTINUED

 

We stopped at the photo area and ordered pictures. They will be ready tomorrow evening. I always get the boarding photo so we got that. We also ordered the photo we took right off the ship with my family and the girls in Bermuda. We'll give that picture to my sister.

 

We stopped at the Diamond Lounge for a quick drink and a few snacks.

 

We headed to the dining room for dinner and to hear how their day went swimming with the dolphins. Two of the teen girls were fighting with the other two teen girls, so there was some drama at dinner.

 

They all had a great time with the dolphins. Then they went on a banana boat ride. Kevin got hurt on the banana boat when they thought the ride as over and Jillian went to get off but the boat started moving and she flew backwards. Kevin caught her and she banged into his head.

 

After the banana boat, the girls got into their argument since some wanted to do one thing and some wanted to do something else.

 

For appetizers, I had the crispy shrimp and the beet salad. Scott had the shrimp cocktail and the crispy shrimp. They forgot his shrimp cocktail and he had to ask for it more than once before they remembered it.

 

For entrees I had the Beef Wellington and Scott had the turkey.

 

For dessert I had the carrot cake and Scott had the cheesecake with strawberry sauce.

 

We continue to be pleasantly surprised by the dining room food. It's so much better than when we were on the ship in January.

 

We were scheduled to go to Spectre's Caberet but nobody else wanted to go. I've seen it several times so was OK with skipping it. I guess that's one benefit of sailing the same ship several times - you've seen the main shows already. If it was my first time on the ship, I would want to see them all.

 

We headed to the casino for a little while.

 

At 10 we went to the theater for the Love & Marriage show with Jen, Kevin, and MaryBelle. As I was passing hand cream to my sister, I spilled Scott's drink all over him. It was in the cup holder between us. I felt so bad; he was soaked. After a few minutes he went back to the cabin to change into dry clothes and was back pretty quickly.

 

I think this was the night we had a hanging bat or monkey towel animal because Scott told me he knocked into it and it fell so I didn't get to see it.

 

The show was funny as usual. One husband gave such good answers where he wouldn't get into any trouble. His wife's family was there so that may be part of why he answered like that. The best example of his answers was when they asked what he would want bigger and smaller on your wife. He said a bigger bank account and smaller debt. The other husbands weren't so nice and both said bigger boobs and smaller stomachs.

 

Scott and I played along from our seats and did not do very well. We laughed at the odd answers we both thought the other person would say.

 

After the show, we stopped at Sorrentos for a piece of pizza. This time it was Jen's turn to spill her drink, but at least she spilled it on herself.

 

The guest services line was huge when we walked by.

 

We went to the casino for a little while before heading up to our cabin.

[Noreen411]

Below is the day 5 compass and planner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Noreen411]

WEDNESDAY 8/30/17 - AT SEA

 

Scott and I went to the gym together in the morning. We stuck with our usual routine of him finishing before me and heading to the cabin to shower and change. Our timing worked well again and I arrived just as he was finishing.

 

He wanted to go to the Patisserie for capuccino and said he would meet me by the couches on the way to Two70.

 

Once I was showered and dressed I headed down to meet him.

 

The ship was still pretty empty/quiet when I went to find him.

 

 

I found him just where he was supposed to be. He made himself comfortable and took a nap

 

 

We went to the dining room for breakfast. We both had omelets again with sausage and bacon on the side. We used the buffet area in the dining room to get some fresh fruit. We both had fresh squeezed orange juice.

 

The captain announced that we are traveling a slightly altered route to stay behind the storm.

 

 

Many things are closed again today - IFly, Rock Wall, North Star, Bumper Cars, etc.

 

We found Michael, Donna, and Michael in the solarium so sat with them for a bit. Scott fell asleep in a lounge chair.

 

Jen and MaryBelle came to the solarium and we all hung out for a bit. Kevin wasn't feeling well so was in his cabin.

 

Jen, MaryBelle, and I went to the shops. I bought a bottle of Rum Swizzle to bring home. Since it's the last day they let me take it with me rather than delivering later to my cabin.

 

Jen and MaryBelle went to the casino for a little while.

 

I went upstairs to my cabin and started to get some packing done.

 

Scott came by and wanted to get a snack so we went to Cafe 270. I had a roast beef sandwich and Scott had a panini.

 

I ran into a girl from my office, Arshi. I knew she was on the ship but haven't run into her until today. She was traveling with a lot of family members and someone in her family was getting married when we were in Bermuda.

 

We met MaryBelle and Jen for another trivia game but ended up not really paying attention and just hanging out. Kevin ame but wasn't feeling well so went back to his cabin. We're not sure if he isn't feeling well because the ship is moving a bit or if it's from his concussion from the banana boat yesterday. Or maybe a combination of both.

 

I picked up the picture I ordered. One thing I thought odd was that when we went to order the pictures we couldn't do so until the photo gallery was open. It's all computerized but I'm guessing it's either to have someone on hand in case you need assistance ordering or to prevent people from taking pictures of the pictures on the computer.

 

We went back to the cabin and did almost all the rest of the packing.

 

We met for dinner and tonight was the night they wanted to celebrate Jillian's birthday. She was wearing a cute birthday sash. And her friends were all dressed in white dresses. I found out that it's a new custom at a Sweet 16 party that you have a group of your closest friends on the dais with you and they all wear similar dresses. Reminds me of a wedding and bridal party almost.

 

For appetizers Scott and I had the coconut shrimp.

We both had the lobster tail and shared an order of gnocchi.

 

 

 

For dessert I had the chocolate soufflé and Scott had the cheesecake.

 

My sister earlier gave the waiter a candle (the number 16 candle) so he can bring it with Jillian's dessert.

 

 

He brought it but it came on the side of the soufflé rather than lit. We thought that was pretty funny.

Edited September 15, 2017 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

DAY 5 CONTINUED

 

 

They brought out another dessert for Jillian with a lit candle in it and we all sang Happy Birthday to her.

 

 

We heard an announcement that all the shows were cancelled tonight due to the rough seas.

 

We took various pictures after eating. I was having fun picking different poses for everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin still wasn't feeling well so went back to his cabin after dinner. Everyone else was fine so we had one more night to enjoy the ship.

Edited September 15, 2017 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

DAY 5 CONTINUED

 

Scott and I stopped at our cabin to finish the last of the packing and put our suitcases out.

 

We both had casino certificates waiting for us in the cabin. I like that they deliver them to the cabin now. In January we waited on line in the casino to see the host on the last night to pick them up.

 

We went to the Quest at 10:15 in 270 with Michael, Donna, Michael and Jen. Jen thought it was silly and left after a little bit. She wanted to go back to the casino. We stayed after the Quest hanging out. They were cleaning up around us.

 

We went to the casino later. Jen and MaryBelle were there too. Around 1am me, Jen and MaryBelle went to Sorrentos for pizza. They went to their cabins after and I went back to the casino.

 

Scott and I stayed at the 3 card poker table until the casino closed around 2:30.

 

Then we went up to our cabin to go to bed.

[Noreen411]

Below are the debarkation forms

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Noreen411]

THURSDAY 8/31/17 - DISEMBARK - BAYONNE, NJ

 

We didn't go to the gym today. I am never sure if they are open on the last morning. So we just showered and got dressed and ready to go.

 

We headed to the dining room for our last breakfast on the ship. We both had French toast and sausage.

 

We headed off the ship around 8:15am, got a porter who got all our luggage on his trolley, whisked us to the front of the customs line and to the car in the garage. We were in our car pulling out of the lot by 8:30am.

 

We hit a little traffic but we were home before 10am.

 

It took everyone else a little longer to get off the ship and get home. We were all texted as we were driving home. Not the drivers but the passengers were texting.

[Noreen411]

FINAL THOUGHTS

 

This trip was a lot of fun. In the beginning I was pretty stressed worrying that everyone wa having a good time. Eventually, I realized they are all adults (or almost adults) and can take care of themselves.

 

Bermuda is beautiful. We really enjoyed the beaches.

 

The weather sailing to and from Bermuda wasn't that great. It was disappointing that so many of the activities on the ship weren't functioning. I understand it's for safety reasons in rough weather, but it was still disappointing. Many of the shows were cancelled for the same reason.

 

Sailing with family was more fun than I expected. I've done trips to Disney World with my family but this was the first time I've cruised with family. It wasn't just my family, but Scott's family too. We did some things together or with different groups of people but we weren't all attached the whole trip. The girls had the freedom to come and go as they please on the ship. When they were off the ship in Bermuda they were all together.

 

Cruising out of Bayonne still continues to be a huge draw for us. It's so easy to just drive to the pier in about an hour.

 

Feel free to ask me any questions, I love talking about my trips.

 

Noreen

[Clarea]

Thanks for the excellent review, and also the document scans. People ask about departure all the time, so the departure letter will be very useful.

[TickledBlue]

DAY 5 CONTINUED

 

Scott and I stopped at our cabin to finish the last of the packing and put our suitcases out.

 

We both had casino certificates waiting for us in the cabin. I like that they deliver them to the cabin now. In January we waited on line in the casino to see the host on the last night to pick them up.

 

We went to the Quest at 10:15 in 270 with Michael, Donna, Michael and Jen. Jen thought it was silly and left after a little bit. She wanted to go back to the casino. We stayed after the Quest hanging out. They were cleaning up around us.

 

We went to the casino later. Jen and MaryBelle were there too. Around 1am me, Jen and MaryBelle went to Sorrentos for pizza. They went to their cabins after and I went back to the casino.

 

Scott and I stayed at the 3 card poker table until the casino closed around 2:30.

 

Then we went up to our cabin to go to bed.

 

Great review, we'll be on her in less than 2 weeks. Too bad shows/activities were shut down, I know I'll be disappointed if that is the case for us.

 

Question: what are the casino certificates? I suspect that I don't gamble enough to qualify in getting one.

[Noreen411]

Great review, we'll be on her in less than 2 weeks. Too bad shows/activities were shut down, I know I'll be disappointed if that is the case for us.

 

 

 

Question: what are the casino certificates? I suspect that I don't gamble enough to qualify in getting one.

 

 

 

Hi.

 

Casino certificates are dependent on the amount of play.

 

Sometimes we get $ off certificates and sometimes free cruise certificates.

 

The free cruise ones list certain sailings that are free but if those don't work you can use the certificate for $ off a different cruise.

 

You have to book the cruise within 30 days of receiving the certificate. But you don't have to sail right away, maybe up to a year later. Sometimes they give you some wiggle room with the 30 day booking time too.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[teckelmom]

Thank you for this detailed review including all the pics!

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using Forums mobile app

[plum24]

Great review; thanks [emoji1]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Jasukkie]

I really enjoy your reviews Noreen, thanks for taking the time to write them. We are on this cruise next weekend, can't wait!

[justluv2cruisewithhubby]

Fantastic detailed review, the pictures are wonderful. I liked how you posted the daily planner I was under the assumption they were all digital now. Is there an option to get printed copies?

[Noreen411]

Fantastic detailed review, the pictures are wonderful. I liked how you posted the daily planner I was under the assumption they were all digital now. Is there an option to get printed copies?

 

 

 

Hi

 

Yes, the room steward left the paper compass and planner for the next day each night during turndown.

 

There were also extra paper copies at guest services.

 

In addition to paper you can also see it electronically on the Royal IQ app as well as on the cabin TV and various places around the ship.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Noreen411]

Thank you all for the kind words.

I enjoy writing the reviews.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Anchor Jamming]

Thanks for taking us on a virtural cruise with you Noreen411. Quite informative. Looks like you all had a wonderful cruise. Looking forward to our cruise in October.