Anthem nov 10-17

[suesnake2002]

Just back from a week long cruise to bermuda on anthem. Thank you to all who have reviewed in the past your tips were very helpful. And a great big thanx to gary and linda who on a b2b2b, with lots of insight. 

 Arrival: according to gary, get there before ten thirty. We arrived at luggage drop off at 9:50. We drove from eastern long island. And we used google maps for directions. At 7:30 am maps said hour and a half drive. At 8:05 when we left it was saying 2hours. And as we drove the time kept increasing. We actually was routed over the throgs neck to the george washington to 95 south. A longer round about way, but shorter in time. I trusted my gps because i read here of construction on the bayonne bridge,  with closures. 

Parking was right next to terminal. Security was a breeze. And we were checked in by ipad just past security. Only draw back to this is you don't recieve the day one compass and ship map. The doors opened up at 10:40, and boarding began. 

[suesnake2002]

Having never been on a quantum class ship we headed straight to 270,where we knew there would be podiums set up for reservations for ifly,northstar,escape room. Having been unable to make reservations before cruise(we booked less than 60 days out) we made reservations for northstar. After that with drinks in hand we explored the ship, and made reservations for the solarium bistro for the first nite. This is a free meal alternative. The apps and desserts are buffet style, and dinner is ordered

[suesnake2002]

The first day northstar is a first come first serve. No reservations needed. I believe they opened up at one. Having skipped breakfast, time to eat. We went back to 270. Helpful hint here we learned. They have canjun shrimp. There are no signs telling you this. It will be over by the salads. And if you want just some shrimp(not on a salad) you can ask for just a plate of shrimp. At which point the server squats down to a fridge and puts shrimp on a plate for you. This seems to be a big secret, hidden away. Just ask. 

After we are. Lots more drinks and exploring. Rooms were ready at one. We had balcony 13616. Right under pool deck/johnny rockets. And this is the first time we heard noise at night. So if your a light sleeper, not good. Me I'm the kinda roll over and go back to sleep. 

So to the room. Luggage was arriving, helpful hint, check the hallway. Sometimes it takes a while to get to your door. So if you want to unpack and get going lookout for your luggage. 

Muster was at 2:30, and sailaway right after that.  

[suesnake2002]

So like i said we had solarium bistro for dinner. One thing i didn't like was the bread baskets. And here's why. We recieved a basket with a half eaten roll buried in it...yuk. also we touched all the rolls to pick out what we wanted 

We enjoyed the bistro otherwise. Especially the mousaka. We had the mahi for dinner. 

Ugh now all of a sudden i can't attach photos. 

[suesnake2002]

I will have to continue without photos for now. That nite we went to the welcome aboard show. 

The next day was a full sea day. And it was still cool out. It felt so weird to be in jeans on a cruise ship. We hit the windjammer for breakfast. Washy washy. We never had a problem finding seats. Yeah we had to walk around a bit when busy. We always get our seats before we get plates of food. 

Now I'm a big girl. And i can eat. But i just cant do 3 meals a day. So kudos to you who can. And i usually gain 5lbs on a cruise. When we docked in bermuda it was wonderful to sit outside at the back of wj. Also at the back is the gluten free section. 

[suesnake2002]

The waves were rolling a bit and hubby was glad he wore his patch. We had a 1:30 for the north star. That was really fun and you get great shots of the boat. It's a bummer my pics wont load, it keeps saying you can only load 48.3 mb. It's greek to me. 

Some overviews,we felt the schooner bar was too small. And had zero view of anything. A couple of times we blew off trivia because there was no seating. I would have switched jaimes location with the schooner bar. 

We spent a ton of time in the music hall. Very cool venue, with alot of different activities going on, bingo, line dancing,live bands ,featured bands, 70's nite. The bar staff rocks here also. 

[suesnake2002]

Speaking of the bands, they had an incredible band called switched on. The main singer had an incredible voice. We went to see them a few times. We saw spectres caberat,thumbs up. We will rock you, eh i expected more known songs. And we missed our reservations for the gift. Was out just having too much fun. They had the beatle maniacs,they were ok. Seen a different tribute band on rhapsody and they were better. The ship band who played poolside and sailaway were really good. We really enjoyed all the entertainment. But the highlight for us older folks is the 70's nite. We bring outfits. We dance til our swollen feet are numb. Having it in the music hall was awsome. The dance floor was packed. And had a real party atmosphere. 

The solarium was packed on the first sea day. No seats available. We wound up outside in a steamy hot tub. It was nice,til, the child with the ice cream cone entered. As he entered he made made eye contact with me. At which i just shook my head no and said you know thats not allowed in here (i did hear his dad tell him he couldn't eat ice cream in there)  He whined he's cold. I told him he had to make a choice, ice cream or hot tub. Kudos to his parents, cause he really wanted his ice cream so he got out and ate it, then came back in. He respected his elder, and knew he was wrong. Kids will always try to push the envelope it's just part of being a kid. And then he started swimming and splashing in the hot tub, add a little boy to water and you can not expect them to just sit there. Time for me to exit. 

[suesnake2002]

This was the first time we had my time dinning. I was able to make a reservation for 5:45 each nite. Our seapass card actually had the dinning room and our table number. So after the second nite ( which was our first dinning room nite), we would just walk in and sit at our table when we arrived at out set time. The only nite things seemed off and crowded with a line was lobster nite. We had an incredible server Berangere, she was great. Our food was always hot. And one night when i ordered the shrimp scampi, and there was only 4 shrimp on it (really), she brought me a plate of more shrimp. I think she knew we liked shrimp, we ordered it every night. So when they had coconut shrimp for an app one nite, she brought us extra of that too. She was just very attentive. 

[suesnake2002]

So we arrived in bermuda to cloudy,windy then rainy skies. Our plan was to get 2 day passes for bus/ferry. And on first day go to caves. Monday was an observed holiday so public transportation was on a holiday schedule. Sign said last ferry back was 4:30. 

The norwegian gem was there, so the line for the tickets was crazy. So we walked around a bit. I decided to buy hubby a visor. I wanted to use my royal caribbean visa, no exchange rates. And i had let them know my travel plans. So lets charge this to make sure. Went thru. Everything is great. 

Now the ferry is loading and ticket line went down. So when i go to purchase my tickets the card was declined. Big shock. So i paid in cash and ran to ferry. 

On the ride over I'm kinda bugging about my card. I only brought one with. And i have very limited cash on me. 

 When you arrive in ft hamilton the crosswalk is to the left. After you cross go right to the first block, make a left walk up to church street and make a right. Bus depot is down the block on the left.

The line for the bus we need is long,i don't think we will fit. I overhear the ride to the caves is 45 min. I can't stand that long. My feet are still swollen. It's 12pm. We decide to ditch our plans. Walk around a little in the rain. Then head back to the ship. 

There are pay phones in naval yard, i will call my charge card from them. And worse case try guest services 

Well at pay phones kept getting a busy signal for the collect call part. So off to guest services. 

Guest serviced were wonderful. When they saw it was a royal card they were very apologetic, took me to a phone. And they called them then handed me the phone. It was explained to me that i really dont need to alert the travel. That wont stop the the block on card. Huh? 

And they checked my phone number, and email. And then unblocked my account. Guess they couldnt understand my phone was turned off cause i was outta the country and i didnt have access to my email. Lesson learned, carry more than one charge card 

[suesnake2002]

Our next day was sunny skies, still a breeze. And temps around 75. Horseshoe beach it is. Original plans was bus it. But after hearing about packed buses and having to wait around for them, we decided last minute to take the $7 pp each way shuttle van. That drops you off at beach, not top of hill. They pack you in the van too. With the middle row becoming seats. Much better i think, at least I'm sitting. 

At horseshoe beach there were signs out about strong rip currents. And it was very wavy. So i only went in up to my hips. All i can do is a mean dog paddle. The water felt great. A little cool at first, but you got used to it quick. We then headed over to a part in a cove. Located to the right when you first arrive. Great for little kids, no waves. And a gradual dropp off. 

When we wanted to leave we just walked back to the van area, where they were constantly loading

[suesnake2002]

The third day. We got up super late,around 10. We opted to stay onboard. The weather 81, and no breeze. We even had some fog roll in. 

The 2 day drive back to ny saw some rough seas. And the barf bags were put out. 

This being our first quantum class, we decided that we like the oasis class better. Doesn't mean we didnt have a great time. Because we surely did. And we danced the most on this cruise. Just a personal preference. 

I had prepriced a nov 16. 2019 grand suite on anthem. Then went to next cruise to see how they stack up. Same price. With $300 obc. Price was the same. But the obc would be better on ship. Hubby wasn't sure he would want to sail this ship again. So we passed on booking. 

I set up a cash account and usually last day switch to credit card(glad i git my card unblocked)  So two days before cruise ends  i switch to card. And within a few hours i have a mystery charge. $11.79 casino bar. I have the deluxe bev package. Off to guest services. This bar we did not use too often. While waiting to do a slot pull, hubby came up with a drink. Ginger beer and capt morgans. Mmm good. So he takes my card and gets me one and another for himself. So while at guest services they call casino bar and casino bar says he got two drinks at once. No we did not sign a receipt. And told them he had two cards. So they remove charge. If your given a receipt, make sure you check it before you sign. 

When the final bill comes at 6am, it is not itemized. You recieve an itemized bill to your email after you leave!?

And late our last nite there was a $4.26 bill from the pool bar. Really. It was late and i was not getting dressed again to straighten this out. 

About the bar tenders, if you hang out at the same ones they get to know you. Many times when me and hubby ordered together we gave only one card. That they needed only one. And where we really hung out they knew our room number. We never gave a card. And we tipped. So i don't know what this $4 charge is for. And it is not worth my time to find out. 

We never checked out towels, so we avoided the missing towel fee

[suesnake2002]

Oh my, i just looked at my little review on cruise critic. It says i have 10 replies and i don't see any of them. 

[oddly excitered]

these replies are all you, haven't given any of us to get a word in edgewise! loving your review and looking forward to pics when they work.

[suesnake2002]

Lol what a knucklehead i am. Was just trying to plow thru it all

[suesnake2002]

Well looks like some pics are going thru again. Horseshoe bay

[suesnake2002]

Our formal nite

Banana split from kids menu

Lamb chops

 

[suesnake2002]

First two pics arriving back

Captains farewell speech

Dancing waiters

And do not miss the quest!!

[suesnake2002]

Schooner bar

As you head back towards 270 you will pass this. Right behind it is vintages. Empty on embarktion day, and its open. 

Pub

Bionic bar

Enclosed out door smoking area, i think deck 5

[suesnake2002]

And because this seems to be a hot topic. Drink cards were offered weds afternoon. I don't remember the price

[irisheileen]

Sounds like you had a great time!  

Thanks for your review.  We can't wait to sail on the Anthem for the first time this January.

Edited December 16, 2018 by irisheileen

[KKB]

On 11/19/2018 at 8:18 AM, suesnake2002 said:

Arrival: according to gary, get there before ten thirty. We arrived at luggage drop off at 9:50. We drove from eastern long island. And we used google maps for directions. At 7:30 am maps said hour and a half drive. At 8:05 when we left it was saying 2hours. And as we drove the time kept increasing. We actually was routed over the throgs neck to the george washington to 95 south. A longer round about way, but shorter in time. I trusted my gps because i read here of construction on the bayonne bridge,  with closures. 

 

On 11/19/2018 at 8:18 AM, suesnake2002 said:

 

 

We, too, plan to arrive before 10:30. 

We are staying at the Intercontinental Times Square the night of the 28th...I am booking a car service to pick us up as there are 5 of us & the price is comparable to Lyft XL.

What time would you suggest we head out. I thought 8AM but someone said 9AM was plenty early. Not being super familiar with Long Island vs. Times Square to Bayonne, I'm not sure!

THANKS!

[Life is Good Cruising]

3 hours ago, KKB said:

 

We, too, plan to arrive before 10:30. 

We are staying at the Intercontinental Times Square the night of the 28th...I am booking a car service to pick us up as there are 5 of us & the price is comparable to Lyft XL.

What time would you suggest we head out. I thought 8AM but someone said 9AM was plenty early. Not being super familiar with Long Island vs. Times Square to Bayonne, I'm not sure!

THANKS!

From Times Square to Bayonne, without traffic is approx. 45 mins. There shouldn't be much traffic on Saturday. I think you'll be fine leaving at 9 am.

Have a great cruise!!!

[suesnake2002]

Just make sure you check your route, i am not a city girl. But there was alot of construction on bayonne bridge, and at times it was closed. 

We left early on sat morning. Before 8am. What normally would be an hour and a half drive was becoming an over two hour drive on a saturday morning. 

We actually crossed bridges and headed north, to circle around to head south. Arriving at 9:50am. 

I would rather wait in terminal than hotel. It is holiday time. If it's not a major inconvenience, leave earlier rather than later. 

[KKB]

57 minutes ago, suesnake2002 said:

Just make sure you check your route, i am not a city girl. But there was alot of construction on bayonne bridge, and at times it was closed. 

We left early on sat morning. Before 8am. What normally would be an hour and a half drive was becoming an over two hour drive on a saturday morning. 

We actually crossed bridges and headed north, to circle around to head south. Arriving at 9:50am. 

I would rather wait in terminal than hotel. It is holiday time. If it's not a major inconvenience, leave earlier rather than later. 

I'm thinking maybe 8:30 might be the happy medium...I"m with you, if I'm waiting, I may as well be at the terminal. We like being one of the first ones on!