Just back from Anthem: Some Observations

[compman9]

This is for those that haven't been since, you know . . .

 

The muster drill has gone. The worst inconvenience of any cruise is finished.

 

Everything is all about the App. This is clearly going to grow in importance, so if you have technophobes in the family, well I'm afraid they will have to get with the programme as this progresses. It really is good though, so don't be scared (that's a message just for my father in law 🤣)

 

The Diamond Lounge was the same as usual, despite the five drinks vouchers. This was nice, as it enabled people to enjoy their nibbles and socialise with others.

 

Charging for ship amenities such as IFly, North Star etc., is unacceptable. These amazing ships are built and promoted on the basis of their innovative facilities. Charging is one thing, but sawing passengers off with outrageously expensive prices is disgraceful. Just getting that off my chest 😉

 

The food was the best I have experienced for many years. From the nibbles in the lounge to the Windjammer offerings. Everything was outstanding. Pies in Sorrentos. Pies! Brilliant.

 

The internet is now two speed. If you don't buy the most expensive version, you will experience old fashioned connection issues. It is sad to say, but knowingly selling an inferior product is not good practice.

 

This is the first all-British cruise I have experienced. For the RCI employees on this board - WE NEED MORE BARS - On three of the six nights there were no available seats in any of the drinking venues. We Brits like a drink, but 🤣

 

A tip for anybody and everybody - We did not print out our Covid vaccination proof and the NHS App went down while we were checking in. Fortunately, DW saved them in our wallet and remembered last minute - PRINT EVERYTHING FOLKS

 

If you object to the Covid safety etc., stuff don't let it get to you. The cruise line has had to jump through many hoops to get our holidays back and having just four in the elevator but hundreds everywhere else, and leaving two spaces in the theatre next to you but none in front. A few let it get to them, but just let it go. They are doing their best.

 

There was one common mantra among senior officers - Everything will be back to normal by next May.

 

 

[alexgtp]

Sailing in Dec. Not enough bar's...Not good. 

[CaroleC]

1 hour ago, compman9 said:

This is for those that haven't been since, you know . . .

 

The muster drill has gone. The worst inconvenience of any cruise is finished.

 

Everything is all about the App. This is clearly going to grow in importance, so if you have technophobes in the family, well I'm afraid they will have to get with the programme as this progresses. It really is good though, so don't be scared (that's a message just for my father in law 🤣)

 

The Diamond Lounge was the same as usual, despite the five drinks vouchers. This was nice, as it enabled people to enjoy their nibbles and socialise with others.

 

Charging for ship amenities such as IFly, North Star etc., is unacceptable. These amazing ships are built and promoted on the basis of their innovative facilities. Charging is one thing, but sawing passengers off with outrageously expensive prices is disgraceful. Just getting that off my chest 😉

 

The food was the best I have experienced for many years. From the nibbles in the lounge to the Windjammer offerings. Everything was outstanding. Pies in Sorrentos. Pies! Brilliant.

 

The internet is now two speed. If you don't buy the most expensive version, you will experience old fashioned connection issues. It is sad to say, but knowingly selling an inferior product is not good practice.

 

This is the first all-British cruise I have experienced. For the RCI employees on this board - WE NEED MORE BARS - On three of the six nights there were no available seats in any of the drinking venues. We Brits like a drink, but 🤣

 

A tip for anybody and everybody - We did not print out our Covid vaccination proof and the NHS App went down while we were checking in. Fortunately, DW saved them in our wallet and remembered last minute - PRINT EVERYTHING FOLKS

 

If you object to the Covid safety etc., stuff don't let it get to you. The cruise line has had to jump through many hoops to get our holidays back and having just four in the elevator but hundreds everywhere else, and leaving two spaces in the theatre next to you but none in front. A few let it get to them, but just let it go. They are doing their best.

 

There was one common mantra among senior officers - Everything will be back to normal by next May.

 

 

We’ve just got home too. Agree with your comments/observations and would like to add a few of my own if I may:-

 

The ship felt busy even though it was supposedly sailing at less than 50% capacity (we were told there was approx 2,400 pax on board). It was difficult to find seats in the popular evening venues like the Music Hall, Boleros, the pub etc despite social distancing not being enforced in those areas.

 

We felt the food was generally to a high standard, however, the lobster tail on Wednesday evening was the worst I’ve ever had on a ship. It was chewy, bland and cold. On speaking to our MDR waiter, he did mention that there had been a lot of complaints about it so I knew it wasn’t just me being picky.

 

Windjammer wasn’t open for dinner, however, we had lunch in there several times throughout the week and each time it was excellent. Vast choice catering to all preferences, couldn’t fault it. Although social distancing seating is in force in there, we never had a problem finding a table.

 

We enjoyed being able to get off the ship and wander about on our own which was something we could not do on our MSC British Isles cruises earlier this year. Liverpool is very easy to navigate, the ship docks practically in the centre of town. Albert Dock with its numerous shops and restaurants is a short walk away and the Cavern Club area is also within an easy walk. In Belfast, the ship docks in an industrial area and there is a $15 return charge for the shuttle bus into town Not a place I would rush back to however.

 

We were extremely lucky with the weather, especially the first 3 days. Never dreamt we’d be sunbathing by the pool on a cruise sailing in October 😎

 

Finally, a mention about boarding. We had a 12:00 check in time, however, as we were in a JS we knew we could arrive an hour earlier. We made better time than expected driving down which resulted in us arriving at the port at approx 10:30. We had pre-booked the AB Parking onsite car park and drove straight in and parked directly opposite the terminal. Our luggage was taken off us in the car park which surprised us. The terminal doors opened at 11:00 by which time a queue had built up. We weren’t asked our designated check in time at any point, not sure if they checked this later when it got busier. Boarding commenced at approx 11:45 and cabins were open at 13:00. Luggage arrived sometime in the afternoon but couldn’t tell you when as we were out on deck in the sunshine making use of our DP 🥂

 

If anyone has any questions, I’ll do my best to answer them. 

 

 

 

 

[OZ.]

2 hours ago, compman9 said:

This is for those that haven't been since, you know . . .

 

The muster drill has gone. The worst inconvenience of any cruise is finished.

 

Everything is all about the App. This is clearly going to grow in importance, so if you have technophobes in the family, well I'm afraid they will have to get with the programme as this progresses. It really is good though, so don't be scared (that's a message just for my father in law 🤣)

 

The Diamond Lounge was the same as usual, despite the five drinks vouchers. This was nice, as it enabled people to enjoy their nibbles and socialise with others.

 

Charging for ship amenities such as IFly, North Star etc., is unacceptable. These amazing ships are built and promoted on the basis of their innovative facilities. Charging is one thing, but sawing passengers off with outrageously expensive prices is disgraceful. Just getting that off my chest 😉

 

The food was the best I have experienced for many years. From the nibbles in the lounge to the Windjammer offerings. Everything was outstanding. Pies in Sorrentos. Pies! Brilliant.

 

The internet is now two speed. If you don't buy the most expensive version, you will experience old fashioned connection issues. It is sad to say, but knowingly selling an inferior product is not good practice.

 

This is the first all-British cruise I have experienced. For the RCI employees on this board - WE NEED MORE BARS - On three of the six nights there were no available seats in any of the drinking venues. We Brits like a drink, but 🤣

 

A tip for anybody and everybody - We did not print out our Covid vaccination proof and the NHS App went down while we were checking in. Fortunately, DW saved them in our wallet and remembered last minute - PRINT EVERYTHING FOLKS

 

If you object to the Covid safety etc., stuff don't let it get to you. The cruise line has had to jump through many hoops to get our holidays back and having just four in the elevator but hundreds everywhere else, and leaving two spaces in the theatre next to you but none in front. A few let it get to them, but just let it go. They are doing their best.

 

There was one common mantra among senior officers - Everything will be back to normal by next May.

 

 

Great info. Thanks for letting us know.

[LuCruise]

Thanks for your post.  Hoping to board in December.

 

I heard that iFly and North Star have some times where they charge (longer experience?). Found that odd, as you say it's supposed to be included.  Guess we'll use it as a backup if we can't get a free spot.

 

One question about the app and your phone.  Do they still give paper menus in the MDR?  Or do you need to pick from your phone?  I've seen people post cruise compasses so I assume you can still get paper ones.  Reason I'm asking is I'm questioning if we all need to bring carry around our phones and bring it do dinner...and if our kids will need to install the app.  We prefer to put our phones away...but I do know that you book shows, etc from there at this time when you board.

Edited October 15, 2021 by LuCruise

[gavvy]

I too am just off this cruise. Mostly it was great. The bars were busy at night but we always managed to find sonewhere to sit. There was little to no social distancing being enforced except in the shows which we thought very odd. 

Was unable to book the North star of the bumpers or I fly as it kept saying in the app that one of the party was not allowed. Guest services said well tough luck basically. 

I found the app a bit confusing and not very easy to use. Did not pay for WiFi so can't comment on that. 

We were given a 7.15am departure time this morning which we thought was way too early and despite putting our cases out at 10pm they were not collected so we took them off ourselves. 

The main thing that stood out was how friendly the, staff were. How quick they were to remember names and how quick the service was. The, staff definitely made the cruse feel special to us. 

[kernow]

12 minutes ago, LuCruise said:

Thanks for your post.  Hoping to board in December.

 

I heard that iFly and North Star have some times where they charge (longer experience?). Found that odd, as you say it's supposed to be included.  Guess we'll use it as a backup if we can't get a free spot.

 

One question about the app and your phone.  Do they still give paper menus in the MDR?  Or do you need to pick from your phone?  I've seen people post cruise compasses so I assume you can still get paper ones.  Reason I'm asking is I'm questioning if we all need to bring carry around our phones and bring it do dinner...and if our kids will need to install the app.  We prefer to put our phones away...but I do know that you book shows, etc from there at this time when you board.

We were on the week before, we did both North Star and IFly with just the free spots and thought they were good, you only pay if you want a longer experience. The pay slots were $29 which I thought was not bad, we enjoyed  Ifly so much we talked about maybe paying for a longer slot another time. If you keep an eye on the app you can get a free slot, they release more each day.

 

All the restaurants still give menus, didn't see any menus in bars though but maybe if you asked. I did get fed up of having to book everything on the phone rather than being spontaneous, a sign of the times I suppose.

[LuCruise]

12 minutes ago, kernow said:

We were on the week before, we did both North Star and IFly with just the free spots and thought they were good, you only pay if you want a longer experience. The pay slots were $29 which I thought was not bad, we enjoyed  Ifly so much we talked about maybe paying for a longer slot another time. If you keep an eye on the app you can get a free slot, they release more each day.

 

All the restaurants still give menus, didn't see any menus in bars though but maybe if you asked. I did get fed up of having to book everything on the phone rather than being spontaneous, a sign of the times I suppose.

Great thank you. Good to know you could still book the free sessions.  That is pricey...esp for a family of four.

 

Glad you still get menus in the MDR.  Sounds like i'll definitely need my phone in the bars to look at drink menus....lol (but kids should be good)

[compman9]

1 hour ago, LuCruise said:

Thanks for your post.  Hoping to board in December.

 

I heard that iFly and North Star have some times where they charge (longer experience?). Found that odd, as you say it's supposed to be included.  Guess we'll use it as a backup if we can't get a free spot.

 

One question about the app and your phone.  Do they still give paper menus in the MDR?  Or do you need to pick from your phone?  I've seen people post cruise compasses so I assume you can still get paper ones.  Reason I'm asking is I'm questioning if we all need to bring carry around our phones and bring it do dinner...and if our kids will need to install the app.  We prefer to put our phones away...but I do know that you book shows, etc from there at this time when you board.

 

The menus are now wipe clean plasticoated A4 sheets. They are nice.

 

You won't need phones for dinner, but the drinks menus from the bars were only on the app.

 

 

[LuCruise]

9 minutes ago, compman9 said:

 

The menus are now wipe clean plasticoated A4 sheets. They are nice.

 

You won't need phones for dinner, but the drinks menus from the bars were only on the app.

 

 

Very smart with the menus!  Was wondering how they would re-use (or thought perhaps a new print out every table, but that's a lot of paper waste).

 

Really good to know.  I have a feeling my phone will become my camera.  I typically put my phone in the safe when we board and I carry around an actual camera (not too big)...but this might not work if I will need my phone...and I like "Fun" drinks and trying new things...esp with the drink package...so phone it is!

[derrick22]

9 hours ago, compman9 said:

"The Diamond Lounge was the same as usual, despite the five drinks vouchers. This was nice, as it enabled people to enjoy their nibbles and socialise with others."

 

So did you still get your free drinks in the diamond lounge or did they take them off your drink vouchers? You got 5? I am only diamond not plus so that may be the difference.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[CaroleC]

1 hour ago, gavvy said:

We were given a 7.15am departure time this morning which we thought was way too early and despite putting our cases out at 10pm they were not collected so we took them off ourselves.

We like to get off as late as possible when there’s no flight involved. We were given an 08:30 departure and when I rang GS last night to ask if we could possibly have a later time, I was told that 9:00 was the latest and provided we left the ship by then it was fine. We have often requested a change in our allocated departure time and always found that GS will accommodate us.

[PigsCanFly]

1 hour ago, LuCruise said:

Very smart with the menus!  Was wondering how they would re-use (or thought perhaps a new print out every table, but that's a lot of paper waste).

 

We got off the Oasis on Oct 3rd.  In the MDR there were several nights that there were no paper menus available for our table.  Not having my phone, the waiter handed me his phone to see the menu.  After we ordered, he went to the next table and handed his phone to the people at that table.  I am guessing that it violates almost every new health safety regulation.  I brought my phone with me after that.

[marci22]

5 hours ago, compman9 said:

There was one common mantra among senior officers - Everything will be back to normal by next May.

I am going to agree. Just have to wait it out.

[njkruzer]

We were scheduled to be on this sailing when it was an 11 nt Canary Islands.  Cancelled when Royal Cancelled our TA.  Still waiting for the balance of our refund,  about $200.  Has come back in bits and pieces.  Hoping to sail on the Jewel in December.  Should be on next year's Anthem October TA.

[gavvy]

1 hour ago, CaroleC said:

We like to get off as late as possible when there’s no flight involved. We were given an 08:30 departure and when I rang GS last night to ask if we could possibly have a later time, I was told that 9:00 was the latest and provided we left the ship by then it was fine. We have often requested a change in our allocated departure time and always found that GS will accommodate us.

Did not know that was a possibility am new to all this. 

 

Also part of my floor was closed off for over an hour for a deep clean. People were denied access to their cabins. Luckily mine wasent included but I do wonder what was going on. 

[Moltar]

I'll be on her again for the 4th time in February. Can't wait. Thanks. They charge for iFly, NorthStar in Asian, Australian and apparently European cruises. Was never ever charged leaving out of NJ.

[CaroleC]

2 hours ago, gavvy said:

Did not know that was a possibility am new to all this.

We’ve never had a problem changing our departure time to later, perhaps because a lot of pax prefer to leave early. We like to sleep as late as possible then go for a leisurely breakfast before making our way off the ship. There’s never any queues when you leave late, no problem finding your suitcases in the hall (ours were two of only about half a dozen still remaining this morning) and we were in our car driving home within a few minutes.

 

2 hours ago, gavvy said:

Also part of my floor was closed off for over an hour for a deep clean. People were denied access to their cabins. Luckily mine wasent included but I do wonder what was going on. 

That’s interesting, didn’t hear anything about that. Which deck were you on?

 

 

Edited October 15, 2021 by CaroleC

[gavvy]

1 minute ago, CaroleC said:

We’ve never had a problem changing our departure time to later, perhaps because a lot of pax prefer to leave early. We like to sleep as late as possible then go for a leisurely breakfast before making our way off the ship. There’s never any queues when you leave late, no problem finding your suitcases in the hall (ours were two of only about half a dozen still remaining this morning) and we were in our car driving home within a few minutes.

 

That’s interesting, didn’t hear anything about that. Which deck were you on?

 

 

Deck 13. There were quite a few annoyed people waiting by the forward elevators and as I looked down the corridor past my room they had closed one of those emergency doors. 

 

Nobody knew what was going on which I think people found more annoying than not being allowed into their rooms. 

[CaroleC]

2 minutes ago, gavvy said:

Deck 13. There were quite a few annoyed people waiting by the forward elevators and as I looked down the corridor past my room they had closed one of those emergency doors. 

 

Nobody knew what was going on which I think people found more annoying than not being allowed into their rooms. 

People are definitely more tolerant of inconvenience when they’re informed of the reason.

[kwokpot]

12 hours ago, alexgtp said:

Sailing in Dec. Not enough bar's...Not good. 

The Brits have a totally different drinking habits than Americans (no offense to the Brits) so when the ship comes back to the States it shouldn't be an issue. 

I never knew how much Brits drink until I did a road trip in England in 2019 from Southampton to The Lakes District. We had stayed at a Holiday Inn Express outside Stratford upon Avon and it was approximately 5pm when we left our hotel room to drive into town. For those who know Holiday Inn Express Hotels they are basically a limited service motel with no restaurant but a breakfast room. Well wouldn't you know the whole breakfast room was filled - literal every table was filled with families and couples drinking. In fact the breakfast room was more crowded at 5pm than it was at 9am. There are NO Holiday Inn Express Hotels in America where at 5pm you would find the entire breakfast room filled with young families with children drinking beer and cocktails. In fact Holiday Inn Express Hotels in the States don't even serve alcohol in the breakfast room,it's just open for breakfast. 

My point is Brits have different social drinking habits which translates to packed bars every evening.

Edited October 16, 2021 by kwokpot

[cublet]

17 hours ago, compman9 said:

<Snip>

 

The food was the best I have experienced for many years. From the nibbles in the lounge to the Windjammer offerings. Everything was outstanding. Pies in Sorrentos. Pies! Brilliant.

 

<Snip>

 

 

Hello,

 

I went into Sorrento's on Thursday. One of the offerings was Chicken & Mushroom pies. Underneath the title, the contents were listed as "Contains Pork".

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

[sgmn]

9 hours ago, Moltar said:

They charge for iFly, NorthStar in Asian, Australian and apparently European cruises. Was never ever charged leaving out of NJ.

As far as I know this is the first season it's been charged ex UK. Will be interesting to see if they continue the charge when it back to USA 

[kernow]

4 hours ago, kwokpot said:

The Brits have a totally different drinking habits than Americans (no offense to the Brits) so when the ship comes back to the States it shouldn't be an issue. 

I never knew how much Brits drink until I did a road trip in England in 2019 from Southampton to The Lakes District. We had stayed at a Holiday Inn Express outside Stratford upon Avon and it was approximately 5pm when we left our hotel room to drive into town. For those who know Holiday Inn Express Hotels they are basically a limited service motel with no restaurant but a breakfast room. Well wouldn't you know the whole breakfast room was filled - literal every table was filled with families and couples drinking. In fact the breakfast room was more crowded at 5pm than it was at 9am. There are NO Holiday Inn Express Hotels in America where at 5pm you would find the entire breakfast room filled with young families with children drinking beer and cocktails. In fact Holiday Inn Express Hotels in the States don't even serve alcohol in the breakfast room,it's just open for breakfast. 

My point is Brits have different social drinking habits which translates to packed bars every evening.

You're right, Brits (and probably other Europeans) do have a different attitude than Americans. Pubs here have become social meeting places where you can go with all the family to eat and drink, it's not just about alcohol though, I'll often go to a pub with friends and have just a soft drink or a coffee. I'm not sure you really have an equivalent in the US, anywhere with a bar feels more like an adult environment. 

We also had a problem finding somewhere to sit after dinner on a couple of nights the week before, it seemed to me that the ship was missing a big lounge where you could just sit and chat. If Americans don't go to the bars not sure where they will go instead.

[kwokpot]

2 hours ago, kernow said:

If Americans don't go to the bars not sure where they will go instead.

Americans have varied interests and don't all do exactly the same thing at the same time. On the Quantum class there 270, schooner, music hall, boleros, the theater, the pub, bionic bar, all the restaurants, solarium, windjammer, pool bar, sky bar, seaplex, etc. In other words, my example about Brits and their 5pm drinking is that everyone wants to the same thing at the same time at the same place. That's why the OP, who is a Brit, complained there wasn't enough bar space on the Anthem. I've been on the Anthem four times and finding a place to gather was never a problem. That's because people did different things at different times. Whole families jamming into a bar enmass at 5pm is not something Americans do at all. That's not where we socialize. If anything the evening meal is where American families gather together, and not at a pre-meal pub or bar. Then after the meal you may do something at another venue, like a show, movie, activity, etc. Americans don't go to a bar after a meal with extended family to socialize. On cruise ships that's the whole purpose of the production shows, comedy shows, music performances.