“LIVE” from Anthem of the Seas - Nov. 28, 2021

[Radio]

Hello everyone and good morning. Welcome to DAY 2 of "LIVE" from Anthem of the Seas.

 

I slept like a baby last night, but woke up at Radio Dark30 this morning. It's very exciting to board a cruise ship on the first day, however there is still a level of anxiety and stress that wears on you. The night before a cruise is always the worst, but the first night of your cruise most often provides the best sleep.

 

I am very happy that Café Promenade is open 24 hours a day. So far the coffee has been very fresh. The Diamond lounge coffee is much better however; it is not available at 4:00 a.m.

 

I received a Milestone order form in my cabin. I think this must be something new because normally you are awarded a Crystal ship at the Crown and  Anchor event. Now you are given the choice to have it delivered to your cabin or having it mailed to your house. There is a third option that suggests if you don't want it they can give it away to someone who reached a milestone for this sailing.

 

There appears to be a lot of live music on board Anthem of the Seas. I will try to get a few video clips throughout the week.

 

I found out that the passenger count this week is 2509. That includes approximately 45 children. My calculations suggest that we are sailing at about 60% to capacity.We 

 

Here are a few images of last night and early this morning. Thanks for tuning in.

 

Radio

 

 

Passing under the Verrazano Bridge last evening.

 

 

Early morning views in the VIA on Deck 5

 

 

I love this artwork just the Two70 Lounge.

 

 

 

More early morning VIA views.

 

 

 

 

A man has To know his priorities. . .Here at Cafe Promenade.

 

 

 

Wayfinder Day 2

 

 

 

Music Hall

 

 

 

More Music Hall

 

 

One final Music Hall

 

 

 

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[Mrs Cheech]

Are they taking reservations for WWRY and Spectra on your sailing.  I know both were shut down for the last 2 cruises.  ALso wanted to know if Solarium Bistro is open for breakfast?

Thanks in advance...

[Radio]

A leisurely stroll in the VIA on Deck 5. . . Very early this morning. . . 

 

Radio

 

 

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[Radio]

Here is some of the Notices that were in my Cabin at Embarkation. . .

 

Radio

 

Crown and Anchor RSVP

 

 

 

 

Coco Beach Club Pass

 

 

 

 

 

Diamond Plus Onboard

 

 

 

 

Milestone Achieved

 

 

 

 

Don't Miss the Show

 

 

 

 

Don't Miss the Show PG2

 

 

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[Radio]

1 hour ago, Mrs Cheech said:

Are they taking reservations for WWRY and Spectra on your sailing.  I know both were shut down for the last 2 cruises.  ALso wanted to know if Solarium Bistro is open for breakfast?

Thanks in advance...

Yes, We will Rock You and Spectra's Cabaret show are on several times this week.  Solarium Bistro is open 8-10 am daily for breakfast.

 

Radio

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[VTSKIandCRUISEGUY]

Thanks for reporting on this cruise, since we'll be on the next one, sailing 12/5.

 

I see on the Compass that Windjammer is "RR" so reservations required. However the app does say that "guests without reservations will be seated according to availability."

I would love to know what you're seeing regarding this. I hate the idea of having to make a reservation for breakfast lunch. Or do you just go on the app when you're ready to eat, and make the reservation?

 

[ramja96]

On 11/26/2021 at 7:57 PM, matt1 said:

This couldn’t be more perfectly timed! Before I left RCI for Princess I used to love reading your Live threads back from the olden days when you and Gambee were the high water mark for standards of excellence. Definitely looking forward to your daily reports! Thank you for being amazing. 

 

Speaking of ..... where has Gambee been??? 🤔

[matt1]

8 minutes ago, ramja96 said:

 

Speaking of ..... where has Gambee been??? 🤔

Not sure. There was a huge gap of time when I just quit reading CC. When I came back he was nowhere to be found. 

[alexgtp]

So do bands even play in "MUSIC HALL" anymore? Totally has a mini house of blues vibe to it.

 

Seems all they do is use it as space for "activities" Bummer, I was hoping it would actually be used more as a MUSIC venue.

 

Loving the picture's and video! Am I the only one who keeps checking this thread every couple hours? 🤣

[teachkeegan]

I was on Freedom of the Seas earlier in the month and even though they had RR listed for Windjammer,  you could always walk in. But they scanned your entering and leaving. It's probably part of the COVID19 protocols that they must adhere to.  Maybe at busier holiday times it might be an issue. 

[ramja96]

1 hour ago, matt1 said:

There was a huge gap of time when I just quit reading CC.

 

I think this applies to 90% of us. 😕😆

[ticketsunlimited]

Are they not doing the cover bands in the music hall?  They were always a highlight of our Anthem cruises!

[Radio]

3 hours ago, alexgtp said:

So do bands even play in "MUSIC HALL" anymore? Totally has a mini house of blues vibe to it.

 

Seems all they do is use it as space for "activities" Bummer, I was hoping it would actually be used more as a MUSIC venue.

 

Loving the pictures and video! Am I the only one who keeps checking this thread every couple hours? 🤣

Thanks alexgtp for the nice comments. The Music Hall was designed to showcase "A" band cover groups. You should never see B, C or D band groups in Music Hall. The "Dukes" have been featured here during their 7-month contract. There will be a new showcased group starting next week. The Music Hall is also used for other shows that Royal Caribbean hosts. This is how it was explained during the creation of Quantum of the Seas. 

[Lindaon]

Hi,

Thanks for doing this for everyone but especially a Anthem first timer like me.  I will be on the Dec. 5th sailing and hate to bother you with this question but I've been on hold with customer service for 1 1/2 hours!😀  I just purchased the Key for almost the same price as the internet this morning during the Cyber Monday sale. My question is that I have purchased Jamie's Italian for lunch on embarkation day earlier and before I change it to another day I would like to know that I am getting lunch at Chops.on day 1.  I have read here that some have said the Key has changed from Chops lunch to  free room service , 25% off etc . It was listed as Chops when I booked it. Have a wonderful day and looking forward to your great review.

 

[Radio]

1 hour ago, Lindaon said:

Hi,

Thanks for doing this for everyone but especially a Anthem first timer like me.  I will be on the Dec. 5th sailing and hate to bother you with this question but I've been on hold with customer service for 1 1/2 hours!😀  I just purchased the Key for almost the same price as the internet this morning during the Cyber Monday sale. My question is that I have purchased Jamie's Italian for lunch on embarkation day earlier and before I change it to another day I would like to know that I am getting lunch at Chops.on day 1.  I have read here that some have said the Key has changed from Chops lunch to  free room service , 25% off etc . It was listed as Chops when I booked it. Have a wonderful day and looking forward to your great review.

 

If you purchased the Key, you will be served in the main dining room using the Chops menu. My brother and his wife purchased the Key and they loved having a delicious Chops filet for lunch yesterday.

 

When you purchase the Key, you still get free room service, and you still get 25% off of all additional specialty dining. You may consider canceling your reservation at Jamie's and wait until you get on board to make your reservation if you have already purchased the Key.

 

Radio

[Radio]

Cruise Compass Day 2

 

Radio

 

 

 

DAY2 PG1

 

 

 

DAY2 PG2

 

 

 

 

DAY2 PG3

 

 

DAY2 PG4

 

 

 

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[Radio]

Our Current Location off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina

 

Radio

 

[wolfcathorse]

who's the master Radio!

[DaniDanielle]

Agreed

[Lindaon]

Thank you so much for your quick answer on the Key.  I will take your advice and cancel Jamie's and book again on board.  Again thanks for this amazing "live" review.  Enjoy your night!

[Radio]

2 hours ago, wolfcathorse said:

who's the master Radio!

IV Vidos from Croatia.

 

Will post more about officers later.

 

Radio

 

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[Broons77]

@Radio

 

Thank you again for sharing all this.  Incredibly helpful info for those of us in the planning stages.  To that end, I have something of a specific question - are the surfaces in the shower in your cabin a smooth fiberglass like surface?  I ask as DW has mobility issues and I'd like to bring suction cup handles for her to use and want to make sure they'd adhere.  Any texture to the surface makes that idea a no go.  TIA!!!!

[Radio]

Hello everyone and good day. today was a very calm and relaxing day. There was some moving with the seas, but the Captain suggested they were only 6 to 8 ft wave heights.

 

It was mostly sunny for most of the day. The indoor family pool was very busy all day however, the outside main pool did not open. I heard passengers has the lifeguards when the pool would open. The response was " we are waiting for the weather to warm up, currently the water is too cold for swimming" 

 

I went to the top tier event this morning at Two70 Lounge and there were about a hundred passengers for the event. The Cruise director and Captain congratulated guess that have just achieved Pinnacle status. He also congratulated guest that had over 1,500 Crown and Anchor points.

The Captain suggested that 256 Diamond Plus and 36 Pinnacle members we're sailing this week.

 

I had a delightful dinner tonight at the Solarium Bistro. The food is always very good and very hot. There is a wonderful selection of items to have.

 

Here are a few pics from around the ship today. Thanks for tuning in.

 

Radio

 

 

It was very warm at the indoor pool. I liked to relax in there.

 

 

 

The water is heated in the Family Pool

 

 

 

I've never heard of a Goombay Smash

 

 

 

 

There were a few White Caps, but Anthem of the Seas provided smooth sailing as we head to Florida.

 

 

 

The Top Tier event was held at Two70 Lounge.

 

 

 

Cruise Director Mark was happy to show off technology in the lounge

 

 

 

 

The Captain welcomed all of the Loyalty Members.

 

 

The indoor pool became very busy today.

 

 

 

It was a little windy, but the sunny skies were very nice

 

 

 

There were very few passengers on the open decks today.

 

 

 

I think the cold and the wind kept the outdoor pool closed for the day.

 

 

 

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Edited November 30, 2021 by Radio

[renzzmar]

That’s me and my daughter in the upper left hand corner of the indoor pool photo (she’s got a pink/purple swimmie vest on). 
 

We’ve been suprised how sincerely nice the crew is, and how good the food is in the specialty restaurants. We’re in a star class room and the experience blows away anything we’ve done on NCL and smaller luxury lines, and the price is reasonable at triple occupancy when you factor in the packages and perks you get included.

 

Breakfast so far has been very disappointing, but we have more options to try yet. I hope this is indicative of Royal Caribbean in general, as it’s been fantastic.

[bobmacliberty]

8 hours ago, renzzmar said:

Breakfast so far has been very disappointing, but we have more options to try yet. I hope this is indicative of Royal Caribbean in general, as it’s been fantastic.

 

Where have you eaten breakfast so far?  Room service hot breakfast for us is usually disappointing as it doesn't really stay hot by the time it's delivered.  I've not sailed Anthem but Coastal Kitchen is typically good for breakfast.