A few questions for solo cruise on anthem

[Clovis8]

Travelling on anthem at the end of march as my first solo cruise. 
 

1) do I need to book dinner times or will it be pretty easy to walk into main dining and speciality restaurants?

 

2) it’s been a few years since I cruised but I used to be able to book shows. I don’t seem to have that option in my planner? 
 

3) anyone know if anthem has poker?

 

thanks for any help. 

[nelblu]

3 minutes ago, Clovis8 said:

Travelling on anthem at the end of march as my first solo cruise. 
 

1) do I need to book dinner times or will it be pretty easy to walk into main dining and speciality restaurants?

 

2) it’s been a few years since I cruised but I used to be able to book shows. I don’t seem to have that option in my planner? 
 

3) anyone know if anthem has poker?

 

thanks for any help. 

1.  Yes, it is recommended.  Traditional starts at 5:30 and My Time Dining begins at 6:15-6:30.

2.  Because of the pandemic all reservations need to be made on board.  RCL app is a good tool.

3. Yes, if they have enough players.  The casino has poker slots.

[Funky Fusion FoodsJ]

For specialty restaurants you'll have to book for 2 people.  Go ahead and do that, then when you get on ship you can tell them you'll be a single.

[nelblu]

1 minute ago, Funky Fusion FoodsJ said:

For specialty restaurants you'll have to book for 2 people.  Go ahead and do that, then when you get on ship you can tell them you'll be a single.

No need to.  I made reserves for Chops and Giovanni's on my Oasis September sail and I'm solo.  

[Oceansaway17]

3 hours ago, Clovis8 said:

Travelling on anthem at the end of march as my first solo cruise. 
1) do I need to book dinner times or will it be pretty easy to walk into main dining and speciality restaurants?

2) it’s been a few years since I cruised but I used to be able to book shows. I don’t seem to have that option in my planner? 
3) anyone know if anthem has poker?

thanks for any help. 

I have done Anthem OTS 3 times as a solo.  My last was in November 2021.

The shows I guess are still booked once you board the ship. Use the app it is easy. find a place to sit if room not ready and book them.

And if a show is booked up, then you can go up to the second level and within 5 minutes after the show starts you can just walk in wearing your mask if that area is still for unvaxxed folks. upper level is much easy to walk in. personally all the shows had seats avail and they should have had a standby line.  And really even though they dismiss afterwards by sections, once outside folks still standing around for elevators or head to 24 hour cafe or music hall.  So being in the upper level is easier to get out of the theatre and walk away.  

Also, for Northstar, you can book the paid extended trips in advance but just know that weather can cancel them and it did for me so bummed.

 

As for the free shorter Northstar, I was made aware 1/2 through my trip that you book them early in the morning of the day in port.  I mean early.   Hoping they allow more 4 at a time for the ride as this will help and allow more folks.  I had 3 reservations for the extended and twice for weather and once for maintenance I was cancelled.  so pissed who would have thought ship at 50% and still could not get Northstar after 3 tries.  that is the North Atlantic for you.

I was glad to have gotten it back in 2016 many times.  And also on Ovation in Alaska.

 

As for restaurants, on sea day do go to lunch at Jamie Oliver. I was delicious and make your reservation on the first or second day and pick a day towards the end of the cruise.  Bread is wonderful and pasta was too. They are open from noon to 1:30.

 

Also on AOS, the buffet at night is great. It is quieter than MDR, the crew is not rushed and they have a bar too.  You can see what the food looks like too.  Great salad options, bread, and they do have a grill also.

On my last 5-8 RCI cruises, I found each day the night buffet got more crowded as folks got tired of a 2 hour dining in the noisy and chilly MDR.

 

So that is my take.  Make sure you visit the mascot giraffe on upper deck.  toodles

[Clovis8]

4 hours ago, Oceansaway17 said:

I have done Anthem OTS 3 times as a solo.  My last was in November 2021.

The shows I guess are still booked once you board the ship. Use the app it is easy. find a place to sit if room not ready and book them.

And if a show is booked up, then you can go up to the second level and within 5 minutes after the show starts you can just walk in wearing your mask if that area is still for unvaxxed folks. upper level is much easy to walk in. personally all the shows had seats avail and they should have had a standby line.  And really even though they dismiss afterwards by sections, once outside folks still standing around for elevators or head to 24 hour cafe or music hall.  So being in the upper level is easier to get out of the theatre and walk away.  

Also, for Northstar, you can book the paid extended trips in advance but just know that weather can cancel them and it did for me so bummed.

 

As for the free shorter Northstar, I was made aware 1/2 through my trip that you book them early in the morning of the day in port.  I mean early.   Hoping they allow more 4 at a time for the ride as this will help and allow more folks.  I had 3 reservations for the extended and twice for weather and once for maintenance I was cancelled.  so pissed who would have thought ship at 50% and still could not get Northstar after 3 tries.  that is the North Atlantic for you.

I was glad to have gotten it back in 2016 many times.  And also on Ovation in Alaska.

 

As for restaurants, on sea day do go to lunch at Jamie Oliver. I was delicious and make your reservation on the first or second day and pick a day towards the end of the cruise.  Bread is wonderful and pasta was too. They are open from noon to 1:30.

 

Also on AOS, the buffet at night is great. It is quieter than MDR, the crew is not rushed and they have a bar too.  You can see what the food looks like too.  Great salad options, bread, and they do have a grill also.

On my last 5-8 RCI cruises, I found each day the night buffet got more crowded as folks got tired of a 2 hour dining in the noisy and chilly MDR.

 

So that is my take.  Make sure you visit the mascot giraffe on upper deck.  toodles

 Thanks so much for all the info. 

[Oceansaway17]

5 hours ago, Clovis8 said:

 Thanks so much for all the info. 

Welcome