carnival03

Thanks for the review. Were you able to schedule iFly and Northstar ahead of time via the Cruise Planner? If so, about how far out (from the cruise date) did they become available? I'm hearing mixed reports on whether or not one is able to book ahead of time.

Also, you mentioned you were always about to get chairs on the pool decks, was this in the open area? (meaning not covered by a roof, indoor pool / solarium).

Jet skis if I remember correctly were $65 for 30 minutes.

 

Didn't have to follow anybody and you had a pretty good area you could go to.

 

In fact couldn't even see my son he was so far out.

 

Bill

Good to know. Thank you! :cool:

 

 

Didn't see any vendors for massages but they did have jet skis for rent.

 

Bill

Do you remember any details about the jet skis? Price? Did you have to follow a group? We're you limited to a certain area?

One of my main concerns is the availability of outside deck chairs.. I've been told as long as we arrive to the upper decks early, there will be plenty of availability on deck 10, is that true?

I've done research on the Anthem... From what I've gathered, the Quantum class is vastly different from the rest of Royal's fleet. I've read that a lot of people complain about the crowding in public spaces such as the Royal Esplanade. However, this can be avoided by using the balcony on deck 5 to bypass the crowds.

We'll be sailing Anthem next May and looking forward to our first cruise with RC! We're going in with an open mind... I'll be following this thread to see what others have to say.

Does this need to be reserved in advance or can you just show up the day you are in port?

Per the email I received directly from Holland House (see post #5), the rep said everything can be arranged upon arrival.

We sailed Pride last summer on one of the Bermuda cruises. We docked around 8:30, so we were under Bay Bridge around 6-6:30. We were still in bed. ;)

 

Some Baltimore cruises we've docked later - closer to 10. I would recommend checking marinetraffic.com for Pride's location that morning.

I agree, if the the Pride is on time. Tracking the arrival and sailing would be best.

 

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If it's as early as 8:30, we won't see it. :(

We'll be arriving at Sandy Point around 7-7:30, so if it sticks to the 10:00 planned arrival, we're hoping to see it around 8:30ish... I have the Marine Traffic app, so I'll be keeping a close eye.

It's been a few years since we've cruised on the Pride, and being from Maryland we have a general idea of the timing, but I wanted to see what others have to say...

What time does the Pride usually arrive back in Baltimore on Sunday mornings? What time does it usually sail under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge?

We're going boating on the bay this Sunday and would love to see the Pride cruise on by! :cool:

Of course and umbrellas :)

Sounds like a great deal!

We were there last week. Holland House have the nicest set-up on that beach. There were others that looked like they had the nice thick cushions etc but the beds were on top of each other, we were glad we chose Holland House.

 

There were 3 of us so it cost $37.50 with 6 drinks, we got 2 rum punches for 4 drinks and 2 sodas. Nice clean toilets, easy access wi-fi and a shower to use. The usual vendors passing by asking if you want massages, hair braids etc but a firm 'no thank you' is enough to keep them moving.

 

From the ship and/or the dock if you look across to the beach you will recognise Holland House by the white umbrellas. When you get off the water taxi ($7 return/all day access), turn right and it's about a 2 or 3 minute walk.

Thanks for the input. I'm assuming the price above not only included drinks, but chairs as well? We have a party of three also...

Most likely, many Anthem departing passengers will free spaces in the garage for the new cruisers. There have been reports that Celebrity Summit cruisers are not given the option of using the garage. I would suggest an arrival time at Cape Liberty between 10-10:30.

Good to know. Thanks! :cool:

For those leaving on the Anthem on Thursdays, do you usually get parking in the garage? Or, do you have to use overflow?

Thanks for the review! 343 days until we cruise with RCI for the first time aboard the Anthem. Good to know you're expectations were met, we're looking forward to it.

There are no guarantees, but that is the default for MTD.

Good to know. As always, thanks! :cool:

Just to clarify, with MTD, are you guaranteed a table for just your party?

I emailed them , the end of March, received an answer back the next day, I inquired about a day use room, this is what i reeived back from them:

It will be a great pleasure to have you at the Holland House Beach Hotel.

Please be informed that it is possible to get a day room.

The rate is: $125.00 including tax.

In the event of questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

 

Diana Gumbs

Reservations Manager

 

Please contact us for beach Massage!!

 

Frontstreet 45 Philipsburg St. Maarten D.W.I.

T +1 721-542-2572 | F +1 721-542-4673

www.HHBH.com

www.facebook.com/hollandhousebeachhotel

I asked another questions, as to what the $125 included, & received back the same day:

Dear Mrs. Finn,

 

The $125.00 is for the room and will include only the beach chairs.

In the event of questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

 

Diana Gumbs

 

Reservations Manager

Good to know. I just got a response back yesterday explaining the beach day pass option.

Good day,

Thank you for your email and interest on a day pass.

What we offer are beach deals for $25 which includes;

• 2 beach chairs

• 1 umbrella

• 4 drinks (soda, water or beer)

• Wi-Fi access

• shower and restrooms

That you can arrange upon arrival.

Warm Regards

Jandery (Jesse) Powell

Food & Beverage Manager

Holland House Beach Hotel

Frontstreet 45 Philipsburg Sint Maarten D.W.I.

T +1 721-542-2572 C +1 721-520-5430

www.HHBH.com

www.facebook.com/hollandhousebeachhotel

How do you become a member of the Crown & Anchor Society? Are guests automatically enrolled after their first cruise?

You do not have to reserve ahead but I'd get there early if possible as there chairs go quickly. Two chairs, one umbrella, 4 drinks, yes to bathrooms, yes to free internet, and a shower to use to wash off before heading back to the ship. Their chair pads are really thick too. Cost is $25 while others run at $20 but don't have all the amenities or quality chair pads. Lazy Lizard is really good and if can go without showers, that would be my second choice. We'll be staying at the HillNd House next month - ❤️ it there

Thanks for all the info! :cool:

Great Bay beach is known to have water pollution issues. This is especially apparent after rain as it is an overflow of a retention pond that causes the sewage water to enter the beach. There was a plan to divert this water out further into the ocean but I have not heard any update on this post Irma.

Oh, this makes sense. I love the idea of convenience but hate the idea of pollution. We have just under a year before our visit, so I'll be following this topic closely.

We had a fabulous day at the Holland House last week and the water was simply gorgeous. Had no worries at all going in and enjoying the water.

Good to hear! We're also considering the Holland House. Do you have to pre-book the chairs and umbrellas, or just show up? What's the cost of the chairs and umbrellas? Do they have restrooms to use?

Thanks for the help!

Swam/waded/floated in this water many times and have not seen anything that would stir me away from this area in Great Bay. We will be visiting St Maarten again next week and will have a better insight of the condition of the beautiful island.

Is there still pollution within the Great Bay Beach area?

Haven't been in the water here since 2006 ( I don't think that the water is consistently "good for swimming" but I do like the boardwalk and the restaurant at the Holland House called the Ocean Lounge. Lots of shopping on the boardwalk and on Front Street which is the next street over. If by kid friendly you mean "no nudity" then I would say that I have been on the boardwalk dozens of time without seeing any nudity.

What makes the water of Great Bay not "good for swimming?"

Has anybody done the Holland house for a day trip?

 

If so how much did it cost and what did it include.

 

How much did it cost to get there and how long did it take?

 

I've emailed them but not gotten

an answer

 

Bill

 

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Following. I also emailed them and received no response.

I second that Grand Bahama is not a great port. However, I understand your frustration, as we've also cruised out of Baltimore and had ports canceled mid-cruise. When you travel from a port such as Baltimore and have a few sea days to get to where you're going, and then not to be able to go, the cruise then turns into "a cruise to nowhere." Here's to hoping everything works out and you enjoy the itinerary. :)

YES to all of the above! :)

Perfection! Thanks :cool:

We will be visiting the island for the first time next May. We're also considering Great Bay Beach as an easy beach day option. Is there a lot of shopping right there? Public restrooms? Do the bars / restaurants allow you to take your beer/drinks onto the beach? Are there waiters on the beach?