ArtsyChic

My husband and I are also going in April 2019 on this itinerary. April 20, 2019. I’m also interested in finding out any info I can! We’ve been to Bermuda before but not in this ship. Last time I was in Bermuda on Royal Caribbean was in 1990 when I was 13, on my first cruise lol. Never cruised to Boston before.

Glad to see we are sailing away together. Our roll call is very quiet. We did Boston in last trip in 2017 and I have to say we had a blast. So many options for what you want to do as far historic areas or just walking around. However time will only tell for April weather. We did it in July.

I did it last year. What do you want to know?

Can I chime in on the question. We are doing this one in April 2019 too and two days in Bermuda and one in Boston. How did you find anthem first night in Bermuda as far as activities or special things to do. We have been there on celebrity before but it was for three days. This one is only two. We are unsure of how to plan first night in Bermuda onboard for anthem like dinner etc. We were thinking beach most of day and then unsure how to plan dinner cause we know not much to do at dock but don’t know if anthem makes up for it on activities post 6pm. Thanks a bunch

This would be a question that the guide you want to hire should be able the answer.

 

I would have no idea, because I have been to Bermuda exactly twice, (well two days, so three days total this last cruise) and I don't know what I don't know. But if you look at the different reviews and recommendations, the guides all have email and you should email them exactly that: what are you going to show me that I haven't seen.

 

For example, Quinton showed us a cemetery and told us how they work and took us to a house where we could see how Bermudians build roofs and cisterns to collect drinking water. You may already know this or not care; I found it fascinating.

 

So my best advice would be write and ask:)

Thanks for the tips👍

These condos are not finished yet but this rendering is what St. Catherine’s beach at Gates Bay will look like when completed. (spring 2121) The condos were put on the market today.

 

I was just asking on another thread about progress and noticed this posting. A little sad to see how developed it will be one day with hotel and condo cause one of my best moments in 2017 was swimming on that beach and watching my family run around the fort. Construction was just beginning and we knew one day this area would not look the same and as serene.

Can someone help me get a better picture as to the sites and benefits of maybe ya doing a private tour one of the days there. We have done Bermuda in the past for three days and did st. George and the fort, the lighthouse, elbow and horseshoe. My son still speak of the time at the fort to this day. I wonder if all the construction by fort Catherine finished by now with I think new homes or hotel they were building. It was back in July 2017. Where would a private tour take us outside of the above that people have done and would highly recommend?

Appreciate it

We did sail in 12314. The room had a standard size balcony - Really only meant for 2 people. Sailing in November we were not able to use ithe balcony much.

 

The room was perfect for us because we were sailing with our 12 year old granddaughter and we were able to hop down the hall to the concierge lounge for coffee in the morning or have a quick drink in the evening.

Awesome thanks. Yea most rooms are only good for two at this size especially when that bed folds out but we have a little guy so it all works out. Can’t do suites unless it’s smaller less new ships. Lol

We also booked a guarantee and got 12314 which is a D2 with smaller balcony. I am under the impression that unless you are in a D1 you will ha e a "smaller" balcony.

hope maybe you can get this...did you like the room 12314..pros and cons to having this deck vs maybe say deck 9?? any thoughts on port side vs starboard?

We were in 11560 a few weeks ago & never smelled any smoke

Awesome thank you everyone for your help

As always totally useful info to navigate little remarks you read here and there. Thumbs up!!!

I can see that. Ever since they started eliminating the indoor cigar/smoker lounges, which had the high-tec smoke ventilation systems, the amount of people smoking on the deck has increased exponentially. Because it is not in a contained and sealed area like the lounges were, it drinks from the top deck down into rooms at times.

Would you say staying portside is better option to avoid that since it all seems to be on starboard on anthem?

All RCI ships use onboard Seapass cards but some ships that use RFID technology have an optional RFID bracelet that can be purchased for around $5 I believe. The bracelets can't be used to get off the ship at port stops nor at disembarkation.

Mariner is not a RFID ship.

Totally crashing your posting to ask about your experience on anthem in the room 10562. Someone mentioned that it smelled like smoke cause smoke stop is down below on starboard. True? Thanks

We had cabin 10562 for our March cruise on Anthem. Bed is on right when entering thus headboard is against aft wall as shown by the shots below. Also attached is shot of its extra large balcony and the view from it.

 

 

 

 

hoping you might see this and curious is the angle balcony smaller then the large room balcony with more square footprint??

This is review from our December sailing........

"We travelled on a cruise in December soon after ports of call had been reopened and shifted around due to hurricanes. Many charters were still recovering and we were recommended to contact Jen and Chuck from the Jolly Mon. After our first conversation I knew we made the right decision and were taken care of every step of the way.

We arrived in St. Thomas and they arranged Stewie to meet us at the port and taxi us to the Jolly Mon. He was so pleasant to deal with and very very prompt. Our trip was a trip to remember forever for my son who just adored sailing on the Jolly Mon and of course being spoiled rotten with food, drinks and fun in the sun!! We felt secure in their knowledge and experience with the island sites to go where we would be able to best enjoy ourselves without the swarms of other group tours. Jen and Chuck were so attentive and genuinely shared their passion with the waters and boating. We had so many things in common throughout our lives that I just knew it was the perfect fit for our family.

We have no doubt that as the island recoveries more and more throughout the months that the possibilities for Jolly Mon will be well received for all. Don't be nervous to book them while on a cruise on island stay.

Until next time Jolly Mon. May the force be with you and keep building those lego adventures:-)"

Have sent two emails to Gail at the info email and still no answer. Is there another contact I’m missing. It’s been about four or so days since first one.

Alas, our favorite day sail out of St. Thomas with Kathleen aboard her beautiful sailboat Highpockets has been cancelled due to hurricane Irma destroying the boat.

She recommended Jolly Mon with her new owners Chuck and Jen but I can't find any reviews since about 2009 (with the old owners).

Has anyone sailed with them in the last couple of years?

 

Thanks!

Hello I saw your posting a few weeks back and wanted to tell you we are going on the Jolly Mon with new owners Jennifer and Chuck who have been so helpful and enthusiastic to start up business on St. Thomas. We are arriving on the a cruise there very soon. We had a long road of flight changes, port changes, and hotel cancellations with plans changing by the day. So needless to say we were very happy to find this charter. We have been to St. Thomas in previous years and contacts that have boats that were damaged recommended Jolly Mon to us. So with that said we were very grateful for the recommendation and their assistance to work around things post hurricane.

Hope to report good times for you in a few weeks!

Hi, I recently posted on this board a few weeks ago. We are in the process of planning our day in Antigua the end of December and definitely want to do stingray city in the morning and then a beach. Two of the best beaches people talk about are Long Bay beach and Valley Church/Jolly Beach. I realize they are on opposite ends of the island, but if possible I would really like to hear people's opinions of them, and which is recommended more for a family of four. I have narrowed it down to these two beaches. I would really appreciate any input as soon as possible. Thanks!

We are trying to figure this out for next week and yes we too are having trouble deciding. Seems to be not as much chatter for Antigua as other islands and things to do.

our first time as a family for a day off a cruise. Would a day pass at a beach here on island or a day on boat excursion be better to enjoy a day? Of course we would need weeks to see everything but just weighing beaches and costs. Places like Long valley bay with nest restaurant. Or I am open for any suggestions.

We wonder every day also. We leave in 3 weeks and San Juan is one of our stops. Maybe it will be a day on the ship.

At this point getting a hotel is the biggest question as each of them keep getting cancelled and now I wonder about these flights being cancelled too. I am reading jetblue and united have begun to cancel flights again for rest of the year??

we are going in July and trying to research options to do at night while boat is docked for three days in Bermuda. We really don't want to just stay on the boat the entire time at night. I know we can do harbor nights for the one night but how about the others?? Casual bar type restaurants near dock or everything closes on nights other then Wednesday nights?

Appreciate it

:D

We snagged 8390 for AOS the week of 10/8/16. Love the aft cabin. This will be our 2nd aft cabin. We love to have coffee delivered in the morning and sit on our balcony and enjoy the view. I have some awesome pictures from our last cruise. Can't go wrong with an aft cabin.

trying to see if you might get this and message me about the room you had? Does the 3rd pull down bed make it hard to sleep if not pulled down or do you have to worry about hitting head when getting up?? Is there still a sofa bed too?

ArtsyChic - have you already left on your cruise? Are you back yet? Curious to see where you ended up deciding to visit. We're wavering between two places (Weisers and JuJu's).

Yes just for back....ok so here is the deal that we experienced. Traffic can be a big issue on the island especially if you are not only ship in port and taxis are like meat market too. But thats sort of the MO for most of the islands. lol

We were going to do Crystal Cove or Almond Beach as far as the two top resorts experiences with all inclusive but then when we docked we switched to Habour Lights on Carlise Bay (spelling?) which sand is just perfect, food good, and drinks also. Get there early and sit on comfortable loungers and umbrellas. It was just enough without spending all that extra money for all inclusive and taxi. And that is coming from a family that usually does that sort of thing especially with cabanas...so those are my thoughts...hope it helps..If you are going to St. Kitts then top recommendation is Spice Mill Restaurant on turtle beach with all the amenities and lion den place next door is delicious for food.

I don't know if you will see this before you get here but I just got off the phone with Shanni and they will be OPEN this Sunday for you guys! Hope this helps![/QUO

 

Thanks that is awesome and I will make it there with a huge a smile.

Celeste

Hi, I really need some help on beach advice...

We are debating a resort for a one day trip just while ship is in port. Or going to one of the west coast beaches for a few hours and get some drinks and food but not all inclusive as another option. We have the option to purchase one day passes in December. I wanted to get firsthand opinion of the experience you had for the beach, food and pools. We have a 3 year old so was looking for calmer seas which is on the west side.

any thoughts would be appreciated as we are looking at this Crystal Cove, Almond Beach, Tamarind and Coconut Court. But then we also might just hang at another spot on beach shack place that has umbrellas and loungers too. Thank you so much

Celeste

No, I have not and keep wavering on it all. I am not sure why this island out of all of our trips places is giving me so much trouble to decide. I feel like the prices are a little high for what you get and I see that a lot of people do the boat tours but I just want to do beach day on this one. Other islands we are doing tours so I need a break for us and little guy. I did read a lot of negative on Hilton day pass so thats a bust. I am debating the Almond beach one but have not heard back from them yet. The boatyard seems really flooded with people and potential rougher waters than the west coast. Please do keep in touch if you find out more.

Celeste

Ok, I think after reading all the research and reviews it seems that the western side of the island from Heywoods to Paynes seems to be the prime spot for families and calmer waters. However I am seeing very large entry fees for such resorts as Almond Beach, etc for the day pass. It seems a lot for what you get at the beach. For those amounts per person we got a cabana in Grand Cayman with beach service and all. Am I missing something?

Which beach would be best to tell taxi to stop at for umbrellas and chairs and some food and drink options. Barbados seems to be our most challenging decision so far and our cruise is in December of 2015

I see taxis can be a little sneaky with prices- is there a general rate sign displayed at port or is it all negotiation?

Thank you

celeste

Tagnog

So we are going in December of 2015 and in similar situation with family and it seems like you have the same desires as us. Did you finalize after doing more research? Im curious. The ones we have so far are Almond beach resorts (Heywood I think husband said), Mullin Beach, or Paynes. Sorry trying to read his chicken scratch writing.

Talk soon

celeste