teddie

On my third sailing submitting a RU, my bid from a JS to a GS was accepted 4 days prior to sailing and at the lowest bid amount. I was thrilled. And now I'm spoiled for suites. There is definitely a method to this process 🙂 And to add to the fun, a person in a FB group for my sailing RU'd to my original JS cabin. Teddie

Thanks for your review. It's extra nice to read, as we just sailed our third time on the Anthem, the most recent time being the 03/17/2024 sailing--we prepared the ship to be ready for you :). The whole MTD "reservation" process is clunky as heck! While the hostess is lovely and clearly works very hard, something is wrong with the way this goes. The "reservation" line is slow, and I can only believe that the "without reservation" line is slower. The checking of availability takes way too long. It is not a smooth process by any means. I am not sure if the software is ineffective, or if the hostess's preparation is lacking. Interestingly, since we had a full suite on the 03/17 cruise, we felt again that the process was clunky for the Coastal Kitchen as well. Again, lovely, hard working hostess. When you arrive at the podium, if the hostess is not there, you will wait in the hall outside the closed doors of the CK until she comes out after seating the previous guest. Then comes a somewhat longish wait for the hostess to locate a table for you, I felt badly for those on line behind us! This was extra tricky at breakfast on a port day prior to disembarking--even arriving early incurred at least a 10 minute wait in the hall for the hostess to emerge from the CK. (We were patient and didn't complain or ding anyone/anything on the survey.) We loved the service in the MDR on previous cruises, and really loved the service and food in the CK on this most recent one. But something has got to change for the seating process! Teddie

We were just there last week and paid 89$ per person. I’ve never paid more than that and this was our third visit. All three were purchased during Black Friday weeks. Teddie

Best to get an early check in time (before 11:00 AM) in Bayonne to beat a long wait to drive up to the luggage drop off. Teddie

I guess I'm used to it; but coming from the south, it's a straight shot on the turnpike for the entire state to the port. Just don't do the speed limit in the left lane and you'll be fine 🙂 Teddie

Jeeze. Cape Liberty in NJ is fine. It's our home port and we sail out of there 98% of the time. Teddie

Explorer was our first RCI ship way back in 2002, and we were in a JS; we really do like the Voyager class. In reaching our current Diamond level we booked regular balconies, and a few JSs. On the Anthem, we would have been happy with our original JS booking, and dinners (if able) in the CK, and we already had the Diamond drinks voucher. Agree that the suite pricing these days is pretty insane; but the entire Sky/Suite package was pretty darn nice. Teddie

Just off the 3/17 Anthem sailing. Solarium is warm and comfortable. teddie

Hope yours get accepted! teddie

IMG_9193.mov Ship - Anthem of the Seas Deck - 7 Stateroom # - 7634 Stateroom Category – Grand Suite with Large Balcony 1 Bedroom Starboard or Port Side - starboard Quiet Stateroom? Very! Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? - no Balcony View - Excellent. There was a full-wall window in the bedroom portion of the cabin looking out to the balcony and the sea Balcony Size? Oversized. Two outdoor cushioned armchairs with footstools and a small table Was wind a problem? - Windy at times with some whistling from the balcony door. If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? - NA Any specific problems with this cabin? - none Any other comments? - This location was 4 cabins forward from the elevator lobby, and shared minimal wall space with the next cabin forward of us. Large bathroom with tub and two sinks, with doors from the both living area and the bedroom. Extensive storage space via closets, shelves, and drawers.

….to only wanting a suite. Now, I know many of you frequently or exclusively sail in suites, but our cruising history consists of regular balconies and a few Junior Suites. Since our February 2023 return to cruising post-pandemic, we bid on three separate sailings. Bids on the first two sailings were not accepted, so I wasn’t holding out much hope for this one. I was notified 3 days prior to our Anthem March 17th sailing that our low-ball of a bid was accepted, and we went from a JS to a one bedroom GS on deck 7. So, what was so special about being a suite passenger? I know you “suitees” already know. Here’s our list of how it went as first-time suite guests. Priority Boarding/Disembarkation Easy peasy in every way. We were among the first onboard. Our return arrival to Cape Liberty was delayed for at least an hour, and the non-suite queues for departing the ship were humongous. The One-Bedroom Grand Suite 7634 The large balcony with the second large window in the bedroom was awesome. We had quite a bit of “weather” on the homeward journey, and DH loved watching the sea as it rocked and rolled the Anthem. We spent more time in our cabin than we typically would because it was so large and comfortable. The spaciousness and amount of storage was great. We couldn’t fill it all. The full bathroom with tub and shower, two sinks, and two doors—you can enter from the bedroom or the living area. The Lavazza coffee maker! Midway through the cruise we ordered one for our house and it arrived today, just in time for our homecoming. Coastal Kitchen Amazing service! Excellent teamwork by the staff Most meals were super-good. A few choices we made were meh. Beautiful dining room Both the Maitre ‘d and the hostess truly hustled to make everyone comfortable, clearing tables, setting up, and looking after the guests. The servers had no problem stepping into the Windjammer at breakfast to bring me my favorite cranberry raisin bread. The Concierge/Suite Lounge We visited twice. Nice happy hour offerings, but I do think the decor and furniture would benefit from a update We never did see the concierge, Joana, in person. She did call and few times to ask if we needed anything. Suite Sundeck Comfy seating in both sun and shade. Overlooks the main pool which can get noisy at times Miscellaneous Niceties No need to check towels in/out Free internet—what can I say? We love free! Diamond 4 daily drinks per person continues to be a great perk for us, suite or no suite. I realise that much of what I’m saying maybe “old hat” to those who exclusively sail in suites; but I wanted to share our experience with other non-suites folks here. In closing, I will say that there is a method to the madness of the Royal Up process—we are pretty sure that we will be booking a suite for future cruises. teddie

Good morning, On the 3/17/24 Anthem sailing right now. On our way back to Port Liberty this morning, we headed towards PC for a medical emergency evacuation. Pilot vessel zoomed over to the ship. Meanwhile, schools of dolphins and flocks of pelicans visible as we approach the port. I very much hope the passenger will be OK. EDIT: Coast Guard vessel now on starboard side to offload the passenger. Teddie

Guest Services supervisor on board made it very clear that my confiscated items would not be returned to me for use during the cruise. Firm. The misinformed part was the security person in the terminal who told me that once onboard, someone from security would examine and return them to me. Nope. teddie

Yes.

I’ve used these on previous RCI cruises without a problem, but they were confiscated today from my carry on in the terminal screening in Cape Liberty. I was given a receipt and told that once onboard, security would check them and if found to be “ok”, they’d return them to me to use onboard. Well that didn’t happen. I went to Guest Services. Spoke at length with supervisor and no go. Funny because other pax are using theirs (per FB page). The only difference is that theirs were in their checked bag, and mine were in my carry on. Thinking back on previous cruises, mine were also in my checked bag and had zero issue. Lesson learned. thanks, teddie

I was able to cancel it yesterday 🙂 Teddie

So I receive all the associated perks for Sky Class--and double points because my original booking was a JS?

Good luck! This is my third cruise bidding for an upgrade, and first acceptance of a bid. Clearly, thinking that you won't win a bid because the ship looks sold out is not accurate. Now I'm worried that I will be totally spoiled after this! Teddie

We don't have to use our Diamond drinks in the Suite Lounge?

Will the suite perk for Voom include just one device? My previous purchase was for 2 devices. Can each of us have it? Teddie

Many thanks! Teddie

You're not blind--I just edited to note that we are sailing on the Anthem. Thank you! Teddie

So, this morning, I received the Royal Up email. My bid from a JS to GS with large balcony on the Anthem was accepted (I bid the lowest $$ amount). WOOT! Questions: 1. I sail in 3 days. Do I get updated luggage tags? None seen yet. 2. I see I get Voom. Do I cancel my previous paid order or will it come off my folio automatically? 3. I just cancelled all my MTD reservations. When I board, do I go to Coastal Kitchen to reserve dinners? Can I reserve on the app? Can I reserve via email? 4. Where do I find the suite concierge? Do I have the concierge handle the reservations? 5. Do I need to reserve all three meals at CK? I think that's it for now. Thanks in advance 🙂 Teddie

I always work on my cruise (self-employed). I use a VPN, and the only issues I've had on the Anthem is that the wifi signal was weak in my balcomy stateroom on deck 9. Worked very well in Solarium and Crown Lounge and most other spots I tried. Teddie

I understand the impact of the ships on the towns, expecially the smaller ones. It was rather jarring, though, being told to your face that your patronage was not wanted. Oh well. Teddie PS, Due to a storm, we were the first cruise ship ever at the time that had to dock overnight in Portland. I guess that wasn't a thrill either 🙂