Live Review - Anthem of the Seas - Maiden Voyage - 22nd April

[floridaglen]

Yet I've had it confirmed that all reservations prepaid come back as OBC. Not much use when some if the entrees are $25 each.

I'm more upset that Divinely Decadence is now a al carte- we were really looking forward to that one.

 

Are you sure about Devinly Decadence being al a carte? I know it's showing on the planner as al a carte but I found this in RCI's FAQ's.

 

http://bookings.royalcaribbean.co.uk/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqType=faq&faqSubjectId=336&faqSubjectName=Food+%26+Drink&faqId=6173

 

I wish someone could clarify this once and for all :confused::confused::confused::confused:

[Biker19]

Are you sure about Devinly Decadence being al a carte? I know it's showing on the planner as al a carte but I found this in RCI's FAQ's.

 

http://bookings.royalcaribbean.co.uk/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqType=faq&faqSubjectId=336&faqSubjectName=Food+%26+Drink&faqId=6173

 

I wish someone could clarify this once and for all :confused::confused::confused::confused:

 

What some people experience, what the RCI web site says and what the ship really is doing could be three different things. And, all of it could change at any time.

 

Someone may be able to clarify for their particular sailing, but does not mean it couldn't change on another. It could also be that the rules may be different between QN and AN and even Ovation when it eventually comes out next year.:cool:

[little britain]

Are you sure about Devinly Decadence being al a carte? I know it's showing on the planner as al a carte but I found this in RCI's FAQ's.

 

:

RCI UK website notoriously famous for being out of date. I think it still says that there is a corkage charge when you take your wine to the restaurants when in fact this charge was dropped last October....:rolleyes:

[Donsyb]

Ah right thanks.

I actually know a cruiser who does look quite a bit like him so I was wondering if it was the real Simon Cowell or not.

 

Well someone on facebook said they got held back from going down the red carpet to let Simon Cowell pass, so they seemed to think it was the real one Either not another passenger, although could well be a lookalike.....

[Biker19]

Are you sure about Devinly Decadence being al a carte? I know it's showing on the planner as al a carte but I found this in RCI's FAQ's.

 

I wish someone could clarify this once and for all

 

In another thread, a poster just off the pre-inagural said while it may be a la carte, there's no fee.

 

And as others have said, don't go looking at RCI's web site for confirmation of some policy - it will likely be the last to catch up to reality.

Edited April 23, 2015 by Biker19

[RealDeal]

From an article online: Actors also played the parts of celebrity lookalikes including Elton John and Simon Cowell to provide an extra twist of glamour.

[Donsyb]

From an article online: Actors also played the parts of celebrity lookalikes including Elton John and Simon Cowell to provide an extra twist of glamour.

 

Really - Simon Cowell adds a "twist of glamour"?? I can think of about 1000 other people more glamourous! :rolleyes:

[floridaglen]

Really - Simon Cowell adds a "twist of glamour"?? I can think of about 1000 other people more glamourous! :rolleyes:

 

Only 1000!!!:eek:

[bravostar]

We chose Classic dining. Does anyone know if they have tables for 2 on this class of ships?

[cynicalscotsman]

Day 1

 

BOARDING PROCESS

 

Absolutely flawless! We arrived at the port at around 9.50am and were in the departure lounge by 10.07! There were a good number of mobile check-in agents around the terminal.

 

Since we arrived so early we had to wait in the departure lounge till 10.30 and were then able to board! It was definitely the quickest we have ever managed to get onto a ship!

 

LUNCH/AFTERNOON

 

We grabbed a quick lunch at the Windjammer - selection was good and all dishes we tried were well prepared.

 

If you are looking for a try at the bionic bar I would suggest doing it as early as possible. The wait time for a drink during the day is around 2 mins - but at night this does go up to around 40 min when it's busy!

 

We spent the afternoon exploring the ship... Here are some of our pictures:

 

 

DINNER AT THE GRANDE

 

We decided to dine at the grande on boarding day to take advantage of their smart casual attire day!

 

The service was excellent, all food was delicious, hot and served efficiently. There was no excessive wait and everything felt under control!

 

EVENING

 

As it had been a really long day we were in bed by 11! But we had a few drinks in 270, schooner and the music hall.

[cynicalscotsman]

Day 2

 

NORTH STAR

 

North Star opens at around 7.30 and if you don't want to wait this is the time to go! We basically walked straight on! They have limited North Star to ship observation only which keeps each ride down to around 10 min to keep the queues down.

 

 

BREAKFAST

 

We had breakfast in the windjammer. It was very busy, but there were enough stations available to allow a good flow of passengers.

 

We didn't have a problem getting a table, there was members of staff assisting people to be seated. And we were asked twice if we wanted a drink! So there did not seem to be any staffing issues this morning.

 

IFLY

 

Ifly was fantastic! I would certainly recommend this. The check in process was easy! There was a short class explaining safety and then straight up to the wind tunnel. The instructors were very good at assessing who needs some extra assistance and some more encouragement and made sure everyone flew for at least a couple of seconds unaided!

 

LUNCH AT CAFE270

 

this is a hidden gem! There is a decent selection of foods and the smaller selection makes you feel a little bit healthier than being at the windjammer!

 

PUZZLEBREAK

 

this was a good experience! It took around 60 min to complete the whole experience. One note - this is not available to book on the app you have to seek it out! It is found at fuel on seadays. It's definitely an added value activity to help while away those days at sea. I won't go into this to much as it would spoil your fun at breaking the code and escaping back to the present!

 

WE WILL ROCK YOU

 

the main show was amazing! The cast were fantastic, the production and sets were great! This is a must see and I might try to sneak back into another performance!

 

This was definitely one of the best west end style musical RCI have done!

 

The run time is actually 105 minutes and NOT 90 minutes as on the cruise planner so take this into consideration when booking your restaurant! It was the full show without an intermission!

 

DINNER AT CHIC

 

we were slightly disappointed with our evening meal on day 2 as it was not dynamic dining! They had decided to do a 'taste of quantum' menu with bits taken from all four restaurants and put onto one menu! We have been told that this was a one off and it will be back to normal from day 3!

 

As the show ran on to almost half 9 the restaurants were very busy after - but everything worked, people were seated with and without reservations! It seems that any problems with DD are not featuring on anthem!

[cynicalscotsman]

Devinly decadence is still complimentary! It is listed as a speciality restaurant but complimentary on the cruise compass.

 

It has been confirmed on board that if you have already pre-paid jamies you will be able to order up to four courses from the a-la-carte menu for 'free'. The jamies manage has stated that this is not an RCI decision but one from jamies land based team to ensure their brand is not compromised.

Edited April 24, 2015 by cynicalscotsman

[swoopy2110]

How many people take part in Puzzle Break at once???

 

Also, have you tried the food at DD?? Would you recommend??

 

Love reading your review so far :) It's making me happy that 4 weeks today I know it'll be me departing

[Trixie21]

Hi

Sounds like you are having a fantastic time! We are going in June - any chance you can post copies of the menus? Do you get the impression most passengers on board are happy with the ship so far? What sort of Internet packages are available?

Enjoy and thanks for posting a review for all us future anthem cruisers!

[cynicalscotsman]

How many people take part in Puzzle Break at once???

 

Also, have you tried the food at DD?? Would you recommend??

 

Love reading your review so far :) It's making me happy that 4 weeks today I know it'll be me departing

 

There are up to 12 people allowed on puzzle break - I think this is why it's not widely advertised. The ceo of puzzle break was our 'guide' and he stated that this was a pilot to asses it for other ships and for a more permanent location on RCI ships!

 

I will be at DD later this week so will keep you updated!

Edited April 24, 2015 by cynicalscotsman

[cynicalscotsman]

Hi

 

Sounds like you are having a fantastic time! We are going in June - any chance you can post copies of the menus? Do you get the impression most passengers on board are happy with the ship so far? What sort of Internet packages are available?

 

Enjoy and thanks for posting a review for all us future anthem cruisers!

 

 

I will try to get menus!

 

Everyone seems happy! There has been a couple of niggles but nothing major!

 

The cheapest Internet is £20 per day for two devices if you book for the 8 nights. I thought I would give it a miss as I get free 3G in Europe!

[floridaglen]

Great review, looking forward to rest of your trip reports, thank you!

[cynicalscotsman]

Nice surprise left in our stateroom this morning! Some inaugural gifts!

[little britain]

Thanks - sounds like she is great! (as I knew she would be...!)

 

Can you find out the cost of the Premium drinks package on board please - £37.05pppd on line. And is there any discount for being a Diamond member? Someone on another site posted that they were doing C&A discounts which I have not heard of before.

Thanks!

[Donsyb]

Thanks - sounds like she is great! (as I knew she would be...!)

 

Can you find out the cost of the Premium drinks package on board please - £37.05pppd on line. And is there any discount for being a Diamond member? Someone on another site posted that they were doing C&A discounts which I have not heard of before.

Thanks!

 

Someone posted the flyer from the ship online:

 

Premium = $57

Ultimate =$67

 

These should include the gratuity.

 

They also say Select covers wine up to $9 and premium up to $14 - again because I think the prices on the menus already include the gratuity on UK based sailings so the prices are a little higher.

 

Someone else said they got a discount off their upgrade for platinum C&A , but didn't say how much.

[cynicalscotsman]

Someone posted the flyer from the ship online:

 

 

 

Premium = $57

 

Ultimate =$67

 

 

 

These should include the gratuity.

 

 

 

They also say Select covers wine up to $9 and premium up to $14 - again because I think the prices on the menus already include the gratuity on UK based sailings so the prices are a little higher.

 

 

 

Someone else said they got a discount off their upgrade for platinum C&A , but didn't say how much.

 

 

Those are the prices! I can say though we didn't receive any platinum discount!

[little britain]

Someone posted the flyer from the ship online:

 

Premium = $57

Ultimate =$67

 

These should include the gratuity.

 

They also say Select covers wine up to $9 and premium up to $14 - again because I think the prices on the menus already include the gratuity on UK based sailings so the prices are a little higher.

 

Someone else said they got a discount off their upgrade for platinum C&A , but didn't say how much.

 

Great. I've booked the Platinum package for me (£111.15 on line for 3 days) and then we will wait to see what the deal is on board for DH.....you win some you lose some......:cool:

Edited April 24, 2015 by little britain

[juliemc]

Someone posted the flyer from the ship online:

 

 

 

Premium = $57

 

Ultimate =$67

 

 

 

These should include the gratuity.

 

 

 

They also say Select covers wine up to $9 and premium up to $14 - again because I think the prices on the menus already include the gratuity on UK based sailings so the prices are a little higher.

 

 

 

Someone else said they got a discount off their upgrade for platinum C&A , but didn't say how much.

 

 

How much is the select package on board? We got the included when we booked but just wanting an idea of how much it will cost to upgrade to premium.

[cynicalscotsman]

It cost $17 dollars a day to upgrade from select to premium - a cocktail is around $14 a day, so you might as well upgrade!

Edited April 24, 2015 by cynicalscotsman

[bogofman]

on the web site select is $35

premium is $49

 

so that's $14 +18%? = $16.52

 

is that correct?

 

What beers are on Draft in the pub?

 

are all beers included in the select package? i.e the draft pints?

 

I may have to upgrade for the cocktails and G+T's