Anthem of the Seas - "Riding the Storm Out"

[akcruz]

Miopyk, let me add my thanks for an extremely well written post. We have all been thinking of those onboard anthem and wishing and praying for a safe return.

 

To all those naysayers, can we please keep this thread at least a bit upbeat, no mudslinging please. There are actually people who would like to know facts about what is going on. Thanks to all those providing those facts.

[cheezwiz]

Yeah all we were told was that there would be no assistance in changing flights, no hotels provided, and we could use the free wifi to change our travel arrangements. So of course I followed their instructions to book a flight after 12pm tomorrow (at a cost of $500 out of pocket). And now I'm hearing from the grapevine that we won't get in until approximately 7pm (unconfirmed at this time!).

 

I just bumped into Abe, the Cruise Director, and he said "yup sometime tomorrow evening" and that I should visit guest services if I need to change my flight again because clearly we were "misinformed" (exactly his words).

 

I'm just staying put right now waiting for the next update before changing my new flight... I also still have my original flight on Saturday if need be.

 

I'm so sorry to hear of this latest wrinkle. In your shoes I would be losing what is left of my mind! Let me add that I admire your calm approach to this in your post (especially if you're not feeling very calm right now!!)

Edited February 9, 2016 by cheezwiz

[cruisenfever]

That is exactly why the passengers shouldn't have been told 6am Wednesday. I am assuming RCCL knew this port was not like pulling into a parking lot.

I absolutely agree with you.

[wolfganghowell]

miopyk,newbe and other Anthem passengers - thank you for your posts. All of us here on land (well most of us) are carrying you home safely in our thoughts and wish you many peaceful future cruises.

 

This really reinforces that cruises are NOT for everyone. My father was an avid cruiser but he gave it up years ago when he knew that with his medical issues, ONE small deviation - whether weather, medical or itinerary related - could make a difference. RIP Dad, you were a wise sailor. Cruises are NOT like land based vacations and stories like this are proof. Congrats to the Captain and the crew for keeping their ship and passengers safe. Let's allow these passengers to get home and if there is fallout, let it be done by those are experts, not anonymous posters on the internet.

[antsnanny]

Posting from deck 8 portside. While it was easily the roughest weather my wife and I have been in, the ship weathered it well. Gusts were almost 140 knots and waves 26+ feet. I can see how novice cruisers and/or people with health/age issues had it rough, and I certainly wouldn't have enjoyed trying to soothe children for 10 hours in a cabin. But, no, the waves were NOT going over the ship; I'd be shocked if one even got to the promenade on deck 5. We did NOT list 45 degrees; the ship seemed to stay in a 5-15 degree cant to starboard, occasionally maybe tilting more than that. I was certainly nervous that the ship couldn't make any headway, but I didn't think sinking was imminent. The only thing I feared was engine failure, as getting sideways in that weather could've lead to flooding. I think its hard to sink a modern ship like this, barring a rogue wave (and, who knows, a modern ship might just bob up like a cork). Lifeboats were out of the question; you wouldn't even have been able to lower one. I won't get into the weather debate, except to say I'm pretty sure no captain or company would willingly take a billion dollar ship with thousands of people aboard into a megastorm; they clearly expected 50-70 knot winds, not 130+.

 

Thanks so much!

[antsnanny]

Perhaps you should ask Cruise Critic if they agree with you…they apparently merged your post with the one we responded to directly …. Miopyk….My Anthem Experience..

Just saying all the bickering is annoying nor do I think cruise critic condones that.

[Newbcruiser1]

Latest Update from the Captain: Picking up the pilot at 6pm tomorrow, docking at 9pm in Bayonne, and we can either do express disembarkation up till midnight tomorrow, or stay onboard until Thursday morning when it will be regular disembarkation. They'll also have free shuttles to EWR. The girl at guest services (activities staff who is manning the outside as they're not letting anyone get into guest services...) said that the cruise line will pay any airline change fees, but not for an actual new ticket. So my new ticket I purchased for tomorrow at noon will be out of my own pocket (or my insurance) but if there's a fee to move that to Thursday, RCI will pick up the tab. Apparently there will be a show on channel 22 on the ship starting at 10pm with more information.

[Reader0108598]

Latest Update from the Captain: Picking up the pilot at 6pm tomorrow, docking at 9pm in Bayonne, and we can either do express disembarkation up till midnight tomorrow, or stay onboard until Thursday morning when it will be regular disembarkation. They'll also have free shuttles to EWR. The girl at guest services (activities staff who is manning the outside as they're not letting anyone get into guest services...) said that the cruise line will pay any airline change fees, but not for an actual new ticket. So my new ticket I purchased for tomorrow at noon will be out of my own pocket (or my insurance) but if there's a fee to move that to Thursday, RCI will pick up the tab. Apparently there will be a show on channel 22 on the ship starting at 10pm with more information.

 

Thanks for the update, hopefully you can change your ticket to Thursday

Hope you enjoy tonight & Tomorrow onboard :)

 

Reader

[libertybelle41]

Posting from deck 8 portside. While it was easily the roughest weather my wife and I have been in, the ship weathered it well. Gusts were almost 140 knots and waves 26+ feet. I can see how novice cruisers and/or people with health/age issues had it rough, and I certainly wouldn't have enjoyed trying to soothe children for 10 hours in a cabin. But, no, the waves were NOT going over the ship; I'd be shocked if one even got to the promenade on deck 5. We did NOT list 45 degrees; the ship seemed to stay in a 5-15 degree cant to starboard, occasionally maybe tilting more than that. I was certainly nervous that the ship couldn't make any headway, but I didn't think sinking was imminent. The only thing I feared was engine failure, as getting sideways in that weather could've lead to flooding. I think its hard to sink a modern ship like this, barring a rogue wave (and, who knows, a modern ship might just bob up like a cork). Lifeboats were out of the question; you wouldn't even have been able to lower one. I won't get into the weather debate, except to say I'm pretty sure no captain or company would willingly take a billion dollar ship with thousands of people aboard into a megastorm; they clearly expected 50-70 knot winds, not 130+.

 

 

Thanks for this.

:)

[Big_G]

Couple on our local news station:

 

http://turnto10.com/news/local/cranston-couple-aboard-cruise-ship-expect-to-return-home-wednesday

[Goofyisme]

Newbcruiser1 you are amazing with your calm and rational explanations after a very trying experience and under a still uncertain future. You are truly to be commended for taking the time and effort it takes to keep all of us informed.

 

You are the person the press people should be looking for to interview when you come into port. Unfortunately that won't be the case knowing the media.

 

Best of luck in getting back to port and getting home safely. I hope with minimal impact to your pocketbook.

[JAMESCC]

In my opinion this ship should have NEVER been this position, period. Summer 2014 we were on Explorer in Bermuda where we were supposed to be there for 2 days, but only ended up being there for 10 hours because of a bad storm. We left early to stay ahead of the storm or as the captain said we would been in 30 foot seas. Why were they so cautious then, not nearly as much this time? We were thankful we left early, because what we say yesterday is the end result. RCCL is negligent in my opinion.

[cheezwiz]

Latest Update from the Captain: Picking up the pilot at 6pm tomorrow, docking at 9pm in Bayonne, and we can either do express disembarkation up till midnight tomorrow, or stay onboard until Thursday morning when it will be regular disembarkation. They'll also have free shuttles to EWR. The girl at guest services (activities staff who is manning the outside as they're not letting anyone get into guest services...) said that the cruise line will pay any airline change fees, but not for an actual new ticket. So my new ticket I purchased for tomorrow at noon will be out of my own pocket (or my insurance) but if there's a fee to move that to Thursday, RCI will pick up the tab. Apparently there will be a show on channel 22 on the ship starting at 10pm with more information.

 

Have they given you a letter in your cabin outlining any of this, or has it all been overhead announcements?

[Merion_Mom]

Latest Update from the Captain: Picking up the pilot at 6pm tomorrow, docking at 9pm in Bayonne, and we can either do express disembarkation up till midnight tomorrow, or stay onboard until Thursday morning when it will be regular disembarkation. They'll also have free shuttles to EWR. The girl at guest services (activities staff who is manning the outside as they're not letting anyone get into guest services...) said that the cruise line will pay any airline change fees, but not for an actual new ticket. So my new ticket I purchased for tomorrow at noon will be out of my own pocket (or my insurance) but if there's a fee to move that to Thursday, RCI will pick up the tab. Apparently there will be a show on channel 22 on the ship starting at 10pm with more information.

 

That will save all of the flyers a nice chunk of change. Getting to EWR can be expensive.

[Newbcruiser1]

Have they given you a letter in your cabin outlining any of this, or has it all been overhead announcements?

 

 

We got a letter last night about the compensation and the decision to return to port. Nothing about today's news as it was just announced after 6:00. I believe the luggage tags are being delivered at turndown tonight for those opting to stay on until Thursday. And as mentioned, they're putting together w show for the TV with more information and instructions so we'll see what new information that brings.

 

And thanks everyone for your kind words!

[MichaelinME]

That's all I have to say.

I'm on the February 21 sailing of the Anthem and I hope that captain is in charge of my cruise! I think the captain and crew did a fantastic job dealing with one of Mother Nature's surprises. A few weeks ago, the news predicted 1 to 3 inches of snow for my area and we actually 20 inches! Weather reports and predictions are not always spot on. The captain, the crew, and the passengers deserve a round of applause for a job well done.

[MichaelinME]

That's Cool Aid! The storm was predicted for days before the cruise and the ship sailed right into it. Look at the path the ship took. No skirting was ever attempted. Do you think for one minute that Royal or the Captain will admit a mistake.....hmmm....

 

They will pacify with whatever statements they can. You can argue all you want, but this ship should never of left port!! It is an irresponsible and careless decision that is all about the bottom line $.

 

If you take comfort in these lies, so be it. I am glad your safe.

[POA1]

Thanks to all the people on the ship who bought us first hand accounts. Greatly appreciated!

[cruisecam1]

Just saw Nancy Grace basically taking apart the company. She interviewed one of the passengers onboard. Very glad all onboard are safe.

[cheezwiz]

Just saw Nancy Grace basically taking apart the company. She interviewed one of the passengers onboard. Very glad all onboard are safe.

 

I really cannot abide that woman, but I sure wish I had seen that!!

[Sharkb8]

Or You're.

 

That's Cool Aid! The storm was predicted for days before the cruise and the ship sailed right into it. Look at the path the ship took. No skirting was ever attempted. Do you think for one minute that Royal or the Captain will admit a mistake.....hmmm....

 

They will pacify with whatever statements they can. You can argue all you want, but this ship should never of left port!! It is an irresponsible and careless decision that is all about the bottom line $.

 

If you take comfort in these lies, so be it. I am glad your safe.

[Big_G]

That's Cool Aid! The storm was predicted for days before the cruise and the ship sailed right into it. Look at the path the ship took. No skirting was ever attempted. Do you think for one minute that Royal or the Captain will admit a mistake.....hmmm....

 

The only lies I see are yours. There's a big difference between the storm that was predicted and the storm the ship ran into...but you already knew that. You're just choosing to leave it out.

[NY212]

Unlike the OP, I didn't see waves reach my balcony, but I didn't look for them when the ship listed toward port, the side I am on. I think that we got to a tilt of about 20 degrees.

 

When things started to get rough, I wrapped the glasses in towels and stuck them in drawers. I don't know why that occurred to us, but it did and we didn't have any broken glass. Since we didn't hear the attendant 's knock on the door, we would have had broken glass in stateroom and bathroom all night.

 

I agree with the other posters who said that they would not want to be medicated, as it might interfere with taking action if that was needed, although I sorely wanted not to be fully aware of what was happening. We left the alcohol in the minibar.

 

I can't write anything about this without mentioning that the crew has been fantastic

 

Maybe we shouldn't have been told that we were going to dock at six, but if we weren't given a guesstimate, people would be complaining about that. I suspect that there were many factors in determining when we could dock, and they weren't all resolved until this evening. I have certainly learned that nothing at sea is certain.

 

It was an unpleasant and scary experience that turned out okay, albeit not much of a vacation. I plan to cruise again as soon as I can.

[ryano]

It is an irresponsible and careless decision that is all about the bottom line $.

 

What an ignorant statement. It's real easy to sit there in the comforts of your own home and talk woulda shoulda isn't it??? :rolleyes:

 

What do YOU think refunding 4200 passengers in full, giving 50% off the next cruise and now offering flight change financial help will do to the "bottom line $"

 

The accusations that Royal did this all on purpose is the most absurd thing I've read all day.

[sjn911]

There's been so much said about this over the past few days I just wanted to set the record straight and tell you what we saw and experienced.

 

On Sunday afternoon we went to 270 at the rear of the ship for lunch before going to see the We will Rock You show in the theatre. At that point the weather was really bad outside, high winds and waves but inside it was relitively smooth and comfortable.

 

We went to the theatre and sat down to watch the show. They made an announcement before it started to say there was a risk of cancellation due to the weather. About 40 minutes into the show they stopped it. Clearly the dancers were having trouble and it made sense to do that.

 

Coming out of the theatre on deck 5 we saw water coming in through the sliding doors to outside, not a lot but enough to make you realise this was not normal. The ship was moving around a bit more but not violently. We returned to our cabin.

 

At around 3.30 the captain announced everyone was to go to their cabins. He was a lot more direct than previous announcements so we knew something was up. I checked the monitor on the TV and it was showing wind speeds of around 80kts. The ship was moving a lot but still not violently. About an hour later the captain said this was going to go on for a few hours and so the mini bar was free and the Cruise Director (Abe) announced all movies were now free. My wife went to bed as she gets motion sickness and had started to feel bad. I started to watch Mad Max.

 

An hour or so later things started to take a turn for the worse. The ship was now moving around a lot more, things started to fall off shelves, the glasses smashed in the bathroom and I was having trouble sitting on the sofa watching the tv. I switched the film off and then looked at the monitor again, wind speeds were now 120 kts plus. I'm now starting to get worried. I've been on a ferry in the North Sea in bad weather in the winter and this was much worse. Things steadily deteriorate over the next hour or 2, the captain is no longer making announcements, that is left to Abe who does his best to sound calm and reassure everyone. We're told that the coast guard have been alerted to our situation.

 

At some point during this I'm guessing around 8.00pm we experience the worst movement of the night. Our wardrobe door flys off its hinges missing my head by inches and in doing so clears the rest of the glassware off the ajoining shelves anything else on shelves falls off, the deviding door on our balcony that has been flapping in the wind for 2 hours finally gives up the fight and disappears towards the rear of the ship. I'm now looking out of our window and the tops of the waves are level with our cabin, we're on deck 11. Every few minutes spray from the waves hits our windows hard. According to the monitor the wind speed is now hitting 148 kts. I am now really worried, I've never experienced anything like this and I'm starting to think we may not make it. I check on my wife, she's taken a couple of tablets and is dozing so I let her be.

 

I spend the next hour or 2 staring at the monitor hoping that the wind speed will reduce but every time it does it goes back up a few minutes later. Abe makes a few more announcements saying it'll be a couple more hours until things calm down. There is more violent movements and this continues for what seems an eternity. At around 10.00pm the Captain announces that he has been fighting to keep the ship turned into the wind for the last few hours and has finally been able to do that. This was the main reason for the extreme movement and he thinks the worst is over so no more announcements until the morning unless he has to. I'm no expert with how far the ship was rolling but as some points during the last hour or so I couldn't stand up and was struggling to stay sat on the sofa. I saw a diagram someone posted on the other thread and I'd guess it was around 15 degrees each way.

 

I try to watch the rest of Mad Max hoping it'll distract me. My wife wakes to go to the loo and in doing so looks out the window. She's shocked at the height of the waves but reassured by the fact the wind has reduced to nearer 100kts. The attendant rings the bell and offers up M&Ms, Snickers and water. He comes back later with a vacuum for the broken glass on the floor in the bathroom and cabin. What a star.

 

Mad Max finishes (not as good as the original films by the way) but I can't sleep and after checking the monitors the wind has now dropped to around 80kts so I'm feeling a little better and decide to watch Mission Impossible. By now it's heading towards midnight and the ship is still moving around a lot but not as bad as before. Finally around 1.30am I'm feeling worn out and decide to try and go to sleep. Wind speeds now are around 70kts.

 

We wake up around 6.00am. Things are a lot calmer. Wind speeds are now around 25kts. After showers etc. It's getting light so we dicide to go and see if we can get something to eat. Everything is closed except for the cafe on deck 4 where we get a cup of coffe and tea, one of the crew says they're going to try and open Windjammer at 8.00. It's about 7.30 so we go and have a look around.

 

Lots of smashed glass all over the pool deck. This has come from the suite deck where several glass panels are gone. Lots of furniture in pieces and the crew are trying to pile this up in one corner to make way for people. One of the radar pods is in pieces on the deck and what looks like a piece of heavy equipment used for window cleaning is on the deck having smashed a window in Seaplex. Part of the ceiling is hanging down on deck 14 outside Windjammer! lots of panels hanging down outside with wires and lights hanging loose. It looks a bit like a movie set after a major destruction scene. Overall though the damage looks superficial and much of it is cleaned up now. IFly and Northstar are cancelled as they're uncertain if they've been damage so need to be inspected properly.

 

The Windjammer opens and the Captain makes an announcement thanking everyone for remaining calm and gives us an update on what happened. In short the storm developed so rapidly there was little he could do to avoid it. It was in his words the worst day at sea he's ever had and he's been doing this for decades. He has a call with Miami later where they will decide on what to do next. A further announcement will be made around midday. Windjammer is packed, no seats and lots of queues for food but everyone is being pleasant and talkative. We've all realised we've been through something pretty bad and the sense of relief is obvious.

 

During the day some normality returns with the crew putting on events as they can and clearing up the mess. By lunchtime the ceiling on deck 14 is fixed and much of the mess outside is gone. We go for lunch in Coastal

Kitchen and get talking to the people on the next table. They're on deck 7 and the waves were hitting their window during the night. The cabin next door lost the door to their balcony and all their room is completely trashed with water coming in.

 

The Captain makes an announcement. Apologises for the inconvenience but another storm is building near Jacksonville and he's not prepared to put us through that again so we're going to follow the storm we've just been through back to New York and wel're due there on the 10th at 6am. To compensate were being given 100% refunds and 50% off a future cruise. Looking around everyone seems to be nodding in approval.

 

Talking to some of the crew they were clearly worried like us as they've never experienced anything quite like it before. One mentioned that he'd never heard the Coast Guard mentioned in public announcements before so knew it was bad plus the fact that they were sent to their cabins so quickly before locking everything down tells you how suddenly this happened. They're also not sure what's going to happen after we get back. There seems to be some suspicion that while the ship is obviously seaworthy there may be more substantial damage we cannot see possibly with the stabilisers as the ship is moving around a lot now in relitively smooth waters. So there will be inspections when we get back and then I guess they'll make an announcement.

 

As for all the so called experts that will no doubt want to appear on here after this post you might be better of keeping your opinions to yourself. For my fellow travellers I hope you are feeling better today and didn't suffer too much. For the Captain and crew I thank you for your professionalism and smiling faces when clearly you were as anxious as we were. As for blame it's not a word I want to use or think about, I'm just grateful no one got hurt and we're safe and sound.

 

And that's pretty much it, we've booked into a hotel for 3 nights in Times Square as we're not due to fly home until Saturday and we'll make the most of the rest of our holiday.

 

Thanks for you messages of support and hope you enjoy your future cruises.

This is a great report..not reading further until I get more news. I have a TA friend who once went through one on east coast in a high Cabin on the old NCL Dreamward or Windward where she described the water like you just did that high going through top level balconies and getting her floor wet. She has been on a million (lol) cruises and this bad is very rare but this sounds similar but a bit worse. I hope you get to enjoy NYC and thanks so much fro a realistic report. Scarey and so glad you are safe and sane and appreciative etc. I would hate it that bad. Had one semi rough time once...not that bad...much worse blizzards driving in Mt on interstate and on a ranch stuck on country roads etc. And some horror roof and glass breaking winds at 6000 feet,,eastern slope of Rockies in 70's.

 

One comfort I have is that somehow TV was operational and the fridges seemed to work and electricity...that to me is awesome...as well as Captain and crew from your story. How awful for the folks whose exterior door failed...that would rip through trying to keep mental security for sure. Thanks so much..have a safe return and wonderful time in NYC and an adventure for the books to share in future tales. Happy future travels. Looking forward to a cruise with this line one day.... Sarah

Edited February 10, 2016 by sjn911