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Review -- Anthem, 8/25/2016, New England/Canada -- Loved it!!

SwimAruba

By SwimAruba,
in Royal Caribbean International

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SwimAruba

SwimAruba

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Hello! Just off the Anthem of the Seas this morning from a WONDERFUL 9-night cruise, New England/Canada. Everyone has done a terrific job with thorough reviews, and I am going to stick to what I considered “hot topics” with our vacation planning:

 

Parking — What a gem! The parking lot right next to the terminal is safe, secure and easy, easy, easy! So easy to drop bags and continue on into the parking garage, very glad we drove and parked. Remember to NOT lose your parking ticket upon arrival, we had a scare, and finally found it :-)

 

Embarkation/Disembarkation — Works like a charm! Arrive early (~10:30am) for departure, and self-carry bags off if convenient. From the time they started letting people depart the ship with bags (~7:30am) to the parking garage was tops 10-minutes. It was fabulous!

 

Staterooms — We beyond overpacked, it was rather embarrassing! 3 large (30”?) suitcases, 1 carry-on (18”?) suitcase, plus a couple backpacks… for only 3 of us, 1 of which is 4 years old, sigh… Yes, we overpacked, but everything found a smart home in the stateroom with ample storage and all of those suitcases fit under the bed… lovely! Note, we had a D1 balcony room, ‘standard’ size stateroom layout is my understanding.

 

WOW Bands — Skip! We were convinced they would be so much more convenient than the cards and waited in line about an hour at Guest Services to purchase. They are uncomfortable and a pain to get on and off. Instead, opt for a pouch or holder for your sea pass card, and pop that in a beach bag when heading to the pool. Save yourself the angst of purchasing.

 

Dining and Reservations — Excellent food, service and ambience. The reservations still need work, and was our one challenge here and there. I give Royal credit for trying out new things such as the Anthem dining, and I am sure they are looking for ways to improve the reservation process. My husband and I were split on preferring the restaurants vs. traditional dining, and both agree that it’s good to see new twists and change.

 

Specialty Dining — We purchased the 5-night package given the significant savings compared to ‘sticker’ price. Leaving the actual food reviews out, as I find it to be subjective. The best advantage of this package was having more flexibility in dining reservations. We booked the cruise about 3 months out, and would have had a challenge getting the reservations at the complimentary restaurants. Pencil in ideal days and times for your choice of reservations, then board as early as you can, track down a specialty restaurant (deck 5, embarkation deck) and make your reservations.

 

Windjammer — Fine quality, ample selection, only gripe is nothing changed from day to day. Totally get it with 4,500+ passengers it would be tough. Take advantage of the other lunch locations during at-sea days. Also, completely avoid WJ during embarkation day! Everyone says this, and I really wish we had listened on our first day.

 

Pools — Minimal to no chair hogs that I noticed on our itinerary. For the most part, the days were mild and not scorching hot, which I am sure helped. We found plenty of seats always available, and ample actual swim space. The water features for children 3-10 were great… the wave pool kept our 4-year old occupied for quite a while, and it was shallow enough where we didn’t have to be right next to her but rather sitting on the lounge watching. The twirly donut non-lazy river thing (you have to see this thing to believe it!) was wild, many laughs to be had, but a bottom line liability in my mind.

 

Bumper Cars — I point this out separately as it was the number one thing we watched videos about ahead of this cruise. Our 4-year old loved the idea of bumper cars and couldn’t wait to ride in the car alongside my husband. As it turns out, minimum age to ride is 5, so heads up to other families before hyping up the bumper cars.

 

Casino — We are not big gamblers, but like to play a table or machine here and there. Great new machines, pleasant atmosphere, and the nicest casino we have experienced on the seas.

 

Crew — We felt that everyone was pleasant, kind and eager to please! Warm smiles met with warm smiles, and really enjoyed the entire crew! Ask for Juan at Jamie’s, and at Chop’s be greeted by host ‘Donald Duck’ and sit at Serkan’s table… they get our top shout-outs.

 

Captain -- Had a wonderful sense of humor with daily announcements! I always listened up whenever I heard the 'ding'... he obviously sailed well and safely, too!

 

Fellow Guests — Quick head’s up that many people onboard are constantly reviewing, judging and comparing Anthem day in and day out, and vocally… yes, I am doing the same here, but it was not all consuming. My point is, there were several times where people would have loud sighs, and groan about this, that or the other. Given the elevated level of criticism of this boat, and some folks have fallen into this kind of pattern if you will. Ignore them, smile and enjoy your day and cruise. I only share this as a head’s up to move on and let it pass.

 

Seas — Thanks to Mother Nature, our New England/Canada seas were super calm and could barely feel the ship move. We only felt the slightest rocking 2 out of 9 nights.

 

Entertainment — We didn’t take advantage of much given it was just the three of us, but special shout out to Spectra’s Cabaret… we loved it! Music, colors, dancing, singing… difficult to describe, and we felt it was terrific!

 

Bottom Line — Anthem is a wonderful ship, have zero concerns over the tough reviews. We hope to have the opportunity to sail the Anthem again someday, it was truly a pleasure!

 

I am sure I am forgetting other ‘hot topics’, but wanted to jot down what was fresh in my mind, and before ‘back to the grind’ sets in! Please feel free to ask any questions, happy to share my opinion :-)

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SwimAruba

SwimAruba

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Two70 -- very cool venue... The technology used for Spectras was amazing! Not to be missed! During the daytime hours, the views are beautiful. We had breakfast there one morning, and otherwise did not spend much time down there. I think it's a perfect spot to relax as the weather gets a little chillier.

 

Royal Theater -- spacious and great seats from all angles.

 

Bionic bar -- neat to observe and try, it's fun to watch everyone's expressions and big eyes while the drinks are being made.

 

North Star -- My husband did the North Star while at sea and loved it! He felt reserving a time while in port would be even better.

 

Overall space -- Anthem has many nooks and crannies and spaces to sit and relax.

 

Solarium -- gorgeous! My husband and I each walked in for a few minutes and out as we had our daughter, and both felt we would have spent ample time there if traveling without kiddos.

 

Any other new venues with questions in your mind?

 

 

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ceejaykay

ceejaykay

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Thanks for the venue report. I'm glad you had a chance to walk through the Solarium. I understand that with a 4 year old you couldn't stay for long.

 

I imagine myself spending a lot of time at the Solarium, Two70, and lounges like Boleros. I'm traveling solo, and I plan to post a review from a solo traveler's perspective when I return. I like how you summarized your review into hot topics. Thanks for taking time to post your review!

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SwimAruba

SwimAruba

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What is the "twirley donut non-lazy river thing" Now I am intrigued...

 

 

Haha, I know, a ridiculous description! Here is a picture I found online...

https://goo.gl/images/zRP1eA

 

It's a simple looking round about pool, but with quite the current and powerful jets. I call it non-lazy river, because you need to be attentive to avoid hitting other swimmers!

 

Many laughs, but did make me nervous!

 

 

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SwimAruba

SwimAruba

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Thanks for the venue report. I'm glad you had a chance to walk through the Solarium. I understand that with a 4 year old you couldn't stay for long.

 

 

 

I imagine myself spending a lot of time at the Solarium, Two70, and lounges like Boleros. I'm traveling solo, and I plan to post a review from a solo traveler's perspective when I return. I like how you summarized your review into hot topics. Thanks for taking time to post your review!

 

 

I think you will have a wonderful time on Anthem! So many terrific places to explore and spend time. The Schooner bar and Music Hall were both inviting and well attended. Yes, the solarium would be a wonderful retreat! Enjoy :-)

 

 

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moopig

moopig

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Haha, I know, a ridiculous description! Here is a picture I found online...

https://goo.gl/images/zRP1eA

 

It's a simple looking round about pool, but with quite the current and powerful jets. I call it non-lazy river, because you need to be attentive to avoid hitting other swimmers!

 

Many laughs, but did make me nervous!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

Thanks for the pic! I think your description was pretty spot on :) Do you recall if adults are allowed in this?

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SwimAruba

SwimAruba

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I'm curious about the ports visited. We're doing the Serenade to Maine and Canada next month, and I'd love to know what you did in each place.

 

 

Boston -- Duck Tour, they are ALWAYS a blast! We booked outside of Royal, and best place to go from is the aquarium in relation to port proximity. My husband and met and lived in Boston, and we still do a Duck Tour whenever we are there, they really are terrific! We also walked around Quincy Market and the North End. Love Beantown!

 

Portland -- Children's Museum, it was meh. I would skip and regret not planning an excursion outside of the city (you are about to see this become a theme).

 

Bar Harbor -- Cannot say enough wonderful things about Oli's Trolley! We booked their 2.5 hour Arcadia tour and it was unbelievably worth it. Best bang for the buck for sure! Super easy to find right off the ship, too. Beautiful town to walk around and explore, very charming!

 

New Brunswick (avoiding spelling of SJ, as folks seem to get a little cranky about it and I don't want to screw it up!) -- I definitely should have booked us on a tour outside of the city. I struggled with committing to an hour+ bus ride each way to wherever, but should have done it anyway. We did end up going across the street for lunch at Lobster Company, and it was delicious! Very reasonably priced, fresh and lovely exchange rate with the dollar... Highly recommend!

 

Halifax -- Another error on my part, we should have booked a tour away from the city. We did the Harbor Hopper tour. It was okay, in hindsight I would have skipped and simply walked the wharf or booked a different tour.

 

I am sure you will have a wonderful time, especially if the leaves are beginning to turn! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

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SwimAruba

SwimAruba

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Thanks for the pic! I think your description was pretty spot on :) Do you recall if adults are allowed in this?

 

 

My goodness yes, and it's funny to watch! Mainly kids though as many adults go in and you see the "woah!!" look on their face, it's hilarious!

 

 

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SwimAruba

SwimAruba

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When the Anthem was docked in Halifax, everyone downtown was truly amazed at the size of her. My office is on the waterfront right outside the tourist information shop and the wave structure.

 

 

Very cool! Yes, it seemed everyone was quite excited to have the Anthem in! Really neat wharf, enjoyed strolling down!

 

 

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cruise47

cruise47

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To the OP thanks for your review. How was the weather and cruising in the Atlantic Ocean during your cruise? We are boarding her this week for the same nine (9) nights cruise.

 

Can I used my Celebrity Cruise Lines lanyard to hold my sea pass card?

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SwimAruba

SwimAruba

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To the OP thanks for your review. How was the weather and cruising in the Atlantic Ocean. We are boarding her this week for the same nine (9) nights cruise.

 

 

Smooth sailing! I barely remembered we were on a ship. Weather was beautiful, we were very lucky. Mid-70s southern ports, mid-60s northern ports. Only time pool deck was chilly was when the winds were whipping, not too often, and then perfect for the indoor pool :-)

 

 

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Daytonasailor

Daytonasailor

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Hey 9/22 people, have you signed up for the roll call and Meet and Mingle?? We will be sailing before you know it! This will be our third cruise on Anthem, you will love it.

 

 

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Since you have been board twice, maybe you can answer my question. I booked for the 9/22 cruise and my confirmation document shows, Dining Preference: Dynamic Open (Available). My question is, what does that mean? Do we need reservations? I called RCI and they said, just eat what ever time you want. That's what I wanted to hear, but from what I have read in the forums, it doesn't work that way. Any info, advice or should I just wing it when we board? Thanks, Mike.

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cruise47

cruise47

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Smooth sailing! I barely remembered we were on a ship. Weather was beautiful, we were very lucky. Mid-70s southern ports, mid-60s northern ports. Only time pool deck was chilly was when the winds were whipping, not too often, and then perfect for the indoor pool :-)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

Thanks SwimAruba for your review and answering all my questions.

Thanks you again.

Edited by cruise47
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