Solo live- Anthem April 2-9

[BermudaBound2014]

I guarantee this review won't hold a candle to the amazing job that Seadog did from his live report last week- but I'll stumble through none-the-less.

 

Flew into Newark yesterday but had a few hiccups. First, I missed the text that my 8:00 am flight was delayed 4 hours (due to Friday's weather on the east coast). Then the door had a mechanical issue (insert 45 minutes) and traffic control decided to be the icing on the cake with a runway squat for half hour. Made up some time j t the air and Arrived at 3:30 instead of 10:30 am. No biggie, things happen- I wasn't in a rush.

 

Met a friend, so we decided to stay at Hyatt on the Hudson. Can't say enough about how fabulous that hotel is. My friend and I haven't seen each other in years so we planned nothing but a slumber party with this amazing view- I've stayed at some pretty amazing places, but this view is one of my all time favorites-

 

 

We ended up pulling an all nighter like a couple teens. Order room service in (yesterday was cold in Jersey). Our hotel faced upstream so I couldn't capture the Anthem coming in this morning but I Did watch the breakaway, eerily silent, sailing up the Hudson to peer 88 about 5 am

 

 

And we were treated to an incredible sunrise where we had coffee on the patio because today was nothing short of a glorious day for a sail away. Lots of people already wearing shorts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[seadog67]

Subscribed Bermuda Bound! Off to a great start! Hope you have an amazing cruise and look forward to following along. Love love love the picture of Breakaway, awesome shot!

[cocod08]

I'll be following along, doing a solo in November. What cabin do you have?

 

 

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[138east]

Sorry to hear about your flight troubles, but glad you made it to the Hyatt. Did you do the public transit thing or did you just hop in a cab after your long trip?

 

The picture of lower Manhattan is gorgeous. Thanks for posting it so folks can see how spectacular the Manhattan view can be from Jersey City if you have the right hotel room.

[Sharon I]

I will be following

[RunnerGurl615]

i agree, Seadog did an amazing job. following along with you...

[BermudaBound2014]

Sorry to hear about your flight troubles, but glad you made it to the Hyatt. Did you do the public transit thing or did you just hop in a cab after your long trip?

 

 

 

The picture of lower Manhattan is gorgeous. Thanks for posting it so folks can see how spectacular the Manhattan view can be from Jersey City if you have the right hotel room.

 

 

So, I want you to know how utterly grateful I am to you for taking the time to clearly outline my trip. Unfortunately, the best laid plans.....

 

Got to Newark late and my friend was already at the Hyatt. Rather than mess with public transport I used camel (I've used them before). I had a $5.00 coupon so the fair was $38. No tolls. I gave him $50 and called it good. Was at the hotel in 25 minutes.

 

Loved loved loved the location. If I ever sail out or port liberty again I'd come in 2 days early and stay in jersey city. Even if people don't want to pay the Hyatt rates (it was a special slumber party for us, and the view made it well worth $$); there are several hotels along the jersey coast (candle wood comes to mine) which are very reasonably priced. The entire jersey city boardwalk is filled with artists, joggers, very safe feeling. Apparently in the summer there are bands that play on he waterfront. Lots of great restaurants much more reasonably priced than Manhattan and we were 3 blocks from a wine store - score. With a $2.25 PaTh or $4.00 water taxi into Manhattan I actually prefer jersey city over downtown.

 

We pulled an all nighter, then just drank coffee on our patio enjoying the view until noon when we finally headed down. Now, like I said I'm sure your directions were perfect BUT the light rail was closed for construction. I took a special bus from exchange place to Marion (30 minutes with wait time) then it took another 50 minutes to get to 34th (adjusted schedule)- then called yellow cab per your directions.

 

So, with Leaving the hotel room at noon, I was walking onto the ship at 2 PM. The beauty of it all was absolutely no lines, room ready, I travel with just a carry-on so I was unpacked by the 230 muster. Couldn't have been any easier.

 

One last Manhattan skyline pic from our room as we were leaving -

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

This is my fifth cruise in 12 months. I mention this because I find it easier for comparison sake when cruising close together. Two cruises were on MSc (one in yacht club), we did the rhapsody Greek isles, and ncl epic over Christmas on a last minute holiday steal. By far (like FAR) shot, anthem had the most organized muster. Both MSC musters were entire clusters, the rhapsody still does outside and it was drizzling in Venice that day, and the epic was standing room only. I was assigned to American grill, plenty of seats, entirely painless. Poof, over.

 

After muster we sailed immediately. The weather for sale out was incredible. Bright blue sky's and Shorts and a T-shirt weather. I did sail away from my balcony because I was too lazy to move. Did I mention I pulled an all nighter last night? i'm on the starboard side, which is the bad view at sale away. But I did enjoy the brass band playing tribute at the teardrop memorial at the end of the pier.

 

I'm an aunt. A really good and I might add. You need to know this only because I have been assigned to carry flat Stanley along with me this trip. Flat Stanley is a stick figure colored by my nephew. I have a homework assignment every night to write a short book about flat Stanley's travels. It's just a coincidence that I'm traveling this week, but I'm going to try to get flat Stanley a passport stamp in the Bahamas! Some of my pictures may have flat Stanley in them, so forgive me in advance. Here's where the party begins.....

 

 

I am in one of the larger balcony solo cabins on deck 7. The balcony is quite big. Plenty of room for a lounge chair, regular chair, and a few tables.

 

 

This is my 6th solo trip, but the only other solo Cabin I've ever sailed in was on the away ships. This solo is 500 times better than ncl studios. More square footage, a regular sized bathroom, and an extended balcony all for about 10% solo supplement. Cabin is laid out efficiently and the location is great- mid ship near elevations. The solo cabins ending in 48 have an even bigger balcony than mine (a 50). Fridge is actually cold and empty (ready for wine).

 

 

Oh.,,, by the way.... We we're supposed to have the new room service menu, but the old menu is still sitting on the table. I'm sure at some point I'll order room service to verify, but it does not look like the anthem switched room service menus this week per the schedule.

 

I purchased BOGO specialty for the first two nights. I was assigned chops tonight and Jamie's tomorrow. I tried to switch them, so I had Jamie's tonight and chops tomorrow, but was told chops had zero availability tomorrow. It could be because I boarded so late and didn't get to ask for the switch until after muster.

 

Regardless, dinner at Chops was excellent as usual. Of course I was a little more hungry than normal because all we had for breakfast wAs coffee and I missed lunch due to late arrival. I didn't want to eat after muster because my reservations are for 5:30, so the food might have tasted incredible simply partially because I was hungry. French onion soup, scallops. Petite filet with mushrooms and asparagus and chocolate lava cake to go. Perfection.

 

There is a Bon Jovi tribute band this week, and I am an 80s hair band sorta chic. Unfortunately I'm no longer 20 and the all nighter has caught up to me. Going to miss Bon Jovi tribute tonight, but I'll be sure to catch every remaining show.

 

Sunset from my balcony. Red at night sailors delight.

 

 

 

Please forgive typos- using voice recognition.

[MrFunInTheSun]

Thanks for bringing us along. Solo cruises are the best!

 

 

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[Jerseygirl1416]

Have a great cruise! I'm following along

[kemck1974]

Great pictures so far! I'm excited to follow SeaDogs review with another live one this week. You're all spoiling me. You ARE a good Aunt. I Flat Stanley'd a few years back for my niece but he wasn't as lucky as your Stanley :)

Have a great week!

[terri1020]

Following. We're sailing for the first time on Anthem in November. Trying to learn all I can about her. Have a wonderful week and thank you for your review!

[BermudaBound2014]

Refreshed! That's the word I'd use for the morning. Slept like a baby, didn't wake until 10am which is totally unheard of from me! Bed is firm for sure, but I slept well.

 

Ordered coffee delivered. I spurge while cruising and have cream in my coffee. This cream had a funny taste so back in black (hit the sack, been too long I'm glad to be back.....- sorry auto regression).

 

Spent the remaining morning (and part of the afternoon ;;;shrug;:::) enjoying a great book and sipping coffee on the peaceful sea. It's not super warm, but not cold. Im starboard so I'll get sun in the evenings on the way down and sunrises on the way back. Chillin In lularow and a long sleeve T and perfectly comfy.

 

 

The showers on anthem are terrific. Super big! Nice shaving bar. Best thing is you can leave the door open and watch the sea from the shower. I'm a sucker for a view...

 

 

Captains noon announcement indicated we are going to encounter heavy winds later that may cause the upper decks to be closed. Encouraged sea sickness pills now for anyone prone and then went on to say that the seas should only be moderate (6-7 meters) so it won't be anything bad, just an opportunity to feel like we are on the ocean. I'm totally game.

 

For the techies- I can't get the actual cruise compass to load on my phone- just my calendar. Any ideas?

 

 

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Went to the ladies pamper party. Cleanser, toner, eye serum, face serum, neck serum, and teeth whitening samples. Offered $50 off facials for those who attended and $60 off seaweed treatment. You could book for anytime but had to schedule right after the party to assure discount. Nice. No pressure sales was appreciated.

 

Strolled through the $10 sale- didn't purchase.

 

 

Found a good free coffee... Here are the pay treats- plenty of free ones but I couldn't get a clear shot

 

 

Thought about grabbing lunch in cafe 270 but the line wrapped clear around the outside walkway. Ended up at windjammers OUTSIdE! Love eating outside - reminds me of days with the sea park cafe in radiance class. Food was fine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[jenmouse]

Thanks for sharing - our Anthem cruise on 7/6 will be here before we know it. We are arriving a few days early and staying in Jersey City at Candlewood Suites, so it is nice to hear you mention it as a good option!

[BermudaBound2014]

If you are interested in wine tasting order before you board. The wine tasting class was 19 pre-cruise and 25 on-board.

 

 

Lovely spot

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Jamie's Italian for dinner... The truffle mushroom pasta was my favorite- but everything was very good.

 

Squid

 

 

Bruschetta

 

Mushroom appetizer (phenomenonAl)

 

Lamb

 

Truffle pasta (amazing)

 

Lemoncello and coffee for dessert

 

Tonight's agenda-

The Gift

Bon Jovi Tribute

Late night comedian

 

 

 

 

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[Justmekaren918]

Great review and pix of Breakaway and might you know of the name of the Bon Jovi coverband? Wouldn't be Bon Jersey would it?

 

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[PhilNDebbieAtSea]

Great review and awesome pictures! Thanks so much for taking us along!!! Have a wonderful cruise!!

 

 

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[SEJSmiles]

Going on Anthem in May, so I'm following your adventure this week. Thanks for posting!

 

If you participate in any sort of cabin crawl or get a chance to see other cabins, I am REALLY hoping to see pics of a sofa bed....I just need to know where the bed pulls out from....trying to determine if I can fit a toddler rail in the "crack"

[roswellcruiser]

Thank you for doing this review. I am cruising solo on 4/29 in cabin 7250. It looks like a very nice cabin. Looking forward to the rest of your review.

[BermudaBound2014]

SEJsmiles- if I see another cabin with a sofa I'll try to get a pic- my solo cabin doesn't have the sofa :(.

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Great review and pix of Breakaway and might you know of the name of the Bon Jovi coverband? Wouldn't be Bon Jersey would it?

 

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Slippery when Wet is the name of this weeks cover. Last nights show was very good.

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

I know the gift gets poor reviews but I enjoyed it! It was difficult to follow but I thought the stage set and costumes were fabulous and I cried at the end. In going to do stand by tonight to see if I can figure out some of the scenes I missed last night.

 

 

Bon Jovi tribute was super fun- lots of dancing, totally worth it if your a Bon Jovi fan.

 

 

Adult comedian was just ok- few funny lines but no gut wrenching laughter.

 

We are currently sailing into port canavaral and are being escorted by 3 dolphins! I've tried to get a shot but they are quick. We were supposed to dock at 11:30 but we are still moving. There is a barge in the first turn around and I think that has slowed the process. I'm not getting off today so no effect on me. I'll be perfectly content watching these Dolphins from my balcony all day.

 

Dolphin top right

 

No plans for the afternoon other than the gym and watching some flow rider and i-fly. Tonight is solarium bistro at 5:30, stand by for the gift at 7:30, spectra cabaret at 9:00 and an outdoor movie at 10:00.

 

I really like the royal app with the cruise compass- very handy. Also, I'm pretty sure there are things listed in the app that don't make the paper compass.

 

If you have any questions left after seadogs amazing review I'll be happy to try to answer.

 

 

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

We cleared customs in record time- But I'm still watching the Dolphins put on an amazing show....

 

 

 

 

And here comes breakaway:

 

 

 

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