Anthem Bermuda review Sept. 9 sailing

[Lillybeth]

While it is still fresh in my mind I want to review our 5 night out of Bayonne to Bermuda....

 

Day 1:

 

arrived at Bayonne way too early, about 9:30, go figure no traffic at all, we drove from central Jersey. Although they were still disembarking, they allowed you to enter. We missed the luggage drop off line because there was so many cars picking up passengers, so instead of going around back on line, we just drove into the garage to park the car. We were on level two and rolled our luggage into the elevator of the the garage and a short distance into the terminal. They give you a ticket upon entering the garage and you pay when you get back in a kiosk, cash or credit, $100 for 5 days. We dropped our luggage off with a curbside attendant and entered the terminal and very easily walked up to an agent showed her the ticket I printed at home, she asked a few questions regarding cough cold and the usual sick questions and we were escorted to a seating area. They started boarding the suite and diamond area at about 10:30 and we were the second section and boarded at 11:15 ish. Up the escalator and onto the Beautiful Anthem!

 

After reading MANY posts, we decided to roam the ship and get acquainted first, then go to the solarium bistro for a bite to eat. We had the drink package and used the paper we printed from home as our sign and sail to get drinks. DO go to the bumper cars first thing, NO LINE at all. Had salad at the bistro, yummy, clean and not crazy...perfect! Cabins open at 1:00, went, unpacked and got in our swim stuff then at 3:30 ish was the muster drill. Our muster station was the Royal Esplanade (where Starbucks and the shops are) After the drill was one of the few times you realized how many people were on the ship! We tried to got to Michael's Pub (I really wanted wings) but they were packed, although we sat a table, the waiters never acknowledged us. Because I did not want to stress on vacation we left and luckily went to Johnny rockets for a YUMMY burger and fries.

 

Cabin 6612: Obstructed Balcony...perfect location, short hop to stairs/elevator, plenty of closet space and room, the view is perfect, you can still see plenty of ocean. The cabin is long and narrow...a little different than what we are used to. And it does get a bit warm. The thermostat only goes to 68 and I did wake up every night very hot, just not cool enough for me. Bring a dummy credit card and leave it in the light switch when you leave the cabin if you like it cool, this will help keep the room at a constant 68. Balcony devine, reclining chairs and very private. The cabin was VERY quiet and the room attendant was good, but we only got 2 towel animals! I wish they would leave a card with their name at the start of the cruise, with their contact info, we had to search for him a few times. No breakfast menus, no pen, no robes and we always give $50.00 at the start of the cruise in a hope for better service....but we were overall pleased with his service.

 

Get your WOW bands at guest services for $4.95 ( or was it 3.95?) it is a real convenience, you can even swin with them!

 

Did bogo dinning for the first two nights, went to Wonderland upon embarking to get our assignment, Jamie's day one at 8 and Wonderland day 2 at 8, we were pleased. But we could have changed it if we were not.

 

I know this is wordy but if you have any questions, please ask and if I can answer I will....to be contnued ......

[gaylemh]

I was on the cruise also. Someone posted on FB that there was a problem with the AC on our cruise. I've been on the ship 11 times, and it's always been much cooler.

 

You need to ask for robes now on the cruises, and I've always received a card with the steward's name and extension.

 

I'll be in your cabin for my 12th sailing next month.

[myacuna]

We were on the cruise too. I didn't notice a temp issue per say, but this was the first time I didn't need a hoodie/jacket/sweater so I guess it was warmer than usual!

 

Great cruise! Wonderland was wonderful. If anyone has royal babies and tots questions, please let me know!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[2017 Cruiser]

What is a WOW bracelet

While it is still fresh in my mind I want to review our 5 night out of Bayonne to Bermuda....

 

Day 1:

 

arrived at Bayonne way too early, about 9:30, go figure no traffic at all, we drove from central Jersey. Although they were still disembarking, they allowed you to enter. We missed the luggage drop off line because there was so many cars picking up passengers, so instead of going around back on line, we just drove into the garage to park the car. We were on level two and rolled our luggage into the elevator of the the garage and a short distance into the terminal. They give you a ticket upon entering the garage and you pay when you get back in a kiosk, cash or credit, $100 for 5 days. We dropped our luggage off with a curbside attendant and entered the terminal and very easily walked up to an agent showed her the ticket I printed at home, she asked a few questions regarding cough cold and the usual sick questions and we were escorted to a seating area. They started boarding the suite and diamond area at about 10:30 and we were the second section and boarded at 11:15 ish. Up the escalator and onto the Beautiful Anthem!

 

After reading MANY posts, we decided to roam the ship and get acquainted first, then go to the solarium bistro for a bite to eat. We had the drink package and used the paper we printed from home as our sign and sail to get drinks. DO go to the bumper cars first thing, NO LINE at all. Had salad at the bistro, yummy, clean and not crazy...perfect! Cabins open at 1:00, went, unpacked and got in our swim stuff then at 3:30 ish was the muster drill. Our muster station was the Royal Esplanade (where Starbucks and the shops are) After the drill was one of the few times you realized how many people were on the ship! We tried to got to Michael's Pub (I really wanted wings) but they were packed, although we sat a table, the waiters never acknowledged us. Because I did not want to stress on vacation we left and luckily went to Johnny rockets for a YUMMY burger and fries.

 

Cabin 6612: Obstructed Balcony...perfect location, short hop to stairs/elevator, plenty of closet space and room, the view is perfect, you can still see plenty of ocean. The cabin is long and narrow...a little different than what we are used to. And it does get a bit warm. The thermostat only goes to 68 and I did wake up every night very hot, just not cool enough for me. Bring a dummy credit card and leave it in the light switch when you leave the cabin if you like it cool, this will help keep the room at a constant 68. Balcony devine, reclining chairs and very private. The cabin was VERY quiet and the room attendant was good, but we only got 2 towel animals! I wish they would leave a card with their name at the start of the cruise, with their contact info, we had to search for him a few times. No breakfast menus, no pen, no robes and we always give $50.00 at the start of the cruise in a hope for better service....but we were overall pleased with his service.

 

Get your WOW bands at guest services for $4.95 ( or was it 3.95?) it is a real convenience, you can even swin with them!

 

Did bogo dinning for the first two nights, went to Wonderland upon embarking to get our assignment, Jamie's day one at 8 and Wonderland day 2 at 8, we were pleased. But we could have changed it if we were not.

 

I know this is wordy but if you have any questions, please ask and if I can answer I will....to be contnued ......

[gaylemh]

The one thing that I was really disappointed in was the band in the Music Hall. Every other band that I've seen on the ship has been excellent. This band was really "bad" especially coming on right after Rock the Boat who were "excellent. I usually spend most of my nights in the Music Hall, not this time, I don't think I was there for 15 minutes. Thank goodness for Andy Avery singing in the casino.

[CruiserRob]

The one thing that I was really disappointed in was the band in the Music Hall. Every other band that I've seen on the ship has been excellent. This band was really "bad" especially coming on right after Rock the Boat who were "excellent. I usually spend most of my nights in the Music Hall, not this time, I don't think I was there for 15 minutes. Thank goodness for Andy Avery singing in the casino.

 

What band was in the Music Hall?

[gaylemh]

What band was in the Music Hall?

One 4 One - I know they are scheduled to be on until at least 10/28/17 - maybe longer.

 

On 7 night and longer cruises there is also a tribute band in the Music Hall. They are usually excellent.

 

One 4 One is the house band.

[scottnkim]

We were on this sailing- couple things we found... some good, some bad, some just different.

1) Both of us had the drink package. Seemed to be Russian Roulette as to whether they made you sign a $0.00 receipt or not. Same bar, different bar, same day, different day. Couldn't figure it out. No big deal- but definitely nicer when there is no receipt. We have been on some Royal cruises where it was every drink, every time, and we have been on some where there were NO receipts. This hit or miss was different!

2) ALWAYS need 2 Sea Pass cards when ordering 2 alcoholic drinks on a Royal ship, right? And, Royal Bartenders make weak drinks all over the ship, right? WRONG! Not at the Bionic Bar- where you are allowed to mix a drink just about as strong as you want it, and make 2 on one Sea Pass card- Not a big deal either way, just found it odd that if it's allowed here, why not everywhere, or why just here. You know-- curious minds wanna know! :-)

3) Service? Hmmm. This is my 5th Royal ship. Oasis, Allure, Adventure, Enchantment and now Anthem. Nobody was rude at all, just not anywhere near as personable on the Anthem, seemingly ship wide, as on any of the other ships I've been on. We were just on Adventure out of PR in July, and dinner in the MDR was abysmally slow, but they made up for it with their personalities! The asst waiter wound up making paper roses, telling our table jokes, a neighoring waiter brought out a guitar and sung songs each night... Here on the Anthem, service was quicker indeed, but by cyborgs! Indeed, service was handled, but it just seemed to be missing the engagment, and again, this was all over- bars, eateries, etc. We only saw our Stateroom attendant 1 time all week! Room was changed over, fresh towels, 2 towel animals appeared, etc. Again- not "put off" by this-- I don't really complain. I'm on vacation, and they are working for a living, so my day is 1000x inherently better to start already. Give me a drink and I really don't care as long as nobody gets hurt. :-) I just find it interesting as I've now been on a handful of ships, to see the differences.

 

As far as some other questions I've seen asked-

RESERVATIONS TO SHOWS - We booked this late- like wife surprised me for our August 5th anniversary, and we left Sept 9th--so less than 30 days out. We were not able to book IFLY or Northstar online, but as soon as we boarded, went to the Shore Excurisions, used the tablets, and had our choice of days and times for for those plus the Escape room.

 

ROYAL IQ - Thought this was really cool. Used it alot! Not yet perfected, but definately a cool techy- tool!

 

Embark / Debark - Neither could have been quicker/ easier. Arrived there at 9:50am, parked and was on the boat by 11:15am. Leaving, walked off at 9:00am, and was back in Manchester MD at 1pm, including a stop for food.

 

FOOD QUALITY - Still a growing concern compared to 5 years ago. Seems pretty clear the movement is to encourage passengers to pay for the additional specialty food, rather than making the "normal" food, special. Thats a little disappointing, but, it is what it is.

 

HURRICANE / TRIP OVERALL - Man- not sure if it is "normal" for a non-Carribean trip, but for us, leaving Bermuda--we were rocking and rolling! And here today, 1 day off the boat, I still am! We've done Eastern, Western 2x, Southern, Bahamas, and occasionally hit a little patch of rough, but this was new! Never sick, or even felt bad, but the pool was a wave pool! Calmed down once we were about 1/2 way back to NJ.

Loved the Anthem. With the Esplanade, looks like they took the Enchantment and the Allure/Oasis, and smushed them together to create a half-breed- kind of a Promdenade, kind of a walk through the shops combination. I can see where the indoor pool will be huge for our freshly booked January 2019 trip to the Bahama's n Coco Cay. That should tell you overall what we thought. She might have some quirks, but we all do. And we keep coming back to us, right? :-)

[TickledBlue]

One 4 One - I know they are scheduled to be on until at least 10/28/17 - maybe longer.

 

On 7 night and longer cruises there is also a tribute band in the Music Hall. They are usually excellent.

 

One 4 One is the house band.

One 4 One... Found them on youtube, hope they are better on the ship than on there.

[gaylemh]

One 4 One... Found them on youtube, hope they are better on the ship than on there.

 

Nope :eek::(

 

[marryanne]

We were on the cruise too. I didn't notice a temp issue per say, but this was the first time I didn't need a hoodie/jacket/sweater so I guess it was warmer than usual!

 

Great cruise! Wonderland was wonderful. If anyone has royal babies and tots questions, please let me know!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

What does the royal babies and tots offer? We're bringing out 2 year old next week, and woefully unprepared!

[sddsddean]

We did the b2b on the cruise before this as well. On both cruises I had booked our MTD times, but we never went there once. First night we went to the Windjammer (we were a bit tired, so couldn't be bothered with the MDR) and the evening buffet is the best we have seen on any ship (and this was our 18th cruise!). Admittedly, as usual, some of the dishes weren't piping hot, but they were fine and the selection was out of this world. If you want a fresh meal you have the choice of the Pasta station (OK) and the Mongolian Stir Fry (Really good). Joseph Mathew (Exec Sous Chef) is always about and is happy to talk and will even do special food for you if you have allergies or something. He told us about one lad on the ship who was so allergic to food, he could eat 4 vegetables, 5 fruits and rice and Joseph managed to make totally different meals for him each day from those ingrediants...a star man! Don't miss the happiest man on the ship, Nuur the windjammer greeter port side. One last thing; if you go to 'We Will Rock You' (which was brilliant), don't leave while they are taking their bows.

 

Simon

[The 4 of Us]

Was always on this cruise-well add more comments later but that band was awful. They didnt even know the words to the songs and needed their IPADS to help them.

 

We were wondering if the "scheduled band" missed their flight or something. RCCL has to do better than that. Also disappointing no tribute band.

[msvickyes]

I was on this cruise. We only got 1 towel animal all week. You all did better. We were in 6646 just down the hall. Our attendant, Craig, usually showed up after we returned from dinner so we declined service a few nights. Loved the cruise!

[myacuna]

What does the royal babies and tots offer? We're bringing out 2 year old next week, and woefully unprepared!

 

 

 

Their hours are 9am-midnight. You have to make reservations though, because if they don't have any on the books, they close for that timeframe. Since you're going next week, they will probably be pretty light on the babies, so you shouldn't have any issues with reservations.

 

I think it was $6 an hour during the day and $8 per hour at night. I didn't care as it was nice to hand over my almost threenager when we were sick of each other.

 

They have a separate room with cots, cribs, and strollers. They ask for your routine and pretty much follow it. They have age appropriate toys for 6mo-toddler. My kid enjoyed arching Moana 1,000,000 times and now sings along. They have other videos too, but he preferred Moana.

 

Heads up- they will call you if your kid cries for more than 15 min and they can't calm them down. We had this issue last year, but not this year. He ran in for each session and didn't look back. Hope this helps

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[mumeof3]

So I have one question since I was also on this cruise, the newlyweds on deck 7 , are you the young lady that was worried on the Roll call about wedding not taken place????

[mumeof3]

I was on this cruise. We only got 1 towel animal all week. You all did better. We were in 6646 just down the hall. Our attendant, Craig, usually showed up after we returned from dinner so we declined service a few nights. Loved the cruise!

We were on deck 13 and got one every night, but we also were on our 30th Anniversary and our room was decorated (hubby had all that planned) so maybe that's why our attendant took extra care to do it nightly

[dvond]

Is Michaels Pub a free eating option?

 

What made the buffet so much better than MDR? We have never eaten in the buffet for dinner in 30 cruises so curious

[gaylemh]

Was always on this cruise-well add more comments later but that band was awful. They didnt even know the words to the songs and needed their IPADS to help them.

 

We were wondering if the "scheduled band" missed their flight or something. RCCL has to do better than that. Also disappointing no tribute band.

 

No the band didn't miss the cruise. I'm also on the 10/21/17 cruise and One 4 One will be on all the cruises until then. Maybe longer. I think they do a 3 or 4 month contract. I have been on Quantum and Anthem a total of 15 times and have never seen a band that bad before. The band, Rock the Boat, that got off the day we got on was excellent, they are going on a break and will then be on Ovation. I wish they would bring them back to Anthem for my winter sailings.

 

There are no longer tribute bands on 5 night cruises. There are still tribute bands on 7+ night cruises. I will have DSB a Journey band on 10/21. They are really good, some say better than the original Journey band. I've seen them 4 times. My 12/2 cruise will have a Led Zeppelin band called Led Zepagain, they are excellent.

[sddsddean]

Is Michaels Pub a free eating option?

 

What made the buffet so much better than MDR? We have never eaten in the buffet for dinner in 30 cruises so curious

The 'pub' is not free...and its not like any English pub I've been to!

 

MDR - takes 2 hours to do a 3-4 course meal. All the 'mains' are a big lump of meat advertised as being with (say) roast potatoes and carrots. This means you get 2 baby carrots and half a roast potato 'artistically' cut. That is not vegetables!!!! We always have to ask for extra veg.

 

WJ - Its a big WJ. One side is 'usual'...things like minute steaks, chicken breast, pork schnitzel, always at least one roast. Other side has specials that change every day eg Italian, Carribean, Bermudan. There is always the burger/hot dog area (handy if you are in hurry) and you can have as much of everything as you want (including veg) including things that don't go together...like curry and chips! The desserts are great too. Try it and see for yourself. The main plus is, if you are trying to get to a show or event, it takes less than an hour, unless you want to stay longer.

 

Just my opinion as always!!

 

Simon

[Kermitcruiser]

HURRICANE / TRIP OVERALL - Man- not sure if it is "normal" for a non-Carribean trip, but for us, leaving Bermuda--we were rocking and rolling! And here today, 1 day off the boat, I still am! We've done Eastern, Western 2x, Southern, Bahamas, and occasionally hit a little patch of rough, but this was new! Never sick, or even felt bad, but the pool was a wave pool! Calmed down once we were about 1/2 way back to NJ.

Loved the Anthem. With the Esplanade, looks like they took the Enchantment and the Allure/Oasis, and smushed them together to create a half-breed- kind of a Promdenade, kind of a walk through the shops combination. I can see where the indoor pool will be huge for our freshly booked January 2019 trip to the Bahama's n Coco Cay. That should tell you overall what we thought. She might have some quirks, but we all do. And we keep coming back to us, right? :-)

 

I was also on this cruise and I get extremely seasick. Please trust me and believe me when I say that those were the calmest seas I have ever experienced sailing to and from Bermuda, especially during hurricane season. It couldn't have been any better. I even took several pictures of the ocean from our balcony to commemorate the fact that the Atlantic Ocean looked more like Lake George. No rocking, no rolling, just sheer, unmitigated heaven. Thank you Mother Nature for smiling down on Anthem of the Seas during this very busy hurricane season.

[gaylemh]

I never went to the WJ before on my cruises, but my last 3 I went a lot. I think it's much better than the MDR. Although when they had Dynamic Dining I thought the food was excellent in the dining rooms. You don't get served, but the choices are endless. Great salad bar, appetizers, pasta, sides, meats and fish, breads, theme nights, make your own sundaes,and the choices of desserts are amazing. The food was always fresh too.

[dvond]

No the band didn't miss the cruise. I'm also on the 10/21/17 cruise and One 4 One will be on all the cruises until then. Maybe longer. I think they do a 3 or 4 month contract. I have been on Quantum and Anthem a total of 15 times and have never seen a band that bad before. The band, Rock the Boat, that got off the day we got on was excellent, they are going on a break and will then be on Ovation. I wish they would bring them back to Anthem for my winter sailings.

 

There are no longer tribute bands on 5 night cruises. There are still tribute bands on 7+ night cruises. I will have DSB a Journey band on 10/21. They are really good, some say better than the original Journey band. I've seen them 4 times. My 12/2 cruise will have a Led Zeppelin band called Led Zepagain, they are excellent.

 

Is there somewhere that can be checked to see what tribute fan is playing on which cruise?

[Clarea]

Is there somewhere that can be checked to see what tribute fan is playing on which cruise?

You can get entertainment info for your cruise from web_reservations@rccl.com about 3 weeks before your cruise.

[dvond]

The 'pub' is not free...and its not like any English pub I've been to!

 

MDR - takes 2 hours to do a 3-4 course meal. All the 'mains' are a big lump of meat advertised as being with (say) roast potatoes and carrots. This means you get 2 baby carrots and half a roast potato 'artistically' cut. That is not vegetables!!!! We always have to ask for extra veg.

 

WJ - Its a big WJ. One side is 'usual'...things like minute steaks, chicken breast, pork schnitzel, always at least one roast. Other side has specials that change every day eg Italian, Carribean, Bermudan. There is always the burger/hot dog area (handy if you are in hurry) and you can have as much of everything as you want (including veg) including things that don't go together...like curry and chips! The desserts are great too. Try it and see for yourself. The main plus is, if you are trying to get to a show or event, it takes less than an hour, unless you want to stay longer.

 

Just my opinion as always!!

 

Simon

 

 

Thank you! Im not a veggie person especially on vacation and always order multiple apps and entree's to cover portions :) Appreciate the feedback