Anthem of the Seas - Review - Southern Caribbean - Feb 3, 2019 - Feb 15, 2019

[Noreen411]

Friday 2/8/19 - Antigua - Continued

 

We showered and got dressed for dinner at Coastal Kitchen.

 

 

 

The people seated at the next table looked familiar.  They spend a lot of time in the casino too.  We chatted with them throughout dinner.

 

It’s great when we get to Coastal Kitchen and we have Rajeev as our waiter each night.  He knows what we like to drink.  Usually a can of Coke, sometimes Sprite for me.  I like to drink my soda with a straw.  Scott has been having a martini with dinner most nights.

 

For our appetizers Scott had the shrimp cocktail; I had the pizzette which I wasn’t crazy about and gave it to Scott.

 

For our entree we both had the same thing:  Sesame crusted tuna over cauliflower fried rice.  I asked for one potato croquette that normally comes with the veal chop.  Rajeev wanted to bring more, but one was all I wanted and I knew if he brought more I wouldn’t finish them.  This (tuna over rice) is one of my favorite entrees at Coastal Kitchen.  We both enjoyed it.

 

For dessert we both had the Dulce Le Leche Creme Brûlée which isn’t really like a creme Brûlée at all.  It’s good but very rich.

 

The Windjammer had a cupcake theme so we brought a few back to the cabin.

 

We had a towel animal - a dinosaur I think.

 

We went to the casino.

 

At 10pm we went to the Music Hall to see DSB (Journey Tribute Band).

 

We left at 10:30pm to go to the theater to watch the Love and Marriage show.  We always play along from our seats and don’t do that well.

 

Scott got some pizza and we went back to the cabin.

 

We watched Lucifer on the laptop.  That’s our new Netflix binge watching show.

Edited June 2, 2019 by Noreen411

[cincicruisers]

Great review.  Thanks for sharing.

[Nolsie]

Still following this great review - thanks for taking the time to write it.

 

I do have a question, two actually, especially as you took this cruise in the winter. So my first question is whether the pool was usable whilst you were still in a colder climate. So, did they close the roof, and was it heated do you know ?

 

Secondly, are you able to get a tan whilst in the Solarium and underneath the glass ? It was something my wife and I never tried when we sailed on Allure, but have been intrigued by this.

 

Thanks again

 

 

Paul

[sparks1093]

1 hour ago, Nolsie said:

Still following this great review - thanks for taking the time to write it.

 

I do have a question, two actually, especially as you took this cruise in the winter. So my first question is whether the pool was usable whilst you were still in a colder climate. So, did they close the roof, and was it heated do you know ?

 

Secondly, are you able to get a tan whilst in the Solarium and underneath the glass ? It was something my wife and I never tried when we sailed on Allure, but have been intrigued by this.

 

Thanks again

 

 

Paul

Thank you for your kind words. We never ventured to the main pool area other than just passing through it. I do recall seeing people using it the first sea day (but my memory isn't what it used to be, at least I don't think it is🙂). We did spend time in the Solarium and it seemed to us that one could get tanned there, so we tried to stay in the shade a bit.

[John Reid]

On 5/18/2019 at 5:50 PM, Noreen411 said:

Sunday 2/3/19 - Embark - Bayonne NJ

 

We worked out in the morning.

 

We packed our dinner clothes.  We ended up having to use two garment bags rather than one.  We now have 5 bags to check (2 big suitcases, 2 garment bags, and 1 medium suitcase).  Then we each have our rolling carry on bags.  I admit we both overpack.  I cannot imagine how people pack for a world cruise lasting a few months, when we have so much stuff for 12 nights.

 

 

 

We left the house about 11:30 and arrived in Bayonne just after 12.  It was a very quick ride there.  However, there was a huge line of cars once we made the turn into the pier area.  It took about an hour to get to the front to drop our luggage.  My guess is they wee short staffed on porters.

 

Once we parked in the garage the check in process itself was very quick.

 

We stopped for the boarding photo.  I always like to have these.  

 

 

We proceeded right onto the ship.  Since the cabins are ready we walked up (Scott carried the carry on bags).  Once in the cabin Scott wiped everything down with Lysol wipes.

 

I took some pictures of the cabin.

 

 

 

I was in 8262 on the same cruise. I like your cruise better than mine, based on the description! 🙂

[John Reid]

15 hours ago, Nolsie said:

Still following this great review - thanks for taking the time to write it.

 

I do have a question, two actually, especially as you took this cruise in the winter. So my first question is whether the pool was usable whilst you were still in a colder climate. So, did they close the roof, and was it heated do you know ?

 

Secondly, are you able to get a tan whilst in the Solarium and underneath the glass ? It was something my wife and I never tried when we sailed on Allure, but have been intrigued by this.

 

Thanks again

 

 

Paul

I've cruised Anthem three times in the winter. The fourth time will be this December.

• The main pool is completely outdoors; there is no roof. Last year in February, some were using it day 2. On another cruise, it was day three and things were windy and cool. Not many takers.The water is heated. The third cruise had wind and rain all the way to Puerto Rico. Used the indoor pool.
• There is an indoor pool with permanent clear cover. It is not a Solarium pool; no age restrictions.
• The Solarium has small soaking pools. Shallow and small. 16 and older.

[Noreen411]

Day 7 Compass and Planner

 

 

 

St Lucia Map

Edited June 8, 2019 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

On 6/3/2019 at 5:12 AM, Nolsie said:

Still following this great review - thanks for taking the time to write it.

 

I do have a question, two actually, especially as you took this cruise in the winter. So my first question is whether the pool was usable whilst you were still in a colder climate. So, did they close the roof, and was it heated do you know ?

 

Secondly, are you able to get a tan whilst in the Solarium and underneath the glass ? It was something my wife and I never tried when we sailed on Allure, but have been intrigued by this.

 

Thanks again

 

 

Paul

 

Thank you - I’m glad you are enjoying it.

 

It’s taking me longer than I hoped, but I will finish.  It’s a pet peeve of mine when people start and don’t finish their reviews.

 

I see John Reid answered the questions you raised about the pool. I agree with what he said completely.

 

Noreen

[Noreen411]

Saturday 2/9/19 - St Lucia

 

We both went to the gym this morning.  

 

I walked around the track a bit as a cool down and took a few pictures.

 

 

 

I made my normal stop at the Patisserie.  

 

After showering and getting dressed, we went to the Windjammer for breakfast.

 

We had a lot of trouble deciding what to do in St. Lucia.  Last year we went to Vigie Beach and were very disappointed.  We were thinking of Rodney Bay/Reddit Beach but I read about the vendors being very pushy.

 

We were planning to walk around the pier area a bit and then maybe go to the spa and get massages.

 

After walking around the pier area, we decided to take a walk all the way to Vigie Beach.  I think part of why Scott wanted to walk there was when we were buying him some T-shirt’s and asked the employee about walking to Vigie Beach he made a comment along the lines of he could walk there but didn’t think we could. 

 

It was a nice long walk.  We took our shoes off once we got there and walked along the beach with our feet in the water.  It actually was really nice to take the walk.

 

We hung out there for a bit and it looked much better than it did last year.  We are thinking maybe next time we stop in St Lucia we would take our walk to Vigie and stay there for a while to swim and hang out.

 

 

 

We took a cab back to the ship.

 

We put on bathing suits and went to the pool for a while.

 

After the pool we hung out on the balcony.  We are enjoying hanging out on the balcony.  We face the island and saw a plane land.

 

 

Edited June 8, 2019 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

Saturday 2/9/19 - St Lucia - Continued

 

We showered and got dressed to meet Rich and Eileen at Coastal Kitchen for dinner.

 

 

 

For appetizer I had the Burrata.  I always enjoy this and get it when I see it on the menu.  Scott had Cured Salmon and Shrimp Cocktail.  I forgot to take a picture of the shrimp cocktail tonight but took it on other nights and he had it just about each night.  Rich had pork belly.  Eileen had Caesar salad.  Everyone enjoyed their appetizers.

 

For our entree I had the Branzino and Scott had the Filet Mignon.  We ended up sharing our entrees.  Rich and Eileen both had the Filet Mignon.  Rajeev also brought the Rigatoni for the table.  Everything was very good.

 

For dessert I had the Chocolate Praline Tart which is good but very rich so I never finish it.  Scott had Creme Brûlée.  Rich had hazelnut cake.  Eileen had warm honey pear.  

 

At first Rich and Eileen probably thought I was a little nuts taking pictures of all the food but they were good sports and would hold up their food for pictures too.

 

After dinner we went to the casino.

 

We were planning to see the 9:30 Headline show with Jeff Tracta but ended up having fun in the casino and staying there until they closed.

Edited June 8, 2019 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

Day 8 Compass and Planner

 

 

 

Barbados Map

Edited June 9, 2019 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

Sunday 2/10/19 - Barbados

 

I went to the gym in the morning and Scott slept in.  He enjoyed going in the afternoon and wants to do that again.

 

I stopped at the Patisserie on the way back to the cabin for my usual - Iced White Chocolate Mocha (no whipped cream) and a bottle of water.

 

After showering and getting dressed, we went to breakfast in the Windjammer.

 

We grabbed our beach bag and headed off the ship.  There is a shuttle from the ship to the terminal area but it’s an easy walk so we just walked taking a few pictures along the way.

 

 

 

We took a taxi to Harbour Lights.  I was chatting with a couple in the taxi who were doing a day pass and they mentioned the Marriott St Kitts for tomorrow.  They called to inquire about day passes and they were full.  That was somewhere we were considering also but I didn’t like that you don’t know until the day before if you could go or not.

 

The cab driver will come back for us at 1pm.  It is very organized and you get a ticket with your cab driver’s info and the people at the desk at Harbour Lights will call your cab driver for you when you are ready to go.

 

We paid our fee for 2 chairs / shared umbrella and went in.  There isn’t anybody to get you set up on the beach as the lounge chairs / umbrellas were already lined up.  You just choose where you want to sit.  We chose our chairs and got ourselves settled in.

 

 

 

 

I walked over to the changing rooms to put on my bathing suit.  It was separate from the bathrooms which is a great idea since you don’t tie up bathroom stalls with people changing.

 

It was somewhat crowded.  When we first got there it wasn’t, but it filled up quickly.

 

There were a lot of boats and various water toys like jet skis and banana boats in the water.

 

The water is the most beautiful shade of blue.  

 

We swam and snorkeled for a while.  Then we took a walk down the beach past the various beach clubs.

 

We chatted with a couple near us who were saying they preferred Celebrity over Royal Caribbean so we were having a comparison discussion with them.  Now that we have taken a Celebrity cruise we can give opinions comparing.  

 

There are stands set up at Harbour Lights that sell all sorts of trinkets.  Scott found some handmade soap that he liked so got a bar of that.

 

When we were ready to go, I changed out of my bathing suit using the little changing rooms again.

 

The bathrooms are upstairs in the building.  They are pretty clean and someone was sweeping sand from the stairs and floor whenever I went there.

 

We let the lady at the front desk know we were ready to go back and gave her our ticket.  She called our driver.  He was there to pick us up in about 10 minutes.

 

 

Edited June 9, 2019 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

Sunday 2/10/19 - Barbados - Continued

 

Once back near the pier, Scott climbed on a rock so, of course, I had to take a picture.

 

 

 

I also had him pose in one of those boards where you stick your face through the hole.

 

We browsed through some of the shops at the pier.

 

Once back on the ship, we had lunch at Bass and Bock.  This time we were smarter and ordered less.  We both had soda.  We shared an order of poutine (which looked more appetizing before we started eating but I forgot to take the picture right away) and shared a burger.  We both really enjoyed the food here.

 

It was pretty empty at Bass and Bock again, but this time there were a few customers.  We spoke with one guy who enjoyed cigars and was sailing solo and sails on Anthem frequently.

 

Back at our cabin we had cookies that were sent from the casino.  The cookies were very good.  They looked like the same ones from the Windjammer but they tasted different/better.

 

We hung out on our balcony reading and playing on the IPad and Laptop.

 

Before this cruise I ordered a few of this different style tunic and leggings to bring on the cruise.  I’ve gotten a lot of compliments whenever I wear them so I ordered a few more.  It’s nice being able to shop online from a balcony on a cruise.

 

Scott went to the gym since he didn’t go this morning.  He said he likes going in the afternoon sometimes as it’s empty.

 

I continued enjoying online shopping from the balcony and just enjoying being out there.

Edited June 9, 2019 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

Sunday 2/10/19 - Barbados - Continued

 

Once Scott got back from the gym we showered and changed to meet Rich and Eileen for dinner at Coastal Kitchen.  

 

 

 

For appetizer Scott, Eileen, and I all had the lobster salad.  Scott also had his usual shrimp cocktail.  Rich had the artichoke soup which came with things in the bowl and Rajeev poured the liquid into it.  Rajeev also brought the chicken leg appetizer for us to try.

 

For our entrees Eileen and I had the Crab and Shrimp crusted pollock.  Scott and Rich had the Ribeye.  Rajeev brought the Pappardelle for the table.  Everyone enjoyed the meal.

 

For dessert we all had the mascarpone cheesecake.  Rajeev brought us sorbet to go with it and wanted us to guess the flavor.  None of us guessed correctly, but it was apricot.  I’m guessing he brought it to cut the richness of the cheesecake.  The dessert was very good.

 

After dinner we went to the show Tim Gabrielson - Magic of Comedy.  It was standing room only.  We stayed for most of it and enjoyed it.  We would have stayed for the whole show but got tired of standing.

 

We headed to the casino and spent the rest of the night there until they closed.

 

The bartenders in the casino are great.  They are super friendly and know what we like.  I’m not much of a drinker but will have something fruity sometimes so they’ve been experimenting giving me different types of fruity drinks.  Usually I stick with soda or water but sometimes I’ll have one of the fruity drinks.  Scott sticks to either Gin and Tonic, a martini with lots of olives, or straight Bourbon, or straight Tequila.  It was pretty funny since he’s always asking for extra olives in his martini, they brought him a martini glass filled with olives and just a bit of martini.  He loved it.

 

Back in our cabin was a stingray towel animal.

Edited June 9, 2019 by Noreen411

[domi411]

awesome review, thank you.

 

in the beginning you said you order beverage and internet package and they became cheaper so you cancel it and buy it again and the discount price.

 

Where you saw the price going down???? 

 

you check everyday??

 

thank you

[Noreen411]

27 minutes ago, domi411 said:

awesome review, thank you.

 

in the beginning you said you order beverage and internet package and they became cheaper so you cancel it and buy it again and the discount price.

 

Where you saw the price going down???? 

 

you check everyday??

 

thank you

Thank you for your kind words on the review.

 

Sometimes I would receive an email from Royal that there are sales on drink packages, internet, etc so I would go in the cruise planner and check.  

 

Other times you see people posting about sales.  

 

Since they often have sales around holidays I would check the cruise planner then too.

 

I would check periodically but not every day.

 

Noreen

[Jasukkie]

Your reviews really stand out Noreen, love all the little details of your experience. Looking forward to more!

[maggieq]

 Noreen,

 

thanks for the review.  We just cruised on the anthem on 5/23 and are still amazed how 9 nights go by so quickly.   Would you do this cruise again?

 

curious if you ever booked the cruise to Alaska and if so which ship. I think we were looking for info around the same time.  We will have to put that one off for now. 

[Noreen411]

1 hour ago, Jasukkie said:

Your reviews really stand out Noreen, love all the little details of your experience. Looking forward to more!

Thank you.  Glad you are enjoying.

It is taking me longer than I hoped to finish but work has been busy so squeezing in writing on weekends.

 

I will finish as that’s a pet peeve of mine when people leave them unfinished.

 

Noreen

[Noreen411]

27 minutes ago, maggieq said:

 Noreen,

 

thanks for the review.  We just cruised on the anthem on 5/23 and are still amazed how 9 nights go by so quickly.   Would you do this cruise again?

 

curious if you ever booked the cruise to Alaska and if so which ship. I think we were looking for info around the same time.  We will have to put that one off for now. 

Hi

 

They all go so fast.  The first few days you feel like it’s moving at a nice pace then suddenly it’s time to pack and go home.

 

Yes we would do that sailing again.  We have done it the last few winters.  We love the convenience of sailing out of Bayonne.  

 

Next winter there aren’t 12 night sailings from Bayonne only shorter ones to the Bahamas when we looked at Feb 2020 so we will be cruising on Celebrity Silhouette but out of Fort Lauderdale.

 

We have not booked Alaska yet.  We were thinking about it for my Husband’s 50th bday but he said he would rather do Alaska another time not when we are tied to a specific date since I wanted to be away on his actual birthday since it is a big bday.

 

He wants to go back on Anthem for his birthday so we will be doing a nine night to Bermuda, St Maarten, Puerto Rico, and  Labadee.

 

I will do a review for that one too after the trip.

 

Noreen

[maggieq]

We did the same itinerary in May.  It’s a nice one for sure.  Have a great cruise!

[Noreen411]

Day 9 Compass and Planner

 

 

 

St Kitts Map

 

 

Edited June 16, 2019 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

Monday 2/11/19 - St Kitts

 

I went to the gym in the morning and Scott slept.  He is planning to go later as he enjoyed his afternoon gym time yesterday.

 

After the normal Patisserie stop, we showered and got dressed.

 

We had breakfast in the dining room.  We both had pancakes.

 

 

 

We got our beach bag from the cabin and were ready to go ashore.  We went up to the pool deck to wait for the all clear.

 

We took a cab to Carambola Beach Club.  We have come here the last few visits to St Kitts and really like it.

 

It was much more crowded than in the past.  Even when we first arrived there was a long line to check in at the desk to pay for the chairs/umbrellas.  Then it was crowded on the beach trying to find available chairs.  They even had the old hard wood uncomfortable chairs out along with the newer/lighter more comfortable chairs.  

 

We walked further away from the main area and found available comfortable lounge chairs.  It doesn’t look crowded where we set up but we walked pretty far away from the main area where most of the people were.  It got crowded here a little later too.

 

 

 

We got settled in our chairs.  I went to the changing room to put on my bathing suit.

 

We swam and played in the water for a while.  We stopped back at our chairs and there was a sudden huge rain storm.  We tried to pull the chair backs up towards us and under the umbrella to keep what we can dry.  It passed in a few minutes and the sun was back.

 

We walked to the other side of the beach (past the main area) where there was a lagoon that had turtles.  Scott snorkeled here.  I think next time we are here we may try to get lounge chairs in this area instead of where we are.

 

 

 

We walked back to the area where our lounge chairs are and we both snorkeled.  After snorkeling for a while we dropped our snorkel gear at our chairs and went back in the water and swam for a while.  

 

It is so pretty here.

 

 

 

It was just about time for our driver to come back for us so I changed out of my bathing suit in the changing room.   Our cab came back for us around 2:30.

 

Back at the pier we found several T shirts, a sweatshirt, and a hat for Scott.

 

There was a chocolate shop so we bought some candy.

 

Then we headed back onboard Anthem.  It’s always a little sad getting back on the ship at the last port knowing the next time we get off the ship will be back in Bayonne.  But we still have a few days at sea to enjoy before we’re home.

 

 

 

When we got back to the cabin there was wine from the casino and chocolate covered strawberries from the room service team.

 

 

 

We sat on the balcony reading and playing on the IPad.  We really like the lounge chairs on the balcony and spending some time out there.

 

Scott went to the gym.

 

 

Edited June 16, 2019 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

Monday 2/11/19 - St Kitts - Continued

 

We showered and changed for dinner at Coastal Kitchen with Rich and Eileen.

 

 

 

For appetizers Scott and I both had the crab cake.  Scott also had shrimp cocktail.  Rich had sugar snap pea salad.  Eileen had seafood veloute.  I like the crab cake but think I will ask for it without the sauce next time as it’s a bit spicy for me.

 

For our entrees Rajeev brought tortellini for the table.  I had the Beef Wellington from the dining room menu. This was very good.  Eileen and Rich both had some sort of shank from the dining room menu.  Scott had the lamb loin.

 

For dessert I had the ivory mousse.  Eileen had ice cream.  Scott and Rich went to the Windjammer to get a few cupcakes that they brought into Coastal Kitchen.

 

After dinner we went to the 9pm Edge Effect show in the theater.  

 

We went to the casino for a little while.

 

At 10:15 we went to the Quest in 270.  It was very funny.  The performer who plays Spectre was the host of the Quest.

 

After the Quest we went back to the casino until they closed.

 

Back at the cabin, Scott modeled his new Sweatshirt from St Kitts

Edited June 16, 2019 by Noreen411

[Noreen411]

Day 10 Compass and Planner