Adriana

We received our letters and are receiving on board credit. I also received a voucher for the spa, not sure if part of that, because I have the thermal suite or everyone received it. I really was not expecting anything so this was def nice. 

@fireclan, I don’t think they expected any of this to happen. Over 600 people remained on board after last call and about a half dozen had to be found hours after last call. Then, thousands needed to be brought back on board. 

The last call was actually at ten in the morning. Looong after that, they announced that there were still 624 passengers on board. If everyone did get off on time, it would have shaved a few hours. However, it still would have required a three to four hour get off/get on process. I do think they learned a lesson. Too bad we were the ones who had to take the lesson instead of management figuring it out (or maybe did and went for it), but God willing will not happen to others. @Aggravation and @Al Miller, I really feel for you. I was inside, I cannot imagine how you dealt with being outside and if you have migraines or dehydrated now. 

@nferr, you would not have known. The mess was in the terminal and then outside out of eyeshot. Those who stayed until last call got stuck waiting outside since the inside was already full. They then had to wait hours outside. Not a pretty scene. 

Thank you! It was challenging and disappointing that I missed seeing friends, my old Church, etc but holding on to the anger will only hurt more. Don’t get me wrong, I am not amused, but do not want to take it out on others. I saw the anger that was building up. I was truly concerned as people started to press forward and yelling. Some of the instructions were vague; it said do last call if you are not going to Miami. I technically was going , just after breakfast. Crew said it was fine so I followed directions and left at my assigned 8am time, while still walking around customs, still being told I can get right back in. It was not until the moment I tried to get back on that they said, nope. Then, they waiting began. They were not excepting that large crowd. People who got off later were stuck outside. Since hundreds got off last last call and some had to be found, the ship was not cleared for hours after last call. By then, there were thousands waiting to get back on. @ZBrady, some of us were saying the same thing, let moms with the kids get back on. Them and elderly. I cannot those stuck outside. God bless them! 

 I am with you! I was not expecting a family in there! When Guest services said they did not know what to do, that the ship was at capacity, it def felt worse. At almost 9pm when I was still there and wasted a day, sure did not feel great. Thankful I found my luggage and got things relatively settled, though. And Alina kept trying to find a solution, so that gave me hope. @Cruiser4Life, I miss being handed my card, too! 

Exactly! I totally understand that so many people were pouring in and needed seating, but the way they said it was harsh. Frankly, @Vladany other time, it would have been brushed off as a funky translation, but the timing of the day is what did it. It was pretty much, “Everyone, vacate yourself table as soon as possible and do not take up seats if you are done.” Just poor timing. People needed to sit, but not what that room wanted to hear at that time. I am more on the sugar and side so would have explained that many are coming in, so when you are done if you could make room for others, please, we know it has been a long day. Something a little nicer.  It very much felt like what you said. 

I wonder what the atmosphere is going to be like later. I came to the thermal suite to decompress…lady next to me is snoring up w storm! Right after getting back on, I went to the Windjammer. It was mobbed (and I was among the first getting back, like among the first hour). They made an announcement for people to vacate their table as soon as possible. I fully get it; so many coming in needing to sit, get it. Buuut, all I could think of was that all these folks have been waiting for up to five hours, we finally get to sit down and have something to drink and bite to eat and you say to hurry up and get out. The air in the room was not pleasant. Again, I get it, but could have been said nicer, even an added “please help make room for others.” People are not amused, I bet there will be plenty of drinks sold tonight! This will be an interesting evening. 

From my understanding, other sailings have been handled differently; customs would board the ship, not have everyone disembark. I really hope this was a learning experience. I keep saying it, but man, I feel awful for the thousands waiting outside for hours. 

@amanalo217, thank you! God’s will be done. At least I will be gaining less weight! I do hope to try some of the yummy suggestions! 

It looks like I have been given some $14 wines but my Diamond voucher covered it even though it was supposed to be capped at $13/drink. Perhaps because I just ordered a Cab and that is the one they gave me or prob Royal will be moving the cap to $14 soon. 

@Vlad, I can’t argue that this really stinks. I am trying to stay positive and I know it is not the direct fault of the staff. Still is disappointing. I think they learned this would not work, so God willing, future cruisers will not have to go through this. It always happens that people do not get off or go to muster when they are supposed to, so of course this was going to happen. There were over 600 people still on board well after last call and took about two more hours after that to find the final half dozen or so. Then, to go through the re embarkation process of thousands waiting. Only a few staff directing, I did feel for them. 

Captain came on a few minutes ago to apologize for the delay and said there will be letters in our staterooms explaining it and how they will make up for it. I am guessing a future cruise credit or something of that nature. They are still trying to board everyone who has been waiting at it is 3pm. My heart hurts for those waiting outside. 

The Captain just came on and apologized for the delays. They are still trying to board everyone…it is 3pm. He said they will put letters in our staterooms telling us how they plan on making this up to everyone. That would be great, I did not expect anything. While I appreciate it, I would rather have them figure out a better way to handle this for those cruising in the future.  Like @Al Millersaid, will not ruin cruise, but ruined the day until about now and took away my plans. Worse things in the world for sure, but def needs better planning and info given to guests. I am grateful to be back. I am sooo  grateful I was always inside, I could not imagine being stuck outside for all of those hours. 

@nferr, Anthem can be wonderful! Even this debacle would be nonexistent if you leave early, go into Miami and stay out until mid afternoon. People went to Miami for a while, came back and waiting for hours to get in, so you need to stay out for hours in Miami. I do not appreciate that, so will not book again. Pretty sure we originally were doing Miami first but itinerary changed and became last port. 

Thank you again! My heart hurts for those stuck outside waiting to board in the sun and heat. I am grateful for the positives and the lessons I can learn from the negatives and maybe not getting the extra calories from all the orders I never received. @Ampurp85, thank you! I think I will include some of this in the survey. Like you said, I would not blink an eye for waiting five minutes for a drink, but I had to wait a looong time for my meals by the same server. I mean couples in and out and I was waiting and still would not get my drink or part of my order. I am actually pretty sweet and never gave a hard time, so I don’t think they were lashing out, just not paying attention to me.  

@karl_nj, it was almost 1pm until everyone was off the ship. Last call was hours earlier, but hundreds of people were taking their time. 

@karl_nj, The way to get to the overflow lot was long, but prob not that far. It was so slow, took about an hour. Then, no one to direct, so everyone was walking the wrong way to the ship. Prob not that far, but with the bags and lost, felt much longer. 

Oh goodness, people have passed out outside due to the direct sun and heat. I pray all are okay. EMT called for a kid. There has to be a better system for this. I am not amused to have been waiting for over four hours, but quite grateful to be inside. 

Oh my gosh, I just found out that there are so many people, that there is a huge line outside. They are telling us to sit, will not start to board unless everyone is sitting…but no where near enough chairs. I feel so badly for those waiting outside. 

I was told that they could not get in touch with them (they were in the cabin) and would take too long to clean it again for me and wanted me in a new cabin. Alina was super nice. The manager not so much. No need to reprimand me for standing at the counter. I was not holding up anyone like he says, I would not do that, I was making reservations. That upset me more. 

Latest update: It is passed noon and they just announced that it will still take time to get back on board. Not everyone is off and the ship is having issues. People are really angry (can’t blame them). I just keep thinking about how we all will get back on peacefully. Some had plans for Miami, but is too late now. 

@Carlos A., seriously! That was cray! The best part was Guest Services saying they cannot get in touch with them. They were right in the cabin!! All good, at least it ends as a comical story. One day this cruise will be a funny memory. Not right now as we are still waiting to clear. But one day.  

Thank you all! I really do feel badly about complaining. I am grateful for everything, it teaches me patience. But, still, kinda getting to me since there are significant issues each day. It is now past noon and we are still waiting for everyone to get off and cleared so we can get back on…waiting for four hours now and will be a while to get everyone back on. Oh well, nothing to be done. I am more concerned that everyone remains calm. 
     @FionaMG, yesss! Alina was so wonderful!

@WAAAYTOOO, thank you! It has been a trial each day, but such can be life. When I arrived and showing my documents, they asked about my test, I showed it and was done. No other issues. 
 

   Thank you again for the support! I do not really want to complain or call out some of the crew that really have been well subpar, we all have our days. Two have been consistently poor. Trust me, I easily overlook the minor things, it has been more than that. 
 

I also wondered if being alone has made an impact. At most dinners (except Chops), I feel forgotten. Wrong order, do not bring what I ask for multiple times; other people order, have their main and ordering dessert and I am still waiting for my course while they go through all that, etc. I even leave extra tip, but it continues. @Pattycruise

 

Okay, really will stop complaining! 

 

No way!! Hold on, they just said they are having issues and cannot get back on yet. Still waiting for people to get off and other issues. It is past noon now.

 

Okay, no will be quiet. 

They are supposed to be the same, but named it differently. The way I see it is formal night is the more “fancy,” but dress to impress is just that, something to impress. So, I am going to wear my cooler gown that has more flare.