karl_nj

Disembarked from Symphony this AM.  They were testing food delivery via the app to a subset of locations on the pool decks, or your cabin.
For this test you could pick two burgers or the chili dog from Johnny Rockets, The Nigiri Combo or the Salmon Roll from Izumi, a cheese or pepperoni pizza from Sorrento's, or the chicken fingers and fries from Playmakers.
Each item had an individual charge, and there was also a delivery fee.  Only certain areas of the pool deck were eligible.   For example, you could not get food delivered to the Solarium.
I considered trying it, but never got around to it.
I got a pre-cruise survey via email, and I guess I answered the questions correctly because they asked me if I was willing to meet with them to discuss this app functionality during the cruise.   Three guys from shore side were onboard and basically asked questions about the usability of the app for a half hour.
Personally I'd prefer if the figured out how to get the chat app rolled out fleetwide, but I'm glad that they are trying new things.
 

I disembarked from Symphony this morning, didn't need to show my passport on either embarkation or disembarkation.  Was very surprised.
They did ask to see my mothers passport for embarkation, not sure if it was because i messed something up when I did online check-in for her, or if it was some sort of random check.
For disembarkation, Customs/Immigration used the facial recognition system.
 

I disembarked from Symphony this morning, didn't need to show my passport on either embarkation or disembarkation.  Was very surprised.
They did ask to see my mothers passport for embarkation, not sure if it was because i messed something up when I did online check-in for her, or if it was some sort of random check.
For disembarkation, Customs/Immigration used the facial recognition system.
 

Disembarked from Symphony this AM.  They were testing food delivery via the app to a subset of locations on the pool decks, or your cabin.
For this test you could pick two burgers or the chili dog from Johnny Rockets, The Nigiri Combo or the Salmon Roll from Izumi, a cheese or pepperoni pizza from Sorrento's, or the chicken fingers and fries from Playmakers.
Each item had an individual charge, and there was also a delivery fee.  Only certain areas of the pool deck were eligible.   For example, you could not get food delivered to the Solarium.
I considered trying it, but never got around to it.
I got a pre-cruise survey via email, and I guess I answered the questions correctly because they asked me if I was willing to meet with them to discuss this app functionality during the cruise.   Three guys from shore side were onboard and basically asked questions about the usability of the app for a half hour.
Personally I'd prefer if the figured out how to get the chat app rolled out fleetwide, but I'm glad that they are trying new things.
 

I would think the line would be shorter the morning of the 2nd day. The line is often crazy on day one.  If you walk by after/before dinner on day 1 you might have a short wait. 

Disembarked from Symphony this morning. They changed the itinerary to keep us away from any adverse weather.  So if I were to post photos, it would be very boring. Calm seas and sunny sky. 
If I’m traveling during hurricane season in the Caribbean, I want to be on a cruise ship instead of a land vacation.  We may not go where we planned, but it’s likely we will go somewhere where the weather is pleasant. 

Just got back from a wonderful cruise on Anthem.  In general, the cruise exceeded my expectations.  The ship was beautiful, and handled spring-break-sized crowds of mostly fellow NY/NJ residents with ease.  It was great to have the kid-free solarium "pool" area, along with the indoor and outdoor family pool areas.  And the family pools were not filled beyond capacity, unlike Disney Cruise Line (I'm always wary of letting my kids swim on DCL, since it always appears to me that the pools are dangerously over capacity.)
However, not a big fan of the "new" MDR menus.  Way too many "everyday" items for both appetizers, main courses, and desserts.  And the every day items were always boring.  Most of the time the only salad available was a Caesar wedge.  I'm not sure why they don't rotate though some other more interesting salads.  Or, why not do something with more veggies and a vinegrette if you are going to only offer one salad every day.  And the fish of the day had the same issue -- the fish changed every day, but you get it with the same exact sauce. mashed potatoes, and veggies every single day.  They only had a cold fruit soup one day, and it was the strawberry one.  I feel the previous "spice" menus had more variety, and more interesting choices.
It almost feels like they are trying to make the MDR more boring to convince you to go to the specialty restaurants, much like NCL.
 

No need for shoes at Columbus Cove.  It's a nice sandy bottom.  
There is a ferry sometimes.  We've only managed to catch it once.  It isn't a long walk but if you do walk cut through by Nellie's beach and by the waters slide/aqua park area.   Also, there is a tram (for all not just the bungalows) but you need to walk through the market to get to the beach.  That isn't a big deal but just be prepared.  

Yeah, that is our favorite place for breakfast on anthem too.  Last cruise we went there almost every morning. 
Sometimes they don’t leave the breakfast sandwiches in the panini press long enough, so they aren’t quite warm enough in the center. But the quiet atmosphere and the view of the wake from 270 makes up for it. 

Well, I think the limited selection is one of the things that helps keep away the crowds.  It's probably an expectations thing -- I've always thought of it as a "Cafe Promenade"++, instead of a mini-windjammer.  But I do see your point.
I think your omelette might get cold on the way down to Two70.  Maybe better to take your omelette and head back to the outdoor seating area in the rear of the Windjammer.  On Royal that option is limited to Quantum and Radiance class ships, so it's fun to take advantage of that, at least when the weather is warm enough.
Maybe on my next Anthem sailing I'll get around to checking out Solarium Bistro for breakfast one day.  MDR breakfast is fun too.  Last trip we didn't make it there until disembarkation morning. I forgot how much I always enjoy the French Toast there.

Well, I think the limited selection is one of the things that helps keep away the crowds.  It's probably an expectations thing -- I've always thought of it as a "Cafe Promenade"++, instead of a mini-windjammer.  But I do see your point.
I think your omelette might get cold on the way down to Two70.  Maybe better to take your omelette and head back to the outdoor seating area in the rear of the Windjammer.  On Royal that option is limited to Quantum and Radiance class ships, so it's fun to take advantage of that, at least when the weather is warm enough.
Maybe on my next Anthem sailing I'll get around to checking out Solarium Bistro for breakfast one day.  MDR breakfast is fun too.  Last trip we didn't make it there until disembarkation morning. I forgot how much I always enjoy the French Toast there.

Yeah, that is our favorite place for breakfast on anthem too.  Last cruise we went there almost every morning. 
Sometimes they don’t leave the breakfast sandwiches in the panini press long enough, so they aren’t quite warm enough in the center. But the quiet atmosphere and the view of the wake from 270 makes up for it. 

Hope you enjoyed staying at the IC Times Square.  It's certainly convenient to Johns of Times Sq!
Even though I live in NJ, I've stayed there many times.  Sometimes it's fun to "be a tourist" in your local city, and stay overnight when going to see a Broadway show or something.  It used to be a great use of the IHG Credit Card annual free night, but they have now put a points cap on the certificate, so that won't work anymore in the future.
I've always liked that it's close to the Times Square insanity, but it's still slightly away from the worst of it.
The fact there is an outpost of "Shake Shack" downstairs is also a bonus, though it's always crowded (like most of them).
Enjoy your cruise!  Looking forward to reading more about it!
 

Hope you enjoyed staying at the IC Times Square.  It's certainly convenient to Johns of Times Sq!
Even though I live in NJ, I've stayed there many times.  Sometimes it's fun to "be a tourist" in your local city, and stay overnight when going to see a Broadway show or something.  It used to be a great use of the IHG Credit Card annual free night, but they have now put a points cap on the certificate, so that won't work anymore in the future.
I've always liked that it's close to the Times Square insanity, but it's still slightly away from the worst of it.
The fact there is an outpost of "Shake Shack" downstairs is also a bonus, though it's always crowded (like most of them).
Enjoy your cruise!  Looking forward to reading more about it!
 

Hope you enjoyed staying at the IC Times Square.  It's certainly convenient to Johns of Times Sq!
Even though I live in NJ, I've stayed there many times.  Sometimes it's fun to "be a tourist" in your local city, and stay overnight when going to see a Broadway show or something.  It used to be a great use of the IHG Credit Card annual free night, but they have now put a points cap on the certificate, so that won't work anymore in the future.
I've always liked that it's close to the Times Square insanity, but it's still slightly away from the worst of it.
The fact there is an outpost of "Shake Shack" downstairs is also a bonus, though it's always crowded (like most of them).
Enjoy your cruise!  Looking forward to reading more about it!
 

I've read that when Royal Caribbean first put Johnny Rockets on the ship, it was free, and that the fee was added because of over crowding.
They bumped up the price to 9.95 within the past year or so.
Carnival's "Guys Burger Joint" is free, and people claim the burgers are better.  But then you have to sail on Carnival... ?

And it's tax free, since it's a rebate and not a dividend ? 

The 50 pound limit for flights is what has kept me from buying compression backing cubes -- i figure i already end up near the weight limit, don't need to make it even worse.  I have some ultralight ones I use when flying, and some "regular" ones I use for cruises I drive to.  I guess it depends on what size suitcase you are using though.
I've been very happy with using packing cubes.  I find it makes unpacking my suitcase when I got on the cruise ship much quicker and easier.  It's something I want to get finished with ASAP, so I can start enjoying my cruise vacation.  Just place them in a drawer and unzip.  Or, if my wife and kids use up all the drawer space, then they get put on the top shelf of the closet.

Your were worrying for nothing.  All trains that leave WTC stop at Exchange Place.

Wow, what a view from their hotel room balcony!

Ok yeah, must be Greene hook then. Sometimes they have those games outside on the patio. Good choice, I like that place too. 

Wow, what a view from their hotel room balcony!

Wow, what a view from their hotel room balcony!

Great first scope @TheHobbys!  Looking forward to more!  
https://www.pscp.tv/w/b8g7bDF4TlFhYVJPT2V3UWJ8MXluSk9Sa3ByTnZHUpHsBoWhfe0uERWrdxuQULs21Kl5omVVo3dmQatUkT4R?fbclid=IwAR2ulAiLt0nOKB5fBuV-idGg_LTD4u56cj4Bh50CqSgZKKXVTMQIUBk33p8

I doubt the lack of linking of the reservations has anything to do with it.  The map on the back of the cabin door says what the muster station is -- the cabin is associated to the muster station.  So it seems very odd that connecting cabins have different muster stations.
Hopefully they have a procedure to make an exception onboard, and move all of you to one or the other.  Or worst case, they can swap an adult and a kid, though it would be better for all of you to be at the same muster station.
I've run into similar issues with reservation linking.  I've even had a situation where I booked at the same time, with the same travel agent, but Royal's system did not allow them to be linked.  Apparently one reservation was associated with the travel agency "group space", and one was independent.  But i've never had any issues with my kids being at a different muster station then my wife and I.