SpeedNoodles

There is nothing specific to a cruise ship that alters the decisions we all must make in life.  Ships don't generate viruses.  
If you decide that you aren't comfortable cruising, that's fine but consider norovirus.  More people are infected on land by a very large margin compared to on board ships.  The difference?  If 200 sick people leave church and visit 25 different doctors there is no accounting or reconciling the point of origin being the church.  Same with schools, shopping malls, transit buses, etc.  Ships are required to report anything that reaches a threshold.  Churches, schools, malls, buses are not required to report anything, even if the entire congregation is determined to be infected.
One person arriving on a plane who goes to church, then the mall, then rides a bus and so on is more impactful than the same person going on a cruise.  Ships make the news.  Churches don't. 
The media knows better than to suggest church is dangerous to your health but if you decide that a ship is a risk to your health, by the same reasoning so is your church and by an even larger margin, your kid's school if you have kids in school.  
By the numbers, you are better to avoid church and take your kids out of school AND put them on a cruise ship if you want to reduce risk.  

Lol. Goat cheese... ugh...sorry...but RVC, you betcha

We had a wonderful dinner at Chops. I was struck by how fresh everything tasted and it suddenly occurred to me that everything had to be fresh today....as it has been 3 days since the ship had had any “customers”.  So EVERYTHING was freshly prepared.  It really made a difference. The bread at Chops was really good as was the mushroom soup.  Everything, really.  We went to see The Royal Swedes in the Music Hall.  Now we’re back in the suite, relaxing. Breakfast tomorrow at the CK. Yippee !

I don’t really know how they would do that at this point.  When they announced that we were being delayed by 3 days, and offered complete refunds, they said that those who wanted to cancel didn’t have to do anything.  If they no-show at the port, their entire cruise fare will be refunded, no questions asked.  So, some have called and cancelled but some simply will not show up and will then, ultimately, be cancelled....so there’s really no way to estimate, I don’t think. I will say, the ship seems pretty quiet tonite. Maybe a bunch of folks will show up tomorrow. Either way, we’re gonna have a great time !

@WAAAYTOOO You're ability to make lemonade out of lemons, I just love the positive attitude. I have been sending positive thoughts your way as well as your fellow cruisers and the staff of the Anthem. Here's wishing you a beautiful experience for the rest of your sailing. I second @ellcee remarks,  I really hope one day to sail with you, you are an inspiration! Enjoy!
 

We were having dinner in Chops and lo and behold up sneaks Yen to say “hi”.  She kind of startled me but it was great to see her. I have no idea how she managed to find us within hours of boarding but she did.  Those Genie tracking skills are a bit on the creepy side.  🤭🤭
She said all of her SC guests were either onboard or on their way so it doesn’t seem like there have been nearly as many cancellations as I thought there might be.
When were in the Concierge lounge earlier, Alex (Concierge host) said that, to his knowledge, only 5 suites has cancelled.  The truth is, though, they won’t really know how many cancellations they have until boarding ends tomorrow afternoon.
BTW, they are still excluding D+ from the CL even with the modified itin.
On our way to 270 for the tech presentation.  
 
😉😉

We stayed at the Marriott Courtyard in downtown Newark.  The hotel itself was excellent. Absolutely no hesitation or concerns. The room was comfortable and clean and the mattress was very, very comfortable.  The neighborhood.....(or maybe I should say”the ‘hood).....however, was very sketchy.  We ventured out a couple times to eat but frankly, I was not comfortable (for one thing it was effing freezing) so we mostly stayed in the hotel.  We kept having people come up and beg for money.  We picked this location b/c, as I said in an earlier post, we were under extreme duress to find a place in a hurry. Likely we could have made a better choice, but it was well within the $200/day allowance that a Royal was reimbursing so we are happy, looking back.

It's still sitting at $79 for the inaugural Odyssey cruise and $99 for the following week. Anyone who's on either of these and wants to go to the Beach club should jump on it ASAP!

Hopefully there is not a tank with live lobsters.
Could be more entertaining than pier runners catching the ship.

It's still sitting at $79 for the inaugural Odyssey cruise and $99 for the following week. Anyone who's on either of these and wants to go to the Beach club should jump on it ASAP!

I hate to even utter this but...you might be better off calling. Often times they will have a program that allows them to search much easier.

It's also difficult because it's one of the first types of rooms to sell out on most ships, so unless you're looking at a newly released itinerary, it's probably not even going to be available to book. You won't even see them most of the time.

It's still sitting at $79 for the inaugural Odyssey cruise and $99 for the following week. Anyone who's on either of these and wants to go to the Beach club should jump on it ASAP!

It's also difficult because it's one of the first types of rooms to sell out on most ships, so unless you're looking at a newly released itinerary, it's probably not even going to be available to book. You won't even see them most of the time.

I'll be getting off the ship as you are embarking. I'll try to remember to leave y'all some food and alcohol 😉
We're also staying at the Kimpton Epic - my second time - I love it!  I started my own live blog, so feel free to follow along:
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/17851-symphony-of-the-seas-an-island-is-an-island-is-an-island-feb-22-29-2020/
 

The other reason you aren’t going to have much luck is because that question probably runs in a huge range, I’d guess between 5k and 30k based on ship, week, number of guests and other factors. And if you think the RC site is bad go play around on the MSC site. 

And if you get caught sharing they take away the package and do not give you a refund. 

Nope, against the rules.  Sorry. Doesn't matter who is in what room, sharing a drink package is not allowed.

That is the general consensus with Anthem suites, not just the GS.  I find that even the lofts are a bit more cramped than the lofts on Oasis class.  But you are right, way better than a Newark hotel!  Happy sailing Raye!  Glad you and Dan made it there!

S: Good, actually, great news about your Anthem of the Seas sailing
Good morning! Late last night, we sent you an email sharing the news that the New Jersey Health Authority advised us that they received the results from CDC, and the individuals tested negative for novel coronavirus. (We decided it was a little too late to text you.) The good news, our departure from Cape Liberty, New Jersey will remain the same, at 3:00 PM EST on Monday, February 10th. The even better news, our team has been tirelessly working and has advised you can board the ship today! So, come start your vacation early with us. The terminal doors will open at 3:00 PM today and boarding will take place today from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST, or Monday from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST. Please know, since stevedore availability is limited today, you may need to bring your bags onboard with you, so it may be a good idea to pack lightly.
We really appreciate your understanding during this unexpected and very fluid situation. Our top priority is your health, safety, and wellbeing. We would never put you at risk, especially when it comes to health. So, thank you for your patience and we look forward to seeing you later today, or tomorrow!
 
Yippee !  Boarding today at 3:00. Ready to get this party started !

Exactly the same for us for Anthem. 

I could be wrong, but it seemed to me (if I’m reading the screening guidelines correctly) that you will receive these “extra” screening parameters ONLY if you qualify via the “China” questions. In other words, if you have not been in contact with anyone who meets those (list) of conditions, you will not be subject to the extra screening.
I will find out later today, as we board Anthem at 3:00.

Thanks! Hope so. We're staying in a Owner's loft suite w balcony. Only my second cruise but liked the Symphony of the Seas (crown loft suite) last year. 

Not a take from the passengers but a take from RC.  Both times I was on a cruise that was on the MIssissippi was nice but it is short in the day light.  In the Gulf was interesting seeing the oil platforms all lit up.

Anthem has bumper cars, roller skating, IFly, Northstar, an XBox area - sounds perfect for a 10-year-old.