Momof4crazytocruise

Texas does have some funky tax rules, so the choice of drinks while still in port is limited to those for which the Texas alcohol taxes have been prepaid.  So while the options are limited while in port in Galveston, the opportunity to enjoy a drink is still immediate.  Once you get into international waters, the options for drinks are greatly expanded.

We always tip on top of the pre-paid gratuities when warranted. A couple of bucks here and there go a long way and the hardest workers aren't always the ones who get the lions share of the tips. That's just us.

They had regular influenza.
Bottom line, do not cancel due to coronavirus. It's not present here and zero reason to cancel.

Hey, we are British; we don't line but we do queue - and we are very, very good at it! Of course we would not give up an opportunity to indulge in a national obsession.

We need to differentiate between Oasis class and Quantum class. 
On Oasis you need a full suite card to open the door to reach the host/hostess stand to check in.
On Quantum class the host/hostess stand is outside of the CK.  
In both cases you should wait to be escorted to a seat.  They know the waitstaff working with you and will place you accordingly.  
It is inappropriate to walk in and grab a seat at some table.  

Shoved off right on time at 3:00 on the dot. The Captain took us for a harbor tour around the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan.  The weather completely sucked but it was still a really nice trip.  I had heard that they did this from time-to-time, but had never been lucky enough to have it happen for us.

 
Sorry....bad picture.  I’m no a Twangster.
 

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 !

Thank you !  I got ‘em (the positive thoughts). We’re having a great night on the ship right here in port !  

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.

Thanks, Ellecee.  We are finally on Anthem !  Embarkation was a breeze.  Slightly disappointed with our Grand Suite.  Much smaller and feels closed-in compared with any GS we’ve ever had - even Grandeur !  We’ll survive.  Better than a stank  hotel in downtown Newark !

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 !

Good news for everyone! No coronavirus on Anthem!! 

https://abc7ny.com/health/4-passengers-on-new-jersey-cruise-ship-test-negative-for-coronavirus/5914063/

To make a bad situation even worse, we have a dead crew member on Anthem
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crew-member-dies-for-unrelated-reasons-on-virus-delayed-cruise-ship-sources/2282940/

Update:
Typhoid Mary has been banished to another state with her mother for the cheerleading competition. She has been fever free and acting her usual self since about 3pm yesterday so hopefully the Tamiflu keeps working it’s wonders. We are optimistic that we will all be healthy and ready for a well earned and desired vacation. It’s currently snowing hard enough here in NY that I just lost power.....yay

Yes! Prior to every cruise I visit Chase and request lots of small bills ($1's and $5's).

Some of us even pay it 3 times and happily toss a few bucks extra out here and there for outstanding service ?

They really ought to update the wording. What they mean is have your hiney at the port no later than 2 hours before sailing time. 

Some of us even pay it 3 times and happily toss a few bucks extra out here and there for outstanding service ?

Some of us even pay it 3 times and happily toss a few bucks extra out here and there for outstanding service ?

Some of us even pay it 3 times and happily toss a few bucks extra out here and there for outstanding service ?

Yes.  I booked a Courtyard in Newark. Site unseen. On the fly. In the Uber. Livin’ dangerous.  ??

I am on the Oasis of the Seas in 32 days, 8 March, and I would like to self-quarantine myself from my oh-so-sick co-workers. Hacking and coughing everywhere...oh the humanity! I am sure they got it from their booger pickers anyways. 

I myself am on quarantine right now! We sail the 21st.

I myself am on quarantine right now! We sail the 21st.

This ziplock trick is GENIUS. I am totally going to pack a few bags with detergent already in them. Thanks for the idea!
Also, I haven't used ship laundry services yet, but to me, it seems a nominal amount for the service you get. I do laundry EVERY day at home (I have 4 kids) - I don't want to do it on vacation! (which I totally do when we travel anywhere other than cruises - but that's not the point! If I could pay someone to do my laundry I would!)