BrianAlt

Have you done it post restart?

How I did what? Find a taxi? There's a well staffed taxi stand near the front of the port. You just walk out there and stand in one of the 4-5 lines for a taxi. I'm on a Celebrity cruise in April and there are 6 excursions listed...

I had assumed that everyone working there had dispersed. But I could be mistaken.

If they're just hiring now? Don't see how that will be possible. Just my opinion.

I'm sure Royal wants to reopen. It's always good to start planning.

For anyone that has recently traveled to St. Maarten, what do you recommend for the day on the island? St. Maarten is one of our favorite places to visit. We've been there more than a half dozen times. We did Bernard's Tour our last time there and really enjoyed that. But that was mainly because we were with a large group, some with mobility issues. Usually we will just taxi to Marigot, do some shopping and some pastry eating and then head to Orient Beach for the rest of the day. Then taxi back to the ship. Is this still a viable plan in the COVID era? Would it be better to book a ship tour? Or another organized tour? We're going in April, if that makes a difference. Thanks for any advice you might have.

I could probably help with that.

Comparing the two, I would say that this one on Anthem was better. Mainly because of atmosphere. It's in the room behind Chops designed for this purpose. Although, I'd say I liked our tablemates more on Oasis. Probably my all-time favorite was the original version of Chef's Table in 2011 which was on Oasis in the Concierge Lounge that no longer exists. Problem back then was the wine selection was more limited. You can read about it in my review here: The Almost Complete Food Lovers Guide to the Oasis of the Seas

We did Chef's Table on Oasis in October. It was similar, but definitely a different experience than this one.

Anthem of the Seas - Christmas Day, December 25, 2021

How about the ham sandwich?

Oh. Sorry my comment bothered you so much. I’d like it to make me a ham sandwich. I’m sure that’s possible too.

Most people's GPS isn't working on the cruise, either by design or by choice. Are you suggesting they triangulate your location based on wifi routers in the area?

Completely agree with this. I had an issue on my last cruise, a few issues actually, and my first thought was, "I wish I could report this on the app!"

I can't really say. I had a pre-paid 3-night dining package.

Didn't spend much time in the indoor pool area. But I was in the Solarium every day.

Yes, but the ships are smaller also. So something to factor into that. Also, I LOVE the Sunset Bar on Celebrity.

Never saw one crew member ask someone to wear a mask in the Solarium. Every other fully indoor place, I did see it.

For the December 24th sailing, crew told me 3400. That's around 75%. But only 65% of cabins were filled. 900 children on the cruise. That's a big drop a week later.

Almost everyone was wearing a mask in the Solarium while walking around. Almost no one was wearing a mask while sitting in a lounge chair. I mean, if you're in the pool or hot tub, you're not wearing a mask. If you're drinking you're not wearing a mask. If you're at the Solarium bar, you're probably not wearing a mask. If you're sitting you should be wearing a mask? Didn't make a whole lot of sense. The captain did announce it during his daily report always adding, "...including in the Solarium." None of the crew was enforcing or trying to enforce. One other thing. The Solarium on Quantum class is completely enclosed. Other ships are at least partially open.

I agree with what you said here @twangster. I really enjoy Celebrity. I also really enjoy Royal. They want to be a "luxury line", but they're still mostly mainstream. Just a bit of a step up from Royal. Definitely not a giant leap. One thing you left out (or two) are the Aqua class dining room and the Suite class dining room, Blu and Luminae. Costal Kitchen on Royal is great, but to me both of these are a step above. Aqua class cabins are regular balcony cabins with a special dining room designed to be "healthier". In practice, the food is as healthy as you make it. You can still eat a plate of bacon every morning if you like. Also, on Celebrity if you're in a Sky Suite you're considered a full suite guest. The Sky Suite is like a Jr. Suite on Royal and on Royal you're treated like a semi-suite guest in a Jr. Suite. One thing missing on Celebrity are the Broadway style shows. The shows tend to be more of the revue style shows. But they also incorporate some terrific acrobatics in some.

Exactly! That's the problem! I have to spend the next year and half with virtually no one to discuss my upcoming cruises! Very depressing.