thereallytallguy

Got off Anthem last week. Coca-cola was printed on my seapass but I also had the sticker.

I'm not sold entirely on this rumor. I don't think that they'll replace Anthem with a Freedom class ship. Anthem is built for cold weather of a NYC winter. Liberty may come up here, but it won't be during cold months.

I was also on Anthem last week. You can reschedule your reservation while onboard. Or try the buffet at dinner time. It's not nearly as busy as earlier in the day, there's a bigger selection and, in my opinion, the food was better than in the MDR.

I'd like to try Navigator

I prefer 270 over Central Park, but I like the Aqua Theater more than 270....so I'll take Central Park

Can't do the zip line or North Star because I'm gravity challenged.

Wonderland

I emailed them about a month ago and I know all the entertainment on my cruise. I'm on the Anthem at the end of January.

Sounds like you're on my sailing. Can you share that info?

I don't think RCCL posts that pre-cruise.

You should be able to get lemonade. Not sure about the juices.

If this is true, then it's unconscionable as people are already paying a premium for a holiday sailing.

I'm all about Royal making money; after all, they are a business. But as I write this, I just realized that Disney does the same thing. They charge more for rooms during the holidays and increase the prices of the buffets, so I either can't be critical or need to hold Disney accountable, too.

Regarding the $12-$13 drink price limit, I suspect nobody is being asked to pay more. If they were, we'd be hearing about outcry from those onboard. This likely only affects those not on any sort of package.

Disney charges for the buffet?!?!? What kind of nonsense is that?

Depends.....if I want a Aqua Theatre then Allure. If not, Freedom.

Doing an Anthem cruise in February and was thinking about driving. Has anyone used the Bayonne Cruise Parking on New Hook Road which is 1.5 miles away from the port? A lot cheaper than parking in the garage.

 

 

Any feedback would be great :)

Commuting from L.I

I saw some pretty poor reviews about this place. The parking garage at the port is pricey but it's convenient and has 24/7 onsite security.

Getting there early does not mean you go right from the curb to the ship. When I was on Anthem we arrived at 10 but had to wait until 11 for boarding to begin.

First time I went to Maho there were tons of people on the fence. Last time I went the beach was packed but I was the only one to ride the fence.......it's not as much fun when nobody else is psyched about it.

January 26, 2017 Anthem OTS 12 night southern Caribbean

I'm interested to see if anyone had noticed a difference between bigger and smaller ships in the fleet when it comes to food quality in the Windjammer and/or the main dining room.

When I was on Anthem earlier this year I felt like the food was not what I've come to expect in the dining room. Mainly American Icon and Chic. I'm hoping that there's been some improvement now that they've done away with Dynamic Dining.

I play pretty much each day I am on board. Never a lot, but enough to spend a cpl hours usually.

 

Never won big...on Brilliance  last Jan though I did win a few hundred dollars on a cpl different machines which was my best yet.

 

No smoking in casino on Empress from what I have heard which I don't get. Smokers look for a place to go and if the only place left them can smoke inside is a casino, they are going to end up playing while there for sure. I know some may just "stop" in there for a smoke, but based on my hours and experience in the casino that is not the norm. 90% or more of the smokers in there are playing some kind of game.

 

I am not sure about better odds on certain days. I have heard those rumors too, but who knows. I have seen some big winnings on the last day/night, but maybe people are playing more then?

 

Now if I could only get some casino rate discounts on cruises I would be all set.

 

BTW, I have NEVER seen anyone win on a Royal ship with the claw or the "key" game with the bundles of cash. I have seen hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars go into these machines and none come out yet

I've seen videos that show no matter how "skilled" someone is at the key game, it won't give up a prize until it's ready. The operator can select how tight or loose they want it to be.

Back in June I came in 2nd in the final table of the poker tournament qualifier on Anthem. Won just under $200 but would have loved grand prize of a free Allure cruise.

Hi everyone!

I live with my wife near Utica, NY. I've been cruising since I was a kid when my mom was a travel agent.

I've been watching the RC Periscopers for a while now and plan to broadcast a bit on Anthem next month. I just recently discovered the blog, podcasts, and Matt's daily scopes. I was so impressed by all of this I got in on the Insider program.

I've been looking at the Best Western Plus Newark Airport. They offer a Stay and Fly (or cruise) package that includes 10 nights of parking ($8/additional day). They say they offer a shuttle service but when asked about it they said that they'll just call you a $55 taxi, Lyft estimate is half that. Some Uber options are also cheaper. Did the math, for a 12 day cruise it would be about $40 cheaper to take advantage of this package rather than stay at a hotel and then park at Cape Liberty. Of course you do loose the convenience of just getting in the car and heading home.

Looking for someone who has actually tried the self dispensing wine machines in Vintages and had the Ultimate Drink Package.  Did you just scan your sea pass card and it dispensed wine?  Really looking forward to a wine water fountain!

Don't use the machine if you have a beverage package. It will charge you regardless of having the package. Order through the bartender instead, he'll tell you what is included with the package and what is extra.