Coachkev24 Posted March 7, 2022 Report Posted March 7, 2022 Hello everyone! So in 13 days, my wife and I and 4 other couples are embarking on Anthem of Seas for a fun week! This is our first cruise and I would love to hear some tips and tricks and advice on how to maximize our Cruising Experience. I've been watching all of Matt's videos and have been reading as many of your posts as I can and already feel like you all have been an amazing resource. One thing I've been wondering is, we have the Ultimate Beverage Package, so how early can you acquire a Bloody Mary or an Irish Coffee or Mimosa and where can we get such a thing? The UBP works at all the bars, including Brass and Bock and Boleros? Does is also work in Vintages or is it different because it's a wine bar? My wife is nervous about being sea sick, we have an interior stateroom, Aft....should we be ok with movement of the boat? The dress code for MDR, I have seen so many different opinions on what "formal" means...are jeans and a collared shirt for me, and capris or shorts and a nice top for the wife acceptable or will be scolded? I'm sure I have a million other questions, but maybe just reading your answers will help. TIA everyone and Happy Cruising!!! Quote
PPPJJ-GCVAB Posted March 7, 2022 Report Posted March 7, 2022 Hello. The drink package works as soon as you are onboard… I believe you will hear from others who can tell you exactly where to head for that Bloody Mary, etc! The clothing you describe for the MDR is perfect. Even on what might be considered “formal night” you will find many still dressed casually vs suits and dresses or gowns. No scolding!!!! I am not a formal dresser and I never feel out of place although my choice is capris or palazzo pants…not shorts. My husband has his doctor prescribe a patch to wear behind his ear and he has had no issues at all with motion (and he is highly susceptible to motion sickness!). Packing something with ginger in it may be helpful…just in case. Enjoy your first cruise…hopefully loving it enough to return for more! Coachkev24 and SemperMom 2 Quote
AshleyDillo Posted March 7, 2022 Report Posted March 7, 2022 How exciting! You should be able to see what time all the bars and dining venues open in the app to figure out where you can get your morning drinks and how early they are available. Coachkev24 1 Quote
Pattycruise Posted March 7, 2022 Report Posted March 7, 2022 Anthem has a bar in the Windjammer (the large buffet dining area) where you can get your Bloody Mary, you can also get it at any other bar. I was on Anthem 2 weeks ago and the bartender in the Casino make quite a “zippy” one. Then on my second half of a back up back it was a new bartender in the casino and I was served a bland one. Next time the bartender asked if I wanted it spicy and yes! It was perfect. Don’t forget to ask for the vodka you want in it, I don’t care for the Stoly…which seems to be the go to (or absolute)…they also have a grey goose,Tito’s, Belvedere. Same for my Maitai (sp? Sounds like my tie) they e used “trash tequila” so I need to remember to ask for Patron. Some bars may not have all brands of liquor, so you can always try another bar. yes, Ultimate beverage package works at all bars! Coachkev24 1 Quote
Pattycruise Posted March 7, 2022 Report Posted March 7, 2022 Two70 has the Royal brand infamous roast beef sandwich. Deck 5 aft. Do your muster drill ( it’s in the app) as soon as you board. Also book your onboard entertainment, the only show requiring reservations was Spectra (this was last week) but if the number of passengers increased it could be the other shows as well, play with the app once onboard to add all things you think you want to see, set up notifications for the app and reminders will show on your phone screen. (To add to your calendar swipe left and click on it) Coachkev24 1 Quote
need2cruz Posted March 7, 2022 Report Posted March 7, 2022 Guest service gives out free sea sick medicine, should you need it. My husband got sick on day 2 of our 7 night cruise. He went back 3 times for more meds. Next time we'll be more prepared. Pattycruise and Coachkev24 2 Quote
Audrey V. Posted March 11, 2022 Report Posted March 11, 2022 On 3/7/2022 at 12:20 PM, need2cruz said: Guest service gives out free sea sick medicine, should you need it. My husband got sick on day 2 of our 7 night cruise. He went back 3 times for more meds. Next time we'll be more prepared. Costco pharmacy has generic meclazine tablets. Take one before you board and then use as directed. Quote
Coachkev24 Posted March 11, 2022 Author Report Posted March 11, 2022 Truly appreciate everyone reading and responding! Love this community! Fingers are crossed that my wife enjoys cruising as much I know I am and this becomes a regular event for us. Can't wait to share our first cruise experience with you all! KristiZ and Pattycruise 2 Quote
Soon2Retire227 Posted March 12, 2022 Report Posted March 12, 2022 @Pattycruise Please tell me more of this "Royal brand infamous roast beef sandwich" that you mentioned . I think I've heard legends about it but I what I heard was it is only served on embarkation day. Is that true? I am also a RC newbie with my 1st cruise in about a week on Anthem! TIA Pattycruise 1 Quote
Pattycruise Posted March 12, 2022 Report Posted March 12, 2022 15 hours ago, Soon2Retire227 said: @Pattycruise Please tell me more of this "Royal brand infamous roast beef sandwich" that you mentioned . I think I've heard legends about it but I what I heard was it is only served on embarkation day. Is that true? I am also a RC newbie with my 1st cruise in about a week on Anthem! TIA On Oasis it is served in the Central Park Cafe ON Anthem it is served in Two70. It is served DAILY FoxboroCruiser 1 Quote
FoxboroCruiser Posted March 12, 2022 Report Posted March 12, 2022 Sounds like our first lunch stop on anthem in April! These are the little things that make cruising even more unique. Pattycruise 1 Quote
Done Posted March 12, 2022 Report Posted March 12, 2022 15 hours ago, Soon2Retire227 said: @Pattycruise Please tell me more of this "Royal brand infamous roast beef sandwich" that you mentioned . I think I've heard legends about it but I what I heard was it is only served on embarkation day. Is that true? I am also a RC newbie with my 1st cruise in about a week on Anthem! TIA Every day when we sailed on Anthem. FoxboroCruiser 1 Quote
RonShafer Posted March 12, 2022 Report Posted March 12, 2022 The March 27 cruising of Anthem will be our 3rd time aboard Anthem. My wife and I highly recommend cafe 270. This cruise is a 70th b-day gift for the boss (wife), and my 65th b-day gift. Coachkev24 and rjac 1 1 Quote
Pattycruise Posted March 13, 2022 Report Posted March 13, 2022 3 hours ago, Toby said: Every day when we sailed on Anthem. Youi'd be amazed at how many people I spoke with that didn't know anything about 270. Maybe I should zip my lip so the roast beef doesn't disappear! Another little known secret, they have bags of chips behind the salad bar (inside of a cabinet where you cannot see them). A few weeks ago it was cheddar sour cream and onion (that's the type, one type only). they also offer hot chocolate, if you do not see the packets ask the person who makes the specialty coffees for one. Coachkev24 1 Quote
rjac Posted March 13, 2022 Report Posted March 13, 2022 4 hours ago, FoxboroCruiser said: Sounds like our first lunch stop on anthem in April! These are the little things that make cruising even more unique. I usually start off with two or three. They are GREAT! FoxboroCruiser 1 Quote
Soon2Retire227 Posted March 16, 2022 Report Posted March 16, 2022 Thank you everyone for your answers and advice. I will definitely make a visit to Two70 my first stop once onboard! Quote
Coachkev24 Posted March 16, 2022 Author Report Posted March 16, 2022 7 hours ago, Soon2Retire227 said: Thank you everyone for your answers and advice. I will definitely make a visit to Two70 my first stop once onboard! Since our group is so large, we are going to meet up at 270 after check in....that sandwich and a cold beer are gonna hit the spot! WAAAYTOOO and Pattycruise 1 1 Quote
MattG Posted March 16, 2022 Report Posted March 16, 2022 37 minutes ago, Coachkev24 said: Since our group is so large, we are going to meet up at 270 after check in....that sandwich and a cold beer are gonna hit the spot! This is the smartest move - everyone goes to Windjammer (we made that mistake, too!) Go to Two70, find a good seat, get a drink and a Kummelwick, and veg out. Soon2Retire227 and Coachkev24 1 1 Quote
MattG Posted March 16, 2022 Report Posted March 16, 2022 iFly and North Star have "complimentary" (free) and "extended" (paid) times. The complimentary times open up each day at 8am in the app. Set an alarm and book as soon as they're available! Complimentary times are usually only available on port days. Bumper cars in SeaPlex are fun, but you only get to reserve one time per cruise. However, if you still want to try again throughout the cruise, just show up any time they're doing them - if there's no line, they'll let you walk on without a reservation. The Solarium fills up quickly, both with chair hogs and actual people. It was not a relaxing environment when we went, it was just...busy! Your mileage may vary. MDR is presented as "fine dining", but still overall can be casual. The clothes you described are what I wore each night and I felt right at home. With regards to MDR food, feel free to order as much as you like, even if you just want to try something. On the last night I ended up ordering three apps and two entrees because there were foods I didn't want to miss out on. Bonus points if you can split something with a table mate to avoid food waste, but the wait staff will happily bring you anything (and everything) that's on the menu. DBP is more than just alcohol! Make sure you get your Starbucks coffee at Cafe Promenade, milkshakes at Johnny Rockets (including alcoholic ones), fresh-squeezed OJ in the Windjammer or Cafe Two70. Also definitely use your DBP to experience new drinks you wouldn't otherwise try - this includes specialty drinks only offered in specific venues like Bolero's, Music Hall, etc. The walls of your stateroom are magnetic - get on Amazon right now and order some magnetic hooks - we got a set of 25/30lb hooks to hold masks, lanyards, shirts, etc. We also got a set of 100lb magnets to hold wet bathing suits in the bathroom, as well as a shoe organizer to hold all the small things you accumulate throughout your trip that you don't want to leave on a desk or fall on the floor. We had no plans/ideas for the shoe organizer when we brought it, but ended up using most pockets with things we accumulated. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BF3LY3W - 100lb magnet hooks https://www.amazon.com/Powerful-Refrigerator-Magnetic-Neodymium-Upgraded/dp/B07QSJ6Q72 - 25lb hooks https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-24-Pocket-Hanging-Medium-Size-Organizer/dp/B07227PWVP - shoe organizer I'll see if anything else comes to mind throughout the day CFL, Soon2Retire227, WAAAYTOOO and 1 other 3 1 Quote
Coachkev24 Posted March 16, 2022 Author Report Posted March 16, 2022 @MattG Thank you for the info! 3 1/2 days to go!!! Quote
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