Just off Anthem today

[RCIfan1912]

Well we are just off Anthem today on a 7 night cruise to Coco Cay and we just absolutely love Anthem. The crew is amazing off the bat. Drink service can be a bit slow here and there but crew was amazing overall. 

Cape Liberty is a mix of good and bad. Royals side excellent, 10 minutes and on but the security screening is not good. The lines they say up are odd and take longer than they should. I'm not sure I understand why it's set up that way. 

Anthem itself is in excellent shape, looks just as good as we sailed on her a few years ago. The elevator situation which thankfully I take the stairs is terrible. It's a combo of too much use and rude people. My wife with the baby take the elevator everywhere. It was just not great. 

The food I'd say is hit and miss. I'm not gonna be a cheerleader and I LOVE Royal Caribbean but I'm not gonna be a cheerleader. The food is just hit and miss. MDR, some things were good and some ok, and some not so good. I got lasagna one night against my better judgement and honesty I wanted to see what they consider lasagna as I am Italian. It was um not great. It was to be kind, not good and not what I consider lasagna. 

Windjammer is the same, hit and miss. Breakfast actually really good. Lunch which we did once was ok to be nice. The burger was almost awful which I don't get because on Coco Cay the burger was much, much better. The Mac and cheese was extremely bland. The fries were excellent though. 

Cafe 270 was excellent, everything was excellent. Oh the doughnuts and pastries at all places we ate were excellent. The chocolate doughnuts were extra good, small but plentiful and so good. 

Sorrento's pizza serves it's purpose and it's ok. It could be better but still not bad. It's a good quick bite. 

Desserts pretty much everywhere were excellent we thought. Some better than others of course. 

Jaime's we loved but the chicken Parmesan is not what I consider good but that's from an Italian that has eaten that so many times I could not count. It was on, edible but not great. Apps amazing though.

Wonderland is so much fun. It may be going extinct and odd but I love it. We love it. It's an experience and I like the food. It's just interesting and fun. 

Chops too upscale for me but food was excellent, like definitely a step up in quality. I don't like steak so I can't speak on that. Branzino was awesome. 

Now Coco Cay, that island is pure magic. Period, pure magic. The water was cold, not going again in winter but still a freaking ton of fun. We only do the free stuff and it's just a blast. With 2 boys, 10 and 2 it's amazing. Plan to go back again and again just not ever in winter. What is the earliest for Coco were the water is warm? May? 

That's my take and will add more when I think of more stuff. 

[jeffmw]

I tell people -- particularly those who are going on a first cruise -- very openly that I don't go on cruises for the food anymore. It's not what it used to be. You're going to an all-inclusive resort. The food is average. You go to the MDR for the experience of having a meal with family and friends after a day in the sun, but my expectations of the food are virtually nil at this point. It clearly looks and tastes like food made in large quantities. 

If you go expecting a good meal at the MDR or Windjammer, you're absolutely going to be disappointed. That's just not the point anymore. But I've adapted my expectations to that point and I don't care anymore. I'm there for the fun and the vacation -- not the food.

 

[PPPJJ-GCVAB]

On 3/3/2024 at 4:20 PM, RCIfan1912 said:

What is the earliest for Coco were the water is warm? May?

I am also interested as I will be there on May 20th.  Anyone able to answer about the water temp?

[RCIfan1912]

3 minutes ago, PPPJJ-GCVAB said:

I am also interested as I will be there on May 20th.  Anyone able to answer about the water temp?

I haven't been there in May but like I said it was very cool just last week. I'd bet anything by May 20th it'll be warm, it'll be comfortable. 

We were there in mid August last time and the water was obviously very nice but holy crap it was hot! I mean hot, hot, hot! We both burned pretty bad which is the reason we wanted to try February but water was too cold for us. Everyone one, at least adults were saying how cold it was. Kids didn't seem to mind one bit. 

Also the really, really big dump buckets at Splashaway Bay were not being used and I would bet because it was too cold. Those dumb buckets in August were just about the most fun thing ever! I mean that water came down with power and were refreshing and so much fun. 

[OCSC Mike]

5 hours ago, jeffmw said:

I tell people -- particularly those who are going on a first cruise -- very openly that I don't go on cruises for the food anymore.

I still do. Food is subjective.

5 hours ago, jeffmw said:

If you go expecting a good meal at the MDR or Windjammer, you're absolutely going to be disappointed.

Haven’t been disappointed yet. Thought the MDR was fine, not great, many years ago & still do. Some aspects of WJ used to be better but I can always find something. 

Again, food is subjective. If you choose to tell people how they will feel b/c it’s how you feel, that’s your prerogative. I’d encourage them to try everything & form their own opinion.

[judgen]

Hey RCL fan I was at CoCo Cay the same time as you and I used the really good pricing from Black Friday to go to the new Hideaway beach. The heated pool was almost too warm. It was fantastic. I realize with children you don't have that option. But if anyone is afraid of it being too cold that is an excellent option. I didn't even attempt to go in the ocean because I knew it would be too cold. There was also actually more vintages at Hideaway than I thought there would be. And the music was only loud right near the speakers and it wasn't bad at all as you moved away from there. I thought the food was good and you don't need to bring your own towels they have a towel station right there.

[Pattycruise]

6 minutes ago, judgen said:

Hey RCL fan I was at CoCo Cay the same time as you and I used the really good pricing from Black Friday to go to the new Hideaway beach. The heated pool was almost too warm. It was fantastic. I realize with children you don't have that option. But if anyone is afraid of it being too cold that is an excellent option. I didn't even attempt to go in the ocean because I knew it would be too cold. There was also actually more vintages at Hideaway than I thought there would be. And the music was only loud right near the speakers and it wasn't bad at all as you moved away from there. I thought the food was good and you don't need to bring your own towels they have a towel station right there.

I was at Hideaway as well.  The ocean water was a tad cold but fine once you got in (about 10:40am).  We then went to the pool, and later went to the ocean and it was “practically walk in”…no need to dip quick to “get it over with”.  The beach was amazingly clean-no seaweed and I noticed a net at the opening between this bay and the ocean that perhaps kept the big fish out.  Chill beach is known for its stingray and shark (hammer?). I have hideaway booked for 2 more of my cruises.  At $25 (the sale I purchased at) it was a bargain.  I can’t say it would be worth that much more. 

[judgen]

I agree with you totally, Pattycruise. I will not spend more than $25 either. I have had just as much fun at the other swim up bar, for no extra cost.

 

[RCIfan1912]

16 minutes ago, judgen said:

I agree with you totally, Pattycruise. I will not spend more than $25 either. I have had just as much fun at the other swim up bar, for no extra cost.

 

We only do free stuff at Coco Cay and it is so much fun! I mean we have so much fun. That island honestly is pure magic. They really hit multiple home runs with that place. 

Next time we are gonna pay for the water park part just because our son will prob be 12 and will love it. The wave pool is something that I would like. The little guy will be prob be 4 so I'm not sure he will get anything out of it but want to try it next time. 

[OCSC Mike]

5 minutes ago, RCIfan1912 said:

We only do free stuff at Coco Cay

Same here. Other than when being treated to a cabana by generous relatives, we've sat in the same exact spot every time since our first visit, strategically located walking distance from both a snack shack and Chill Grill (it always comes back to food for me) and not far from the Oasis pool bar. The only thing I plan to change is eating more snack shack and not tacos b/c both of my currently booked ships have ELF.

I'm sure I'd enjoy the extra food offerings at Hideaway Beach but I even passed on $19.99pp for our cruise in 12 days. I'd rather spend the $40 for the two of us at Playmakers or Mason Jar brunch (or pocket it).

As always, no judgment, everyone has their own preferences and values.

[jeffmw]

On 3/4/2024 at 8:10 PM, OCSC Mike said:

I still do. Food is subjective.

Haven’t been disappointed yet. Thought the MDR was fine, not great, many years ago & still do. Some aspects of WJ used to be better but I can always find something. 

Again, food is subjective. If you choose to tell people how they will feel b/c it’s how you feel, that’s your prerogative. I’d encourage them to try everything & form their own opinion.

I agree. It's not that I want to influence people's opinions. It's more so that a lot of people still have the perception that high-quality (even fancy) meals are a big part of the cruising experience. We're going on Odyssey later this month with a few families. One of them hasn't been on a cruise in a long time, so I've told the dad who I'm friends with not to get too excited about the food. Not that it's bad or that everything is going to be awful -- just not to have high expectations. The food quality isn't horrible, it's just not a reason go to on a cruise anymore.  

[FionaMG]

6 minutes ago, jeffmw said:

I agree. It's not that I want to influence people's opinions. It's more so that a lot of people still have the perception that high-quality (even fancy) meals are a big part of the cruising experience. We're going on Odyssey later this month with a few families. One of them hasn't been on a cruise in a long time, so I've told the dad who I'm friends with not to get too excited about the food. Not that it's bad or that everything is going to be awful -- just not to have high expectations. The food quality isn't horrible, it's just not a reason go to on a cruise anymore.  

I definitely see your point. Managing expectations can make or break the experience. Anyone who hasn't cruised in a while and is looking forward to the lavish meals of the past would be sorely disappointed.

[27th Lady]

What about specialty dining? I would say that the included food is not fancy (though generally tasty) but if high end food is your goal, then a dining package could make up lots of difference there. 

[FionaMG]

2 minutes ago, 27th Lady said:

What about specialty dining? I would say that the included food is not fancy (though generally tasty) but if high end food is your goal, then a dining package could make up lots of difference there. 

I agree that it could but I think it would depend a lot on the ship and what kinds of restaurants you like. The Oasis class ships have lots of options but other classes are much more limited. We just had great dining experiences at 150 Central Park and Hooked on Symphony but neither of those are found on, say, Anthem, which we've cruised on several times recently.

[OCSC Mike]

28 minutes ago, jeffmw said:

It's more so that a lot of people still have the perception that high-quality (even fancy) meals are a big part of the cruising experience.

Fair point here, especially if you mean the included venues like MDR/WJ.

28 minutes ago, jeffmw said:

I've told the dad who I'm friends with not to get too excited about the food. Not that it's bad or that everything is going to be awful -- just not to have high expectations. The food quality isn't horrible, it's just not a reason go to on a cruise anymore.

This is the subjective part I disagree with, which is of course OK. As I posted before, it's still a big reason for me.

I never cruised for fancy meals nor did I find the MDR all that amazing even 15 years ago (I agree it was better than it is now though). I very much still enjoy the simpler included food but I have simple tastes and I enjoy buffets. Others prefer nicer sit down meals. It's different preferences and opinions IMO.

I enjoy having standard breakfast food in the morning like cook to order omelets with usual sides, bagels and lox, the McMuffin from Park Cafe, pastries from wherever, etc. The rest of the day I enjoy making several trips to places like El Loco Fresh for tacos, Park Cafe for a kummelweck or panini, the WJ for random items (often Indian food), etc. I've even found Sorrento's much improved recently although that's generally just a late night snack. By the time I get to dinner, I'm not looking for a 5-star meal. Unless we're doing specialty dining (we don't do much), I'm content with some pre-dinner snacks from the CL, the current MDR, and some WJ.

I completely understand that food won't be a reason for some people; it is for me. The casino or shows or just sitting on a balcony are reasons for many... and those are definitely not big reasons for me (I do enjoy some of the shows but don't gamble or use a balcony even if I have one). Everyone likes what they like and that's why I find cruising so appealing. There are an infinite number of ways to enjoy it.

Apologies for being so long-winded; it's just how I am on forums and I've given up trying to work on it, lol.

[jeffmw]

1 hour ago, OCSC Mike said:

I enjoy having standard breakfast food in the morning like cook to order omelets with usual sides, bagels and lox, the McMuffin from Park Cafe, pastries from wherever, etc. The rest of the day I enjoy making several trips to places like El Loco Fresh for tacos, Park Cafe for a kummelweck or panini, the WJ for random items (often Indian food), etc. I've even found Sorrento's much improved recently although that's generally just a late night snack. By the time I get to dinner, I'm not looking for a 5-star meal. Unless we're doing specialty dining (we don't do much), I'm content with some pre-dinner snacks from the CL, the current MDR, and some WJ.

You make an entirely different point here which I fully agree with. As far as variety and choices, I definitely boast what people are going to find on cruises. One of the biggest reasons why we choose to go on cruises vs. other vacations is because anyone can basically eat whatever they want, whenever they want. If one kid is hungry at 12 and the other isn't until 1:30, who cares? One parent can stay at the pool with one kid while the other runs the first kid to the WJ. The other can go to El Loco later (I don't know if you have kids, but any time multiple kids don't have to eat from the same place at the same time, it's a massive benefit for anyone taking care of them). My kids also love that if we're walking through the Promenade they can snag a piece of pizza and sit down for a few as a mid-afternoon snack. When walking through Central Park I always peek into the Cafe to see if something catches my eye. And, as I said, we frequently visit both the MDR and WJ during dinner. 

That is absolutely a selling point of cruises. It's one of the things I love the most. It's the 5-star meal that I don't want people to have expectations for. 

[OCSC Mike]

7 minutes ago, jeffmw said:

It's the 5-star meal that I don't want people to have expectations for.

Completely agree with this.

Maybe I was just taking the "don't cruise for the food" aspect too strongly or literally because that's a huge part of why I do, lol. It's just not fancy food.

[RCIfan1912]

I have an interesting question. Our son 10 loves to swim in the pool, be in the pool which Anthem was great for because of the indoor pool on the cold days. He is extremely respectful of others in the pool. Just kinda does his own thing and also we absolutely LOVE that Royal Caribbean has lifeguards at all times. It's just a very nice thing, and comforting thing. 

On day 7 we had the "taste of Royal" lunch which was actually fun. More fun than I thought, although I don't like steak and Fillet mignon was main course. Never time I will swap that out. I just hate steak, sorry. 

Anyway our 10 year old had no interest in that of course, I don't blame him. We left him at the pool, we said you don't leave the indoor pool are except to get ice cream right next door and right back to that area. Don't leave with anyone, don't leave at all except for the ice cream and be respectful of everyone. He was great and followed directions. 

Not a good idea or ok in your book? Just curious because the decision was already made obviously. 

[jeffmw]

38 minutes ago, RCIfan1912 said:

 

Anyway our 10 year old had no interest in that of course, I don't blame him. We left him at the pool, we said you don't leave the indoor pool are except to get ice cream right next door and right back to that area. Don't leave with anyone, don't leave at all except for the ice cream and be respectful of everyone. He was great and followed directions. 

Not a good idea or ok in your book? Just curious because the decision was already made obviously. 

Ehh... I'm not going to give you some angry "WATCH YOUR WILD CHILDREN" answer a lot of Scrooges on these boards will (I have kids that age as well and believe the presence of lots of kids is a given when cruising Royal), but I wouldn't leave my kid at the pool for that amount of time. If you were to do it, I'd say they would need to have a phone on them that's connected to ship internet and you would have the same so they could reach you if needed. Pool or not, that's probably a bit long to leave a kid that age on the ship. It has less to do with their own maturity and trustworthiness and more to do with them simply being unaccompanied. Things can happen that have nothing to do with it being their fault, particularly on the pool deck.

[Al Miller]

It's a bit of a shame that in order to fully appreciate what cruising has become these days we have to spend so much time being an apologist for the things that have gotten worse of late. Not everyone cares about the same things. So it's all subjective. It's just frustrating when you know how it was not that long ago. But to be fair, many folks have always thought the food on Royal was terrible. Personally, I'm taking a break from cruising for a while. Maybe some separation will help me appreciate what we do still have.

[RCIfan1912]

I will defend Royal Caribbean in this way. I won't totally let them off the hook but this has crossed my mind. There is a freaking lot, I mean a lot of waste, an absolute ton of food waste. No doubt a company like Royal wants to do things the cheapest way to save money but they might also think why put so much money into food if it's just wasted. 

By the way I'm one that looks the food still on Royal Caribbean cruises. It's hit or miss but what are you gonna do. I always find something good and I'm satisfied. 

[teddy]

We disembarked the day you embarked.

Our cruise was chock full of extended families (ours included), and we felt like it was one of the best cruises we've been on in terms of how guests treated each other.  Everyone was incredibly friendly, waited for elevators to empty, and even waited for their turn at the Windjammer.  It was nice but kind of weird.

Tons of kids though.  If you don't like kids on your cruise, don't cruise from Cape Liberty during one the school vacation weeks in the northeast.

On a side note, we felt the MDR food was better than it's been over the past year.

[Pattycruise]

7 hours ago, RCIfan1912 said:

I have an interesting question. Our son 10 loves to swim in the pool, be in the pool which Anthem was great for because of the indoor pool on the cold days. He is extremely respectful of others in the pool. Just kinda does his own thing and also we absolutely LOVE that Royal Caribbean has lifeguards at all times. It's just a very nice thing, and comforting thing. 

On day 7 we had the "taste of Royal" lunch which was actually fun. More fun than I thought, although I don't like steak and Fillet mignon was main course. Never time I will swap that out. I just hate steak, sorry. 

Anyway our 10 year old had no interest in that of course, I don't blame him. We left him at the pool, we said you don't leave the indoor pool are except to get ice cream right next door and right back to that area. Don't leave with anyone, don't leave at all except for the ice cream and be respectful of everyone. He was great and followed directions. 

Not a good idea or ok in your book? Just curious because the decision was already made obviously. 

You know your child better than anyone else.  I was a latch key kid at SEVEN. We walked to and from school on our own, with the other kids on my block, we came home to an empty house.  At age 11 I babysat newborns.   Do I think any of that was “right”-I guess it was ok.  My parents likely had no choice and the parents who had me babysit obviously thought I could handle it.  The real challenge will be in a few years when he joins the roving group of young teens/tweens where an alpha male runs the pack and has the innocents  engaging in highly questionable behavior. Prayers your son can stand strong. 

[RCIfan1912]

47 minutes ago, Pattycruise said:

You know your child better than anyone else.  I was a latch key kid at SEVEN. We walked to and from school on our own, with the other kids on my block, we came home to an empty house.  At age 11 I babysat newborns.   Do I think any of that was “right”-I guess it was ok.  My parents likely had no choice and the parents who had me babysit obviously thought I could handle it.  The real challenge will be in a few years when he joins the roving group of young teens/tweens where an alpha male runs the pack and has the innocents  engaging in highly questionable behavior. Prayers your son can stand strong. 

I'm not worried about it. He was good, he followed directions. He had a deck chair with his stuff. He was in the indoor pool and was right where we left him. Admittedly the lunch was about an hour and half. I felt ok with it and it worked out. Thanks for the input, appreciate it.