Still itchy!

Item: Anthem of the Seas
Rating: 2
Author: mysschevous

Anthem of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

mysschevous

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 15

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

Verified Review

9 Night Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean (Cape Liberty Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 14, 2016

Ship: Anthem of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10522

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

The itinerary was nice. Loved the islands. Embarkation was a breeze, debarkation on the other hand, was a little crazy. We pulled into port at 7:15 and we were supposed to be debarking a couple of zones by then. If you have an early flight, don't do it. 1/2 way through the cruise, I started getting bites and they were itchy. SInce we were in the tropics, I assumed mosquitos. I was wrong. When I got back home, I went to the Dr because the itch was so intense. He told me it was bed bugs. Ugh. I had to wash everything in HOT water, decontaminate my luggage, etc. We have been back for 3 weeks and I am still itchy! As far as the dining, there were only 2 meals we enjoyed. The rest were mediocre at best. The Dynamic Dining does not work. We were a party of 2 and had difficulty getting a reservation. Our steward was great. I felt all the activities were limited. Please be sure to book them before you get on board! Tried to book the puzzle room when I got onboard, but it was fully booked. I didn't see it in my cruise planner either. Bumper cars were fun, but it was an hour wait. We were never able to get a chair near the pool. Always available one deck up however. I have sailed 15 cruises now, and would not consider another Quantum class. To each his own.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

77 Comments

mynx41 8 years ago

So jerseygirl6887...What did you do?

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

jerseygirl6887 8 years ago

I got bedbugs from explorer of the seas in April 2014.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nicolle2 8 years ago

Did anthem in june 9 days....not one single problem except it rained in Bermuda. Had a blast

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

trishandcharlie 8 years ago

We are hoping this time if year there aren't a lot of kids on this cruise ,wand to just relax for 9 days

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

trishandcharlie 8 years ago

We are going on this cruise may 25 2017 out of Bayonne nj anyone else from nj going would like to meet other couples and have a great time we are going with another couple too we are from whiting NJ

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

They travel good distances and that's how they end up in your house. Your luggage sits under the bed and is a proffered hiding spot for them.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

From what I read bedbugs don't hide on sheets. They hide in mattress crevices and in places where changing sheets have no effect. They creep out while you sleep. Pretty gross.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

pacotaco23 8 years ago

just get the sheets dirty quick and ask for new ones idk if they will change everyday but on carnival last yr the steward gave us an option to have then changed everyday half way thru or not at all

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Windjam064 8 years ago

Sorry Kelly, we are around the 22nd (school vacation week). It will be loud - this cruise should be sponsored by Tylenol

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

He has the 19th showing.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

nurselife 8 years ago

The only thing that stinks this time around is we aren't going to St. Lucia. We are going to Martinique instead.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

nurselife 8 years ago

Windjam, we are going on Feb 7th. Is that when you are going?

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Windjam064 8 years ago

Kellyblask - yes we are. Here is the scoop : we had a multi generational cruise on Allure for April. We had to change it and the only real option for us was Anthem in February, so we swapped. My wife and I alone are going in December on Anthem,, just to make sure we understand the ship and help make sure the February cruise will be stress free. We'll see. There will be 10 of us in February and that alone will be stressful!

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

Kellyblask...Yes! Everything on the Breakaway was awesome, especially the hibachi. You're right you have to make the best of it no matter what.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

nurselife 8 years ago

I was on the Breakaway last Feb. Mynx, did you try O'Sheehan's. That was good. Food wise, the Breakaway was much better. The hibachi and steak houses on the Gem.and Breakaway are awesome. Nothing has beaten them yet.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

I've decided to stick to the Breakaway as we enjoyed it last time. I know things happen and we make the best of what we have. Always happy to be on vacation.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Thanks for the response Kelly. I'm sure you will have a great time. So sorry your vacation was cut short. That one week a year most of us rely on is honestly irreplaceable.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

nurselife 8 years ago

Windjam, next Feb you are going?

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

nurselife 8 years ago

Nypd11483. I really didn't have a choice but to book it again. We had the norovirus on our cruise and it got cut but 2 days due to weather. So we had to book onboard for the $200 onboard credit and the deal for the cruise, one of us going for free. I will still make the most of it and have fun. There will always be things you like and don't like.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

nurselife 8 years ago

We had the noro virus on our cruise.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Danidanielle 8 years ago

Anthem is different from the other ships and some people can't handle new things. We enjoyed it. We had no problems with dinner reservations and saw all the shows. Rooms were in good shape. We prefer the Oasis class but with Bayonne so close we enjoy not flying!

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

SuePitz 8 years ago

NYPD you are so right with all the bad reviews about ALL the ships leaving port liberty. It's really sad that it has to be that way. There must be a lot of unhappy people in the northeast, which is really sad as that is my home area.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

Exactly...I'm going on the Christmas and New Years cruise on the Anthem and someone commented that it sounds boring. I replied back with "Yeah sounds boring to those who doesn't have the holiday spirit." Something to that effect...Ppl are just moody and want to damper on other ppl's parade.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

I agree that the reviews are a bit polarized but honestly the ships that leave out of the NY region (and I mean all) seem to get scrutinized more then others. In all honesty, this is a very large new ship with many amenities for all ages. And it is Royal Caribbean. They are a top notch company. That is what you pay for, so in all honesty, I can't see you and your entire family not having a great time. Just make sure you take the time to pre-book the most pertinent things you would like to do. Have fun.

Thumbs Up 3

Flag

SuePitz 8 years ago

I definitely will, thanks!

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

Enjoy!🎉🍹☺️

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

SuePitz 8 years ago

If you have a positive attitude you won't be disappointed. Things don't always go as planned. You just have to roll with it. My favorite ship so far is Explorer. We leave in 11 days on Anthem. I am so excited I can't stand it!

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

Windjam064 8 years ago

NYPD, thanks for your encouragement. We know we will have a great cruise but it is amazing how polarized the Anthem reviews are. We have been on a few different ships and so far Freedom is our sentimental favorite. We wanted to do a family cruise on Allure but the schedule didn't work out and our only option for all of us was Anthem in February. I don't want them to be disappointed.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

Depending on the itinerary for Aug 2018 it'll be between Allure, Harmony or Oasis. 2017 I'm already booked on Carnival Vista.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

I have been on freedom and Explorer both nice but Oasis and Allure is a whole different experience. Deff a must do

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

Freedom, Explorer and Adventure were all nice...Allure & Oasis I haven't been on yet. Disney Magic and Wonder were fun when my daughter as little (The best!) and Carnival was good especially when it comes to their pricing and parties. Lolol

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Yes! I remember the cinnamon buns. Definitely awesome

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

That's the experience I had the last time I was one it. Only other ships in truly enjoyed top to bottom is Royal Allure and Oasis

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

The coffee and cinnamon buns were to die for!😳👍❤️

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

Breakaway was Amaze-balls!😂👍🎉🍷..I actually won an oceanview from NCL sweepstakes. I didn't want to leave....We left for winter break in Feb. everything was totally on point and we met wonder ppl who we hung out with every night for drinks.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Oh and the coffee. Way better on breakaway but then again that's personal preference

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Yeah I'm kinda torn between the Norweigion Breakaway and Royal Anthem. I do like that the buffet stays open longer on the Breakaway and the 24 hour places have way more variety. That's my delema

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

Lolol...I was skeptical about Adventure of the seas because it's an older ship and had problems before I boarded. However, overall we had the best time! The cruise is what you make it. I go and make my own fun. If I listened to every bad review then I would have never cruised. Bad reviews will never stop me. I wasn't enthused when I was on the NCL EPIC (crowded) but overall we had a blast.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Lol sorry windjam. Honestly I think you are going to have a ridiculously spectacular time. It's a tropical cruise. Have a great trip and let me know how it goes cause I'm ready to cancel lol

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Windjam064 8 years ago

This is a bit OT but I have read both good and bad about Anthem. What should I trust? We decided to book a cruise ourselves to test it out. We are "planners" so we should be fine but we have a more cautious anxiety with this trip rather than our typical giddy pre-cruise anticipation. Now we will add checking for bed bugs to the list...

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

thecruiseaholics 8 years ago

Lol

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

thecruiseaholics 8 years ago

I always wash my hands again after getting food, but before I eat. My family calls me a crazy, but I don't care. I will not eat a a buffet anywhere but on a cruise. I can't stand when people let their kids run around and touch everything. I guess what you don't see can never bother you. I guess ignorance is bliss;) ok. Who is up for liquid lunches by the pool starting in 12 days?

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

SuePitz 8 years ago

Mynx41... you got that right!

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

We have it booked but I'm reconsidering

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Kelly I see that you booked the Anthem a second time. I'm guessing you liked it

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

It looked great until that point.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Oh yes. That person turned to me and said the soup was horrible. Like I was going to find out...

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

SuePitz...And they're usually the ones who complain that the ship is not up to there standards...😳

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

SuePitz 8 years ago

OMG that's sick. You just have to keep vigilant. If you see something, say something. That's how nurovirus gets started. They probably don't wash after bathroom either. Disgusting.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

As bad as that was the person smelled like hot garbage. I lost my appetite.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

I saw someone taste the soup using the ladle that you pour it into your bowl with then put it back in the pot

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

nurselife 8 years ago

Speaking of the food, a lady on our cruise stuck her finger in something to taste it first. Absolutely disgusting. People have no common sense or manners.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

DeputyCruiser634 8 years ago

We just got off the Anthem and it was one of the best cruises we have ever been on. The food was amazing, shows amazing, staff amazing!!! People just love to complain. We made show and dinner reservations online before hand and had no issues. Our room was great and always kept clean. We had no issues with this ship or the crew. We would go back on it in a heartbeat!!!

Thumbs Up 3

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

Exactly!😂😂😂😂

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Stuck on a tropical island with alcohol and plenty of food? Oh the horror...

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

Hello!😂Better yet we have to stay docked at an island until the storm passes.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Exactly. Put me on a luxury ship in a hurricane and I will have fun

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

True...Each cruise line has its ups and downs. I enjoy myself regardless because for those sailing days I don't have to worry about cooking, making up my bed, enjoy activities, go island hopping and so on. So pass me a drink and let the fun times roll!😉🍹🍷🍾🌺🌴🐠🛳⛱🍺❤️

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Lol people sticking their hands in food is the worst. We have all seen it but it comes with the territory. Regardless of cruiselines. I am a big fan of Royal and most likely will always be but from what I have been reading, the Anthem needs some work.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

On the NCL ppl got upset because they were unable to get their own food from the buffet. Then once that changed (because of the complaints) ppl were reaching over food, would put things on the plate then decided to put it back.😳 let's not even talk about the ice cream machine...😱

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

I know people can be nasty. I've witnessed people complaining when asked to wash their hands. It's sad and scary at the same time

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

nypd11483...Oh absolutely! That should have been reported.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

*done to correct it

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

As I mentioned. It's not that it happened but more so what was do everything to correct the issue. From what I read above, nothing was rectified

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Yes I agree it could be a fake review but bed bugs from what I hear are common. So odds are it happened. And as common as they are and as easy to spot as they are, you should not go an entire cruise without spotting them. As was the case on my trip. This should be reported to the cruise line as a courtesy to passengers.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

While touching it. Then ppl get attitudes when asked to "Wash their hands" I'm sorry but some ppl are just plain nasty!😳

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

mynx41 8 years ago

Unfortunately...The stewards do the best they can. Sad to say that it's not the cruise but the ppl that board brings that with them. The change over is so vast that it's ridiculous!😳 They do change mattresses but not frequently and or every time they port back in Bayonne. That's just like when ppl know that they're sick yet still leave their cabins, sneezing and coughing over the food...

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

thecruiseaholics 8 years ago

Look at the name on the post. This could be a joke. Not to mention. If the cruise left when they say. They haven't been back for 3 weeks. Food for thought..maybe just a hater

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

wagner1944 8 years ago

Did you report the bedbugs? If so did you get a response. This has me very concerned!!!!

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Apparently they multiply and spread to multiple locations. If the cleaning staff is not versed in what to look for, that one room will become multiple.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

@thecruise regardless I would make is a practice to check the beds yourself. If you Google search bedbugs you can get a general idea what they look like. They apparently are pretty easy to spot. After our last experience, me and my wife make it a practice to check these things ourselves. This before we unpack and open our belongings to infestations such as these. So gross and extremely unsettling.

Thumbs Up 3

Flag

thecruiseaholics 8 years ago

Can you please respond. I am going with my 20 month old and don't want bed bugs. What room were you in??

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

nurselife 8 years ago

I hope you contacted Anthem to let them know so they can take care of that.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

I'm definitely canceling my Anthem cruise. Not really feeling the reviews.

Thumbs Up 3

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

That is a horrible things to go through. That happened to us on a Norweigion cruise and the cabin steward caught it early. They relocated us into a similar if not better room, washed and pressed every article of clothing we had, gave us a $250 onboard credit plus specialty dining and followed up after the cruise with a $500 credit towards our next cruise which we used the following year. We never asked for anything but the way they handled the situation was above and beyond. I realize things happen but how those things are handled during and after makes all the difference in the world. I feel for you because that is a creepy feeling. Luckily the cabin stuart was diligent in his job and caught it the first day so we never got bites. Nor brought them home.

Thumbs Up 4

Flag

thecruiseaholics 8 years ago

What cabin were you in??

Thumbs Up 4

Flag

meghad23 8 years ago

Sorry to hear about your downs with the cruise, and bed bugs sound horrible! but glad this has not turned you off from cruising. This is making me think about bringing some bed bug spray, although I've never had an issue *Knock on wood*

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

Review of my experience on Anthem of the Seas.

Great Cruise

Dining was terrible