CRUISE FROM HELL

Item: Anthem of the Seas
Rating: 1
Author: stedrak

Anthem of the Seas Cruise Review to Bermuda

stedrak

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 20

Overall rating:

1 out of 5

Verified Review

Sail date: July 23, 2016

Ship: Anthem of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10592

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

Having cruised 3 other times with Royal Caribbean and absolutely loved the experiences, this cruise was a MAJOR and an EXPENSE disappointment all around!. I welcome Royal Caribbean to reach out to my husband and me for further discussion.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Ship tip

Cancel if you are able.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

1 out of 5

56 Comments

damarie 8 years ago

Me too!

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Debbie1030 8 years ago

I'm going October 1 st can't wait

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

loungrace 8 years ago

All 5 stars except for you !!!!!!!!!

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

jb21340 8 years ago

Ok so the usual costs when your on a ship. That isn't different than the smaller ones.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

SvetlanaS 8 years ago

Specialty restaurants, casino, drinks, espresso, spa -most of your extra charges.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

jb21340 8 years ago

What cost extra money on the cruise?

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

jb21340 8 years ago

I would love to hear from you windjam064 when you get back after December. I hope the food is just as good. I loved the sit down dining room.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

tfleming675 8 years ago

I loved this ship

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Windjam064 8 years ago

jb21340, we are going in December, just the 2 of us, to get the lay of the land so our family cruise in February will be stress free. We have never had a bad RCI cruise and don't expect the Anthem to be any different, but these reviews give me anxiety. We'll book everything in advance and go in with a good attitude. You'll have a great time too. This December we will be taking pictures for the family, making notes for them and designing a scavenger hunt that the young kids can do in February to keep them busy. There will be 10 of us on the ship in February and family dynamics can go south very easy. If we prep ourselves - and if the weather cooperates - we'll be fine.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

jb21340 8 years ago

Now I am worried. I just booked for my family to cruise in March.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Windjam064 8 years ago

For us, our favorite class is Freedom. We did Oasis and had an awesome time but decided it was a bit too big which (for us) makes it not as relaxing as we'd ideally want. We liked it enough to book a multi generational trip on Allure - that class does have something for everyone. We had to switch that cruise to Anthem, so we'll see what happens. RCI really has a diverse fleet - old ships, new ships, big ships, small ships. Potential cruisers need to do a lot of research to know what they are getting into.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mskarla63 8 years ago

@shnhutson being new to cruising anthem only being my 2nd -breakaway the 1st --what is the oasis class that you mentioned -what makes them standout -would appreciate some information --thanks

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

shnhutson 8 years ago

I had a good time on this ship back in April, but I don't prefer this class over other classes. I like the oasis class ships, so I booked on Harmony after the Navigator. I booked everything ahead of time on the Anthem, so I didn't have any issues. We had a good waitress for our table, so the service there was great. Extra cheese cake and lobster every night. She transferred to Harmony.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

meghad23 8 years ago

With whatever the issue was, I hope you got in contact with RC directly. They willl not see anything here.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

mskarla63 8 years ago

my party of 17 just disembarked on the 28th --we loved the ship -I particularly loved the adult pool in the solarium -we had classic dining reservations each night -thanks to our TA

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Sail* not sale lol

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Kellyblask our sale date is April 2nd. It's a shame to hear they are changing the uptown grill because quite honestly it was my favorite place. The burgers were insane! But oh well I guess me and my wife will have a margarita and dream about the burgers they used to make

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Across *

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Accross the river over yonder

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Lol

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

damarie 8 years ago

That's so good to hear!

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

marlou25 8 years ago

My coworker just got off this ship and he and his wife had a great time.

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

joefive 8 years ago

I've written so many of these reviews of the Anthem. Much of what you read is absolutely true. I've been on the Anthem twice and The Quantum as well. This class ship is a disappointment to me as well, as compared to other RCL ships, but it won't stop me from sailing her. This port is located close to me so it's convenient, but that means nothing to you..all I can say is, don't dwell on anything negative take a deep breath someone will help you, but first you must help yourself. Book your shows and dining before, unless you have classic dining which i highly recommend. If you get blocked out of a show don't stress cause there is a wait line which gets opened up 15 min prior to the beginning of the show. If you are smiling, crew will be more willing to help..would you act kindly to a grimacing maniac???, lol...anyway, your cruise will be great if you make it that way. There are 4000+ people on this ship all hoping for a good time..find that place for yourself and enjoy.

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

pmhitchcock 8 years ago

It's on the news tonight to stay away from Puerto Rico. 5000 people have zika disease. I wonder if they will go to another port

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

kloven 8 years ago

to sdoxey thank you - I missed the k. much better refund!!

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Lovecruisingwithmyhubby 8 years ago

Yes, they stopped the fireworks. I've been on the Breakaway and it is a great ship. I have never been on a RC cruise, so I can't compare. It seems there are complaints about them all.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

nurselife 8 years ago

I don't usually listen to reviews either but when the majority is negative you wonder. And a lot of the negative was true. But live and learn. Nypd when are you going on the Breakaway? Oct 9th Margaritaville at Sea opens where the Uptown Grill was. I thought Uptown Grill was good. And I just heard last Aug. the fireworks stopped.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

sdoxey 8 years ago

K is £1000 so £2,500

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

kloven 8 years ago

to ukcruisers: in u.s. money that is only $3.34. wow they gave you 2 cups of coffee? that is terrible! recently canceled an anthem cruise due to them not going to st. Lucia and port time in san Juan. glad we did. we were in great Britain in early 70's and loved it.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

kloven 8 years ago

to cruisers: $3.34 refund? that is terrible!!

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

dculpepper1 8 years ago

Damarie please post, a review :)

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

damarie 8 years ago

By the way Norwegian would be my 2nd choice (don't care for Carnival).

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

damarie 8 years ago

I really think I will, and I promise an honest review when I return.

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Damaris I am sure that you will have a fantastic time. Unfortunately when it comes to Royal Caribbean we are very limited on choice of ships out of the New York area. I am looking forward to your personal review.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

ukcruisers 8 years ago

My wife, self, daughter, and son in law will never book a cruise on the Anthem again, too many bad memories of the cruise we had on it last year. The ship needs a major overhaul already as the plumbing is horrendous. Evertime a loo is flushed the noise is dreadful. Fortunately my wife and I didn't suffer too much, but daughter/son in law hardly slept for all in the 14 days we were on the ship as the main soil waste pipework was located behind the wall of their cabin making it almost impossible to even talk when a lot of loos were flushed together. After 4 days they eventually managed to get moved to another cabin, which was noisier than the one she had previously. I could go on at length about the couldn't care less attitude of customer services but it would take too long. Suffice to say that they received a rebate of £2.5K after arriving home and officially complaining. In fairness I must add that the cabins suffering all the noise are located in the same position vertically through all the decks behind a main bulkhead. I hope you aren't unlucky enough have selected one of them for your cruise holiday.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

damarie 8 years ago

Ok ny, I understand and agree completely, I take my vacation VERY serious, I work very hard, look forward to vacation, but I've never been disappointed with Royal (now that I've said that, watch, lol).

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Way to adapt and overcome. dculpepper1

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Yes I backed out... As I mentioned, I like Royal Caribbean, but being that I do not own the company. I do not see the point in risking our well earned vacation, when I know what I will get accross the river. This isn't an advertisement for the other guy. It is my personal experience and opinion. Loyalty is earned. I am glad they earned yours.

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

dculpepper1 8 years ago

I think knowing potential issues just have a plan B..... my group knew before boarding that we probably wouldn't be able to get our party into the restaurants so we met up after our excursions and ate locally. We docked in 4 ports, so we would asks locals to recommend places to eat. We had the most amazing local food from little hole in the wall places. And the prices were very responsible.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

damarie 8 years ago

So you backed out nypd, tsk, tsk. I'm standing behind Royal (but that's just me) I don't think I'll be disappointed, we seldom do the "specialty restaurants", so that one thing I don't have to worry about. Let's see......

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

Thank you jrmtx1. I take reviews with a grain of salt and honestly I personally can't ignore a good majority of these. Me an my wife take one week off a year and can't see risking having any regrets when there is a ship of the same size age and caliber right across the river. I do like Royal Caribbean but my loyalty does not supercede my vacation needs. We are not picky nor expect to be catered to hand in foot but we do expect to get what we paid for. We will be a captive audience for one week. The differents between a good vacation and a memorable vacation starts with the staff. Period.

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

dculpepper1 8 years ago

I was on Anthem in April I felt it was a 3 star ship. The ship is beautiful. I love the iPads. Gym,shows, Bionic Bar and casino was great. Excursions were first rate. The issues I had with the ship were, several crew members were tired.....not friendly. I have been cruising for years (20 +) and never seen so many employees working and having personal conversations on their cell phones. One steward ignored me when I was trying asks him a question and kept talking on his phone. The ship was under staffed. Another problem is there isn't enough seating space in the restaurant to accommodate all the passengers on the boat. My party of 10 tried to book prior to boarding the ship and was told everything was booked.... RC suggested try to book on the ship because someone might cancel. The only restaurant we could get in a few nights was the Solarium. The food there was good, but cold. The Windjammer food was average. Pretty much the same food selection for the entire cruise.And the food was cold, but you can give your plate to a crew member and they will heat it up for you. For me it was the worst food I have ever eaten on a cruise ship. I went on a 10 day cruise and the sinks outside the Windjammer was filthy the whole cruise. Also, when the ship was out to sea it was impossible to get a chair in the Solarium area. Passengers would hog the chairs . Passengers would get up early in the morning and leave personal items like flip flops and pictures on the chairs and not use the chairs till the late afternoon preventing other passengers from using the Solarium area. I saw 2 passengers speak to the crew about this issue and the crew said there was nothing they could do. My trip wasn't ruined. I was surprised since I had only heard RC is the best cruise line . I have cruised Carnival and Norwegian and never had one complaint.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

wkljny 8 years ago

I thank you all for the feedback, but there is no experience like first hand experience. I will just have to book a cruise with the Anthem and see for myself.

Thumbs Up 3

Flag

Windjam064 8 years ago

Like others, the luke-warm reviews worry me. We have a multi - generational cruise on Anthem happening in February. My wife and I booked an alone cruise in December just so we can experience the ship in advance and get our expectations in check. I am sure the cruise will be fine but these reviews do have consistent themes - I am apprehensive. Fingers crossed!

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

jrmkjm 8 years ago

Worst ship/staff/value/experience in the fleet, hands down. RCCL is a fine line for the money, but our family will NEVER book Anthem or any quantum class again. That class is a floating cash register, all gimmicks, and poorly executed more often than not. Glad nypd11483 you finally pulled the plug. You deserve better.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

kgarlow 8 years ago

I am so glad I was not alone. Loved all other cheap RC cruises but went full bore on Anthem. Did not enjoy the ship other than decor, northstar, bumper cars and our owners suite. I replied to RC and have not heard from them. My sailing was end of May. Most problems were with staff and lack there of. Some issues were technical.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

hapster85 8 years ago

We had a wonderful time on the Anthem. All of the crew that we interacted with were quite friendly, great food, entertaining shows, and so on. Would be nice to hear how your cruise was lacking.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Kruzadik13 8 years ago

I'm curious to know what happened. I sailed on Anthem in April (my 12th with RC) for her first voyage to Bermuda. I had a very good experience but everyone's is different. I consider feedback but it's always a good idea to try things for yourself. I would advise doing your research on everything (cabins, food, entertainment and other costs) before booking.

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

damarie 8 years ago

"Honest" opinion when I get off this ship! Btw I will be very disappointed if they don't have "let it ride" tables in the casino.... 😎

Thumbs Up 3

Flag

damarie 8 years ago

I have read so many comments, mostly complaints, now I really cannot wait to sail on this ship on October 1st. I have sailed on 5 different RCL ships, from Empress of the Seas to Liberty of the Seas, there is NO way I can be disappointed by this cruise, maybe it's just been my luck I don't know (remember I've been diverted to Canada the last 2 years due to hurricanes. Please watch for my "honest

Thumbs Up 3

Flag

Nypd11483 8 years ago

I usually ignore most bad reviews but quite honestly some of the bad reviews about this ship are consistant and seem to have merit. I personally had this booked and as of today canceled to go over to a ship that I believe most likely will not disappointed. Sorry you guys feel cheated.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

nurselife 8 years ago

I hope it helps you.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

nurselife 8 years ago

I can tell you some things, Out of RCL, NCL, and Carnival, Anthem was my least favorite. Yes, it is a beautiful ship. They are not friendly as the crew on all the others I have been on. Our room steward never greeted us by name. The rest of the crew you always had to say hi 1st. You need to book the complimentary restaurants ahead of your cruise or good luck getting in. In the specialty restaurants some things you still have to pay for. Food like the buffet closes at 9. So eat before a 7pm show or you're stuck with frozen pizza or a few sandwiches that look as if they sat there the entire cruise. I fly is a lot of fun even though you are only in the tunnel 1 minute. My husband enjoyed the flo rider. The bumper cars are fun but anything in the seaplex is only certain times so check the schedule in the seaplex. The solarium is very nice. Get there early to get a seat. Early evening and night it is so relaxing and peaceful. The hot tubs in the solarium close at midnight I think. And the bar in there closed early as well. I forget the time. I only heard a little creaking in our bathroom and a little creaking in one area on our floor but it wasn't bad like others say. This was the least movement on a ship that I felt. I know a lot of people say it moves a lot but it didn't. That's abput all I can think of right now.

Thumbs Up 3

Flag

wkljny 8 years ago

There has been a lot of complaints about this particular ship. I too would like to know what was so wrong with this ship. I plan to sail on this ship so please by all means, give me the details.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

SvetlanaS 8 years ago

Could you provide more information? We will cruise with RC in a few weeks -what went so wrong?

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

banaford 8 years ago

You might want to let RC know. They will not see your comment on this site.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

Good exeperince

Great Time

Great Trip