Overall, we had a fun time on this cruise. We would have liked some more activities and night life for people our age. This cruise had A LOT of older folks. I'm thinking because of the port location, it attracts a lot of people who cannot fly (or for whom if would be expensive); i.e. older adults, families. Nothing wrong with that, but the activities are definitely geared towards those groups.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
We took a cab to the terminal, and we spent a LONG time waiting for drop off. Once we got to the drop off, our bags were checked quickly, and getting through security was not too bad. However, getting checked in was VERY SLOW. The associates who were supposed to be sending the travelers to the next available check in desk were in La-La Land. Having side conversations, looking off into the distance. I mean, come on! There are 4000 people trying to board. Pay attention!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
DO NOT EAT AT WINDJAMMER! The food is disgusting! Half the guests do not wash their hands, despite a staff member guiding each guest to the wash area. Kids are walking around touching food, other guest will cut you in line; people are just arrogant and rude! Most of the food is luke warm at best. Breakfast is a joke...eggs swimming in 3 inches of water (blah!) So many other better (sanitary) options. I gave three stars because the food in the solarium bistro (bunch) and MDR was great and helped even out the score.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Trivia was fun, only a few scavenger hunts were offered, not much for the 30-something couples. Lots of Bingo if that's your think, but seemed most activities were geared towards older individuals, or kids. NorthStar was fun, as was rock climbing. Did not do iFly or Flowrider due to timing issues, and no interest in bumper cars/roller skating.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Our room attendant was ok. She gave us clean towels, wiped everything down, and made the bed each day when she cleaned in the morning, and again at turndown. Not sure she did much else. In the 9 days we never had our sheets changed and I don't think she ever vacuumed. The balcony was very salty (especially while in the Caribbean); it was never wiped down. Our server/assistant in the MDR were phenomenal! We are there 7 of the 9 nights.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Having traveled on Oasis in the past, we felt Anthem was a downgrade. The ship was much smaller, seemed less nice in general. It was nice to walk from one end of the ship to the other, but it lost its appeal much faster. I must say, everyplace we walked, someone was cleaning. It was nice to see.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Ship tip
If you want GOOD food, don't eat at Windjammer...there are so many other option! Also skip Sorrento's; they only had 3-4 pizza options: Plain, roni, veggie, and one other option. Many more options offered (and rotated by day) while we were on Oasis.
Had a great time. We did the Zoo/Aquarium excursion. Nice boat tour on the way there, and entertainment (singing crew) on the way back). Lots to do in port: shops, restaurants, etc. I heard there is a little man-made beach within walking distance, we did not check it out, but think we would have preferred the short trip to Hamilton had we had the time.
It was HOT! Again, lots of shops in port. Go to the chocolate shop...so good! We had an excursion to Maho Beach, but woke up not wanting to spend 5 hours in the sun. We noticed shuttles for $7...so if you are interested, do not book through RCI! We wasted $88 ($44 ea) by canceling, when we could have played it by ear and jumped on the shuttle for significantly less. Shuttles to other beaches and water taxis also available.
We did not book an excursion. We decided to walk around this port. Shops are a little further away in the port, but not too far; some is uphill. We visited the National Historic Site. Really cool to look around and take pictures from the top of the fort. Note: there is a CVS and a Walgreens right off the pier. Stop in to grab snacks/drinks, toiletries you forgot/used up; to bring back on the ship! By mid-vacation, I wanted some chips/nuts (we were also almost out of toothpaste) so I was happy we could bring some back!
Perfect relaxation port! We grabbed some lounge chairs in the shade an had ourselves a day! Went for a quick swim; water was beautiful! Tried the roller-coaster; fun but feels a little rickety (my husband says that's the point). Free buffet set up in 2-3 locations throughout the port. It's only a small step up from Windjammer. Saw several people using their hands to get bread, or putting the tongs right on top of the food.
How old are you (if you don’t mind me asking)? My wife and I went on Anthem last year and we were 33 and 35 at the time of sailing. We found that there was PLENTY to do for us. We plan to bring our children on her the next time we go (and they will be 4 and 5 at that time).
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