While exactly like there were differences. Embarkation and debarkation were one of the only similarities. The layout was similar but there wasn't as much to do. Yes we were on one of the hurricane season cruises and the water was rough there and back, which didn't bother us but it did effect the rock climbing wall and swimming pool for most of the trip. And we ate at 8 which turned out to be the worst time to eat. Right in the middle of being able to see more shows and activities that we wanted to do. I booked in February for this September cruise, had it all set then they changed our dinning time, screwed us royally. So I'm glad in one way this was not my first cruise but at the same time probably my last for Royal Caribbean. If it were my first, We'd of probably loved it, except it was not our first cruise so we expected more. And if you are a smoker it was a horrid experience. Could not get out of the wind anywhere outside. There were not enough tables or ashtrays. Carnival at least has comfy seating and plenty of ashtrays. The whole one side on open decks has ashtrays even at the bar. They value us smokers and make us feel welcome. Our money is just as green as non smokers!!! Our opinions are heard by all. So please make smoking sections more readily available and practical so EVERYONE can have the same cruising experience. I was shocked the captain didn't know how to read or calculate a manual compass. Kids will learn the hard way I guess I just hope I'm not on the cruise when old time ways are necessary. You have the best when it comes to room variety, food by the best chefs, good entertainment, great staff to keep rooms clean,not sure but probably the best medical staff,entertainers, but what good is that if your power goes out completely as well as backup and communications then where will you be LOST AT SEA like Christopher Columbus i guess.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Everything went smoothly.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Our table was taken care of with a mindfulness of customer satisfaction. The only real problem was my drink order. Of course everyone makes martinis different. And with that in mind and a couple of failures and free drinks they had the bartender come and speak with me and WALA!!! problem solved.
So no hard feelings. Other than that our table was treated with great respect. A big Thank You to them for their service!!
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
There wasn't as much we liked to do, So we tried new things. This being our first Royal Caribbean cruise we expected it to be similar to Carnival, but we were wrong. There weren't as many comedy nights, bingo days, or stage performances as we would have liked to seen. Was excited to try the rock climbing wall but we were unable to due to rough seas. We did love the All Access tour. While it was hard to walk around due to rough seas, we were really interested to see how the ship was run. I still think the captains should know how to read a manual compass. Electronics are known to fail and I want to know the captain is ready for any situation.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Did not go to see but in passing they sounded great!!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our room steward was excellent. Dewa and his staff took very good care of our room as well as us if we had any concerns. This was our first grand suite room and well worth the money.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship seemed very clean for the age. They painted our balcony while we were in port.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Well this was our first suite for our 10th anniversary. And talk about comfort. First of all the size was amazing. We had 2 lounge chairs and 2 single chairs as well as a table on our balcony. Loved it. The bed was fit for a king . Drawer and closet space was unreal. We only went for 5 days this time but I couldn't fill all of the drawers and still had ample room in closets. there were 3 in total. With drawers in one of them as well. My husband couldn't believe I could not fill them all. There was medicine cabinets, and drawers galore in the bathroom. As well as cubby holes. there was an island with insane storage drawers for clothing and odds and ends. Then There was a separate vanity with many drawers as well. It also had a very large mirror that opened up into more storage space . And Dewa kept the room very neat and tidy as well as very clean. Outstanding job!! There was even a coffee maker which made mornings nice for a cup of coffee on our balcony. The couch had no use except for the extra pillows. The bed side tables could have been larger but I was able to share my water and pills and my alarm clock with the telephone. The tub in the bathroom was a lifesaver since we were in turbulent waters. Nice big tub the only suggestion would be to put a bar down the middle on the side of the tub, so you have something solid to hold on to when you are trying to shower in rough waters or on the water for that fact. Because while there are bars in the shower/tub there is no where to hold on on the other side just a curtain so you could easily fall out of the tub/shower. There was plenty of room to walk around even the bed. Almost perfect design.
Right off the ship it is a beautiful, clean, friendly little town with a mall. No beach, unless you take taxi.
Due to rough water our sunset cruise was canceled and glad it was. Didn't want to go on them waters in a smaller boat. We have done a sunset sail 10 years ago and it was beautiful. the sunset was 360* around you. Was cloudy when we were just there so it would not have been as nice.
@ciannone Awesome! You're lucky! Baltimore is the closest port to us (about 3.5 hours). The ship looks awesome! The only thing that worries me is the negative feedback about the port and traffic. I heard it's insane, but that's to be expected I guess. Can't wait to try it out! Even the interior staterooms with the virtual balcony looks great!
@ciannone thanks! We like to go to ports within a certain range so we don't have to fly. Cape Liberty is the 3rd closest port to us (7hrs). We want to try a big ship and hoping to get our feet wet with Anthem. The video tours of the ship & staterooms looks amazing!
Reading this I have no idea what is truth, and what is fabrication. I have to believe a Captain can read a compass. I agree with ciannone. Carnival is for you. No power at all? Ship's have emergency batteries , maybe not for your cabin, but for critical ship functions.
Anthem of the Seas is our favorite ship! We've been fortunate enough to sail on her 3 times since last October! Sailing again on December 14th. Lots to do, shows are outstanding, food, service and cabins are awesome! I can't say enough good things about that ship!
Sounds like Carnival is the cruise line for you! I'll stay loyal to Royal Caribbean. We've had cruises with issues, but the bottom line....you're on vacation which is more than a lot of other people can say. Give Carnival your business, they need loyal cruisers like you!
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