Cruising on the Anthem of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Up early and then head out for coffee find that it has increased in price for some reason. Like most establishments in NY they seem to work on flexible pricing. We pack get ready then to reception and then head out on the road down to 32nd Street to catch the tube all the way to Hoboken

We were worried that the cases wouldn’t be able to fit through the turnstiles. But it wasn’t a problem because we were able to go through the Disabled section. The journey only took took about 15 minutes. Then transfer to the light railway, which is a mixture between tram and train. At 34 street Bayonne we organised a Uber taxi to take us to the boat. It took 5 minutes to arrive and the same amount of time to get to the docks.

The service was really excellent, and the price of $11.19 included a tip of three dollars.

as we approach the ship it just loomed over as it was so massive. we offloaded our bags with a real grumpy Porter so we didn’t get a tip and then headed in the arrival area to find that there were thousands of people already there seated. Nevertheless the actual system was amazing, as there were people with iPads to check to you win which took a matter of seconds and then you were seated waiting for the boarding. within 15 minutes we were actually heading on board the ship.

All in all from leaving the hotel at 8:15 we are actually on board at 10:45 absolutely amazing.

The ship was amazingly wonderful but it was also really overcrowded but that’s possibly just because everyone couldn’t get to their rooms until 1pm. The buffet was bombed out totally, but this gave us the opportunity to walk around the ship and find out where everything was.

We eventually found a small buffet in the solarium bistro which provided salads and other delectables. This kept us busy for sometime checking out what was on offer. Eventually we had a slice of beef, a small piece of fish and a cup of coffee and some griddled courgettes. Very tasty. And such peace and quiet compared to the main buffet area.

We headed to our room which was very delightful very similar to the premier inn Hub in London quite small but very adequate. although we did find one slight problem, there wasn’t a hairdryer for Judith but we soon phoned up housekeeping and they did advise that they would send one up. 20 minutes later we still were waiting. Judith had wet hair and l was getting very impatient because I wanted a drink. Phoned again, and were told they were very busy, but it would be with us in ten minutes.

Gave it another 15, by which time Judith’s hair was virtually dry.

At 2:30 pm we had to go into the theatre for our emergency evacuation procedure which was a little bit of a laugh, because we were supposed to be watching a video but after 40 minutes they came back to explain that the video wasn’t working so they then just reiterated what we’ve already read.

After this we headed for the special lounge just for diamond guests only to find that Judith‘s key wouldn’t let her in. Using my key we got in and had a nice cup of coffee and a peaceful lounge, until a group of loud overpowering Americans disturbed the tranquility. 

As Judith’s card was not working we checked it out and noticed that she hadn’t been given the same category as myself. So we decided to go down to see the lady on the loyalty desk on deck four. Only took a few minutes to reprint a new card with her loyalty number ensuring that we got our three drinks per night included on the card even though we already have unlimited drinks on a package.

Back to the cabin for a quick shower and I must say that the shower room was very modern, clean and sleek looking, although there were a couple of things missing. Moisturiser and the line for putting the washing on. But otherwise it had everything that you could wish for.

On the way up to the room we had called at the guest relations desk to chase up the hairdryer, but after waiting 30 minutes, we still had nothing. Phoned housekeeping and we started the same procedure with the standard response. It will be with you in ten. 

After 15 minutes nothing, l wasn’t impressed. Contacted management who assured me they would talk to housekeeping. Still nothing, so phone one more time and explained very forcibly that having to wait six hours for a hairdryer and contact on many occasions it wasn’t an acceptable situation. Received the hairdryer within five minutes.

We head down to the dining club which is the special meet and greet for Suite and diamond members. Have a little drink or two and just watch people slide the drinks down them and then slide themselves onto the floor.

Dinner at 6:30 in the American icon restaurant which was okay we had a table for two. The food was quite tasty and the selection was very good. Although not very inspiring and not very special. 

Had a walk around the ship after dinner to see what bars were available and what entertainment was around and ended up in the nightclub Two70. Totally gobsmacked by the variety of entertainment blended with technological inspiration 

2nd December, Monday 

At sea heading south, windy but warmer. Although it started raining.

Can’t get over the type of people that are on the ship. all shapes and sizes but most of them are either big, bigger or even bigger. And the plates of food are heaped into mountainous proportions that overflow their plate. nearly everyone leaves masses of what they’ve taken, in fact the waste of food on the ship would most probably feed an African city.

Not everyone is like that, there are some lovely people, but all in all the majority of these people are uncouth louts without any manners whatsoever. There eating habits are appalling, most not understanding how to use a knife and fork, Using just a fork to force it down their throats with all and sundry being able to see the detritus being masticated, mouths  wide open. 

Dress, it’s a joke most of them wear tracksuit bottoms, baggy T-shirts stretched tight over their stomachs, loads of tattoos and flip-flops. moving at the speed of a sloth  whilst meandering from side to side blocking the corridors.

The The buffet is like a war zone with the cast of thousands pushing and shoving to get the desired volume of calories.