Anthem of the Seas FlyCruise - Day 1: Boarding at Cape Liberty | Journeys
Our fastest embarkation experience yet
Sailing under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
It's embarkation day! We woke up early this morning to prepare for our trip to the terminal. It was a cold day here in New York City for tropical people like us - but it would be a lie to say we didn't like it!
During online check-in, we selected the 11:30am - 12:00pm slot. Royal Caribbean uses their Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal in Bayonne, New Jersey. We thought the best way to get from Downtown Manhattan to Bayonne was Uber/Lyft, and no doubt - it took us only 30 minutes to get to the terminal.
On the Lyft to Cape Liberty Cruise Port PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
A day before departure, we received an email from Royal Caribbean sharing that it is critical to arrive during our arrival slot, and early arrivals will be turned away.
Terminal Experience
Cape Liberty Check In PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
Upon arrival at the terminal, the first thing was always to check-in your luggages that you require porter services. Ensure the luggage tags were well tagged. Before entering the terminal, we were told to have our negative COVID-19 tests results ready on hand, and wear a face covering (face mask) before heading in. There was a short 5 minute wait at the security checkpoint, but that was the longest we had to wait today.
Wellness Check & Other Formalities PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
We approached one of the staff holding iPads to complete our Wellness Check & Check-in Formalities. She first checked our vaccination certification (generated via Notarise), Negative COVID-19 test result taken within 2 days of cruise embarkation, and followed by our Passports, Class of Visa and more.
The whole process took around 10 minutes, and finally she helped us wear a blue paper wristband to signify our vaccination status. It is their version of the purple version here in Singapore.
Boarding the Anthem of the Seas PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
Within 20 minutes of arriving at the terminal, we were on the ship. This was the fastest embarkation process we ever had - and we were really impressed by it.
First Impressions Onboard
The KEY signage at boarding PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
This definitely felt like a ‘real’ cruise - there was more crowd, and we understand from a member of the staff that we are operating close to 67% capacity now. While waiting for our room to be ready, we made reservations for the shows and activities on the Royal App, and dining reservations with the host at the Specialty Dining Desk. We manage to book everything we want throughout the 12 days with no issues!
Guests were required to wear masks while indoors, unless the venue they are in is considered a vaccinated guest only zone. Many complied with this requirement, and did not seem to be an issue.
Royal Esplanade PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
The Christmas Tree is up at the Royal Esplanade and seems to really add to the festive vibes! Around the ship, many more decorations were put up as well for the holidays.
Our Junior Suite PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
Welcome Onboard! PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
Cabins were not ready for us until 2pm, hence do take note of this if you are boarding before this time!
We also took the opportunity to go on the North Star while the ship was in port, and these are the complimentary rides that you will have to make reservations for. During Sea Days, only the extended (paid) version are offered.
Departure from Cape Liberty
Departing Cape Liberty PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
Many were up on deck to see the ship pull out of port to see the Anthem passing under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, on the way out to sea. It was cold, but the view was worth it. With the New York skyline behind us, we bid farewell to the city as we sailed south.
Departing Cape Liberty PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
Generally, this embarkation was the fastest and most efficient one I experienced. It certainly feels different than our usual Singapore Ocean Getaway Cruises, but in a good way. We also met some familiar faces - our favorite Royal Genie and a previous Guest Services Manager we worked with on Quantum is now on Anthem!
Royal Esplanade on Anthem of the Seas PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
It definitely showed that Royal Caribbean did spend a lot of time working out the experience and embarkation flow to ensure it was as smooth as possible for guests. Well Done!
Tomorrow is Day 2 and we will be At Sea sailing at 21 knots to our first port of call, San Juan, Puerto Rico!
Preamble: Anthem of the Seas 12 Night Southern Caribbean FlyCruise
A Note on Pandemic Travel
All international travels conducted by the Singapore Cruise Society will be done in accordance with prevailing health and border control measures of our home & the destination country. Our admins and staff have been advised and will follow a strict set of health guidelines set out based on current measures published by the cruise lines and local authorities.
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