I started my full day on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas quite early, by waking up at 5:30 so I could watch the sunrise.

My plan was perfect, except for the cloudy start to the day, but it was still quite beautiful and serene.

Besides the sheer beaty of the sky and sea in the morning, it is also great to enjoy the sense of having the ship "to yourself," since most guests are still sleeping.

Breakast was in the Windjammer, naturally, and opted for a custom omelet from the omelet station along with make-your-own miso soup.  

I know this is quite an odd combination but it is something I can only get on Royal Caribbean and has become a definite cruise tradition for me.

Next up was a press conference in Music Hall, which was attended by Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley, Anthem of the Seas' Captain, Royal Caribbean Ltd COO, Adam Goldstein, and Royal Caribbean Vice President of Marketing, Jim Berra.

It was mosty a question and answer session and there were questions about Cuba, Millenials, Anthem of the Seas and everything else between.

I spent the rest of my morning doing a video shoot, that will be posted on this blog sometime soon.  I won't say what it's about yet, but I thought it was a fun!

I had a quick lunch in the Windjammer, followed by getting my game on in the Xbox pod at Seaplex.  

There is something really cool about being able to play Xbox Live from the middle of the ocean!

I spent some time exploring more of the ship I had not seen yet.  Prepare for some photos!

Next up, was the brand new puzzle game, Escape from the Future.

This is new to Royal Caribbean and basically your group has to find and decipher clues in to figure out the solution to the game in 60 minutes or less.

I really enjoyed it because it was something totally different than anything I have ever done and extemely stimulating.

And how about these awesome chairs/couches/whatever this is, in the teen lounge, The Living Room!

I enjoyed a milk shake from Johnny Rockets, because, well, why not!

I spotted the "stowaway" piano player, finally although I missed out on being in the elevator.  

Oh well, maybe next time!

Next up, I spent some quality time in my favorite spot, Two70, to enjoy some beautiful Vistaramas.  

I am amazed by the amazing visuals in Two70 and if you sail on any Quantum class ship, you need to spend a lot of time in Two70.

Dinner this evening was in Jamie's Italian.

I had eaten at Jamie's Italian on Quantum of the Seas, but went back here to get another try.

Jamie's Italian offers a great mix of different Italian dishes and it is definitely not just pastas in a red sauce.

The meat planks and lamb chops are wonderful picks!

I felt like this time around, I enjoyed Jamie's Italian a bit more and I would eat there again (provided I had gotten enough of Izumi or Chops Grille).

Unfortunately, our cruise is coming to an end, but I loved our time onboard.

I have to admit, I really, really loved Anthem of the Seas. More than I was expecting.

It is difficult to explain why Anthem of the Seas stands out in my head so much more than Quantum of the Seas, but I am really impressed by the entire experience onboard.

Anthem of the Seas is a beautiful ship and offers tremendous dining and entertainment options.

I loved every minute of my cruise and cannot wait for our next Royal Caribbean adventure, which will be Brilliance of the Seas in November.  

A big thank you to everyone that followed along and shared their comments, tweets and posts with me during this great weekend!

Live Blog Index

• Live blog introduction
• Day 1 - Embarkation Day
• Day 2 - Sea Day

Here it is, our next Royal Caribbean adventure is here!

Today we boarded Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas, for a quick two-night cruise to nowhere.  It's a media cruise, where the goal is to show off just how impressive Anthem of the Seas is to members of the media and travel agents.

In typical fashion for me, I woke up at 3am and couldn't go back to sleep.  Eventually our alarm went off and it was time to get up and head to the cruise!

The drive to Cape Liberty took longer than I thought (about 3 hours) due to traffic, but we still arrived plenty early.

We parked the car in the new parking garage (as opposed to the open air lot across the street). Pro tip: the garage offers some nice views of the ship in port!

We checked in without any issues but we had arrived much too early, so I walked around the port a bit.

There is a lovely park near the port that has a touching September 11th memorial that was donated by Russia to the United States.  Definitely worth a visit.

At around 11am, we were able to board and I think we were among the first guests onboard Anthem of the Seas.

Naturally, we went up to the Windjammer.  There is something so amazing about Windjammer on Embarkation day. For me, it's the pinnacle of all that anticipation, excitement and happiness.

Following lunch, our rooms were ready, and so we went to our stateroom.

We are in a D3 obstructed view balcony stateroom (6266) and I have to say that our room is much larger in terms of square footage than I expected.

For me and my wife, there is more than enough space.  I could definitely see having a third person in the room and be fine.  Four guests might be a stretch.

Next up, it was back to exploring Anthem of the Seas.

Walking around, I was reminded once again just how beautiful she is.  Anthem, and essentially the entire Quantum class, are beautifuly designed ships.

We walked all the way to the Solarium and enjoyed the views of Manhattan.  Unfortunately, it was still a bit overcast but you could tell the clouds were starting to burn off.

It was also around this time that I realized I had not had my first drink yet, so I went for a pina colada and my wife chose a lava flow.  Great start to a cruise!

Being that it was still early, we went to the North Star for a ride and found no line!  

I had done North Star on Quantum of the Seas a few times but the North Star experience is still quite remarkable and never gets old.  Loved every second of it.

We took in the SeaPlex and I finally got a chance to try the bumper cars!

I never did bumper cars on Quantum of the Seas, so this was my redemption and clearly, I had a good time.

Next up was a tour of the Vitality Spa.

The layout of the spa on Anthem of the Seas is quite nice and I think I like how it is set up compared to other ships.

We also saw the thermal spa, which is $99 per person or $179 for couples for unlimited access to the hot stone chairs, rainforest shower room, infrared sauna and steam room.

My wife really enjoys the elevator art.

We then toured a few of the restaurants to get a sense of what they look like and sample some food.  Enjoy the photos, sans commentary.

After our muster drill, it was time for a special event called, "Anchored in America" ceremony.

Hosted by Royal Caribbean Vice President of Entertainment, Nick Weir, this is essentially an event celebrating Anthem of the Seas' arrival in the United States and it featured Anthem of the Seas godmother, Royal Caribbean Chairman and CEO Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley and a lot of theatrics.

It was a fun little event and was followed up by a New Years Eve-style balloon drop at the Royal Esplande!

I made a pit stop in Two70 and took in one of my favorite shows there, Vistarama.  Beautiful!

Now it was finally time for sailaway, and so we left Bayonne and headed up the Hudson River.

We passed the Statue of Liberty before going very close to Manhattan.

We sailed up the Hudson River to midtown before turning around.  The views were spectacular.

For our "pre-dinner", we went to Izumi for what I thought might be just an appetizer.

It turns out Izumi creator and Chef, Travis, was there and invited us in for a special meal.

Chef Travis personally prepared our entire experience and it was the best sushi meal I have ever had. WOW.

Big shout out to Chef Travis for the kind of WOW moment Royal Caribbean talks about.

I was stuffed, so we headed to Boleros to enjoy some music and drinks.  

I finally got a chance to try the frozen mojito that I had seen photos of, and it was a real winner!

Our primary dinner was in Chic, although all the complimentary restaurants are offering a sampler menu from all the restaurants.

Here are some photos from our dinner at Chic.  Good food all around!

We also stopped for a chance to try the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines onboard.  Love these things!

We wandered around after dinner and eventually went to Two70 to get a good seat for Spectra's Cabaret.

Prior to the show, there was a Vistarama and Roboshow and I was blown away by these shows, especially the Leonardo Da Vinci show.

It was a total WOW moment and I was beside myself in terms of how impressive it was.  I am trying to find out if I can see it again this cruise.

To round out our evening, it was time for Spectra's Cabaret.

It is difficult to describe this show, but it is a mashup of music, visual performances and dance. Certainly not something I had seen before.

Tomorrow, it is our last day and another sea day.  Stay tuned for more!

Live Blog Index

• Live blog introduction
• Day 1 - Embarkation Day
• Day 2 - Sea Day

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas cruise ship will offer guests the opportunity to see the Broadway show, "Grease."

Royal Caribbean Productions web site listed Grease as a show it is holding auditions for, thus confirming which Broadway show guests can enjoy onboard this new ship.

Royal Caribbean has been lead the way in the cruise industry by bringing Broadway shows to its ships. Five  other major Broadway musicals have debuted on Royal Caribbean ships since 2009: Hairspray, Chicago: The Musical, Saturday Night Fever , CATS & MAMMA MIA!.

Grease is a 1971 musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey with additional songs written by John Farrar.

In addition, Grease will also be presented alongside “COLUMBUS The Musical.”

Marvin Columbus is the very, very, very, very, very distant relative of Christopher and spent his entire life ‘neath Chris’ shadow. Marvin’s disappointed nobleman father, sends him on a voyage to find his destiny. Storms, pirates, and even flying sharks – all lead Marvin to his greatest discovery; himself. Romance, adventure, and ‘happy ever after’ are on the map, as Marvin Columbus finally finds his destiny.

Harmony of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's third Oasis-class ship, which debuts in Spring 2016.

Royal Caribbean announced today that Jamie's Italian specialty restaurant will be available on its third Oasis class cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.

Jamie's Italian is a specialty restaurant created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver that offers rustic Italian dishes made from seasonal ingredients and tried and true recipes.

Jamie's Italian first debuted on Royal Caribbean's Quantum class ships, and Harmony of the Seas will be the first cruise ship outside of the Quantum class to offer this venue.

Harmony of the Seas is still under construction at STX France shipyard and will debut in April 2016, offering cruises in Europe before moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in late 2016 to be homeported there.

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas has arrived in New York Harbor and embarked upon her first sailing and already there is a ton of buzz surrounding this amazing new ship.

Being the social media junkies that we are, we perused Twitter, Instagram and all points inbetween to find you the best photos so far from just the first day on Anthem of the Seas.

Enjoy!

Fun way to dress up pretzels onboard #anthemoftheseas

A photo posted by Beci Mahnken (@becimahnken) on Nov 4, 2015 at 10:54am PST

Shooting on #AnthemoftheSeas with @tomsroesser #instaship #royalcaribbean #travelgram #instatravel #instago

A photo posted by Nathalie Marie | Photographer (@nathattack) on Nov 5, 2015 at 5:39am PST

The fifth Quantum-Class ship from Royal Caribbean is coming to the seas in 2020! Are you excited? pic.twitter.com/TUtFZAPnyy

— Bolsover Cruise Club (@BolsoverCruise) November 5, 2015

Finally here! #AnthemoftheSeas book it with @rubesclvfan from@GreenbeltTravel keep up dated on my journey pic.twitter.com/ohQHHdNBwW

— Adam Rubin (@rubesclvfan) November 4, 2015

A giant ostrich kissed me on an #anthemoftheseas elevator! pic.twitter.com/lrdyvhSa1a

— Dave Beers (@cruisereviewer) November 5, 2015

Look, if it has to be unseasonably warm one might as well go to the pool. #AnthemOfTheSeas @RoyalCaribbean pic.twitter.com/tUCdyYeDml

— Inside F&B (@InsideFandB) November 5, 2015

Love WOWbands @RoyalCaribbean #AnthemoftheSeas Open door, charge items, ties to sailpass. @GirlontheGoJan pic.twitter.com/X0foOMtvJt

— Travelgirl Magazine (@TravelgirlMag) November 4, 2015

#AnthemoftheSeas leaving #NYC.

A photo posted by Nathalie Marie | Photographer (@nathattack) on Nov 4, 2015 at 3:08pm PST

Ahoy from Anthem of the Seas! @RoyalCaribPR #meetingprofs #AnthemoftheSeas #cruise pic.twitter.com/tjR1KFWwcQ

— Prevue Meetings (@prevuemeetings) November 4, 2015

Sea passengers always like to see a lot of these #AnthemoftheSeas pic.twitter.com/vnvamWMMlC

— Susan Breslow (@susanbreslow) November 4, 2015

On a clear day...she looks beautiful #giraffe #anthemoftheseas

A photo posted by Heather Sachs (@b1ueye) on Nov 4, 2015 at 1:07pm PST

#anthemoftheseas #sunset

A photo posted by Shelley Parham (@wanderingshelley) on Nov 4, 2015 at 5:50pm PST

Enjoying this view of the NYC skyline from the Solarium onboard #AnthemoftheSeas! Welcome to the U.S.A.

A photo posted by Gina Kramer (@jerseygirlformiles) on Nov 4, 2015 at 2:00pm PST

Loving the Anthem!!! #anthemoftheseas #cruise #royalcaribbean #nyccruise

A photo posted by Christopher Peny (@penyc5280) on Nov 4, 2015 at 3:36pm PST

Amazing slow roll past #FreedomTower! #GodBlessAmerica! #AnthemoftheSeas pic.twitter.com/fOQfHQyQ6w

— WDW Diva (@WDW_Diva) November 4, 2015

Want to see more? Be sure to follow our live coverage of Anthem of the Seas that begins tomorrow at http://anthemoftheseas.live!

Royal Caribbean will be offering a new cruise promotion called, "BOGO GETTER", where guests can save on their cruise costs in three ways.

The new promotion is valid on cruises booked between November 10 & December 31, 2015 and offers:

• 50% off the cruise fare only for the 2nd guest booked in the same stateroom as a 1st guest who is confirmed at full fare.
• 50% reduced deposit
• Onboard credit
  • Interior stateroom: $100 onboard credit per stateroom
  • Oceanview: $200 onboard credit per stateroom
  • Balcony/Suite: $300 onboard credit per stateroom

BOGO GETTER is valid on all deployed ships and sailings departing on or after December 10, 2015 are included in this offer, with the exception of all China departures.

In addition to the basic part of the BOGO GETTER deal, there are additional ways to save money on cruises.

Caribbean Bonus: 25% Savings for 3/4 guests on Caribbean sailings departing January — May, 2016.

Voom Bonus: Free Voom internet package for one device for Anthem, Harmony, Allure, Oasis, Freedom, and Enchantment of the Seas departing between May 1 — September 30, 2016

Italy Offer: Book between November 10-24, 2015 and get free prepaid gratuities for the 1st and 2nd guests and 50% off the cruise fare for 3rd/4th guests when booking a 2016 European cruise onboard Jewel, Vision, & Rhapsody of the Seas® sailings departing April — November 2016.

“Buy One, Get One 50% Off” is combinable with the adjoining Onboard Credit offer and VOOM offer, Crown & Anchor discounts and NextCruise offers. “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” is not combinable with restricted rates (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military.) The Onboard Credit and VOOM offers are combinable with restricted rates (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military) and NextCruise offers. Onboard Credit and VOOM offers are not combinable with Crown & Anchor discounts. Neither offer is combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, weekly Sales Events, Net Rates, Shareholder Benefits.

This offer is combinable for Future Cruise Certificates and Letters of Credit.

Offer available to residents of United States and Canada.

Our newest podcast episode is out to help give you a quick "audio escape" to a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Episode 118 is available for downloading, where Matt previews his upcoming 2-night cruise on the brand new Anthem of the Seas.

Matt will be boarding Royal Caribbean's newest ship this week for a glimpse at what this ship has to offer. Matt previews what he has planned for the cruise, what he's excited about and previews what content will be coming to the blog as a result of this cruise.

Here’s the podcast page for Episode 118. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Stitcher or on iTunes!

Take a listen and as always, let us know what you think! Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes and leave your comments below!

Royal Caribbean's newest Quantum class ship, Anthem of the Seas, arrived in New York Harbor early this morning and we have the first batch of photos from her arrival.

During her arrival in the early hours of the morning, Anthem of the Seas passed under the Verazzano bridge and went past the Statue of Liberty before heading into Cape Liberty.

Anthem of the Seas will be offering a few short 2-night cruises to members of the media and travel agents and then begin offering regularly scheduled cruises out of Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Royal Caribbean Blog will be providing live coverage of Anthem of the Seas, beginning on November 6th.

For many years, Royal Caribbean has been absent from offering cruises on the west coast of the United States and that has many fans wondering when that would change.

Royal Caribbean senior vice president, sales, trade support and service, Vicki Freed, spoke with Travel Agent Central about the possibility of Royal Caribbean returning to the west coast.

Freed pointed at the fiscal situation of offering cruises on the west coast, "We always look at the West Coast. But we continue to look at the rates that the other cruise lines are getting, and we offer an experience that we can't afford to be selling at those low rates."

"If when we see the rates start to bounce back, and we feel we can get paid for what we offer for our product, then we’ll be back there. But right now, unfortunately, it's a bath out there. They're selling four-day cruises at $199 per person and we’re not just talking Carnival."

"We spend more on food, more on entertainment and more on our overall onboard experience [than other lines] and so we cannot be the low-price leader out in any market."

Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas left Los Angeles back in 2011 due to violence in Mexico as well as to find bigger profits.