More Anthem of the Seas problems

The Anthem of the Seas is having a rough go of it lately. The ship had to alter its most recent itinerary and return to New Jersey two days early in order to avoid another storm. The good news is that Royal Caribbean learned their lesson and erred on the side of caution this time. A shortened cruise is a better experience (and better PR) than another trip that puts passengers and crew in danger.

The decision was based on the new weather policy. Passengers will get a partial refund for the inconvenience.

Weather wasn't the only issue. There was a small norovirus outbreak too.

The new ship remains popular so this should not hurt future cruises or sales. Just hope that those future passengers don't run into the same bad luck on their trips.

First lawsuit filed for storm-tossed Anthem of the Seas trip

That didn't take long. Less than a month after Hurricane winds forced the Anthem of the Seas to turn around and head back to New Jersey, a passenger has filed suit against Royal Caribbean. He claims that during the storm, he was tossed about the deck and then unable to get medical attention because the facilities were closed during the storm.

While passengers sue the cruise companies all the time, I don't see this one going far. Ultimately he is healthy and the ship's crew followed storm-related procedures. Was there really negligence? Royal Caribbean has also refunded and credited passengers who experienced the storm.

Royal Caribbean to change weather plans after storm scare

As the Anthem of the Seas passenger disembarked Wednesday, the media was there to hear about their cruise from hell. Predictably most of the comments were scary and have them questioning cruising in the future. But the bigger issue for Royal Caribbean was could they have avoided the storm?

Initially the Captain thought the ship could avoid the heavy waves and storms. The plan was to sail ahead of it. That didn't happen. Now Royal Caribbean is going to invest in more weather forecasting in their Miami offices. This should give the crew and the company better information so that they never get that close to a storm again.

The ship is scheduled to return to its normal schedule this week. 

Hurricane winds hit Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas

Royal Caribbean decided to turn the Anthem of the Seas around and head back to New Jersey after the new mega ship survived a storm with hurricane force winds. Passengers caught all the scary moments and damage on social media. Passengers will get a full refund and a discount on a future cruise.

Royal Caribbean has yet to announce plans for the ship or when it will return to its regular schedule. Some criticized the line for sailing into the storm. Fortunately no passengers or crew were injured during the storm.

Popular Cruising's Anthem of the Seas Review

Popular Cruising posted another one of their thorough reviews. This time it is Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. While they cover a lot of the high-end spaces and accommodations, you still get a feel for all the options. Of course you also get a glimpse at all the ship's amenities and attractions.

(If you're like us, at this point you can probably hum the background music Popular Cruising uses in their videos.)

Cruise Law News only site reporting on Anthem of the Seas emergency

According to Cruise Law New, the Anthem of the Seas cut short a cruise earlier this week due to four passengers suffering from a medical emergency. Yet there is nothing in the media. Nothing on social media from Royal Caribbean or even passenger chat. We trust Cruise Law News and wish other outlets would follow up on these issues.

We understand that negative publicity impacts perceptions of cruises, but we really think the industry would benefit from better reporting. Take this case. If the details are true and there were four emergencies, why not get more information out there. It is a huge ship. Four people getting sick or injured could just be coincidence. But by not having more reporting, it seems like there is something wrong on board. It seems like there is something to hide.

Those people who don't like cruises or don't like cruising are not going to change their mind about one news report. But the lack of good reporting can hurt those who do want to sail on the Anthem.  

Royal Caribbean adding fourth Quantum-class ship

Royal Caribbean just launched their second Quantum-class ship in the Anthem of the Seas and is not stopping there. The company announced that they will build a fourth Quantum-class ship. This is really no surprise given the instant popularity of the new ships. Like the previous Quantum ships, the new liner will be built with Meyer Werft in Germany and ready in 2019.

The Royal Caribbean Blog picked up from analysts reports that the new ship could be based in the North American market. As much as the Asian market presents a huge opportunity for the new ships, demand for the "wow ships" in the American market might be too much for Royal Caribbean to ignore.

Anthem of the Seas video reviews

That didn't take long! Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas just debuted to the public a little more than a week ago and already there are plenty of video ship reviews. Here are a few of the better new ones from passengers who sailed out of Southampton.

USA Today gives extensive look at Anthem of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's newest ship continues to make headlines. USA Today's Gene Sloan posted a series of articles and reviews of the new ship that just after sailing on it this weekend. The Anthem of the Seas is one of RCL's Quantum ships -- with some of the newest features and entertainment options, yet still has details unique to the ship (like an interactive chandelier).

Sloan was also one of the first to try out the ship's new skydiving simulator.

This links includes Sloan's photo tour of RCL's 23rd ship.

What to do on Anthem of the Seas

With Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas ready for its debut, Bolsover Cruise Club provides some helpful reminders of all the ship has to offer.

Look for some initial reviews after its first few sailings this month. Anthem of the Seas repositions to New York this fall.