Complete Guide to Anthem of the Seas Cruise Ship

Introduction

Royal Caribbean launched the Anthem of the Seas, the second ship in its popular Quantum class, in March 2015. The new ship spent her first summer in Europe before crossing the Atlantic to her new year-round homeport of Bayonne, New Jersey, just across the river from New York City. The Anthem of the Seas sails to the Bahamas and the Caribbean in the winter, spring, and late fall; Bermuda in the summer; and New England and Atlantic Canada in the early fall.

Statistics and Fun Facts

• Gross Tons — 168,667
• Length — 1,150 feet, longer than five Boeing 747 jetliners or 2.5 times taller than the Great Pyramid of Giza
• Width — 136 feet
• Cruising Speed — 22 knots
• Guest Elevators — 16
• Bow Thrusters — 4
• Draft — 28 feet
• Guests — 4,180 (double occupancy); 4,919 maximum
• Crew — 1,600
• Staterooms — 2,090 (Balcony: 1,571, Outside: 148, Family-Connected: 16, Wheelchair Accessible: 34, Interior with Virtual Balcony: 375)
• The Anthem of the Seas is more than three times the size of the International Space Station and eleven times bigger than a blue whale.

Rooms

The 2,090 cabins and suites on the Anthem of the Seas range in size, price, and amenities. With many categories available, all accommodations include either a balcony, ocean view, or an interior cabin with a virtual view of the outdoors. The 375 interior cabins feature a large video screen simulating a balcony view by connecting to an outdoor camera feed. This provides a unique way for guests to check the weather and scenery without the hassle of sunlight disrupting their rest.

For guests seeking more space or luxury, the various suites on the Anthem of the Seas are fantastic options. The Royal Loft Suite, being the largest, offers exceptional amenities, while the smaller Grand Suite also provides a luxurious experience.

Many prefer a balcony, and the available Superior Ocean View cabin is both spacious and well-equipped with ample storage and a large bathroom.

Dining

Royal Caribbean introduced Dynamic Dining on the Quantum of the Seas, continuing this unique dining program on the Anthem of the Seas, albeit with some important variations.

Guests can choose between Dynamic Dining Choice or Dynamic Dining Classic for their dinner experience when planning their cruise. Regardless of dining preferences, they can enjoy menus that change every few days, featuring diverse cuisines.

Dynamic Dining Choice

With Dynamic Dining Choice, guests have the flexibility to dine at their leisure, choosing both the time and location for their evenings. They can secure reservations at four complimentary Dynamic Dining restaurants, each accommodating 430–434 guests; opt for five specialty dining options (surcharge); or dine at eight casual restaurants without the necessity of a reservation. Guests in suites also have the privilege of dining at the Casual Kitchen.

Reservations can be made ahead of time, utilizing the Royal Caribbean app on their mobile devices or tablets, or through the tablets provided onboard. A significant number of guests prefer to book their dining options online prior to embarking on their cruise.

Dynamic Dining Classic

Meanwhile, Dynamic Dining Classic resembles traditional dining room setups. Guests choosing this option enjoy dinner at the same time each evening, sharing tables with the same companions and servers. The rotation occurs among four Dynamic Dining restaurants: Chic, The Grande, Silk, and American Icon. If desired, guests can still book specialty dining establishments, subject to availability.

Interior Common Areas

The interiors of the Anthem of the Seas are designed similarly to her sister ship, the Quantum of the Seas. The contemporary and elegant decor makes this cruise ship a stunning venue. Many guests may prefer to enjoy the onboard experience, indulging in an array of activities comparable to those found in resort settings.

The ship features an impressive amount of covered interior space. On the upper levels, the extensive SeaPlex sports complex offers bumper cars, roller skating, basketball, circus training, and lively dance parties with DJs. The Solarium presents spectacular views from the ship’s front and includes an indoor pool suitable for all weather conditions.

Descending to the lower common areas, the Royal Esplanade serves as a central hub, housing various bars, retail shops, and dining venues. Guests can also enjoy elaborate entertainment settings like the Royal Theater and Two70 cabaret, showcasing productions such as Spectra’s Cabaret and popular Broadway musicals like “We Will Rock You.” The Casino and Music Hall occupy a significant portion of the public space on deck 3.

The ship is home to diverse indoor bars and lounges, including the whimsical Bionic Bar, which features robotic bartenders, offering a unique experience for guests.

Outdoor Decks and Exteriors

The indoor public spaces are remarkable, while the outdoor decks of the Anthem of the Seas are filled with exciting activities. Some experiences, uniquely associated with the Quantum class ships, include the iconic North Star observation pod or the thrilling RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator. Other popular activities, such as the FlowRider surfing simulator and rock climbing, are standard on many Royal Caribbean ships. An outdoor pool and ample sunbathing areas enhance the outdoor experience.

Conclusion

Although the Anthem of the Seas includes many traditional features that long-time cruisers appreciate, it also caters to a younger demographic through advanced digital technology, Dynamic Dining options, excellent WiFi access, and an array of shows and activities. However, the cruise ship’s family-friendly environment guarantees that travelers of all ages will discover something enjoyable aboard the Anthem of the Seas.

Disclosure: The writer was provided with complimentary cruise accommodation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, iBestTravel believes in full transparency regarding all potential conflicts of interest.