Anthem of the Seas: What are you saying?

It’s just over a month since Anthem of the Seas arrived in Southampton for her sparkling launch and inaugural season. With the first of her passengers back on dry land, we decided to find out what you’re saying about Royal Caribbean’s newest addition.

Fine Dining

‘There are 18 dining venues aboard Anthem, including Jamie Oliver’s and a Japanese restaurant, however the speciality venue Wonderland was an exclusive a la carte restaurant which people were raving about.’

‘The dynamic dining restaurants fully booked but tables not filled. Had to wander around asking at each desk for a table. Shows all fully booked, having to queue to see if they had any space because people book and don’t turn up.’

‘On the first evening we were seated on a table of 4 in the American Idol restaurant, and on the second evening a table of 6 in the Chic restaurant. The menu was wonderful with a great choice of meat, pasta and fish dishes. The four main dining rooms Chic, American Idol, Silk and Grande all had food choices on these menus.’

‘Dynamic dining was excellent with instant attention for my vegetarian diet. Service from all the crew was friendly and efficient – certainly up to Celebrity standards.’

‘Dinner is now 3 courses and menu was on paper cards – I suppose another cost cutting idea but breakfast had English bacon and sausages.’

‘The main restaurants comprise 4 different dining venues, Silk (Oriental Fusion), Chic (Contemporary dining), The Grande (traditional menu), and American Icon (American style Steak/Grill). We dined in Chic and American Icon, and had no complaints about either. The decor is stunning, the service impeccable, and the food was delivered quickly, and tasted amazing! The staff themselves seemed so excited to be working onboard the newest ship in the fleet, and their enthusiasm carried over to us!’

‘Buffet food cool/cold, limited vegetarian options and no identification of same on restaurant menus.’

‘For those that like dressing up you can use the Le Grande Restaurant every night and wear dinner jacket or tux. The Windjammer is huge and without doubt one of the best Buffet Restaurants at sea. The selection is endless: lobster, smoked salmon, large prawns available at any time.’

Public Places and Entertainment Spaces

‘This ship has by far the most technologically advanced entertainment I have ever seen at sea. Two70 was an amazing entertainment venue, the 270-degree screens offered expansive sea views during the day, but by night they transformed into a real visual feast. In Two70 you could watch ‘Spectra’s Cabaret’, a leap ahead of the usual cabaret you would expect to see and there was a real buzz around the ship about how great it was.’

‘Us ‘young ‘uns’ enjoyed The Music Hall after dark, a really cool venue with live bands with a real moody night club feel. We danced the night away to 80’s tribute band The Wild Boys who were excellent.’

‘During the day you won’t get bored. From the RipCord by iFly® skydiving simulator, to the jewel-shaped capsule of North Star which ascends over 300 feet above sea level offering views of the ocean, the ship, and ports, there are many wow factors on Anthem. Also we experienced SeaPlex where people were zooming around in dodgems or trying circus skills like trapezing. We didn’t brave the FlowRider® surf simulator but it did look like fun. Anthem has an indoor swimming pool too so for any grey days sailing from Southampton this might come in handy!’

‘Once on board we were met with an amazing new design that appealed even to us oldies.’

‘Impossible to criticise anything about it really, surroundings beautiful, rooms lovely, not long enough to try all of the restaurants.’

‘The ship and crew where perfect and will book another cruise ASAP.’

‘As usual the crew and ship were fantastic, as were the food and entertainment’

‘She looks like she will appeal to families with teenage children. The roller skating and bumper cars + Flow rider would appeal to this age set. Oasis with the water playground would suit younger cruisers.’

‘Once onboard, the ‘WOW’ factor continued. The spectacular design that has been lavishly implemented on Anthem of the Seas is carried throughout, from the Promenade right into the staterooms. Everything has been given the full works, and the attention to detail is incredible.’

‘If you have children, whether tiny or teens they will never want to leave! The children’s areas are so well fitted, with all the toys, games, consoles and activities that they could want! The outdoor areas do not disappoint, with a superb splash pool, lazy river style pool, and H20 zone.’

‘I would perhaps suggest that if you prefer the more intimate, smaller ships, then the Anthem of the Seas may not be the one for you. But if you are excited by innovation, gadgets, technology, surprises and above all FUN, then why haven’t you booked already???’

‘Great entertainment with Spectres Cabaret – that is amazing. ‘We Will Rock You’ with the original cast, it makes a change from going on ships where the entertainers are in the autumn of their years with repertoire to match. The staff have a real ‘Can Do’ attitude.’

‘Just been up in the North Star. 150 feet above deck 15 and, 440 feet above the ocean. It really is an amazing ship.’

‘The standard of entertainment like everything else has been magnificent. Spectres Cabaret is brilliant.’

Cosy Cabins

‘We were allocated a wonderful balcony cabin right near the forward lifts. We didn’t experience any noise from the lift area or outdoor corridors. The cabin seemed very well laid out, nice and light & airy. Nice not to be faced with the usual dark wardrobe-type area as soon as you walk in as this cabin had built around the bed was so it didn’t seem as enclosed. The cabin was a good size with sitting area, big mirrors and modern décor. I was pleased to see tea/coffee making facilities, plus the usual in-cabin hairdryer and complimentary toiletries in the bathroom. The bathroom had a decent size shower and proper Perspex shower screen. Again lovely modern décor.’

‘Cabins were roomy and as you would expect immaculate. A kettle and tea supplies was very useful’

‘No Movies on the in room, only pay for films.’

‘No paper wallet sized map nor pen/paper in your stateroom. No chocolate on the pillow either but tea tray is back in.’

‘The inside staterooms have a webcam projection wall which gave the feeling on not being an inside cabin but a balcony. Very clever.’

‘The virtual balcony is an amazing piece of technology. It gives you real time views in the same way as a real balcony. It even has sound, which is adjustable, so you hear the same as you would with a real balcony. You see ships pass by and birds as they fly along. It will certainly be the answer for those who suffer from claustrophobia.’

‘This ship is amazing. Last night we watched ‘We Will Rock You’ performed by the original London cast. It was brilliant. Great food, large cabins, good quality toiletries. This ship is the way forward. Style and elegance mixed with glitz and glamour.’

‘This ship is still amazing me. The food, service and shows are really first class. The bar on cruising has just gone up several notches.’