beautiful but has some flaws

The ship was absolutely beautiful.The rooms , restaurants and entertainment venues were very modern and the nicest I've experienced on any cruise I've been on before.The staff was inredible! On a scale of 1 to 10 they were a 15. Every one I encountered went out of their way to make sure every need was fulfilled even without asking. The entertainment was also the best I have seen on a cruise.I usually skip a lot of the shows or leave early but I attended a show almst every night and thoroughly enjoyed every one.Boarding and leaving processes were excellent.

Now for the flaws.

Despite the size of the Anthem there were just too many people. The staff did the best they could to accomidate everyone but in certain areas it was difficult.The two main pools could not adequately accomidate everyone.The water in the main pool was filthy.There were so many people that one could barely move when in the pool.The water was cloudy from everyone's sunscreen.Despite how hot the weather was I would not go back into the pool after the first day.

The dining procedure took time to get used to.There were four free sit down restaurants to choose from but you had to make a reservation for each night .When I called to do so the phone rang without any answer.When we showed up for a table I was told I needed a reservation.I told the host that I tried several times but no one answered the phone.She said there was only one person taking reservations and that I should come o the restaurant each morning to make my reservation.I finally decided to pre plan what I wanted to do for each night of the cruise and made all of the reservations for the week on the third day.

The food was average.Menus for esch restaurant were the same on the first four days and then chaged for another four days.Food at the Winjammer buffet was the same every day for breakfast and lunch with no variation.Pastries were stale with limited variety.Finding a table was always difficult due to the crowds.

Drinks were expensive and small.

There were definitely more positives than negatives.I wish I could take the staff,cabin and entertainment and put it on a smaller ship.I am not sorry that I cruised on the Anthem but I wouldn't do it again.