Worst ship I've ever sailed

Item: Anthem of the Seas
Rating: 1
Author: dac105

Anthem of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

dac105

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 57

Overall rating:

1 out of 5

Verified Review

9 Night Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean (Cape Liberty Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 20, 2016

Ship: Anthem of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 12212

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

This ship should be renamed Mayhem of the Seas. I am a Diamond cruiser with Royal Caribbean and I love Oasis/Allure! I don't know what RC was thinking when they built Anthem. This ship is so unstable it rocks constantly even in calm seas. The ship is so narrow and everywhere we went we felt cramped and crowded like sardines in a can. The only decent food we had was in the specialty restaurants. The bed was so hard it was like sleeping on the floor. We had a mid ship balcony cabin on deck 12 but every night we were awakened multiple times by noise that sounded like someone was banging pots and pans together. Worst nine days of my life. BEWARE!!!!! Do NOT cruise on this ship or you will regret it. I wish I had heeded all the negative reviews I read before we decided on this ship. I haven't given up on Royal Caribbean but I will NEVER sail on Anthem ever again!!!!!!!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

The only good food we had was in the specialty restaurants. We went to Chops twice, Jamie's, and Wonderland. They were all three very good if you don't mind paying extra.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

North Star was no big deal but the ifly was fun.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

We Will Rock You was fabulous but The Gift and Spectra's Cabaret were so boring we left. The headliner shows were the same people we had just seen on another RC cruise we went on in May.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

I didn't have children with me so really cannot comment on this.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

They seemed indifferent to our complaints about the ship. Everyone was complaining about the ship.

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

This ship is horribly designed. It's way too narrow and it rocks all the time even in calm seas. I've been home a week and I still feel like I'm rocking. It felt crowded and cramped everywhere we went. Worst 9 days of my life.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The cabin was beautiful and spacious but the bed was so hard it felt like sleeping on the floor. They gave us extra padding but it didn't help much. There were noises that woke us up every night but we never could figure out where it was coming from.

Ship tip

Do yourself a favor and do NOT go on this ship. Stick to the beautiful and spacious and stable Oasis class ships.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

3 out of 5

King's Wharf, Bermuda

1 out of 5

One of the main reasons we booked this cruise and we didn't get to go because of weather.

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Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5

Rent a car at Coastal Car Rental for $57 and drive to Mullet Bay Beach for the day. Beautiful uncrowded beach with crystal clear water and lots of fish that will eat right out of your hand. Be sure and buy the chicken/rib BBQ plate at the hut on the beach. It's delicious!!

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San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5

We booked the walking food tour which was fabulous. Would do it again!

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Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)

3 out of 5

We didn't get off the ship here. I've been there before and the beach is unimpressive and too crowded when everyone gets off the ship. I prefer to enjoy the peacefulness of the empty decks on board.

Thumbs Up 1

47 Comments

kodak7 7 years ago

Well it looks like a great 2017 for you on Celebrity. I'm jealous!! When I cruise I try to stay out of the buffets/windjammer. Only went a few times and agree it's not the best. Found the bistro the best for self-service breakfast and lunch. Lol, eat very well and didn't miss any deserts and no extra pounds from the cruise. Always try and use to dinning rooms as much as possible. Have to admit Anthem has a lot to do. Was busy from 8am to 1am , with a few naps in between, lol.

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dominick1 7 years ago

On it right now, having a great time. People will always find something to bitch about and we all have different preferences!

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rcsgurl 7 years ago

Yep i will be a celebrity snob all day it was very disappointing i went on anthem with my sister best friend and boyfriend and thier like this isnt at all what we thought it would be...ifly was fun bumber cars were only open twice for an hr when we had a show to go to and the windjammer was always cold

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kodak7 7 years ago

Another Celebrity snob. 3 out of 4 shows were great. Food and service was very good in all 4 main dinning rooms. iFly was fantastic. Some cruisers should stick to the smaller ships. Dollar for dollar best value on any cruise. Great stateroom. Bed was comfortable. Yes, a little firm but not hard!

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rcsgurl 7 years ago

Far from exciting boring shows and horrible food

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kodak7 7 years ago

Anthem is a great ship. Had a fantastic cruise. Stay on Celebrity were you belong, lol! Big ships are not for everyone. Maybe to much excitement for you...........

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ciannone 7 years ago

Sailed twice in 4 months, had a wonderful time!

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ciannone 7 years ago

What a grump!

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apontesar 7 years ago

This ship is a mess!!! I agree with every word especially about the feeling of sleeping on the floor for 10 nights (we just completed the holiday caribbean cruise). We had good experiences before with Allure and Brilliance but I have no intention to return to this ship ever again

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themorningafter 7 years ago

If being on a cruise ship and not having a great time was the worst nine days of your life, you should consider yourself blessed.

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ciannone 7 years ago

You've got that right Sarah! ;)

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Sarahs58 7 years ago

Well I am sitting in rainy England wishing I could be on a lovely cruise ship in the sunshine with a cocktail in my hand. We are going back on the Indy next but have still got 270 days to wait. The Anthem is a great ship and anyone lucky enough to have a cruise booked on the ship will have a great holiday to look forward to. What is not to like about having no cooking, cleaning, laundry, work to do while you are on board. Ignore all the moaners and enjoy.

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singledadof2teens 7 years ago

I'm jealous... Wish I was having lemonade too... Hope you all enjoy yourself. It's an awesome time.

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kodak7 7 years ago

Lol. When I'm having my lemonade, will think of you.

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ciannone 7 years ago

I agree kodak! That's what the "lemonade" comment was all about! Hope to see you on board!

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kodak7 7 years ago

The original poster is a cry baby. My wife saw her review and was all worried. As anything in life, it's what you make of it. Going on Anthem in 3 days. Going to enjoy .........

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singledadof2teens 7 years ago

Can't wait to hear how it all goes.

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singledadof2teens 7 years ago

I wish I worked for a travel agent, or the cruise line. But unfortunately I am a bridge inspector. It is true.. but if anyone would like to hire me to travel and then blog about it, I'd be open for that. The sooner the better... Thank you ciannone and kodak... hope you have fun Friday.

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kodak7 7 years ago

Lol. He's a bridge inspector from Pennsylvania........

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ciannone 7 years ago

Single dad is just a nice, helpful cruiser! Really enjoy his outlook! I cruise Anthem this Friday to Bahamas. ... Will post review on return! Cruised New England and Nova Scotia on October. ...loved it!

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gkbruder 7 years ago

Just got back from a cruise to Cape, Coco cay and Nassau on Anthem. 3-4 stars. You are on the open sea, there will be some mild ship movements. There will be random odd noises, bring earplugs. Staff is great in staterooms, fair in clean up, good in food, great for drinks. We had the top drink pass and the bartenders are very good. Sure, there are mediocre crew, but everyone seems genuinely human.

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tomyoung 8 years ago

I cruised the ship and I will again in May. I was very impressed with the ship. When are you cruising. There is a lot to do on your cruise prior to boarding. You must pick the big shows you want to see and when you want to see them. What ports are you hitting. If you want to do some tours, see a tour person on Embarkation day. They will be more than glad to help. We hang back one day on port day. Especially if we have no tour planned. Good day to do Sky dive simulator. Embarkation day have a plan and execute. If you want to go in the dome book it 1st day or prior to boarding. Bumper Cars are typically crowded. Make sure you see virtual Symphonic Orchestra. Outstanding! Robotic Bartenders interesting to see. The ship does rock a little. I take Bonnie non drowsy and have never been sick. Room layout is excellent. We do Ocean view. Solarium is excellent area, pizza is very good. Mix sit down Breakfasts and Buffet. Sit down have mini buffet set up. Do not take reviews to heart. Relax you made a good choice. Enjoy your vacation.

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firsttimesailor 8 years ago

I know if you are a frequent cruiser or have at least a few cruises before but this will by my gf and Is forst cruise ever! We are so excited and are spending some money to make this happen. Is there something that detremental that we should be worried about?! We were looking and it seemed like RC had some of the nices lines out there and this is there 5th largest ship... How bad can it be..?

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ciannone 8 years ago

Personally I'm always looking for the bright side of the situation. ANY vacation is supposed to be relaxing and fun. Make the best of it. Thanks Dominick!

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dominick1 8 years ago

Ciannone and Katievp, love your attitudes. Feel the same, been on the Anthem for a 12 day back in March and going back in January for another 12. Some people just aren't happy. Thanks for the lemons to lemonade attitude, more people should have it.

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Danidanielle 8 years ago

We enjoyed most of the shows and really don't understand the food complaints. If you don't like something they will gladly give you something else. Never heard a sound in the cabins. We did three cruises on different decks. Comfortable bed, but we do like very firm. Agree about Oasis and Allure but am tired of flying. Anthem has plenty of large spaces, the Via, The Solarium. 270 etc.

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tomyoung 8 years ago

It's a great ship. It's impressive. Take Bonnie. I heard no noises. Enjoy the 36,000,000 sound stage,the bumper cars, the solarium, the 24/7 Pizza, the Specialty Coffee, the robotic Bartenders, The Shows, The Jacuzzi's, The Muffaleta's

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rcsgurl 8 years ago

It wasnt rocky at all when i went and the bed in our room was comfy and we never heard any banging we had a 10th floor balcony room our biggest problem was the food and shows

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kodak7 8 years ago

Funny, but no other cruises in your list?? Lol, now my wife is looking on Ship Mate and is worried about Hard beds, Rocking ship, and banging sounds in the night. On our upcoming cruise 😅😅😅

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singledadof2teens 8 years ago

Exactly Sarah, and thank you so much.

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Sarahs58 8 years ago

Have a great cruise single Dad . You will love it. It is a different class of ship to some of the others and as I said before there were some things I loved on the Anthem and some things I prefer on the other ships. Wouldn't it be boring if all cruises were the same.

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rcsgurl 8 years ago

Exactly ive been on a few other cruises and anthem wasnt as good as the others

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losito702 8 years ago

Don't know dac105, to say some people will never be satisfied is unfair... she said she's a Diamond Cruiser and loves Oasis and Allure. Got to give her the benefit of the doubt and say she's not just here to complain... that's her experience and it's similar to mine... if mine was good I'd be raving about to anyone who would listen... on this ship it wasn't

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singledadof2teens 8 years ago

Yeah maybe, but some people out there can NEVER be satisfied, and will never be satisfied. And btw... I freaking love lemonade, so give me lemons and dam it... I'm making lemonade. Did ya ever think that "making lemonade out of lemons" is an expression, or possibly tongue in cheek??? When I spend my hard earned money on a vacation, the only thing that's going to ruin that, is a tragedy in my family. Other then that give me a HUGE bucket of lemons because ciannone and I are gonna make some delicious lemonade... 6 1/2 DAYS TO GO!!!!!

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losito702 8 years ago

"I think worst 9 days of my life" is tongue in cheek obviously we all know the real tragedies I life but when you spend you're hard earned money something on a VACATION at the very least it should be relaxing and you should feel like you get your money's worth... don't want to hear nonsense about making lemonade out of lemons. no one won a cruise here & as you and I know RC gives nothing for free!

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rcsgurl 8 years ago

I agree was my first royal cruise and possibly my last i will stick to celebrity the food on anthem was aweful the shows were awful and most of the soda machines were out of order

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tomyoung 8 years ago

I sailed on Anthem and it was fine. It was built for China but was being abused and it cost 1 billion so it was pulled.

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Danidanielle 8 years ago

We just booked our fourth cruise on Anthem!!!!

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maj216rock 8 years ago

I appreciate the honest opinions of everyone posting to this site. I recently sailed Anthem on the last 5 night Bermuda cruise for 2016. I've never been on a cruise ship that did not rock to some extent. I found the bed very comfy. The food in my opinion was a mixed bag. American Icon was my fav and The Grande least favorite. Service overall was excellent! I would sail Anthem again!!!!

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singledadof2teens 8 years ago

I plan on spending alot of time in the solarium. Thanks for your review...

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Sarahs58 8 years ago

Went on this ship last year.Have also been on the Independence several times. You will find some things on the Anthem which are wonderful and some things which they have not got quite right. Outside space is more limited on this ship and you will feel more movement in not very rough seas. We loved the restaurants on the Anthem although they have now got rid of the dynamic dining which we enjoyed. The 270 lounge is a great area and the solarium is lovely. Entertainment was of a very high standard. Plenty to do including the bumper cars and don't miss going on the ifly. To say that a cruise on this ship is the worst days of your life is ridiculous. Have a great cruise.

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singledadof2teens 8 years ago

Thanks, you too... enjoy your lemonade :-)

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ciannone 8 years ago

Going to the Bahamas on December 9th. Have a great time single_dad_of_2_teens!

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singledadof2teens 8 years ago

I leave in 8 days on Anthem, and ciannone is absolutely right... I'm going to be in the Caribbean in November while everyone back in PA will be freezing, so I can't see anything ruining that... lemonade out of lemons... EXACTLY!!!! And katievp, I couldn't have said that better myself... Did I mention... 8 DAYS!!!!!

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Katievp 8 years ago

You've obviously not experienced the death of a loved one or been diagnosed with a debilitating disease, lost a job or anything else if a cramped cruise ship is "the worst 9 days of your life". Sorry.

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ciannone 8 years ago

Just sailed on Anthem last month. Can't wait to go back in December. Did a 9 day cruise and it was amazing. Had mid ship balcony on 7...quiet, comfy bed, never felt like there was a crowd at all! Have done countless cruises and found that your personal outlook on vacation makes a big difference in how much you enjoy your trip or not. But, I'm also the type of person who believes in making lemonade our of lemons!

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Beanzy 8 years ago

Going on Anthem in Jan. Where was you sailing?

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