Will never sail on an RCCL cruise again

Anthem of the Seas Cruise Review to North America

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 70

Overall rating:

1 out of 5
Verified Review
Anthem of the Seas

Bermuda & Boston

Sail date: April 29, 2017

Ship: Anthem of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8618

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Was very upset at being nickled and dimed to death for everything on this cruise.

I have never been on a cruise that charged for room service, $8.  Thought the prices of the drinks were too high, and not that strong, no nice little amenities, like chocolates on the pillow at night, or a pen in the stateroom. The mattress was so hard, that I had to have the cabin stewardess pad the mattress so that I could sleep.  Bought a coffee card for my husband and I, only to find out it was a punch card type process.  A small cup of coffee with a syrup was one punch, if I wanted that coffee iced, it was two punches.  Frapps and venti size coffees were two punches.  Plus, on other cruise lines, if you bought a specialty coffee you were entitled to a free cake.  Not on this ship.   Food in the pay for restaurants was very good, except for Izumi, awful sushi.  Jamie Oliver's was terrific as was Wonderland.  Food in the main dining room was okay.  The steaks were very good in all restaurants.  The wait staff in all the restaurants were excellent.  The ship itself is beautiful and full of fun things for kids, we had a seven and three year old with us who enjoyed the ship to it's fullest.  I found it too crowded, too many people.  Embarkation was the best I have ever experienced, but going thought Immigration in Boston and Customs in Bayonne, was a horror show.

Did find that some of the staff at Customer Relations were brash and when asked questions gave the wrong information.  I will never sail on a RCCL cruise again.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Have to pay for better quality food. Charge for everything, even Johnny Rockets and Fish and Chips in the Pub.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5
Was shocked that smoking was allowed in half of the Casino and in a section of the pool deck. What are you thinking. No other ship allows this. Did enjoy the Solarium, for adults only.

Entertainment

1 out of 5
Found show times to be a bit confusing. Went to see the Gift, walked out, too dreary.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Had adjoining cabins. The cabin was roomy and the bathroom was a good size.

Ship tip

If you like to gamble and do not smoke, be aware that smoking is allowed in half of the Casino and it can be smelled throughout the Casino. Do not buy the Coffee card package, not worth it. Be prepared to pay for better quality food.

Was this review helpful? 70

7 Comments

gingie    7 years ago

Loved Anthem! Sailed last July. Too much to do. My 14 yr old still talking about how much fun we had. I'm still recovering from the bumper cars! Doing Harmony in July. Hope it is as good.

xgoa1    7 years ago

This review is ridiculous. Another want something for nothing type ugh!

twiggles    7 years ago

I just got off and thought Anthem was amazing!!!! What you are complaining about is so small and not worth the worry. U make ur own happiness!!!! My cruise was nothing short of amazing!!! Trust me a problem with coffee would not ruin my cruise. As for Nickel and diming I didn't didn't feel that at all. I mean u get North Star, rock climbing, IFly, shows, game shows food and more!!!!

Cindykins1    7 years ago

Thanks for the info about the Coffee Card. I bought one too. I was curious how it worked. Now I am prepared. Sorry your cruise was sub standard. I am leaving in 2 weeks. Hope for the best :)

Windjam064    7 years ago

Thanks for the review. We have done Anthem twice and would go again, but I wouldn't call it a perfect ship. What is? A cruise is what you make of it. I don't see any cruise history in your profile so what has been your best cruise so far?

cece1951    7 years ago

Get the mobile passport app. That will help with customs in the future.

montanaman    7 years ago

it seems like the disembarking process is an issue on many ships. we have had some that went very smooth and were off the ship by 9. on other ships it was standing in lines and a cattle call for three or four hours.

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