Just an average cruise despite the hype

Item: Anthem of the Seas
Rating: 3.3
Author: Seniorcruzer

Anthem of the Seas Cruise Review to Bermuda

Seniorcruzer

Contributor Level: Purser

178 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 31

Overall rating:

3.3 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Bermuda (Cape Liberty Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 13, 2018

Ship: Anthem of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9316

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

For those that look at all the activities and entertainment and think it makes a difference they are nice but in the end this is just a cruise and the requisite hustle and bustle lessens the experience. While RCI has done a good job in trying to minimize the feeling of crowdedness, it just doesn't quite get there. Evenings on the Esplinade or main meal times at the buffet are very crowded. The food is nothing special in comparison to other cruise lines and for those that want availability of food at any time, it probably will require a significant hike. Get a drink card...it will help but like most cruises be prepared for a push for extras. The entertainment is disappointing with limited options and/or reservations required. Other entertainment options are the usual cruise ship fare and nothing special. So while things like the flow rider and I Fly may be exciting, they are maybe 1/2 hour each and a very small component of your entire cruise experience...really not enough to make a difference.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Entertainment

2 out of 5

Children's Programs

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Ship tip

Be prepared to walk alot...big ship and venues are not necessarily close.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey Did not visit port

Thumbs Up 0

King's Wharf, Bermuda

3 out of 5

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

8 Comments

TripofaLifetime 6 years ago

Why would you eat at the buffet every night, when you can have a sit down first class meal in the dining rooms. That just doesn't make sense to me. It's like the millenials bitching that the dining room takes too long. I spot these miserable people from a mile away on board and laugh.

Thumbs Up 5

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barb1960 6 years ago

Been on numerous cruise lines. Royal by far imo, has best food. Entertainment is fun, if you don't have fun on your cruise then it's not their fault. You make it fun best way possible.

Thumbs Up 4

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Vacay9 6 years ago

TROLL!

Thumbs Up 1

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Melcruises 6 years ago

We were pleasantly surprised to find that disembarking & embarking on the islands and at Cape Liberty went smoothly. No matter what ship you go on when you return home it’s a little crazy. I do have to agree that I am disappointed when we go in January the same big production numbers will be the same. At a question and answer session we were told they stay on the ship about 5 years. I understand they cost a lot but it is kind of a downer if you enjoy the ship and want to go again.

Thumbs Up 2

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redmondang 6 years ago

If your on a cruise it's always what you make it! We've always relaxed on cruises. On oasis last year we did the hustle and bustle of schedules and we really enjoyed it for the most part. We had some issues but royal made up for it! If people don't like crowds cruising shouldn't be for you...your on a ship with thousands that's expected!

Thumbs Up 2

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KofiNaija 6 years ago

Good review. Thanks

Thumbs Up 1

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skstokes 6 years ago

I am sorry you did not have a good time. We were just on the Anthem in September and had a wonderful time. Loved ifly, bumper cars, trapeze. The shows were good, my 11 yr old granddaughter loved the Queen tribute. We chose not to do excursions because of the hustle, maybe you should have considered that or we know several people who rented cars and went on their own. If you were at an all inclusive hotel there would not have been food 24/7 either. We have been on Carnival, Holland, and NCL and I dont think any had great food. But, then, it will be as fun as you decide to make it.

Thumbs Up 4

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jjfkkfhaf 6 years ago

For a Seniorcruzer, this opinion piece, has a reality for you. The requisite hustle and bustle is what some look for, some, not so much. Every cruise line pushes for extras. It's called free enterprise. I don't dare to imagine I hold the key to rating theatre/entertainment. It is very individually specific. Cruises are generally crowded. Different cruises cater to different clientele. My mother enjoys Celebrity. Less hustle and bustle. But if the hustle and bustle gets to be too much. Stay on the boat. Stay in your cabin. Hang with family. Many options besides tackling hustle and bustle. Room service is available, 24/7. The long walk becomes shorter. Yes if you like to eat very late, there are costs to be incurred, for no walking. Flow rider and I fly, may be 1/2 hour for some but hours for others. Which could mean lifetime memories, to some. I think RCI has done a tremendous job making 5000+ people, seem less of a crowd. This, is of course, all in my opinion. Not to be confused with your opinion. Thanks for your review

Thumbs Up 7

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