Amazing ship and Crew

Anthem of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

greginiowa

Contributor Level: Cruise Director

8 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 11

Helpful Votes: 380

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5

8 Night Bahamas (Cape Liberty Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 15, 2019

Ship: Anthem of the Seas

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 9632

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

This was the first week of the two week consecutive cruise. It was my first time on the anthem as well as my first time leaving from Cape liberty. The check in process went reasonably quick, however some of the information I had uploaded prior to arrival was not available and needed to be re-entered at check-in slowing the process. The waiting areas were spacious and comfortable, boarding started around 10:30 am. The ship was everything that I had hoped for and more. The crew was absolutely wonderful, energetic and engaging. Unfortunately, prior to the cruise, passengers were informed of an itinerary change. This caused many passengers to be upset and angry before the cruise started and a number of passengers took their frustrations out on the crew, which was unfortunate. I found being appreciative and supporting to the crew was rewarded in various ways.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Very easy process from Curb to Ship

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Breakfast was usually room service and coffee on the balcony. If you order the fruit plate, be sure to ask for the Large Plate. Otherwise, you receive a small bowl with cut fruit.

Coastal Kitchen

5 out of 5

Ruben, the manager is amazing. Annabell was always at the door with a smile and warm greeting. Severiano was my primary waiter, but they all help each other out. Both Bojon and Kacem assisted throughout the week and all 3 were impeccable with suggestions, timing and explanations of the courses and flavors.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

IFly was amazing!!! The instructors give you a good basic orientation and can offer tips and pointers along the way.

Diamond Club

5 out of 5

LeRoy was also exceptional and helpful. Although I used the Concierge more knowing there were far more Diamond members and his time would be limited. The space was nice on deck 4 with lots of natural light.

Next Cruise

5 out of 5

Martin was very helpful and insightful with suggestions and ideas.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Hands down, the Theater cast of The Gift and We Will Rock You are among the best I have seen in 20+ cruises with Royal Caribbean. Spectra’s Cabaret was a unique show and a little harder storyline to follow. But it could be the $36 million Two70 stage that steals the show.

The Royal Theater

5 out of 5

The space was amazing and as commented earlier, the cast for The Gift and We Will Rock You are among the best I have seen in 20+ cruises with Royal Caribbean.

Concierge Club

5 out of 5

Ricardo did a great job accommodating requests and finding answers to any quesrion. He made sure to greet every guest as they entered as well as walk around and check on everyone during breakfast and evening happy hour.

Solarium

4 out of 5

Located on the bow end of the ship, this space tended to fill with chair hogs early in the day. The space was warm, but could occasionally become very noisy with all the glass and metal frame.

Children's Programs

Did not travel with kids.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

My cabin Stew was incredible. In and out before I knew it. My Coastal Kitchen waitstaff was amazing. From Annabell at the door, to Ruben the Manager, to my server Severiano, impeccable.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

It took a day to get my bearings onboard. The cabins and ship were in good condition and there was constantly cleaning and sanitizing. Going on around the ship.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

The size and layout were amazing. I booked because of the oversized balcony and that did not disappoint. It does have an odd shared entry with the studio cabin next door - as part of a potentially larger 3 bedroom family suite. Because of the angle on the balcony, it does not get a lot of direct sunlight. If you like a cool shaded balcony with large lounge chairs, you will love this cabin.

Ship tip

Book shows and activities early. I booked all shows prior to boarding and this saved time waiting in lines onboard for reservations. Also, NorthStar and iFly require reservations and can fill up/ sell out be mid week. They are free, but iFly does charge $25 for a no show fee.

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