Despite some really cool ship features, such as the iFly and NorthStar, this was our least favorite of all our cruises due to the lack of MDR, the terrible rocking and instability, and overall crowdedness...in spite of being the second most expensive cruise we’ve taken.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
I was NOT a fan of the restaurant layout with the smaller venues, rather than MDR. I felt like there was a big loss of relationship with staff and I missed the MDR grandeur. Had we not been staying in a suite, with the privileges that affords, the experience would have been even worse. You shouldn’t have to pay extra to receive good service.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
LOVED the iFly, and the sports complex. Plays were top notch.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Children's Programs
3 out of 5
The kids (ages 8 and 9 at the time) usually love the kids programs, but we had to kind of make them go on Anthem. They didn’t enjoy them as much as other cruises.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Outstanding service! This made up for the other weaknesses. The suites concierge was phenomenal and the wait staff in the dining room were some of my favorites.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
I didn’t care for the design. We stayed in a Royal Family Suite, now called a 2-br Grand Suite, but the balcony was useless while moving since it’s on the hump and wind was fierce. The top decks were shut down frequently due to wind and rain, but they ship lacks indoor space in case of rain.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
The balcony design on the ship’s hump rendered it useless, due to dangerously high winds any time the ship was moving. The room itself is smaller than most 2-br Grand Suite. The cabin wasn’t terribly clean, with dirt silverware under the bed, in addition to other items, but the concierge rectified it as soon as we pointed it out.
Ship tip
This would probably be a good Caribbean ship, but lacks the indoor space for northern climates and isn’t stable enough for Atlantic waves. We were so sick from the terrible rocking and listing, and we never have seasickness. If porting out of Bayonne, take scopolamine patches with you!
I do prefer the smaller ships, but I would go back on Anthem in a heartbeat. It's a huge ship, but doesn't feel like it onboard. Only issue was there was too much to do and not enough time. Hopefully you will have a better experience next time.
Just so those reading this "older" review know that there is a Main Dining Room divided into 4 areas. Tradition set time dining is in the 2 Deck 3 area "restaurants"and on your SeaPass card will be your assigned for the whole cruise table. My Time Diners will be sat at either of the 2 Deck 4 area "restaurants" at any available table on any given night, unless a special request is made on the first or second night on board to remain in the same service section for the rest of your reservation times. All 4 service areas utilize the same menu as each other every night.
We were on it the end of Sept and we really enjoyed our cruise but we decided the ship was bigger than we like. My husband has a hard time walking long distance and to get any place it’s a long way. Luckily there are lots of places to sit and rest a minute so it worked for him. It a beautiful ship and lots to do for the younger ones.
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