Overall, cruise was relaxing with nice pool options and plenty of activities. I wouldn’t sail on Anthem again, however, due to lackluster food quality but will give RCCL another try (already booked).
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Embarkation was alright. Parked at Bayonne Cruise Parking which saved money vs parking at port and their customer service was quick and excellent. Once at port, I got a few odd looks and questions being as I was by myself and my only real complaint is that the coffee was roped behind the pinnacles/suites waiting area. Otherwise, checking in and embarking was super quick and easy.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
I mainly ate in 270 for breakfast and the MDR for dinner. I did not try specialty restaurants. The breakfast on the ship was pretty bland and disappointing. I ate at 270 because I love a bagel w/ salmon in the morning and they had this there. The Windjammer was an absolute zoo the couple times I tried it. And that might be an insult to zoos. Too many people, even on more off hours, and the food was all bland or overcooked and NONE of it was hot except for the special order stations. Sorrentos has delicious pizza IMO. I had dinner almost every night at Silk and the food was pretty good and service was excellent. I was never treated differently for dining solo.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I loved how many venues were on this ship that allowed for so many activities to take place so everyone could be spread out. I’ve only sailed NCL before where they like to cram everything into 2 venues only. There were so many adult activities that even with the amount of kids onboard , you could only really tell at dinner time. IFly was fun but difficult and We Will Rock You was excellent. I did not like Spectra but others I spent time with really enjoyed it. I did not see the Gift. I really loved the game shows and all the trivia events were fun if you wanted to do something low key. The Anthem also shines in having 3 large pool areas and multiple jacuzzis. Loved it.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We Will Rock You was excellent. Awesome talent. Didn’t see The Gift. I didn’t like Spectra but others I hung out with really did. Spectra, for me, didn’t have a story and was all over the place. I loved the game shows and Rondell Sheridan and EVERYONE loved Matt Yee. I went to several of his shows. The only performance that was really terrible was the first comedian (Stephen ?). Not funny.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Only giving 4/5 stars because a lot of the bar staff did not seem like they wanted to be there.. I got friendlier vibes at times from the general sanitation staff than i did many of the bar staff. The Schooner bartenders and Susie in Boleros were great however . The waiters I had in Silk, Alexander and Biswas, was wonderful and treated me like royalty. My room attendant was also top notch.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Very clean and great design. I only wish that they would’ve had just one huge grand MDR that was stunning instead of 4 small ones that had so-so decor.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
I had a Solo Balcony cabin and it was perfect. The balcony was huge for just me and there was more than enough storage. Only 4/5 stars because as other reviewers have said, the beds are rock hard. I barely got any decent sleep on the cruise because of it . Hopefully this is just an “Anthem” thing.
Ship tip
If you want to lay in the Solarium on a chilly sea day, get you a chair quick. It was impossible to find a seat after noon.
I spent 6 hours in the sun by the Oasis pool and it wasn’t even close to enough time. They pool was cold but it was perfect for a dip from the hot sun. Also, the beer selection at the Oasis bar was way better than what was on the ship. Such a perfect day. Additionally, the buffet on the island was EXCELLENT! Some of the best food I had on the trip. It got me wondering why that food was so good yet the Windjammer was so terrible.
You should have told your room steward about the bed. The have different types of toppers you can put on them and also different kinds of pillows! Remember this next time you try royal, they want you to be happy!
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
