Anthem of the Seas Review: Full Ship Overview (Is It Worth It?)
If you’re searching for an honest, experience-based Anthem of the Seas review, you’re probably close to booking — and just want to be sure you’re choosing the right ship.
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas is a strong fit for families and multigenerational groups who want high-tech activities, polished entertainment, and a modern cruise experience. It’s less ideal if your top priority is massive water parks and neighborhood-style layouts like you’ll find on larger Oasis Class ships.
As part of the Royal Caribbean cruise collection, Anthem delivers thoughtful design, smart cabins, and innovative attractions — but only if you understand how to plan it well.
If you’d like personal help comparing Anthem to other Royal Caribbean ships, you can request a custom cruise quote here. I’m always happy to walk through the options with you.
Direct Answer: Is Anthem of the Seas Worth It?
- Best For: Families with teens, active couples, and multigenerational groups who want variety without Oasis-level size.
- Not Ideal For: Travelers who prioritize giant water slides, multiple neighborhoods, or the largest ships afloat.
- Worth It? Yes — especially for Northeast departures and Bermuda itineraries.
- Biggest Consideration: You must pre-book shows and activities early.
- Know Before Booking: Cabin selection matters more on this ship than many first-time cruisers realize.
Quick Facts About Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ship Class | Quantum Class |
| Launched | 2015 |
| Typical Homeports | Cape Liberty (Bayonne, NJ), seasonal Europe |
| Best For | Tech-forward families, Bermuda cruises, Northeast travelers |
| Size | ~4,000 passengers (double occupancy) |
| Signature Features | North Star, RipCord by iFLY, SeaPlex |
Anthem of the Seas Review Overview
Anthem of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class — designed to feel modern, open, and tech-driven.
It’s large, but not overwhelming like the Oasis Class ships. If you want a balanced layout with strong entertainment and fewer “you’ll never see it all” moments, Anthem hits that middle ground beautifully.
She typically sails from Cape Liberty in New Jersey to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada/New England, and occasionally Europe. That makes her especially attractive for families who prefer not to fly to Florida.
Anthem of the Seas Ship Design and Atmosphere
The ship feels contemporary rather than whimsical. Think clean lines, glass walls, indoor gathering spaces, and multifunctional venues.
What Makes Quantum Class Different?
- North Star: A glass observation capsule that lifts you above the ship.
- RipCord by iFLY: Skydiving simulator at sea.
- SeaPlex: Indoor sports complex with bumper cars and roller skating.
Unlike Oasis Class ships with “neighborhoods” like Central Park and the Boardwalk, Anthem feels more vertical and indoor-focused — which matters for cooler-weather sailings from the Northeast.
In my experience, this is a thoughtful ship design for Bermuda and Canada itineraries where weather can vary.
Is Anthem of the Seas Worth It for Your Travel Style?
Best for Families with Teens:
- SeaPlex keeps older kids busy.
- Adventure Ocean programming runs efficiently.
- High-energy activities prevent boredom on sea days.
Better Options If You Want:
- Massive water slides → Consider Oasis Class ships.
- Newest ship innovations → Look at Odyssey of the Seas.
- Quieter, smaller vibe → Consider smaller Radiance Class ships.
Many of my clients are surprised that suite pricing on Anthem can be competitive compared to Oasis ships. That’s where thoughtful planning can really increase value.
Cabins and Suites on Anthem of the Seas
Interior and Virtual Balcony Cabins
Anthem introduced the Virtual Balcony concept — interior rooms with floor-to-ceiling live ocean projections.
It’s clever and reduces the “boxed in” feeling, but it’s still an interior cabin. If natural light matters to you, I would lean toward a true balcony.
Ocean View and Balcony Staterooms
Balconies are the most popular category for Bermuda sailings. Storage is smartly designed, but rooms are slightly narrower than some travelers expect.
Cabins to avoid: Forward cabins on higher decks if you’re sensitive to motion, especially on Canada itineraries.
Suites and Suite Perks
In my opinion, the Sky Class suites often provide the strongest value. You gain access to Coastal Kitchen and suite lounge areas.
If this were my client celebrating something special, I’d look closely at a Grand Suite over multiple balcony cabins.
Biggest Cabin Booking Mistakes
- Waiting too long to select a cabin location.
- Choosing near elevators for “convenience” without considering noise.
- Assuming cheapest balcony = best value.
Cabin location strategy can dramatically improve your cruise experience.
Dining on Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas
Main Dining Room Experience
Food is generally well-presented and dependable, though not ultra-luxury.
Travelers often mention service consistency as a highlight. Your wait team typically makes the experience.
Complimentary Dining Options
- Windjammer Marketplace
- Solarium Bistro
- Sorrento’s Pizza
Buffet breakfast is usually strongest; dinner quality varies slightly day to day.
Specialty Restaurants Worth the Upgrade
- Chops Grille
- Izumi
- Jamie’s Italian
Dining Package Strategy: Worth it on sea-day-heavy itineraries. Probably unnecessary for shorter Bermuda sailings.
Entertainment and Activities
Broadway-Style Production
Anthem is known for “We Will Rock You.” Production quality is strong and reservations are essential.
North Star, RipCord, and SeaPlex
These require advance reservations once onboard. Prime times fill quickly.
On embarkation day, connect to ship Wi-Fi immediately and reserve shows before exploring.
Pools and Solarium
Indoor pool area is helpful on cooler departures, though chairs fill early on sea days.
Top Mistakes First-Time Anthem Cruisers Make
- Not reserving entertainment early.
- Skipping North Star thinking it’s “just a view.”
- Underestimating embarkation traffic from New Jersey.
- Choosing sail dates during peak school holidays without realizing crowd impact.
This ship rewards planners. The experience improves dramatically with strategy.
Anthem of the Seas vs Other Royal Caribbean Ships
| Feature | Anthem (Quantum) | Oasis Class | Odyssey (Quantum Ultra) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Very Large | Similar to Anthem |
| Water Slides | Limited | Extensive | Yes |
| Tech Features | Strong | Moderate | Very Strong |
If your priority is variety without extreme crowds, Anthem is often the stronger fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthem of the Seas
How old is Anthem of the Seas?
Launched in 2015, making it modern but not brand-new.
Does Anthem feel crowded?
It can on sea days, especially near pools. Indoor venues help distribute crowds.
Is Anthem good for first-time cruisers?
Yes, particularly for those who want an energetic, activity-driven ship.
Is the food good on Anthem?
Generally solid, with specialty restaurants offering the most consistent upgrade value.
Which cabins should you avoid?
Avoid forward-facing cabins if sensitive to motion.
Is Anthem of the Seas good for Bermuda?
Yes. It was practically designed with Bermuda itineraries in mind.
Decision Support: Is Anthem of the Seas Right for You?
Choosing the right ship depends on your travel priorities. Anthem of the Seas is ideal if you:
- Value innovative features like the North Star observation capsule and RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator.
- Prefer a ship that balances size and amenities without the overwhelming scale of Oasis Class ships.
- Are planning a cruise from the Northeast US, especially to Bermuda or Canada/New England.
- Want a family-friendly environment with activities for teens and adults alike.
However, if you prioritize massive water parks or the newest ship innovations, you might consider other Royal Caribbean ships such as the Oasis Class or Odyssey of the Seas.
For personalized advice, you can request a custom cruise quote here and get tailored recommendations based on your preferences.
Final Verdict: Should You Book Anthem of the Seas?
The Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas is worth it if you value innovation, strong entertainment, and sailings from the Northeast.
It’s not about being the biggest ship. It’s about being thoughtfully balanced.
If you’re debating between Anthem and another Royal Caribbean ship, I’m happy to help you compare cabins, itineraries, and pricing side by side. You can request a personalized cruise quote here and I’ll guide you through it.
For Bermuda sailings, choose an itinerary with at least two full days docked. That’s where Anthem’s schedule shines.
For more cruise travel insights and planning strategies, follow along on Instagram at Traveling Ears Vacations.
Ready to Plan Your Cruise?
If Anthem feels like the right fit — or if you want help comparing options — I’d be happy to design a smooth, stress-free plan for your sailing. Start here: https://travelingears.com/request-a-quote/
