Anthem of the Seas Ship Review: Royal Caribbean Cruise Dining & Entertainment
Our Anthem of the Seas ship review covers a memorable Royal Caribbean cruise departing from Bayonne, New Jersey. This spring sailing offered the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and exceptional onboard experiences. From delicious cruise dining options and world-class cruise entertainment to modern amenities and outstanding service from the crew, there was plenty to enjoy throughout the voyage. While we found a few areas with room for improvement, our overall experience was overwhelmingly positive, and we would happily sail on Anthem of the Seas again.
Dining
One of the highlights of our Anthem of the Seas ship review was the outstanding cruise dining. Every meal in the Main Dining Room was consistently delicious, and the attentive, friendly service made each dining experience memorable. While Anthem of the Seas is a slightly smaller Royal Caribbean cruise ship compared to some of the newer vessels in the fleet, it still offers an impressive variety of complimentary and specialty restaurants.
One venue we were especially interested in was Coastal Kitchen, the exclusive restaurant for suite guests. Since we sailed in a Junior Suite, we weren't eligible to dine there, but it's definitely something we'd like to experience on a future sailing. We also became big fans of Café Two70, which served fresh salads, sandwiches, and light bites in a relaxed setting—making it one of our favorite complimentary lunch spots onboard. For specialty cruise dining, Chops Grille delivered exceptional steaks and service, while Jamie's Italian offered flavorful Italian dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. Together, these venues made dining one of the standout experiences of our Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas.
Cabins
During our 11-night Royal Caribbean cruise, we stayed in a Junior Suite on Anthem of the Seas, and the extra space made a noticeable difference throughout the voyage. As part of our Anthem of the Seas ship review, we found the suite to be comfortable, well-designed, and equipped with plenty of storage for clothing, luggage, and personal items. The larger bathroom was a welcome upgrade compared to the standard balcony cabins, making it easier to get ready for evenings filled with cruise dining and cruise entertainment. We also appreciated the generous storage throughout the cabin, including the space under the bed, which helped keep everything organized and made our Royal Caribbean cruise even more enjoyable.
Entertainment
Cruise entertainment was one of the biggest highlights of our Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas. Throughout the voyage, we enjoyed spectacular Royal Caribbean productions, talented live musicians, comedy performances, and entertainment venues that offered something for every taste. Combined with the outstanding cruise dining, there was never a shortage of memorable experiences from morning until late into the evening.
One attraction that truly sets Anthem of the Seas apart is the North Star, an observation capsule that gently lifts guests high above the ship for breathtaking 360-degree views of the ocean and ports of call. Whether you're sailing at sea or docked in a scenic destination, the views are unforgettable. It's a signature experience that we highly recommend and one of the standout features highlighted in our Anthem of the Seas ship review.
Pools
The pool deck was another highlight of our Anthem of the Seas ship review. Anthem of the Seas offers a variety of pools and hot tubs designed for both families and adults, making it a great choice for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Our favorite area was the adults-only Solarium, where we could relax in a peaceful atmosphere while still enjoying beautiful ocean views. Even during our fully booked sailing, we had little trouble finding lounge chairs, allowing us to unwind between activities. Whether we were taking a break from the exciting cruise entertainment or simply enjoying a sea day, the pool areas provided the perfect place to relax and recharge.
Spa
One of our favorite ways to unwind during our Royal Caribbean cruise was spending time at the spa aboard Anthem of the Seas. As part of our Anthem of the Seas ship review, we visited the spa three different times, making it one of our favorite onboard experiences. Jen enjoyed salon services, while Rob treated himself to a traditional shave, and both experiences were relaxing and professionally done.
The standout feature for us was the heated tile loungers, which provided the perfect place to relax before and after our treatments. We also enjoyed the thermal suite and dry sauna, adding another level of comfort to our cruise vacation. While spa treatments come at an additional cost, we felt the high-quality facilities and exceptional service made them well worth the splurge. After a day of enjoying cruise entertainment and delicious cruise dining, the spa offered the perfect place to recharge before the next adventure aboard Anthem of the Seas.
Bars
One of the highlights of our Anthem of the Seas ship review was spending time at the ship's English-style pub, which quickly became one of our favorite gathering spots. The talented live musicians created a fun, energetic atmosphere that made it one of the best venues for cruise entertainment aboard our Royal Caribbean cruise. Whether we stopped in before dinner or ended the evening there, the pub was always lively and welcoming.
Beyond the pub, Anthem of the Seas offers a great variety of bars and lounges throughout the ship, each with its own unique atmosphere. Whether we wanted to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail with live music, relax with a quiet drink after cruise dining, or simply take in the ocean views, there was always a perfect place to unwind. The diverse nightlife options added another memorable element to our overall Royal Caribbean cruise experience.
Pros
Our Anthem of the Seas ship review highlights why this Royal Caribbean cruise remains one of our favorite sailings. The outstanding cruise dining in the Main Dining Room consistently impressed us with delicious meals, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Our spacious Junior Suite offered plenty of storage and extra comfort, making our 11-night voyage even more enjoyable.
When it came to cruise entertainment, there was always something happening, from talented live musicians and spectacular productions to unique attractions like the iconic North Star, which offered breathtaking panoramic views. We also appreciated the peaceful adults-only Solarium and the wide variety of bars and lounges, each providing a different atmosphere for relaxing throughout the day and evening. Together, these experiences made Anthem of the Seas a memorable cruise that we would gladly sail again.
Cons
While we thoroughly enjoyed our Royal Caribbean cruise, there were a few areas where Anthem of the Seas could be even better. One addition we'd love to see is a dedicated Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, which would expand the ship's cruise entertainment options and provide another great gathering place for sports fans. We also felt that Izumi could benefit from a different location and more private seating, creating a more comfortable and intimate cruise dining experience. Compared to the newer Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, Anthem of the Seas offers fewer signature attractions and activities. While that didn't diminish our overall enjoyment, it's something worth considering if you're looking for the widest variety of onboard experiences. These were relatively minor drawbacks in an otherwise enjoyable voyage and are simply factors to keep in mind when reading our Anthem of the Seas ship review.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Would we sail on Anthem of the Seas again? Without hesitation. This Anthem of the Seas ship review reflects an enjoyable Royal Caribbean cruise filled with outstanding service, memorable cruise dining, exciting cruise entertainment, and signature attractions that made every day onboard special. While it doesn't offer quite as many attractions as the newest Oasis Class or Icon Class ships, its more manageable size, welcoming atmosphere, and thoughtfully designed spaces create a relaxing and enjoyable vacation experience. If you're looking for a ship that delivers excellent food, quality entertainment, attentive service, and a great balance of activities and relaxation, Anthem of the Seas is an excellent choice and one we'd gladly sail again.