A first-time cruiser’s guide to Anthem of the Seas

Brimming with more incredible state-of-the-art technology, world-class dining and spectacular entertainment than any other cruise ship in the world, Anthem of the Seas has established itself as one of the most impressive ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet. Whether you’re a voyage veteran or a first-timer heading off on a family cruise, Anthem of the Seas has something for everyone. 

In our first-time cruiser’s guide to Anthem of the Seas, we’ll take a look at some of her most impressive features, helping you to get to know this incredible ship as quickly as possible. 

Anthem of the Seas joined the Royal Caribbean International fleet in 2015 as the second vessel in the Quantum Class. She boasts first-class style, exquisite dining and original entertainment and welcomes 4,906 passengers onboard, making her the 9th largest ship in the fleet. 

Let’s take a look at some of Anthem of the Seas’ onboard amenities: 

• We Will Rock You - Decks 4 & 5 - The West End comes to the high seas with Ben Elton’s We Will Rock You, the Olivier Award-winning musical phenomenon
• Two70® - Deck 5 - Cutting-edge technology transforms 270 degrees of windows two storeys high right before your eyes in Two70®
• Adventure Ocean® - Decks 11 & 12 - The award-winning Adventure Ocean® Youth Programme has been designed with the happiness of children in mind
• Spa & Fitness Centre - Deck 14 - Emerge renewed, relaxed and rejuvenated at the Vitality Spa where massages, wraps, facials and acupuncture await 
• North Star® - Deck 14 - North Star® elevates you high above the ship for unrivalled 360-degree views of the world as you wander 
• Rock Climbing Wall - Deck 15 - Climb 12 metres above deck on the signature rock climbing wall, where everyone from beginners to speed climbers can go vertical 
• Dodgem Cars - Decks 15 & 16 - Buckle up and take the wheel for non-stop fun on the only dodgem cars at sea 
• SeaPlex® - Decks 15 & 16 - The largest indoor active space at sea is also the most revolutionary - enjoy a full-size basketball court and dodgem cars 
• FlowRider® - Deck 16 - The surf’s always up on the 12-metre-long FlowRider® surf simulator, grab your board and get ready
• RipCord® by iFly® - Deck 16 - There’s no rush in the world like skydiving and on the RipCord® by iFly®, you can feel the freedom of freefall 

• Sorrento's Pizza - Deck 4 - Whether you’re into classics or speciality pies, Sorrento’s has spent years perfecting their pizza recipe 
• Chops Grille - Deck 5 - The chefs at Chops Grille proudly present quality, hand-cut steaks while giving a fresh twist on all the favourites 
• Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver - Deck 5 - At Jamie’s, sit down to Tuscan-inspired cuisine crafted by one of Britain’s most famous chefs 
• The Café @ Two70 - Deck 5 - The Café @ Two70 is a gourmet marketplace where every meal comes with a side of captivating views 
• Wonderland - Deck 5 - Wonderland is all about pushing culinary boundaries with dishes designed to tantalise your taste buds 
• Izumi - Deck 5 - From delicious sushi rolls to fresh sashimi and nigiri, Izumi serves up an exotic Asian-inspired dining experience 
• Johnny Rockets® - Deck 14 - Johnny Rockets serves up burgers, shakes, fries and lots of fun in a cool retro atmosphere 
• Windjammer - Deck 14 - The Windjammer is your go-to restaurant for tantalising global flavours served complimentary 
• Coastal Kitchen - Deck 14 - Exclusively for suite guests and Pinnacle Club members, Coastal Kitchen fuses Mediterranean influences with farm-fresh flavours from California 
• SeaPlex® Dog House - Deck 15 - Serving up the best sausages at sea, SeaPlex® Dog House boasts crafted hot dogs with a twist 

• Boleros - Deck 4 - Whether you’re stopping by for an after-dinner drink or joining the salsa-stepping party, nighttime sizzles at Boleros 
• Diamond Club - Deck 4 - Exclusive to Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club Crown & Anchor members, Diamond Club is a lovely spot to have a drink 
• English Pub - Deck 4 - If you’re looking to grab a pint, this fleetwide favourite is the place to be. Live music and an impressive drinks menu await 
• Bionic Bar - Deck 5 - Ever had a robot make you a drink? At Bionic Bar®, meet two robotic bartenders who know how to shake, stir and mix up your favourite tipple
• Schooner Bar - Deck 5 - Schooner Bar, where perfectly mixed cocktails and live entertainment come together in a warmly lit nautical-themed lounge
• Two70 Bar - Deck 5 - Stunning views meet stunning sips at Two70 Bar - grab a hand-crafted cocktail as you gaze 
• out at unbelievable vistas 
• Vintages - Deck 5 - You’re sure to find your favourite tipple at Vintages wine bar, where a world of wine is waiting to be uncorked 
• Pool Bar - Deck 14 - You don’t have to stray too far from your comfy poolside lounger to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail - just pull up a chair at the Pool Bar 
• Sunshine Bar - Deck 14 - Located within the Solarium, the Sunshine Bar elongates your island state of mind after a relaxing morning 
• North Star Bar - Deck 15 - After you’ve taken a ride on the North Star, head to the bar for a drink - the sips are just as impressive as the sights! 

Recently, ROL Cruise team members Mad, Ally and Jack spent a day aboard Anthem of the Seas. This was their first time experiencing this spectacular ship, so we seized the opportunity to find out what stood out to them most: 

“My favourite area on the ship was the adult-only Solarium,” Mad told us. “The atmosphere when stepping inside was tranquil and the humid temperature instantly made me feel relaxed. This would be the perfect place to chill with a book whilst looking out over the horizon.” 

“Visiting Anthem of the Seas was a fantastic experience,” explains Ally. “ From the vibrant pool areas to the range of restaurants with varied and tempting menus and the futuristic Bionic Bar, there were many impressive features aboard this ship. However, the feature that stood out the most to me would have to be North Star. Offering breathtaking, panoramic views, this is not to be missed.”

“There were many highlights on Anthem of the Seas, but to name a few; the beautifully bright, colourful and spacious atrium welcomed us onboard and set the tone for the rest of our day,” says Jack. “The Solarium is a sanctuary at sea, offering adults-only relaxation with a private swimming pool, whirlpools and jacuzzis. Also, the North Star is something that must be experienced whilst onboard, ascending 300 feet above the sea with 360-degree views is truly special.”