Review of Anthem of the Seas with videos and pictures and follow my Anthem of the Seas cruise from April 30 for the 3 Nt. Royal Experience, Paris & Bruges Cruise.
I have previously been on two Quantum of the Seas cruises: TransAtlantic Maiden Voyage November 2, 2014 from Southampton to bayonne and 12 Nt. Southern Caribbean Cruise from Bayonne, January 11, 2015 - you can find link to the review's at the menu bar of this blog.
I was primarily interested in seeing the difference between Quantum and Anthem. Interior but also functionality and service.
Summary: I was not disappointed. Anthem is certainly delivering as promised - and expected. Staff was also very helpful and friendly.
A very nice 3 nights cruise. Compared to the Quantum maiden voyage everything worked very well and service was top notch.
Anthem of the Seas is truly a sister ship to the Quantum of the Seas - it is a true copy. The only immediate difference is the art installations. Therefore, the VIA also is the place, where I have experienced the most visible difference.
Overall it was a high level of attire on this trip compared to my Quantum cruises, and people were also festive dressed for Friday's 'Royal Evening'. There was no elaboration of "Dress Your Best" in the Cruise Compass and far from everyone was formally dressed.
Embarkation: We did have a 12:15pm to 12:45pm arrival appointment - we did arrive close to 12:30pm . Check-in and boarding went very smoothly and efficient, and at 1pm we got access to our cabin. Picture from Southampton departure. Royal IQ: For this short cruise we did have carry-on luggage only, so we did not use luggage tracking. We did not make any dinner or show reservations in advance. Once onboard we did register at the Royal IQ App and made our reservation for dining and shows. Did work very and much better than for our Quantum cruises. Also possible to make reservation for the time we Wanted.
Cabin: The cabin #8282 is a category D8 Superior Ocean View Stateroom w/ Balcony, and similar to Quantum cabins. The cabin is spacious and the bed is nearest the bathroom, while the sofa nearest the balcony. There are two spacious closets - one just for hangers. Unfortunately, there are two hanging rails and the bottom is firm and rather short distance between the two rails. The second cabinet is with drawers and long clothes, but limited space. Also includes safety box. In addition, there are two spacious closets over the beds and four drawers in the closet with mini bar. There is a small work table that can be moved and used as a table in connection with sofa (picture). Bathroom is also nicely spacious. Balcony with nice space for two chairs and a small table. Over the work table, you will find two US power outlets and one European (None UK style). There are also a US style plug by the bed. There are two USB sockets to charge mobile phones and tablets.
Dining: We have Dynamic Dining Choice, but as mentioned not booked any restaurants in advance.
At
this short 3 nights cruise it is the same 'Taste of Anthem' menu in all
four complimentary Dynamic Dining restaurants. The menu changed every
day, and was created to showcase the best dishes from the four venues -
at longer cruises they will have different menu's in the different
restaurants.
The 'Taste of Anthem' is OK for this cruise, but I
really do not see the reason for not having the dedicated menu's for
each restaurant - even at short cruises.
Dynamic Dining Classic: Here you eat together with the same group every night but in different restaurants. The group has the same waiters every night. On this trip the order was: Chic, American Icon Grille and Grande.
The only change I have seen for restaurants until now is that Jamie's Italian is now A la Carte restaurant. We did not eat at Jamie's Italian, but based on individual prices for the dishes in the menu card, it's likely more expensive to eat in the restaurant now than with the fixed cover charge.. We were eating at Chops Grille, Chic and Silk. Nice meals and good service.
Windjammer: The concept of Windjammer Marketplace is the same all over the Royal Caribbean fleet. We used Windjammer for breakfast and Lunch.
Wash your hands: In windjammer they have introduced a new routine of washing hands with soap and water instead of the usual dispensers with alcohol disinfection. It gave a small queue at the wash basins at peak times. - See post below.
Shows: We Will Rock You is a great Show. Fantastic singing.
Spectra's Cabaret is an electric multi-dimensional cabaret with a blend of live performance and cinematography together with music, sound and light. Impressive graphics on Robo and Vistarama screens, but the music was not quite my taste and difficult to follow the story line. However a impressive show.
Royal Evening and "Dress Your Best": From 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm there were 'Royal Reception' with a glass of champagne and a short speech by Captain Claus Andersen. The dress code was "Dress Your Best"
I have not the proper definition of "Dress Your Best" but it is an invitation to attend the 'Royal Evening' at the Royal Esplanade in the 'best dress', albeit not formal because most restaurants is smart casual except Grande. Bars: We did use Vintage and Schooner bars. No difference from equivalent bars at other ships
Shops: Shops are very similar to Quantum. Now there is Bobbi Brown & Tom Ford with mainly perfumes instead of Kiehl´s at Quantum. Also Armani Jeans with clothing, accessories and purses instead of Michael Kors.
Internet: The only internet challenge was to get the account created and we had to see customer service to get the problem solved. Professional support and then Internet worked fine.
At this cruise we could choose between 3 packets: Super Cruise Special is for the entire cruise at $20 per day for two devices ($140 for a 7 nt cruise). Cruise Special is for the entire cruise at $15 per day for one device ($105 for a 7 nt cruise). Daily Plan $30 for 24 continuous hours.
Disembarkation: We arrived into Southampton at 6am. Gangway opened at 7:15 am and the disembarkation process went very smoothly. We did have a coach to Heathrow at 9:45 am and left the ship at 9:00am. No queues and it took less than 15 minutes to get off the ship.
Quantum of the Seas and Anthem if the Seas are identical sister ships. The only difference is the artwork as well of some different shops at the Royal Esplanade. For restaurants, public areas and staterooms there are no differences. These pictures are: Above from The VIA - Anthem to the left and Quantum to the right. Below shops at Royal Esplanade - again Anthem to the left and Quantum to the right.
This pictures are 'The Animals at Deck 15' - The Giraf at Anthem and the Bear at Quantum.
This is a short video with highlighting the differences:
Note: November 20116 The Dynamic Dining program on Anthem of the Seas, was discontinued beginning with sailings on November 27, 2016. Chic, Grande,
Silk, and American Icon – will now become the main dining venues to
support the My Time Dining program and will all feature the same
dinner menu each evening. My Time Dining flexible venues will
be located on Deck 4 in American Icon and Silk, while Chic and Grande
will be designated as the early and late seating restaurants on Deck 3.
The name and décor of each venue will remain unchanged.
For Dynamic Dining there are no set dining times, no assigned seats, no required formal nights. You can make table reservation for all evenings prior to the cruise - and change your reservations when onboard. However, you can also wait and do all reservations on board, when you have more detailed information about activities and shows - or just show up when you want to dine. I'll recommend to make reservations for the more popular restaurants like Wonderland and Silk - For Grande and American Icon Grill it's not necessary. If you want a table for only two there were short waiting time, but if sharing a table with others, no waiting time. Reservations can be done at the entrance to any of the restaurants, or using the free Royal iQ app for iPhone or iPad (will be available for Android at a later date.) There is five complimentary, full-service main restaurants, and five specialty dining options available for an additional charge and additional cafe's and bistro's. An alternative is Dynamic Dining Classic. Dynamic Dining Classic is for guests who prefer the traditional main dining style. Classic accommodates diners in a choice of early (6:30 pm) or late seating (9pm) , giving you the chance to experience a preset lineup of the complimentary main restaurants. You get the convenience of the same dining time each night, with the same wait staff and dining companions at your table throughout the cruise rotating between different restaurants. Dynamic Dining Classic has limited availability. Quantum Class restaurants - follow my through the restaurants:
I have stated time for each restaurant in the video: 0.18 Silk - complimentary - smart casual 0.50 Grande . complimentary - formal 1.30 Chops Grille - complimentary - smart casual 2.36 Chic - complimentary - smart casual 3.30 Wonderland - cover fee - smart casual 4.06 American Icon Grille - complimentary - smart casual 4.30 Jamie's Italien - A la carte - smart casual 4.49 Costal Kitchen - suite guests - smart casual
A Bite of the Big Apple:
Royal Caribbean Brings a New York Deli to Anthem of the Seas
Guests onboard Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas can get a real taste of New York when they dine in the Windjammer's New York Deli. Experience specially prepared deli favorites like pastrami sandwiches, rye bread and kosher pickles that the Big Apple is so well known for.
I have added two videos: Links to videos: Artwork, Anthem of the Seas The primary difference between twin ships the Quantum of the Seas and the Anthem of the Seas is the art on the walls, decks and hanging from the ceiling. The video shows a sample of the artwork on display in The VIA, Royal Promenade and the Staircases.
Link to video: Pulse Spiral Light Sculpture, Pulse Spiral by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, The Pulse Spiral chandelier is an interactive artwork on deck 5 of Anthem of the Seas – It works by placing your hands on the metal plates in-front for 10 seconds, then the 200 light bulbs flash in time with your heartbeat. After its finished flashing, the recording of your heartbeat is then transferred to the lowest light bulb and will move up the chandelier each time a new heartbeat is added.
The shops at Anthem is very similar to the shops at Quantum with very few changes. In the Royal promenade you will find:
Impulse with cosmetics and perfumes Bobbi Brown & Tom Ford with mainly perfumes - (on Quantum this is Kiehl´s) Armani Jeans with clothing, accessories and purses - (on Quantum this is Michael Kors) Sundials with sunglasses Prince + Greene with clothing, and accessories Regalia Luxury Watches Regalia Fine Jewelry The Shop with logo merchandise Port Merchants with toll free booze, cigarettes and more I The Via you will find: Bvalgari with clothing, and accessories Hublot Watches
My cabin #8282 is a category D8 Superior Ocean View Stateroom w/ Balcony - 198 sq. ft. with 65 sq. ft. balcony , sitting area and full bathroom. The cabin is an exact copy of the cabin at Quantum. Video from Cabin 8282 (Mid ship) Video from Cabin 11548 (Front)
The cabin is spacious and the bed is nearest the bathroom while the sofa nearest the balcony.
There are two spacious closets - one just for hangers. Unfortunately, there are two hanging rails and the bottom is firm and rather short distance between the two poles.The second cabinet is with drawers and long clothes. Also includes safety box. In addition, there are two spacious closets over the beds and four drawers in the closet with minibar. Also sufficient space under the bed for the suitcases.
There is a small work table that can be moved and used as a table in connection with sofa.
Bathroom is also nicely spacious. Balcony on the nice room for two chairs and a small table.
Over work table, two US power outlets and a European. There are ligelese a US style by the bed. There are two USB sockets to charge mobile phones and tablets.
Only difference is the kettle and a magnetic 'Do not Disturb/Make up Room' sign. Suitcases does easily fit under the bed.
On Quantumthere was somecreakingin the cabinwhen sailing- it hasnotbeen the case at Anthem. A short video from cabin 8604:
Bionic Bar Robots serve up drinks in the Bionic Bar - the first bar with robot bartenders not just at sea, but anywhere in the world. Quantum of the Seas, Maiden Voyage, November 2 to 10, 2014. Same Bionic bar at Anthem of the Seas.
See video with robots at work (video fro Quantum of the Seas maiden Voyage):
At the entrance to Windjammer marketplace each side has a wash room with sinks (also available on Quantum).
On this cruise, it was enforced everyone to wash their hands instead of using alcohol disinfectant.
It is amazing that many do not understand the importance of washing hands before eatin, and especially at a buffet.
Click on picture to view bigger size.
Some did only rinse the hands slightly under the tap without soap but some tried to avoid washing hands. However, most people did wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm. From the Cruise Compass: "Did you know the best way to prevent colds, flu, or gastrointestinal (norovirus) illnesses to simply wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after restroom breaks or before eating anything?"
Royal Caribbean International have created a fun video to remind passengers to wash your hands while on board.
The same applied to the many people that fill their water bottles with drinking water or lemonade from drink dispensers in Windjammer.
We arrived into Southampton at 6am. Gangway opened at 7:15 am and the disembarkation process
went very smoothly. We did have a coach to Heathrow at 9:45 am and
left the ship at 9:00am. No queues and it took less than 15 minutes to
get off the ship.
From the Cruise terminal we walked the 15 minutes to the Coach Station (National Express), and took the service to Heathrow Central Bus Station. The bus does stop at all Heathrow terminals.
And then by Scandinavian Airlines from Heathrow to Copenhagen. Back home after a great cruise
Cruise Compass and Daily Planner from Anthem 3 day cruise from Southampton, April 30, 2015. Here are the links to the Cruise Compass and , Daily Planner from all three days, as well as 'As You Depart' information from my cruise: Cruise Compass day 1 Cruise Compass day 2 Cruise Compass day 3 Daily Planner: Day 1, - Day 2 and Day 3 As you Depart information Please contact me if you need additional information.
As it was our primarily interested to see the
difference between Quantum of Anthem, we again decided to stay
onboard rather than visit Le havre or do an excursion.
We spend some time to have a look at all the artwork in the stair cases. Lunch in Windjammer. Dinner in Silk (picture) . For sure my favorite restaurant. A
pitty with the "best of Anthem Menu" did have limited Silk menu options - but the waiter did have some
additional Silk menu options in his hand. A glass of wine in Vintage to finish the evening.
We arrived into Zeebrugge at 8am We had prioritized to walk around the ship rather than go ashore. We walked throughthe whole ship from deck three to deck 16. - Restaurants, two70, The VIA, bars, Seaplex and pool areas and more. Still a true copy of Quantum - just art installations were different - we spent a lot of time looking at the pictures.. In windjammer they have introduced a new routine of washing hands with soap and water instead of the usual dispensers with alcohol disinfection. It gave a queue at the wash basins at peak times. At Anthem the 'animal' is not a pink bear but a giraf! (picture) Dynamic Dining Choice We had not booked a table in advance but had no problem with getting a living at a time that suited us. There was no lines at the restaurants. A taste of Anthem: All four Dynamic Dining Complimentary Restaurants were serving the same menu that this short cruise. At longer cruises there is a separate menu in each restaurant- The menu was created two showcase the best dishes from the four venues. Todays dinner was at Chic - a menu of crab cake, grilled lobster tails and apple pie. Dynamic Dining ClassicHere you eat together with the same group every night in different restaurants. One has the same waiters every night. On this trip was the order Chic, American Icon Grille and Grande. From 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm there were Royal reception with a glass of champagne and a short speech by Captain Claus Andersen. Spectra's Cabaret
The evening show was Spectra's Cabaret. An electric multi-dimensional cabaret with a blend of live performance cinematography together with music, sound and light. Impressive graphics on Robo and Vistarama screens, but the music was not quite my taste. However a impressive show. Pictures from the show.
Anthem of the Seas is truly a sister ship to the Quantum of the Seas - it is a true copy. The only immediate difference is the decoration. Therefore, the VIA also is the place, where I have experienced the most visible difference so far.
Our first day at Anthem cruise started when the alarm clock rang at home at 4:30am. At 05:30am we took the bus and train to Copenhagen Airport and then by Scandinavian Airlines flight from Copenhagen to London Heathrow.
From Heathrow we took National Express bus to Southampton, a trip of a few hours. We arrived at the cruise terminal in Southampton and Anthem at lunch time.
Check-in and boarding went smoothly, and at 1pm we got our cabin 8282. No difference from the corresponding cabin at Quantum.
We had only carry-on suitcases for our three-day cruise, so we un-packed immediatelyfollowed by lunch in the Windjammer.
The first challenge was to get the internet to work. There were problems with making an internet account, and we had to visit customer service twice to get the problem solved, but then Internet worked fine at our four devices.
We had Dynamic Dining Choice, and not booked any restaurants in advance. We booked a table in Chops Grill for tonight. Then we started to find the differences from Quantum. So far only in the VIA (picture below). The only change I have seen for restaurants until now to Jamie's Italy is now A la Carte restaurant.
Muster drill at 4:00 pm and then we followed the departure from Southampton from our balcony (picture above) from 5 to 6 pm. A glas of wine Vintage bar before dinner in Chops. Here we had a Goat Cheese salad starter, a steak for main course and a dessert cake. A really nice menu. After dinner a glass of wine in Vintage before bedtime. Tomorrow I will use the day to find more differences.
I'm booked at the Anthem of the Seas 3 Nt. Royal Experience, Paris & Bruges April 30, 2015 to Le Havre and Zeebrugge. I have previously been on two Quantum Cruises. Read review from these cruises. Link at the menu bar. At this blog you will find a review of the cruise and Anthem of the Seas. Link to full review.
Anthem of the Seas was delivered to Royal Caribbean on April 10, 2015, and christened on April 20, 2015. The maiden voyage was April 22, 2015.
Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas was floated out at Meyer Werft from the dock in in Papenburg Saturday evening February 21, 2015. She is the second ship of the Quantum class. Anthem of the Seas was delivered to Royal Caribbean on April 10, 2015, and christened on April 20, 2015
March 10, from about 14:00 The Anthem of the Seas was ready for the Ems conveyance with arrival in Eemshaven (NL) Wednesday morning. River Ems Conveyance Due to its upstream location on the river Ems, the giant ships to be delivered have to make a 36 km voyage to the Dollart bay. The ships does make this voyage sailing backwards. It is easier to manoeuvre a ship backwards. The pods on the ship’s stern “shovel” water below the hull, which makes the river conveyance easier.
Below post with review and pictures from my Anthem of the Seas cruise - 3 Nt. Royal Experience, Paris & Bruges, April 30 to May 3, 2015.
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