Anthem of the Seas
When it debuted in 2015 as Royal Caribbean’s second Quantum-class ship, Anthem of the Seas showcased an impressive array of innovations, many of them centered around technology. Its online check-in system allows you to go right to the gangway at embarkation, and the high-speed Internet access on board is faster than almost anything else on the high seas. The 4,180-guest ship is also known for the Quantum classes’ new and innovative entertainment options, including bumper cars, skydiving simulators, and Music Hall, a sleek music lounge that showcases the best cover bands we’ve seen at sea.
What We Love
Wonderland: This molecular gastronomy restaurant serves fun dishes in a playful setting. Look for “olives” that burst in your mouth and "noodles" that melt into your soup, all in an Alice in Wonderland-inspired dining room that's decked out with playful oversized arm chairs.
Online Check-In: Not only is the online check-in super-fast, but it also allows you to upload a photo from home — rather than having a bedraggled one taken at the port — and to track your luggage from the curb to your cabin using Royal Caribbean's cool app.
That Super-Fast Wi-Fi: This was the first class of ship that allowed passengers to be fully connected while on their cruise — whether that means staying on top of emails and texts, uploading photos to social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook, or streaming video of their favorite TV shows and movies. In other words, it’s worth paying the daily fee if you don't want to unplug.
Best Known For
Robotic Bartenders: In the Bionic Bar, two robots pull bottles from the ceiling to whip up cocktails you order from an iPad menu. It’s as much fun as it sounds and worth the wait, and the occasional cocktail miss by the robotic mixologists.
Two70: This dramatic show lounge is among the most stunning at sea. Expect floor-to-ceiling multi-story windows that look out over the wake, fun seating choices with watery views, and a stage that’s designed to allow trapeze artists to descend from the ceiling and dancers to rise from the floor. There are also robotic screens that the productions use to modernize the shows.
Jamie's Italian: British chef and TV personality Jamie Oliver has international appeal, and his Italian restaurant serves up tasty trattoria fare, including house-made pastas. Our advice: Ask for an outside table.
Who It's Good For
Families with Kids of All Ages: This ship, like others in the line, does a great job of bringing the fun. The line’s signature surfing simulators and rock-climbing walls are here, and the bumper car area has a food “truck” version of the popular Dog House serving several varieties of hot dogs.
Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
It’s Big: Even with all the innovations, Royal Caribbean can’t change the fact that this ship carries thousands of passengers at a time. Expect lines in some areas, tables to fill up at coveted restaurants (such as Jamie Oliver’s Italian trattoria), and a rush for the most coveted deck chairs. Still, Royal Caribbean has worked hard to minimize wait times — you even get a beeper at the buffet in the morning to tell you when your omelet is ready.