Anthem of the Seas launch 20-22nd April, 2016
The décor and ambience is excellent and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. My cabin was ready, a balcony on deck 7. It was a good size with a spacious balcony which had 2 chairs, 2 footstools and a small table. The furnishings were of high quality and there was a large flat screen TV and minibar. the shower room was a good size and had a glass shower screen (much better than the shower curtains found on some ships). Toiletries, other than soap, were lacking, and I had to ask the cabin steward for shower gel, which is usually included. There were no dressing gowns either. These are now provided in suite classes.
The ship is stunning and no expense has been spared in the décor of the public rooms and restaurants. It is very classy and I would give it 5* for décor and entertainment. Although it is a large ship, it does not feel too big, apart from round the pool areas, as there are many different bars and smaller restaurants than on most large cruise ships. I looked round all the restaurants and was given samples of the different menus to try. The ones included in the price are The Grande (the only formal restaurant onboard), Chic, American Icon Grill, Silk Asian restaurant and Coastal Kitchen, which is for suite guests only. There are also informal eating places like The Windjammer buffet restaurant, Café Promade, Sorrento's which is also on the promenade, which is open until 3am for a late night slice of pizza. Michael's traditional pub, also on the promenade, serves food. In the Solarium there is Devinely Decedance which serves unusual options and healthy options. Restaurants with cover charges include Jamie's Italian, Izumi Japanese restaurant, Prime Table, Chops Grill, Wonderland - where you order your food from a framed painting, and is on the lines of Heston Blumental cuisine - and Chops Grill where I ate on the second night, cover charge on this was $35US. It was OK but I did not think it was worth the extra. The steak was excellent but the starter and dessert choices were disappointing.
The entertainment was some of the best I have seen on any cruise ship. On the first night in the theatre a group of men called Mo5aic did a fantastic performance, singing and providing musical accompaniment by their voices. Boleros bar played Latin style music, while the Schooner Bar, famous on RCL ships, had a good pianist. In Two70 Cabaret area there was a spectacular late night show, Spectra's Cabaret which was on the lines of a Cirque du Soleil production and after this, there was a fantastic band, The Wild Boys, in the Music Hall nightclub plying music from the 80s. On the second evening I watched a production of 'We Will Rock You' and although it was supposed to be a dress rehearsal, it was every bit as good as the London show, it was extremely professional. It ran to 2 hours without an interval. At 10.30 in the Two70 there was a show by the comedian, Alistair McGowan and then later at 11.30 the excellent band played 90s music and there was a late performance of Spectra's Cabaret at midnight in Two70
The Dodgems in Seaplex were a good novelty, as was the North Star pod which was a bit like a London Eye capsule. There was roller skating and a roller skating disco, a Flowrider and climbing wall. The pool areas were vast and the sun beds were too close together. I loved the Solarium which was much more relaxing and ideal when the weather was not too good. It was a large area but separated into 2 sections. The made wonderful smoothies at the bar here. The children's facilities and clubs are also excellent. It is a wonderful ship for families.
I looked round all the classes of staterooms and was impressed with the Loft suites. The inside cabins with the virtual balconies were a good idea so that passengers can see what the weather is like outside. There is also a remote control so that they can tune in to listen to the noise outside the ship!
All in all, I was very impressed with this ship. I would have given it 5 stars but although, the food is good, it is not on the same level as Celebrity. I would certainly love to try a Quantum class ship again. I think it is best suited to families and couples up to mid-fifties who like lively entertainment and a good quality product. It would also suit people who do not want formality as the dress code is smart casual, apart from if you wish to eat in The Grande Restaurant. People who want more formality could eat in The Grande more often. This ship offers something for everyone.