My experience onboard Royal Caribbean UK Cruise, Anthem Of The Seas

I was lucky enough to enjoy a few nights on Board, Royal Caribbeans, Anthem of the Seas this summer. I had been on board the MSC Bellissima for its Launch and also P&O Britannia when this was first launched. So I did have experience being on a few stunning ships.

Cruising had never appealed to my husband and there was no chance I would ever have persuaded him to book a cruise, however, When I was offered to go on an agent’s cruise to check it out for two nights before it started its first sailing to its paying guests, and I could take my partner. This was the perfect time to show him, how amazing a cruise can be.

We stayed in Southampton the night before, which worked out perfectly as England were playing that night.

We could board the ship from 1pm. This was all very straight forward and easy, from the parking to the documentation checked and to boarding. I will add, we both needed PCR tests no more than 72 hours before travel. We are both vaccinated but regardless, you must be fully vaccinated to cruise now. Royal Caribbean provided the tests but as we couldn’t get to the nearest testing facility, we were able to sort it ourselves (which was £99pp) and Royal Caribbean reimbursed us this in credit to use on board, which worked out perfectly.

It felt amazing to be on a mini holiday again and I just couldn’t wait to show off this amazing ship.

We had a lovely mid ship Balcony cabin; Gav was surprised at how spacious it was and was very impressed.

We just sailed for the 2 nights but not to anywhere in particular, it was just to give us a taster of the feel of the ship, the dining options, attractions on offer and shows. We did as much as we could, enjoyed time around the indoor pool, sampled lots of drinks and food. We had lunch in the Sushi restaurant, Izumi, which was amazing! We had a superb steak meal in the Steak house restaurant, and we had a meal in the Buffet restaurant. So much choice, all staff so pleased to help. It had been a long time since they had people onboard and you could see how happy all the staff were to be back and couldn’t do enough for us.

We watched the Rock of Ages show, a Comedian and the 80’s rewind band as well as live music in the pub on board. We also used the casino.

It really was a superb two nights away.

This experience completely changed my husband’s mind about cruising. He’s gone from being anti cruise to being eager to book us on a European cruise now for summer 2022 but to take the children with us.