Anthem or Serenade? Help us decide

[pxy cda]

DH and I are planning a spring 2017 cruise. Booking a balcony or higher. Cost for both is even.

 

#1 - Anthem 12 night April 17th departing Bayonne

#2 - Serenade 11 night Mar 27 departing FLL

 

Itineraries on both are southern Caribbean so that is also a tie.

Anthem allows us to drive to port but can those local to Bayonne advise re pre-cruise stay and any park/fly options? Also terrible reviews out of UK on food, and many kinks with service, crowded feel. - We like the idea of a new ship but not if overall cruise experience (crowded public areas, food/service) suffers

 

Serenade - older ship (which is fine - we love Grandeur and Majesty), we would need to fly - don't know much about her.

 

A bit about us: We are DINKs (double income no kids) We prefer fellow passengers to be couth and mature (we are good with well behaved children but not so much unattended, running hoards hitting elevator buttons etc). We are not big drinkers but we will enjoy the diamond lounge pre dinner and a glass of vino with dinner. Food is important and we "dine" we don't "eat". We enjoy substance over style (we don't need "bells & whistles/gimmicks") Not big pool fans - but we will frequent the solarium for a quiet dip and hottub

@6pm when half the ship is readying for dinner. We go to the shows but are easy to please there - we also like a good band or a jazz lounge/pianist with a nice martini. We don't need to scale walls or roller skate or such, but a mini-put or shuffleboard or a card room will suffice to keep us entertained on days at sea. We are non smokers and prefer not to be infested with smoke if at all possible.

 

So please weigh in with your experiences, thoughts and tips - we are hoping to book while onboard our next cruise in November of this year. If you've sailed either or both - what did you love/hate? Which would you pick?

 

Thanks!

Edited September 27, 2015 by pxy cda

[SSVacation]

By the sound of your likes I would go with the Serenade, have been on that ship and class many times, you will enjoy the smaller amount of passengers as well as the more quaint ship, we will be doing Anthem and Serenade in 2017, mostly just to try the new class, but we much prefer the radiance class for a lot of reasons you have stated. Whatever you choose enjoy!

[pxy cda]

By the sound of your likes I would go with the Serenade, have been on that ship and class many times, you will enjoy the smaller amount of passengers as well as the more quaint ship, we will be doing Anthem and Serenade in 2017, mostly just to try the new class, but we much prefer the radiance class for a lot of reasons you have stated. Whatever you choose enjoy!

 

Thanks - yes - I think what is drawing me to the Anthem is that I can drive and the fact it is new and different. But from what Im reading Im leaning towards Serenade - was hoping to see some good feedback on both so we can get a good sense of both ships before we decide.

[Clarea]

I would also choose Serenade because it has about half the number of guests that Anthem has, still has traditional dining, and no shows need to be reserved ahead of time.

[camofwilliamsburg]

You can talk yourself into convenience of leaving from the north on Anthem, but during that time, there will be more kids on board. April 16 is Easter and will bring Spring vacationers with kids onboard.

 

I have not done Anthem, but have done Oasis. I liked the shows, but of all my cruises, I was bored. Besides the shows you have to pre-reserve there was not much going on. I felt the ship was large and impersonal.

 

I have not done Serenade, but have done Legend and I am doing Grandeur, which is smaller, but we loved it!

 

I have done Jewel which is the sister ship to Serenade. I LOVED it. I loved the ease of getting around, nothing felt small. This class has all lounges facing the ocean. It has a self leveling pool table which is so much fun to play on and to watch. I loved the Jewel of the Seas. I mentioned the Vision class because I wanted to make a point that we did not think bigger was better. I actually really liked Legend.

 

If the bells and whistles do not matter to you, if the flying to Florida does not matter, then I would think the better match for you would be Serenade. I believe it will be more upscale for you in terms of other passengers and overall look of the ship.

 

You need to weigh out what is most important to you. The itineraries are different too.

Let us know which you picked.

 

 

Enjoy!

Edited September 27, 2015 by camofwilliamsburg

[Pumbaamd]

We also love GR and MJ, and every Vision and Radiance class ship. We don't need a promenade, ice rink or flow rider. Dining and Shows etc., are plain and simple on Serenade. No hassle. Serenade is a great choice!!!

Rick and Deirdra

DPTINKOP

(Double Part Time Incomes, No Kids or Pets

[billsgal]

Have done caribbean on both quantum and Serenade. Anthem will have more kids, especially being Easter week. More restaurant choices on Anthem, bigger solarium on Anthem, more upscale stores. Demographics probably a bit older on Serenade, fewer kids. Smaller ship, easier to get around, lots of glass everywhere. Smoke in quantum casino really bad, not quite as bad in Serenade. Loved dynamic dining, but that was JMHO. Staff on Serenade

Nicer Han staff on Quantum, but probably because when we sailed Quanntum it was new and they were working out the kinks.

 

Serenade and Radiance class is our favorite class, but we recently did Oasis again and still enjoyed it very much.

 

 

Not having to fly would be a plus for us, but I would have a hard time picking which one to do, love them both. Would probably come down to price for me.

 

Weather would be warm immediately on Serenade,but might take a day or so to get to warm weather on Anthem. Also, think of the weather on the return.

 

Don't think you can go wrong with either option, have fun deciding!

[Hoopster95]

So please weigh in with your experiences, thoughts and tips - we are hoping to book while onboard our next cruise in November of this year. If you've sailed either or both - what did you love/hate? Which would you pick?

 

Thanks!

 

 

Your question is very encompassing on tons of factors and your personal tastes. I sailed both ships within 3 months of each other and have very extensive reviews and thoughts about both ships and how they both worked for me (click the links in my signature below if you have an hour or so to go through photos and reviews of venues/events/etc). I'm hoping you may be able to tell how either ship would work for you and your personal tastes by going through the pics and explanations.

 

I feel that the two most important things you did not mention are as follows:

1. Do you enjoy/embrace change? If you have been on many RCL ships, and you do not like change, you may not like Anthem very much. It is not at all even close in any way resembling any of her sister ships from oasis on down. You will feel you are on another cruise line.
   
2. Do you enjoy choice? If you want the exact same waiter, same exact chair, same exact food, same exact music, same exact surroundings, same exact everything every night, with every decision made for you including the time you must eat each night at traditional dining, the exact time of each show each night you must attend (else you miss the show), etc... if you feel that you will not enjoy the freedom of booking which shows and when you wish to see them, or sitting at different restaurants like you do on land, then you may also hate Anthem.
   

 

Personally I totally loved Quantum and cannot wait for my Anthem sailing next year.... I loved Q for the changes, the choice and technology, other cruisers totally hated her for the very same reasons. For the same price this is a total no-brainer if it were my choice.... no doubt about it Anthem all the way. The lounges (especially the CL), Two70, Music Hall, The Esplanade, North Star, Rip Cord.... etc etc etc all kick major butt over anything that Serenade can offer you. You also mention you dine (not eat)... Anthem with Wonderland, Jamie's & Devinely Decadence could be great experiences for you. Just my 2 cents.

 

Take some time to look at other Anthem reviews as well as Serenade reviews here on Cruise critic so that you can make an informed decision formed by opinions of cruisers who actually have sailed on both ships.

 

Whatever you choose, have an awesome cruise! :D

[parrotfeathers]

I am booked for Anthem in Oct 2016 to Bermuda. I was on Explorer in 2014 to Bermuda but want to try Anthem. I was wondering if I had made the right decision and if I should try Allure instead. But I think I will stick with Anthem from these comments.

[pxy cda]

Your question is very encompassing on tons of factors and your personal tastes. I sailed both ships within 3 months of each other and have very extensive reviews and thoughts about both ships and how they both worked for me (click the links in my signature below if you have an hour or so to go through photos and reviews of venues/events/etc). I'm hoping you may be able to tell how either ship would work for you and your personal tastes by going through the pics and explanations.

 

I feel that the two most important things you did not mention are as follows:

1. Do you enjoy/embrace change? If you have been on many RCL ships, and you do not like change, you may not like Anthem very much. It is not at all even close in any way resembling any of her sister ships from oasis on down. You will feel you are on another cruise line.
   
2. Do you enjoy choice? If you want the exact same waiter, same exact chair, same exact food, same exact music, same exact surroundings, same exact everything every night, with every decision made for you including the time you must eat each night at traditional dining, the exact time of each show each night you must attend (else you miss the show), etc... if you feel that you will not enjoy the freedom of booking which shows and when you wish to see them, or sitting at different restaurants like you do on land, then you may also hate Anthem.
   

 

Personally I totally loved Quantum and cannot wait for my Anthem sailing next year.... I loved Q for the changes, the choice and technology, other cruisers totally hated her for the very same reasons. For the same price this is a total no-brainer if it were my choice.... no doubt about it Anthem all the way. The lounges (especially the CL), Two70, Music Hall, The Esplanade, North Star, Rip Cord.... etc etc etc all kick major butt over anything that Serenade can offer you. You also mention you dine (not eat)... Anthem with Wonderland, Jamie's & Devinely Decadence could be great experiences for you. Just my 2 cents.

 

Take some time to look at other Anthem reviews as well as Serenade reviews here on Cruise critic so that you can make an informed decision formed by opinions of cruisers who actually have sailed on both ships.

 

Whatever you choose, have an awesome cruise! :D

 

Thanks for your very informative response - I enjoyed your extensive pictures!

 

Re your two items above - although my question may not seem it, we are go with the flow types - on some ships we have gone to the shows every night - other itineraries (where we had MTD) we missed them all. No biggie - again we are easy to entertain. No issues with different or changes (hopefully they will have some of the reservations kinks out by the time we sail).

 

I think a big factor as pointed out in one of the responses the Easter/kid volume factor may offset the convenience of driving. We sailed IOS on easter break didnt realize US give kids a whole week off (ours is in March) and parental control was non existent (I blame parents not children for bad behaviour) - didn't spoil our cruise but definitely took away from the experience. Price and itineraries are pretty much a tie.

 

Right now I think we are leaning to Serenade - but all these responses are spot on what I needed to help make up our minds.

[Blondynka]

Haven't done Serenade or any sister ships, but DH and I have done Quantum which is sister to Anthem, and we are doing Anthem in January. We LOVED Quantum! However probably for the very reasons that so many dislike it:

 

- We loved the dynamic dining, not being tied down to a specific venue or time for dinner plus we loved the variety of all the different menus and types of food. We tried all the specialty restaurants and had one of the best meals of our lives at Chef's Table.

 

- We didn't find that we needed to reserve any shows ahead of time. I had reserved dinner and a show every night online before we left, but we ended up making friends with another couple and we blew off every single reservation I had made. We did not have an issue getting in anywhere without a reservation.

 

- The technology and features of the ship just blew us away. Two70 is such an amazing venue both by day and night. The bionic bar is so much fun.

 

We are late 20s/early 30s and we felt that Quantum/Anthem is definitely targeting our demographic with the changes they have made to the dining and entertainment structure.

 

We are from Toronto, so we drove the day before and stayed at the Comfort Inn in Staten Island. We were able to leave our car there for the duration of the trip for free, and they had a shuttle to and from the cruise terminal. Worked out way cheaper than parking the car at the terminal plus we got a night at the hotel. I know that the Holiday Inn and Hilton on Staten Island have similar offers going on.

 

Hope that helps!

Edited September 28, 2015 by Blondynka

[pxy cda]

Haven't done Serenade or any sister ships, but DH and I have done Quantum which is sister to Anthem, and we are doing Anthem in January. We LOVED Quantum! However probably for the very reasons that so many dislike it:

 

- We loved the dynamic dining, not being tied down to a specific venue or time for dinner plus we loved the variety of all the different menus and types of food. We tried all the specialty restaurants and had one of the best meals of our lives at Chef's Table.

 

- We didn't find that we needed to reserve any shows ahead of time. I had reserved dinner and a show every night online before we left, but we ended up making friends with another couple and we blew off every single reservation I had made. We did not have an issue getting in anywhere without a reservation.

 

- The technology and features of the ship just blew us away. Two70 is such an amazing venue both by day and night. The bionic bar is so much fun.

 

We are late 20s/early 30s and we felt that Quantum/Anthem is definitely targeting our demographic with the changes they have made to the dining and entertainment structure.

 

We are from Toronto, so we drove the day before and stayed at the Comfort Inn in Staten Island. We were able to leave our car there for the duration of the trip for free, and they had a shuttle to and from the cruise terminal. Worked out way cheaper than parking the car at the terminal plus we got a night at the hotel. I know that the Holiday Inn and Hilton on Staten Island have similar offers going on.

 

Hope that helps!

 

Great review - just what we need for input - that said: there has been a lot of negative on the Anthem (if it was Quantum Id be less leery and likely book without a thought). I love the tips on the parking on SI. Thanks so much for the response.

[138east]

Great review - just what we need for input - that said: there has been a lot of negative on the Anthem (if it was Quantum Id be less leery and likely book without a thought). I love the tips on the parking on SI. Thanks so much for the response.

 

The number one parking deal at Cape Liberty will likely be on Trinityreservations.com at the Ramada Plaza at Newark Airport. They always quote tax included. This year they are offering a hotel room, 21 days parking, and round trip port transportation for up to 4 people for a little over $200. Coming from Canada there is no reason to pay the $14 toll and extra 20-30 minutes travel time each way to stay on Staten Island.

[Blondynka]

The number one parking deal at Cape Liberty will likely be on Trinityreservations.com at the Ramada Plaza at Newark Airport. They always quote tax included. This year they are offering a hotel room, 21 days parking, and round trip port transportation for up to 4 people for a little over $200. Coming from Canada there is no reason to pay the $14 toll and extra 20-30 minutes travel time each way to stay on Staten Island.

 

Oooh good to know! We will look into that for sure for Anthem. Thank you!

[138east]

Oooh good to know! We will look into that for sure for Anthem. Thank you!

 

Be sure you look for the Bayonne Caoe Liberty Cruise Port Option. This is the one with the transportation.

[m*u*g*]

Strictly looking at Ship only-Anthem

 

Other considerations included-Serenade

 

The port alone shys me away from Bayonne.

[cincicruisers]

Another vote for the Radiance class. All the views of the sea are wonderful. There should be less kids on serenade for a spring cruise. Being a longer cruise should also have less kids.

 

Overall we like Radiance class the best.

[SelectSys]

Your at sea days on Serenade are likely to be in better weather - I think. If I was really into the ship experience, I would pick Anthem.

[nelblu]

DH and I are planning a spring 2017 cruise. Booking a balcony or higher. Cost for both is even.

 

#1 - Anthem 12 night April 17th departing Bayonne

#2 - Serenade 11 night Mar 27 departing FLL

 

Itineraries on both are southern Caribbean so that is also a tie.

Anthem allows us to drive to port but can those local to Bayonne advise re pre-cruise stay and any park/fly options? Also terrible reviews out of UK on food, and many kinks with service, crowded feel. - We like the idea of a new ship but not if overall cruise experience (crowded public areas, food/service) suffers

 

Serenade - older ship (which is fine - we love Grandeur and Majesty), we would need to fly - don't know much about her.

 

A bit about us: We are DINKs (double income no kids) We prefer fellow passengers to be couth and mature (we are good with well behaved children but not so much unattended, running hoards hitting elevator buttons etc). We are not big drinkers but we will enjoy the diamond lounge pre dinner and a glass of vino with dinner. Food is important and we "dine" we don't "eat". We enjoy substance over style (we don't need "bells & whistles/gimmicks") Not big pool fans - but we will frequent the solarium for a quiet dip and hottub

@6pm when half the ship is readying for dinner. We go to the shows but are easy to please there - we also like a good band or a jazz lounge/pianist with a nice martini. We don't need to scale walls or roller skate or such, but a mini-put or shuffleboard or a card room will suffice to keep us entertained on days at sea. We are non smokers and prefer not to be infested with smoke if at all possible.

 

So please weigh in with your experiences, thoughts and tips - we are hoping to book while onboard our next cruise in November of this year. If you've sailed either or both - what did you love/hate? Which would you pick?

 

Thanks!

 

Been on both and no comparison--Anthem hands down. We sailed the Quantum in Feb and it had gotten crappy reviews, however, we did not encounter none of the gripes that were mentioned. The food selection in the 4 complementary restaurants was very good and the WJ food quality and selection was the best of all RCL ships. There is no crowdiness, unless there a show in the promenade. The same gripe apply to Oasis and Allure and I love both ships.

 

We are booked on the Anthem in August '16 for a 9 nite NE/Canada cruise and can't wait.

[Hoopster95]

Another vote for the Radiance class. All the views of the sea are wonderful. There should be less kids on serenade for a spring cruise. Being a longer cruise should also have less kids.

 

Overall we like Radiance class the best.

 

Have you sailed on Quantum Class so that you could offer a valid comparison? Quantum Class has more glass and more views than Radiance... as well as soooo much more. It's Radiance Class on steriods plus, the internal conveniences of Larger ships like freedom/Oasis Class, plus even more new things to experience. Anthem sailing is one day longer for the same price... everyone who has ever posted on cruise critic almost always votes for the one day longer cruise for the same price regardless of ship.

[Hoopster95]

I think a big factor as pointed out in one of the responses the Easter/kid volume factor may offset the convenience of driving. We sailed IOS on easter break didnt realize US give kids a whole week off (ours is in March) and parental control was non existent (I blame parents not children for bad behaviour) - didn't spoil our cruise but definitely took away from the experience. Price and itineraries are pretty much a tie.

 

Anthem = 12 day, less kids probably. I also think the higher cost of Anthem will drive families away compared to the typical Oasis/freedom/etc 7 day sailings at less cost. Regarding the negative feedback of Anthem sailings, the cruise critic reviews were at about a 30% approval rating. These boards were constantly being driven with negative posts about Quantum...

That Quantum sailing was one of my best cruise vacations ever.

 

My Serenade review was also extremely positive (one of the best MDR's in a long time, excellent service, etc etc). but truthfully I would not hesitate a miliisecond if both ships were offered to me at the exact same price & exact same itinerary which one I would go on.... let alone the extra 12th day vs a 11 day itinerary.

Edited September 28, 2015 by Hoopster95

[conandrob240]

The number one parking deal at Cape Liberty will likely be on Trinityreservations.com at the Ramada Plaza at Newark Airport. They always quote tax included. This year they are offering a hotel room, 21 days parking, and round trip port transportation for up to 4 people for a little over $200. Coming from Canada there is no reason to pay the $14 toll and extra 20-30 minutes travel time each way to stay on Staten Island.

 

Trinity reservations is a travel agency, right? Are we allowed to promote travel agencies? Why couldn't a person just book at ramada.com.

 

If you look at the mostly recent reviews for Anthem,they are really mostly stellar. I'd throw out a lot of the earlier ones and assume the reviews are improving because they've worked the bugs out.

[davy jones]

 

 

The port alone shys me away from Bayonne.

 

Why do you shy away from Bayonne?

[yj2cute]

Strictly looking at Ship only-Anthem

 

Other considerations included-Serenade

 

The port alone shys me away from Bayonne.

 

I recently sailed out of Bayonne and it was the fastest embarkation/debarkation I've ever had. No problems with traffic in or out at peak times and the new terminal is great. No more bus needed to board. Just walk on the ship. No reason for anyone to shy away from Bayonne.

[saw777]

Hi,

 

We have just came of the Anthem yesterday and it was the best RCCL yet for us after spending 13 nights on her.

 

We had no issues with food at all, and we eat in Jamies, The Grande, Chic, Silk, American Icon, D.Devine and Coastal Kitchen (we were in a GS)

 

Services = no issues and staff went out of there way to help you.

 

Entertainment = Outstanding, the shows were of high quality and we loved We Will Rock You.

 

SeaPlex Area = good use of space with lots to do. Loved the bumper cars and IFly. Loved Two 70 area.

 

Concierge Lounge = large, nice area, good service, peaceful during the day. We went there each night around 7pm before our meal at 8.30pm.

 

Pool area = never touched deck 14 / 15 for the pool since we had access to deck 16.

 

CD = Luke Aerowsmith = Good, no issues

 

 

They were hardly any children on the cruise since the UK schools were all back by start of September.

 

We enjoyed the cruise as I said at the start however they were other cruisers onboard who never and wanted the Indy back in Southampton. Everyone is different but it had the WOW factor.

 

We are doing the Anthem again in May 2016 out of Cape Liberty down to Bermuda for 5 nights and im happy its on the Anthem.

 

Hope that gives you an idea from someone from the UK

 

Steven :)