Impressions of Anthem

[Peardrop]

Hello all,

 

We are on board Anthem at present, and I was interested to see how this class of ship compares to our favourite Freedom class. Our initial impressions are very favourable and she is an extremely beautiful, modern and stylish ship, well laid out with some excellent features.

 

The dynamic dining has been a big plus for us, as I find myself tiring of the MDR after a few nights, so the change of venues suits us very nicely indeed. The restaurants themselves are very beautiful.

 

The Grande

 

 

Silk

 

 

 

 

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[Peardrop]

The Royal Esplanade is nice, and it connects the theatre and the Two70 venue very nicely as they are at separate ends of the ship. There is much more emphasis on shops rather than bars, so it feels more like a mini shopping mall with some food and drink venues, rather than an entertainment hub, however it is very stylish. The artwork on the ship is truly beautiful and very creative.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Peardrop]

Our balcony stateroom is very spacious and comfortable.

 

 

The bionic bar looks fun if somewhat gimmicky, but I can't really comment because it hasn't worked yet on this trip, despite frequent visits by various engineers! It looks good though!

 

 

 

The pool deck and SeaPlex areas are wonderful, although the dreary weather means that they aren't really done any justice in my pictures!

 

 

 

 

 

We have the premium drink package and I'm pleased to say the drinks are generous and strong, however the cocktail list is limited (compared to FoS in August) and the bars are woefully understaffed. We haven't encountered any roaming waitstaff so be prepared to queue (often for some time) when you want a drink.

 

On that subject, one thing we have noticed is that the crew are for the most part very efficient, but they lack the friendliness and wow factor of other ships. I wonder if they are overstretched, as for example in the windjammer there have been many uncleared tables and just one frantic staff member trying to clear up, whilst fetching drinks and replenishing items at the counters. Service has also been slow and somewhat lacklustre in the restaurants, and it's obvious that the staff are working hard, they just appear to have so much to do that there is little time for the niceties.

 

Overall we have enjoyed our time onboard and whilst Indy and Freedom perhaps remain or favourites, there is no doubt that the Anthem class of ship is stunning and I wouldn't hesitate to return, perhaps in a year or so's time when some of the 'teething problems' have been worked out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Peardrop]

 

 

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[grouchomarx]

Wow thanks for your pics and thoughts! I'm sailing Anthem in just two weeks and it's nice to see some real pics and impressions. Cheers!

[CarpeCerevisi]

We have the premium drink package and I'm pleased to say the drinks are generous and strong, however the cocktail list is limited (compared to FoS in August) and the bars are woefully understaffed. We haven't encountered any roaming waitstaff so be prepared to queue (often for some time) when you want a drink.

 

On that subject, one thing we have noticed is that the crew are for the most part very efficient, but they lack the friendliness and wow factor of other ships. I wonder if they are overstretched, as for example in the windjammer there have been many uncleared tables and just one frantic staff member trying to clear up, whilst fetching drinks and replenishing items at the counters. Service has also been slow and somewhat lacklustre in the restaurants, and it's obvious that the staff are working hard, they just appear to have so much to do that there is little time for the niceties.

 

 

It sounds like Royal Caribbean hasn't learned from their Quantum experience. A common complaint the first few months was that the ship was understaffed, especially when it came to wait staff. They added staff and the complaints dropped. Maybe they thought they could get away with it a second time.

[cynt]

Peardrop, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I board Anthem in 27 days. She looks amazing. I'm at the can't get enough of her stage. Reading and rereading reviews. Searching for every picture and post about her. LOL!!! This was a great surprise!!

 

I have one question. My main concern is the wardrobe cabinet in the cabin. Did you find it to have ample space? It seems so tiny. What are your thoughts on this? Do you mind posting a pic with your clothes hanging in it? My last 3 cruises have been on Carnival where I had 3 closets plus a closet of shelves. Plenty of storage space. So I'm just a little concerned about the storage space on the Anthem.

 

Thanks again for the pics and review. Love it!!!

[Peardrop]

Here are some pictures for you! There is not much in our wardrobes as we are only on board for 3 nights [emoji3] There is a good amount of wardrobe space plus cupboards above the bed, and a set of drawers (the mini bar is located in the large right hand cupboard of this unit). There is also a large space under the bed for storage of luggage etc

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[jewels5440]

Peardrop, great pics!

 

I broke my foot and hope to be walking normally, though cautiously, by my Anthem cruise later this month. What is the access to the pools and hot tubs like? Steps with railings? Enjoy!

 

~Jill

[VTSKIandCRUISEGUY]

Thanks for all of your comments and especially the great pics.

We sail in just 2 weeks!!

 

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[vrock]

Thank you for posting and the pictures we board in 34 days. :)

[cynt]

Thanks Peardrop.

 

I think I'm making much ado about nothing. LOL!! Just excited to get on the ship so every little thing is making me anxious! LOL!!

[conandrob240]

Thank you! Oh, no on closet space. I thought that 2nd cabinet had 2 hanging bars. Top and bottom. One is going to make this a tight squeeze with clothes for 3 people!

[hollon]

thanks for the pictures! keep them coming when you have time :)

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

We have the premium drink package and I'm pleased to say the drinks are generous and strong, however the cocktail list is limited (compared to FoS in August) and the bars are woefully understaffed. We haven't encountered any roaming waitstaff so be prepared to queue (often for some time) when you want a drink.

 

On that subject, one thing we have noticed is that the crew are for the most part very efficient, but they lack the friendliness and wow factor of other ships. I wonder if they are overstretched, as for example in the windjammer there have been many uncleared tables and just one frantic staff member trying to clear up, whilst fetching drinks and replenishing items at the counters. Service has also been slow and somewhat lacklustre in the restaurants, and it's obvious that the staff are working hard, they just appear to have so much to do that there is little time for the niceties.

 

Overall we have enjoyed our time onboard and whilst Indy and Freedom perhaps remain or favourites, there is no doubt that the Anthem class of ship is stunning and I wouldn't hesitate to return, perhaps in a year or so's time when some of the 'teething problems' have been worked out.

 

 

That's really a shame - I thought they'd learn from the whole Quantum fiasco. Hopefully the problem gets fixed over time. Anyway, thanks for the photos and review!

Edited October 26, 2015 by OfTheSeasCruiser

[Peardrop]

Thank you! Oh, no on closet space. I thought that 2nd cabinet had 2 hanging bars. Top and bottom. One is going to make this a tight squeeze with clothes for 3 people!

 

 

Actually there is a second hanging rail in the first wardrobe, it's just hidden by the bottom of my clothes. There is way more closet space in this cabin but it's cleverly designed to be quite discreet.

 

 

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[cruisenfever]

How are the coolers in the cabins. Do they keep things colder than the coolers on other ships? Thanks so much.

[conandrob240]

Actually there is a second hanging rail in the first wardrobe, it's just hidden by the bottom of my clothes. There is way more closet space in this cabin but it's cleverly designed to be quite discreet.

 

 

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Oh, good! Thank you. Was counting on husband getting one bar and nephew the other!

[Pencruise]

How are the coolers in the cabins. Do they keep things colder than the coolers on other ships? Thanks so much.

 

Hi Patti, we were on the Anthem in June and found the fridges to be about the same temp as on other ships. We loved Anthem and had a great cruise.

[emileg]

Beautiful shots. Thank you.

[Mom.to.2]

Thank you for sharing your time & pictures with us! Can't wait to see more!

[riclop]

Thanks for your thoughts and photos.

[Ashland]

What category of cabin is this....looks a bit cramped...especially having the closet "right" next to the bed...doesn't appear to have two nightstands :confused:

[Peardrop]

What category of cabin is this....looks a bit cramped...especially having the closet "right" next to the bed...doesn't appear to have two nightstands :confused:

 

 

We have an obstructed balcony (6628) and I've found it very comfortable and spacious. Yes there are 2 nightstands, the only thing I have found a little snug is getting round the bed where the curtain is, it's almost impossible to get into that side of the bed without inadvertently pulling the curtain open [emoji4]

 

 

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[cruisenfever]

Hi Patti, we were on the Anthem in June and found the fridges to be about the same temp as on other ships. We loved Anthem and had a great cruise.

Thanks for the info. When we did our Quantum b2b, we thought that the coolers were much colder. Since we have to keep unopened insulin cold, we are hoping that on our b2b2b next April, the coolers on Anthem will do this eliminating my request for a medical refrigerator.