Anthem of the Seas – Sailing from Southampton 2020

My first trip with Royal Caribbean was when she launched in Southampton back in 2015. At the time I thought what a great ship to cruise out of Southampton with the excellent Sea Plex facilities. We didnt get her for long though as she headed off to here home port of New York.

Shes back for 2020! If you missed her last time here is your chance to get on board. Prices are out for 2020 already.

Here is my review from when I was on board.

It started with the Smart Check in at Southampton this was so smooth no waiting around and we were on board within 30 minutes. I headed straight to my cabin to drop my bags off and the key card was waiting outside the cabin for me. Once inside the cabin was lovely and modern with tea and coffee facilities (One for us Brits)!! Also inside was the famous WOW band – This can be used just like your key card. Its a great concept and as it was on my wrist I never lost it!! It can be used to open your cabin, make purchases on board and even find your way back to your cabin with the WayFinders that are located all over the ship.

First stop the pool bar for a cool refreshing cocktail as we had the  all inclusive package included. Now if like me you like a drink and a cocktail this really is great value for money as the drinks prices on board are not the cheapest.

There is a great mix of indoor and outdoor pool space on board so will suit everyone my favorite spot being the Solarium pool great for when the weather is a little cooler.

Solarium Pool

Dining was a great chance for us to sample some of the different restaurant. We had a set menu to chose from each evening and this had a selection from American Icon and Silk. I actually had something from each place and the food was great. We also did a culinary tour whilst on board. As the specialty restaurants were invite only from 12-4 we did a restaurant tour and had samples from each place including the most random thing I have tried being a liquid olive!! Definitely an acquired taste!! I am a foodie and love great food being married to a chef helps!! I know if we were on board as a family we would certainly try at least 3 of the specialty dining including Wonderland, Izumi and Chops Grill.
I did try Jonny Rockets, It was ok, service a little slow and not the atmosphere I expected. Then the Windjammer, so many of my customers rave about the buffet on Royal Caribbean and now I know why!! It was fantastic so much choice, British, American, Asian, Burger bar, Sandwich station and even a whole gluten free section. So WELL Done on food options Anthem they really exceeded my expectations!!

As we were on a short trip we were unable to go on the North Star or I fly. I was a little disappointed and highly recommend you book these once on board (There will be an online booking facility although it is not up and running just yet keep an eye on your personaliser for more information) If I had the chance I would have given them a go along with the flow rider and climbing wall.

Onto the SeaPlex – This area again is a first for cruising. Great for teens and the young at heart!! We had great fun on the bumper cars and roller disco. Another great innovation that is all enclosed so if the weather is a little ropey there is still plenty to do. So many times I have cruised and not been able to beat my hubby at tennis – I blame the wind!!!

There were so many places to head to in the evening and again with different entertainment to suit all tastes. One of my favorites was the live band – Rock the Boat, sometimes playing around the pool but also found in City Hall this was like a rock looking bar with a great vibe. later in the evening there was another live band taking us through the 80’s. If you want somewhere a little quieter head to Schooners bar, if you want some latin music head to Boleros and if you want a club vibe head to the Bionic bar and order your drink from a robot!! Not for me it was a bit too much of a gimmick!! The drinks tasted much better made by a real person!!!
Not forgetting the Royal Theatre with Live production shows including We Will Rock You. Then Cafe Two70 for cabaret shows, Comedy acts and some crazy cocktails!! I recommend the Candyflostini!!

All in All I really loved my time on Anthem and I think its such a shame she will not be cruising out of Southampton next year. As a ship she will not suit everyone but she will please a lot of people. So if you are thinking of giving Anthem of the Seas a go book now before she heads off, I promise you will not be disappointed!!

Two70

North Star