LET THE BATTLE COMMENCE

As we embark on a brand New Year, 2015 brings the battle of all battles to Southampton port . BRITANNIA V ANTHEM OF THE SEAS. We are now on official countdown until Britannia sets sail in 74 days time followed by Anthem 5 weeks later. Two completely different ships and two completely different cruising experiences . We have heard all about Anthem, due to the launch of Quantum and after being myself on her sister ship Quantum of the Seas I generally did feel at one point that Anthem would have the edge over Britannia with the most amazing innovations ever to be seen , don’t get me wrong the Quantum did not disappoint and delivered on every expectation, but as more and more details emerge regarding Britannia I have to admit that she really has become a force to be reckoned with to the point that I am rather excited to see her  . I could spend the day giving you all the facts about these two cruise ships but I think we know a lot about them already, I wanted to share my personal opinion of my thoughts on two of the most sought after cruises of our time.

Britannia heads up in just 74 days time with her maiden voyage departing Southampton on the 15th March followed by Anthem just 5 weeks later on the 22nd April

Anthem 167,800 tonnage 4180 passengers (Maiden Voyage 22nd April 2015)

Britannia 141,000 tonnage 3611 passengers (Maiden Voyage 15th March 2015)

As I mentioned earlier I sailed on Quantum in October for 2 nights which gave me an insight of how Anthem was going to be and I have to say she exceeded all expectations. I appreciate that Anthem may not be to everyone’s taste but for me she was undoubtedly the most fun ship I have ever been on. I particularly enjoyed the skydiving on board although a scary experience in the waiting room but once I was in the tunnel it was fantastic , nothing like I had imagined , the only down side to this experience is I was only in the tunnel a minute. Please note though from other passengers that have been onboard Quantum since, is that you do find yourself queuing for this for some time . The North Star was again a great experience with amazing views of not just the scenery but of the ship, great to get a bird’s eye view from 370ft above. Like I said regarding the sky diving you need to prepare to queue if not booked.

After sailing previously on NCL cruises where the dining is Free Style for me I prefer my time dining so the Dynamic Dining option suited me perfectly as I never know where or at what time I wish to eat again personal preference but I enjoyed the choice of venues and the service was absolutely second to none. Again a downside is that the restaurants included in Dynamic Dining don’t change their menus so this may be an issue for some on a 14 night cruise, but the Windjammer was exceptionally good if you are wanting a bit of a change of scenery. As I was only on 2 nights I didn’t get to try Jamie’s Italian but having sampled his restaurant in Leeds I can guarantee it will be well worth the extra money.

Cabins were big and spacious and the beds and pillows were gorgeous to sleep in at the end of a long day. Not sure whether the beds right being right up to the balcony are a good idea but as we know this happens on many ships due to the design.

The absolute highlight though were the stage shows, Mama Mia on Quantum and will be We Will Rock You on Anthem, absolutely amazing , the cast really were superb and the atmosphere in the theatre was electric. Starwater was also great and innovative as were the semi clad acrobatic male dancers hanging from the ceiling. So you really are in for a treat on Anthem.

When I disembarked Quantum I genuinely though that Royal Caribbean had really done the ship justice and thought positively regarding Anthem and still do, its only recently though that my excitement for Britannia has grown and I guess that is because with her maiden voyage in only a matter of days now more and more details of this absolutely stunning ship are coming to light.

I was on the Queen Mary2 in December , my first Cunard cruise and I was absolutely overwhelmed by how stunning she was. A completely different class of ship to the Quantum but I genuinely fell in love with her. Her character , charm and grace oozed out of every bar restaurant and entertainment venue and with this in mind made me even more excited to see as a new experience what Britannia has to offer.

I am sailing on Britannia too in March for 2 nights before she embarks on her maiden voyage to sample everything she has to offer . What am I most looking forward to I ask myself? I guess taking in the atmosphere of the Atrium, I think this will be one of the most stunning I have ever seen. I imagine myself in Eric Lanlard’s Market Cafe with a nice glass of champers and tapas watching the world go by in a stunning setting.

I think the weather will be a little too cold to sample Serenity the adults only pool area but it looks idyllic if you want some serious R&R. Ultimately though and I live in hope that I get the chance to experience James Martin’s Cookery Club, now as a huge fan of Saturday Kitchen and many cooking programmes this would be on the top of my list, an amazing opportunity to cook his food , this to me is the ultimate pleasure.

So for me the Jury is out until March but what do you think have you booked on either Anthem or Britannia, do you have a preference in cruiseline Royal Caribbean or P&O and if so would you change to the other brand. I look forward to your comments and wish you a very Happy New year

Cheers Holly xx