Why an Anthem of the Seas  Caribbean Cruise Delivers the Best Vacation Experiences for All Travelers

Many seasoned travelers might tell you that planning a fun vacation for the whole family is easier said than done. Luckily, I’ve discovered a shortcut that makes the planning process effortless while ensuring plenty of fun for everyone in your group (no matter what their age). The trick is to forego a traditional trip and opt instead for a cruise on board a ship designed with everyone in mind. One of my favorites is Anthem of the Seas®.

Part of the Royal Caribbean tech-forward Quantum Class, this engineering marvel is loaded from bow to stern with next-level feats — like North Star®, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. Virtual concerts bring iconic performances to life in stunning 4K resolution. Enjoy hours of tide-taming thrills on the fan-favorite FlowRider® surf simulator and all kinds of activities at SeaPlex®, the largest indoor active space at sea.

In addition to its many cruise attractions for couples, kids and families, Anthem of the Seas also boasts a top-notch food scene sure to please even the most discerning diners. From fresh sushi at Izumi and hand-spun milkshakes at Johnny Rockets® to artisanal brats at Dog House and prime cuts of steak at Chops Grille℠, every meal on board this award-winning cruise ship is bound to tantalize your taste buds. 

Once the sun goes down, you and your loved ones will find plenty of options to keep the vacation vibes going strong with show-stopping musicals, original theatrical productions, outdoor movie nights and more. 

Here are just some of the many reasons why an Anthem of the Seas Caribbean cruise is a great choice for anyone looking to plan the best at-sea vacation this year.

Key Takeaways

● Experience high-tech thrills and classic fun on an Anthem of the Seas Royal Caribbean cruise, from bumper cars at SeaPlex to the record-breaking North Star observation capsule.

● Adventure seekers can master the waves on the FlowRider or feel the rush of the skydiving simulator.

● Every Royal Caribbean cruise ship offers diverse environments, including climate-controlled indoor pools and the tranquil, adults-only Solarium retreat.

● Families benefit from the complimentary youth program, providing supervised educational activities while parents and grandparents enjoy world-class specialty dining.

● Each day, your Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas cruise can conclude with spectacular entertainment, ranging from Broadway to immersive multimedia shows.

● Explore the Caribbean on board Anthem of the Seas this year.

1. The Ship Offers Plenty of Opportunities To Earn Bragging Rights

Anthem of the Seas is a wonderful option for travelers who have a competitive streak. At SeaPlex, parents and siblings can put their dribble and dunk skills to the test on a full-sized basketball court or buckle up for an epic whirl around the bumper car course. The ship also has an arcade filled with classic and contemporary games that cruisers of all ages will love, including: 

● A 40-foot rock climbing wall that yields some truly spectacular views.

● Expedition Two70®, a collection of immersive, augmented reality challenges where players have to raise temples and blast ruins to recover ancient artifacts.

2. Daredevils Can Fill Every Sea Day With Next-Level Thrills

One of the things I love most about Anthem of the Seas is that it has so many tech-driven onboard attractions for kids, teens and adults. My favorite is North Star, an observation capsule that raises guests over 300 feet above sea level to showcase 360-degree views of the sea and sights around you. It won the Guinness World Record for the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and is best enjoyed during “golden hour.” Of course, you can score some envy-inducing photos from inside the capsule at any time of day. 

If you’re craving something a little bit more adrenaline-amping, there’s the FlowRider, a surf simulator that funnels 30,000 gallons of water to create shred-worthy waves all day, every day. No Anthem of the Seas cruise adventure is complete without a skydiving session on the RipCord® by iFLY® simulator. Simply suit up, step inside the simulator and get ready to feel the rush of freefall without ever leaving the ship’s uppermost deck.

3. Pool Days Are Pretty Much Perfect On Board Anthem of the Seas

You’ll find multiple pools and whirlpools located on Deck 14 of the ship, with plenty of lounge seating in the shade and even near the water. Something I find super convenient about cruising on board Anthem of the Seas is that the ship also offers a climate-proof indoor pool and bar. This means you can enjoy a dip and a drink while island-hopping across the Caribbean or sailing along Alaska’s misty fjords.

If you’re looking for a little slice of heaven on board, hit the adults-only Solarium. This tranquil hideaway has its own pool and whirlpools. There’s ample room to unwind and a bistro that serves up fresh Mediterranean-inspired fare during breakfast, lunch and dinner (at no additional cost). 

If you’re hanging out at one of the ship’s main pools, you should definitely plan to do lunch steps away at Johnny Rockets®. After all, does anything hit the spot on a sunny pool day like a juicy burger and a refreshing, decadent milkshake? I’ll wait.

4. Parents and Grandparents Can Take Advantage of Complimentary Childcare Services

Anthem of the Seas is home to the award-winning Adventure Ocean® Youth Program, which caters to kids aged 6 months to 12 years. The program breaks little ones into groups based on age, then fills the time with plenty of engaging, educational, supervised activities. Think arts and crafts, science experiments, scavenger hunts and more. 

The best part? The program is totally free for cruise guests and available every day of your sailing. If you’re cruising with a baby, you’ll probably be happy to know that the ship also offers a nursery drop-off program specifically for babies and tots at an additional charge. And even teens get their very own lounge to chill and make new friends.

5. You Can Bond With Your Loved Ones Over Crave-Worthy Cuisine

Mealtime is when the family comes together — especially during vacations. And Anthem of the Seas offers lots of great cruise dining options to make every onboard meal truly memorable. One of my top picks is Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, a “trattoria”-style specialty restaurant helmed by the renowned British celebrity chef. All of the items on the menu are perfect for sharing, especially the creamy burrata, buttermilk garlic bread and fresh prawn linguini.

For special-occasion dinners, it doesn’t get better than Chops Grille℠. This well-known specialty restaurant is a fleetwide favorite that delivers a contemporary steakhouse experience complete with seared prime cuts of meat, world-class seafood and white-tablecloth service. 

For a casual, fuss-free dining experience that goes bold on global flavors, there’s Windjammer. This complimentary, buffet-style restaurant features a series of stations serving rotating dishes from Sao Paolo to Seoul and every culinary capital in between.

6. There Are Countless Ways To Elevate Every Evening With Nonstop Entertainment

Making memories on board Anthem of the Seas doesn’t end when the sun goes down. In fact, the diverse array of entertainment that this ship has to offer is one of the reasons why I think it offers some of the best cruises for diverse travelers. 

One of the signature performances on board is the hit Broadway musical, We Will Rock You, which won an Olivier Award for its beat-driven Queen anthems and hard-rocking dance moves and costumes. Another theatrical favorite is “The Gift,” an original production complete with dazzling costumes, electrifying choreography and a spellbinding plot. 

Hands down, one of the most unique onboard shows is “Spectra’s Cabaret.” In keeping with the ship’s futuristic vibe, this fusion of experiential cinema and live performances combines pop culture, grade-A singing and dancing and cutting-edge technology. 

If you’re in the mood for more of a low-key evening, check your Cruise Planner app to see what movies are playing on the pool deck’s giant projector screen during your cruise. Then grab a towel and cozy up with your loved ones for a chill movie night under the stars. 

Sail on Anthem of the Seas and Enjoy an Unforgettable Caribbean Cruise

These six cruise guide items are only some of the ways Anthem of the Seas lives up to its reputation of delivering some of the best cruises, especially when sailing to the Caribbean. 

There are plenty more onboard experiences designed with families, couples and solo travelers in mind. You can check out all of the ship’s restaurants, bars, shows and activities and then build the perfect itinerary for you and your fellow vacationers.