It’s early November and the Anthem of the Seas has arrived to Port Liberty, in Cape Liberty, New Jersey after an inaugural summer in Europe.
We were invited on a 2 night inaugural cruise on the Athem to see what all she has to offer and we jumped at the chance to sail on her.
While a bit smaller than the Oasis or Allure of the Seas, she has more than enough to do and see that you will be able to do in a week.
Boarding was quick and easy. Royal Caribbean has mastered getting people on and off these huge ships.
We have a beautiful cabin with a balcony. The balcony was large enough for 2 chairs and table. On the morning at sea, we went up to the marketplace café where they were serving a wonderful breakfast buffet, filled out plates and went back to the cabin to enjoy breakfast on the balcony. There is no better way to start your morning than enjoy an ocean breeze while you have breakfast in the comfort of your balcony.
Having made reservations in advance we were able to also make reservations to do a number of things on the Anthem of the Seas including dining in the restaurants we wanted and partaking in the North Star and Ifly.
So you are asking what is the North Star and IFly?
Experience the exhilaration of skydiving without ever leaving the deck onboard Anthem of the SeasSM, courtesy of RipCord by iFly®. For the first time ever, feel what it’s like to fly, as you float on air within the safe confines of this groundbreaking simulator. It’s a whole new thrill for thrill seekers of all kinds.
This is something you really want to sign up for in advance as once people are on and see it, they flock over trying to do it. Those with reservations get right in at the time of their appointment. If you don’t have an appointment you have to hang around and hope for a cancellation. Not exactly how I want to spend my time on a cruise ship.
Now you have to be in decent shape to do this. Not over weight as they do have weight restrictions and the wind is very strong so you will need to be able to bend your knees and your arms will be pulled back in the wind.
Check out the video below about the Ifly which you will find on several Royal Caribbean ships in addition to the Athem of the Seas.
One adventure you will find on the Athem of the Seas is the North Star.
Leave it to Royal Caribbean International to literally and figuratively take you to a higher place. The exclusive North StarSM promises to elevate you both physically and emotionally, revealing 360-degree views of a world you’ve truly never seen before! Simply step into the North StarSM intimate, jewel-shaped capsule and gently ascend over 300 feet above sea level, where you can take in breathtaking views of the ocean, the ship, and the exciting destinations that you visit.
Again the line can get long to do this if you do not make reservations in advance.
The capsule holds about 12 people but this is one of those experiences, especially on the days at sea, everyone wants to do. So to make sure you and your family get to do it, reserve your spot in advance.
The further in advance you make your reservations, the more options you will have to reserve your time on the North Star and Ifly not to mention you can get the dining of your choice, both location and time, you can make your spa reservations in advance and more.
If you wait, the options get more and more limited. It might even be impossible to make some reservations if you wait too late to book.
Besides the Ifly and North Star, on the Anthem of the Seas, you are going to find bumper cars, basketball court, rock climbing, the Flowrider where you can surf on the cruise, plus shopping, a huge spa and a wide range of entertainment once the sun goes down.
Two70 on Anthem of the SeasSM. Where an expansive ocean view is transformed before your eyes by seamless video projection, robotics and human artistry. In just seconds, find yourself anywhere in the world—or somewhere never before imagined.
An awe-inspiring innovation engineered especially for Anthem of the SeasSM, Vistarama transforms Two70’s floor-to-ceiling sea view into any scene, real or imagined. Picture it: 18 projectors combine to create an ambient surface over 100 feet wide and over 20 feet tall. Across this vast expanse, impromptu digital shows come to life in stunning 12K resolution, a pixel-perfect industry first.
Want more? Meet RoboShow, Two70’s troupe of six agile Roboscreens® that stage surprise performances throughout your vacation. Measuring over seven feet each and controlled by mega-powerful robotic arms, these massive bots are delightfully nimble—soaring, twisting and spinning out scenes as they scamper solo or unite as one.
Invented just for Anthem of the SeasSM, you won’t find them anywhere else in the world.
For kids and those young at heart, your favorite characters from Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda are making their debut in the New York area onboard Anthem of the SeasSM! Share memorable moments at breakfast with Alex the lion or pose for a picture with the Penguins from Madagascar. And when it’s time to unwind, the action doesn’t have to stop. Enjoy special DreamWorks programming in your stateroom!
Want a big time musical? The spectacular Olivier Award-winning musical phenomenon that rocked over 6.5 million people in a record-breaking 12 years at London’s Dominion Theatre. Written by legendary comedian and author Ben Elton and with a score of killer Queen tunes such as “Radio Ga Ga”, “I Want to Break Free”, “Bohemian Rhapsody” and of course “We Will Rock You” it’s the champion of all musicals!
One of the things I really enjoy on a cruise is the dining and the Anthem of the Seas does not disappoint in this area.
On the Anthem of the Seas you will find what Royal Caribbean, calls Dynamic Dining and the name is appropriate.
Dynamic Dining is a new take on the main dining room, reimagined to give you a culinary experience at sea as vast, varied and eye-opening as dining in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. Discover the culinary curiosities of Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Savor the handcrafted fare and craft beers of Michael’s Genuine® Pub. Experience it all with our signature personal service as we elevate the concept of dining at sea. When Anthem launches this April, you can choose one of two different ways to experience Dynamic Dining.
Dynamic Dining Choice gives you the freedom to pick and choose your restaurants and dining times each day and night. Our unique venues feature menus that change throughout the cruise, with guest favorites and new specialty dishes to ensure everyone at the table will find something they love.
Dynamic Dining Classic is a new option for those who prefer the traditional main dining style with the same dining time each night, with the same wait staff and dining companions throughout the cruise. Dynamic Dining Classic is available on a first come, first serve basis.
On the Anthem of the Seas, you have 18 options to choose from. Each night enjoy a different and unique experience.
We only had two nights on the ship so we enjoys Silk and the Grande. Fortunately the menu’s on this sailing offered the best from each of the 18 restaurants. We did our best to try a bit of everything from each restaurant and found nothing to be bad.
See all of the dining options on the Anthem of the Seas by clicking here.
The Anthem of the Seas will sail roundtrip from New York City all year long for various lengths of cruises. 7 to 12 nights to the Caribbean.
Interline rates are out on the Anthem for sailings from now thru April of 2017.
For reservations and more information contract InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911 or online on their website you can look at rates and book if you wish and there are no booking fees either way!