Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, touted as one of the industry’s most innovative ships, had an Inaugural sailing out of Cape Liberty, NJ for travel agents and media only to show off her greatness, and Pineapple Dream Vacations was onboard this feature-filled megaship.
The Anthem of the Seas boasts the same features as her sister ship, The Quantum of the Seas, including, RipCord by iFly, the first skydiving simulator at sea and North Star, a jewel-shaped capsule that raises guests up 300 feet above sea level for 360° views of world. For all of you social media and internet junkies, this ship has ultra-fast internet, ladies and gentlemen, this is NOT your ordinary ship internet. We performed a test of streaming of video, uploaded and downloaded, the connection proved to be very steady and capable of handling the demand.
The Anthem of the Seas boasts the same features as her sister ship, The Quantum of the Seas, including, RipCord by iFly, the first skydiving simulator at sea and North Star, a jewel-shaped capsule that raises guests up 300 feet above sea level for 360° views of world. For all of you social media and internet junkies, this ship has ultra-fast internet, ladies and gentlemen, this is NOT your ordinary ship internet. We performed a test of streaming of video, uploaded and downloaded, the connection proved to be very steady and capable of handling the demand.
 RipCord by iFly |  Northstar |  Voom High Speed Internet |
Before going on the RipCord by iFly ride, you will need to make reservations in advance and your first ride is free. Once you sign up, you will be taken to a changing area where you'll put on a "jump suit" and watch an instructional video. Don't worry, there will be an instructor with you the entire time. The ride seemed to last about 60-90 seconds long. We were told by a staff member that you can sign up for additional jump session for a fee.
The Bionic Bar, featuring "Shaken" and "Stirred", the 2 robotic bartenders, that make the perfect drink based on classic cocktails, specialty drinks or custom drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Simply go to one of the several kiosks, scan your SeaPass card or your WOWband bracelet, choose or create the drink you'd like. Once you've completed your order you'll see your drink and you name (first name, last initial) on the display boards on either side of "Shaken" and "Stirred". Then you can watch the magic happen as your cocktail is perfectly made by the robotic bartenders. Like luggage, many drinks look alike, so on the display boards it shows which robot is preparing your drink. Once your drink is complete, simply go to the slot in which the robot placed it and scan your SeaPass card or you WOWband and the drink slides down to you. Something to note, not just anyone can pick up a drink, it has to be the same person who scanned to order the drink that scans to pick up the drink.
The Bionic Bar, featuring "Shaken" and "Stirred", the 2 robotic bartenders, that make the perfect drink based on classic cocktails, specialty drinks or custom drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Simply go to one of the several kiosks, scan your SeaPass card or your WOWband bracelet, choose or create the drink you'd like. Once you've completed your order you'll see your drink and you name (first name, last initial) on the display boards on either side of "Shaken" and "Stirred". Then you can watch the magic happen as your cocktail is perfectly made by the robotic bartenders. Like luggage, many drinks look alike, so on the display boards it shows which robot is preparing your drink. Once your drink is complete, simply go to the slot in which the robot placed it and scan your SeaPass card or you WOWband and the drink slides down to you. Something to note, not just anyone can pick up a drink, it has to be the same person who scanned to order the drink that scans to pick up the drink.
FlowRider®, also free, is a surf simulator that has become familiar onboard Royal Caribbean ships for several years now, along with the rock-climbing wall that's near Gigi the Giraffe - no she's not a ride, just a part of the decor.
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Passengers also have plenty of room to play at the SeaPlex, a massive indoor activity zone featuring bumper cars, basketball courts, a roller skating rink - with a floating DJ booth over the rink, circus school, where one can learn how to fly on a trapeze, an Xbox lounge, video arcade, air hockey and table tennis. Whew! Now this is how you play! And if you've worked up an appetite from all your playing, on the first floor of the two-story SeaPlex, you can visit the first ever food truck at sea, SeaPlex Dog House, for hot dogs, polishes and brats, with all the trimmings, and all complimentary.
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There are many cool features throughout the ship like 200 bulb chandelier over the Royal Esplanade that flashes to the pulse of the heartbeat of the passenger touching the pulse handprints. Or the I Dream of Jeannie Bottle chair or as they refer to it, the Hershey's Kiss chair just across from Jamie Oliver's Restaurant.
 Pulsing Chandelier |  Pulse Spiral, pressing your hands against it causes the chandelier above to pulse in sync with you heart.  The Hershey Kiss Chair |
Speaking of restaurants, Anthem of the Seas boasts 18 restaurants, ten of which are complimentary. For the most part, the food on this ship is fabulous! However, one restaurant that stood out to us and we only sampled their cocktails, was Wonderland. This is an eclectic restaurant that reminded us of the Addams Family. The oversized, royal, yet slightly creepy, chair, the "hand" (reminiscent of "Thing" from the Addams Family) at the entry that guides you to enter the restaurant, we thought surely, Lurch would greet us at the door. One of the dishes Baby Vegetables in the Garden - soil and pebbles, this dishes features roasted root vegetables presented on a pillow platter with edible organic faux soil.
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American Icon Grill - Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and is complimentary
Chic - Open for Dinner and is complimentary
The Grande Restaurant - Open for Dinner and is complimentary
Silk - Open for Dinner and is complimentary
Coastal Kitchen - Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, complimentary to Grand Suite guests and above and Pinnacle Members
Devinly Decadence - Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and is complimentary
Sorrento's - Open for Lunch and Dinner and is complimentary
Windjammer Marketplace - Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and is complimentary
SeaPlex Dog House - Open for Lunch and Dinner and is complimentary
The Café @ TWO70 - Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and is complimentary
Café Promenade - Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and is complimentary
Wonderland - Open for Dinner and is fee based
Michael's Genuine Pub - Open for Lunch and Dinner, Á la Carte menu and is fee based
Chops Grille - Open for Dinner and is fee based
Jamie's Italian - Open for Lunch and Dinner and is fee based
Prime Table - Open for Dinner and is fee based
Izumi Japanese Cuisine - Open for Lunch and Dinner and is fee based
Johnny Rockets - Is open for Lunch and Dinner and is fee based
Some restaurants require reservations. For more details and menus of these restaurants, click here.
Chic - Open for Dinner and is complimentary
The Grande Restaurant - Open for Dinner and is complimentary
Silk - Open for Dinner and is complimentary
Coastal Kitchen - Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, complimentary to Grand Suite guests and above and Pinnacle Members
Devinly Decadence - Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and is complimentary
Sorrento's - Open for Lunch and Dinner and is complimentary
Windjammer Marketplace - Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and is complimentary
SeaPlex Dog House - Open for Lunch and Dinner and is complimentary
The Café @ TWO70 - Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and is complimentary
Café Promenade - Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and is complimentary
Wonderland - Open for Dinner and is fee based
Michael's Genuine Pub - Open for Lunch and Dinner, Á la Carte menu and is fee based
Chops Grille - Open for Dinner and is fee based
Jamie's Italian - Open for Lunch and Dinner and is fee based
Prime Table - Open for Dinner and is fee based
Izumi Japanese Cuisine - Open for Lunch and Dinner and is fee based
Johnny Rockets - Is open for Lunch and Dinner and is fee based
Some restaurants require reservations. For more details and menus of these restaurants, click here.
There are several bars throughout the ship, most doubling as lounges, entertainment facilities or restaurants. One entertainment facility is the Royal Theatre where you can see a live performance of Broadway musical "We Will Rock You". TWO70, the most expensive lounge designed on any cruise ship, with elaborate tech features. It has breathtaking 270° panoramic ocean views through its floor to ceiling glass walls, spanning 3 floors high. One way to experience this area is by attending the multimedia Spectra's Cabaret performance.
For kids and families there is the DreamWorks Experience, with characters like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and we saw Puss in Boots. The Solarium is the adult-only retreat area. With three tiers of pools (each flowing over into the next), panoramic forward-facing ocean views, plenty of hot tub space and an air of serenity. On the lowest level, sun loungers sit in the water. There's also a really cool swing for two in the Solarium area near the pools. for those who want to take a dip without making the full commitment to swim. The Solarium has a juice/smoothie bar called the Sunshine Bar that is fee-based.
For kids and families there is the DreamWorks Experience, with characters like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and we saw Puss in Boots. The Solarium is the adult-only retreat area. With three tiers of pools (each flowing over into the next), panoramic forward-facing ocean views, plenty of hot tub space and an air of serenity. On the lowest level, sun loungers sit in the water. There's also a really cool swing for two in the Solarium area near the pools. for those who want to take a dip without making the full commitment to swim. The Solarium has a juice/smoothie bar called the Sunshine Bar that is fee-based.
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Picture This
In an effort to be environmentally responsible, the Photo Gallery onboard Anthem of the Seas is digital. Ship's photographers take your picture and then transfer the images digitally to the photo computer system. When you scan your WOWband or SeaPass card at a photo kiosk, your photos will show up on the screen, thanks to face-recognition software. You can purchase digital copies, prints or both.
Accommodations
Anthem of the Seas offers the first virtual balconies at sea. These floor-to-ceiling high-definition screens provide real-time views of the ocean and ports of call. There's also the Family Connected Junior Suite, which features a studio with virtual balcony, a junior suite and an ocean view with verandah.
In an effort to be environmentally responsible, the Photo Gallery onboard Anthem of the Seas is digital. Ship's photographers take your picture and then transfer the images digitally to the photo computer system. When you scan your WOWband or SeaPass card at a photo kiosk, your photos will show up on the screen, thanks to face-recognition software. You can purchase digital copies, prints or both.
Accommodations
Anthem of the Seas offers the first virtual balconies at sea. These floor-to-ceiling high-definition screens provide real-time views of the ocean and ports of call. There's also the Family Connected Junior Suite, which features a studio with virtual balcony, a junior suite and an ocean view with verandah.
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There is always something to do, something to see and something going on onboard Anthem of the Seas. In addition to the entertainment venues and casino, keep an eye out for the "Stowaway Piano Player," who moves around the ship with his piano, entertaining passengers in odd spots like elevators and stairwells.
The artwork and decor throughout the ship adds a spark to its personality. In the main elevators, mid-ship, the day of the week is displayed on a plaque in the floor. If you have too much fun ordering from the Bionic Bar, at least you'll know what day of the week it is.
The artwork and decor throughout the ship adds a spark to its personality. In the main elevators, mid-ship, the day of the week is displayed on a plaque in the floor. If you have too much fun ordering from the Bionic Bar, at least you'll know what day of the week it is.
This is the perfect ship for everyone, singles, couples, families, friends; you'd be hard pressed not to like something about this ship. For more on the Anthem of the Seas, click here. To reserve cabin on this awesome ship, speak with a Pineapple Dream Vacations travel professional at (312) 344-3656.
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