Anthem
Anthem of the Seas is a newer ship built in 2015. We now have some USB charging ports built into the cabin and a power outlet on one side of the bed. The space within the stateroom is used better. An example of this is having storage boxes above the head of the bed.
Being a larger ship, the shows are larger and better. The main show is “We will Rock You” which had a record-breaking run in the Dominion Theater, London, for 12 years. This is a two-hour show which had a large cast and was great on the large stage with lots of moving scenery flying in and out.
To keep the costs down for our new way of life, we have been using internal staterooms. However, on the Anthem, there is an option of having a virtual balcony on some interior staterooms. We opted for this cabin type since we are here for four weeks. The virtual view is from a live camera view from the stern. We see the ship’s wake while at sea or a view of the dock or port when we are alongside. This was a good option.
Virtual Balcony
Anthem pictures
Sunday March 5th
1st week on the Anthem down and 3 to go. Today starts week 2. This ship is huge and and very modern in comparison to the Enchantment we were on last month. There were good and bad with each ship but this one seemed too big and modern at first. We got our bearings and figured out where things were pretty quickly though. Our stateroom is a much better layout and better use of storage space and the bed (though still not a Hilton standard) is more comfortable than the Enchantments (they were both horrible). The staff on this ship seem more engaged and smile and speak to everyone. They seemed genuinely happy to be here and couldn’t be more helpful. While we were doing the crossover from the last cruise to the current one, we heard an announcement that was probably meant for crew only. It outlined expectations for greeting not only guests but other crew members. I’m sure their pay is affected by the survey results the ship gets but they SEEM genuinely happy and chat easily and more than a smile and a nod.
This ship also has quite a bit for kids and teenagers. Last week the ship was teaming with them. Most were well behaved though and after the first day, people spread out and it didn’t feel as crowded as the first day or two.
We tried the North Star on a port day because it was free then and a shorter ride. It was interesting but don’t see the need to pay for the full version. The glass globe you stand in was like a sauna and the experience was long enough for us. This week we might try the iFly and Bumper Cars. This week we are part of a group of 10 for our friend DJ’s 70th birthday. Probably won’t post much until the end of the week. Internet is spotty at best and it’s not as easy or quick to post here as it is on Facebook.
Love the idea of a “virtual balcony” can you change the views from focsle to quarterdeck.
No Norman. We only get to see the wake. However the TV in the room will show us the camera that is on bridge that scans 180 degrees or so. It showed me the sun coming up over NY city. Were you here is 76 on London for the Bicentennial?