I have been a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser for over a decade. This was my first transatlantic sailing and my first sailing on a Quantum-class vessel. I had read reviews and had spoken with others who had cruised on Quantum when she was based in New Jersey but nothing could have prepared me for the most fantastic week aboard Anthem of the Seas.

I flew to London Heathrow from Newark on Virgin Atlantic and arrived the day before the cruise. I stayed at the Hilton Heathrow Terminal 5 Hotel and hired a car through Discover the South to take me to Southampton on departure morning. All were first class experiences.

Upon arrival at Southampton just before 11:00 I left my luggage with a porter and went inside to check in. I was directed to go directly to the security area with my SetSail Pass in hand and then moved quickly through because of my Loyalty tier. Somehow, though, I had missed a step in the process as my SetSail Pass had not had a green stamp placed on it. So I sat in the area right before embarkation photos were being taken and was checked in by a mobile agent with her iPad. I was then allowed to pass through, had embarkation photos taken and then I was on the ship by 11:30. Read more