Background information: This was my second time on Anthem (I did the TA last fall), and my first time cruising solo. I booked late, after final payment, and the only balcony I could book was a Super Studio Balcony Guarantee. I got my cabin assignment 2 weeks before sailing (after a LOT of nail biting--I don't wait well!), and was delighted to be in a very nicely located D7.

Embarkation: Boarding was a piece of cake. It took less than 15 minutes from the time I arrived at the port to the time my seapass card went "ding!" for the first time. Very efficient with the tablets for checkin.

Ship information: The ship is beautiful. I knew that from the first trip, so it wasn't a jaw dropper this time, but it was still just as wonderful to see. After dropping off my carry-on bag in my cabin (they weren't ready yet, but I'm a rebel, and didn't feel like lugging it around), I headed right down to 270 for lunch--my favorite grilled chicken Cesar salad. I activated my super-fast Voom internet (I left kids at home, so felt I needed to be reachable), stopped by to ask a dining question, went up to Seaplex to sign up for the Escape Room, and then went up to my cabin to unpack. Tons of storage space and plenty of hangers made that easy. Read more