Anthem of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose this cruise because we live close to the port of embarkation and liked the fact that we could save on transportation costs. Getting on the ship was very smooth and we experienced no issues. We had sailed from this port the year before, and the changes they made to embarkation for this year made a significant difference. Last year, we had to wait on line for over an hour. This year, we got on immediately.
Many of the reviews I read about the ship prior to sailing complained of the service and food. We were a group of 11 (8 adults and 3 kids ages 12-13) and none of us had any issues with the service or the choice or quality of the food. The wait staff in all restaurants (we ate in all of the complimentary restaurants and 2 of the extra fee restaurants) went out of their way to ensure we had incredible experiences and they succeeded. We never received food that was cold (a complaint in some reviews). The only time we had to send anything back was one time when a steak was undercooked. The situation was immediately fixed and a new meal was brought to our table. The Grande and American Icon were our favorites - amazing food and service in both. Dinner at Chic was probably our least favorite, although we still enjoyed it, and Silk was good as well. We ate breakfast at Chic twice and both times were delicious. The kids loved the Windjammer and they had huge selections at all meals that it was impossible not to find something to meet everyone's needs. The Solarium Bistro was good, but the selection not as good as Windjammer.
Entertainment: We all loved "We Will Rock You" - incredible. I agree with other reviews about "The Gift" being difficult to follow, but the production was great. Amazing talent and beautiful sets. We felt the same about "Specter's Cabaret" as well. Great singing/dancing, but just not a show that interested us. The comedians were entertaining. The Aerosmith tribute band was good. We're not county music fans and there was a country music band so that was a bust for us. We really liked the karaoke and wished they had more of that, especially family karaoke.
Cabin Review
Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
Our cabin layout was great - sofa near the entrance with the bed farther away and closer to the balcony. The rest of our group had their bed near the door and the sofa/sitting area closer to the balcony. In the rooms with the bed near the door, the room felt small and crowded. Having the bed farther from the door created the illusion of more space (the rooms were all the same size) and I would definitely suggest getting a room with the bed father away if you have a choice. Pillows were terrible but bed was comfortable. Cabin attendant did a great job of straightening up and keeping us supplied with toiletries. They only have the small hairdryers, so bring your own if you use one.
Port Reviews
San Juan
We did a walking tour on our own of the fort and had a great time. Otherwise, nothing interesting about San Juan.