Anthem of the Seas Review

4.5 / 5.0
2,871 reviews

Great Ship, Stodgy Passengers

Review for the Mediterranean Cruise on Anthem of the Seas
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GrandmaMame
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: May 2015

This ship is great in most respects. The exception is the shore excursions. Unfortunately, the ship is initially going out from Southampton. To fill it up Royal Caribbean advertised all sorts of discounts to the locals including an unlimited drink package and parking. This attracted many older and inexperienced passengers who never fly anywhere. When people complain about the technology, I have questioned what they mean. Of couse, there are some technophobic 80 year olds. There are others who are offended by seeing others' ipads because they see that as a violation of their right to relax. I am almost 70. I am offended by people who are inflexible. There are several free dining rooms, you don't have to spend money on food, which is quite good. Anything that costs is due to your choice.

Cabin sizes are very good. We tried out an inside cabin with Virtual Balcony. I like it. I don't spend extra on cabins because I only use them to sleep and I travel extensively (3-4 trips a year). Great and reasonable Internet. Terribly overpriced and poor value shore excursions.

This passenger group is a stodgy exception. Still mourning the loss of the Independence which returns to Britain soon. Take the negative reviews from whence they come. Already booked on the Ovation for next June. The Anthem will be a Caribbean hit.

Cabin Review

Port Reviews

Nice

Pickpockets are all around. Not as inviting as it used to be. Take the train and then the tram to the Old Town. Just watch your stuff.I suggest fanny pack and wrist wallets from REI.

Malaga

Took the hop on hop off bus. It was fine and we got to walk around. Tour has arrival in Malaga on a Sunday. Shops closed. Indifferent planning on RCCL' s part.

Seville

The ship lands right next to the Old Town. No excursion or hop on hop off bus is needed. The ship's tour was 3 1/2 hours with 2 1/2 hours of walking. Did that on our own.

Florence (Livorno)

Instead took the train from La Spezia where we were docked to the Cinque Terre. Very easy, very cheap in comparison to the cost of the ship's tour. Another port where we got no information if we weren't on a ship's tour. No info or maps. Company policy to push you into their shore excursions.

Southampton

Came by private tour shuttle, not the ship's transportation. The ship's transfer was overpriced. The embarkation was great and speedy if you did your paperwork ahead of time. Don't know anything about Southampton. Arrived and went on the ship.

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