Anthem of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We've just got back from our holiday on the Anthem of the Seas. In general we had a fantastic time but there were a few things that we wanted to highlight that other guests should be aware of. Firstly our cabin, a family balcony cabin seemed narrower than on the Independence. It was apparently meant for 4 but with only 3 of us there didn't seem as much room and we did struggle a bit. We did complain re this but we got the impression that the staff thought we just wanted an upgrade so were quite dismissive, despite us continually saying that we had family and friends either side of us so didn't want to move. There wasn't as much storage space for clothes so that was frustrating.
Another issue was that all the literature we read stated that there was the Dreamworks Experience on the Ship and specifically on this cruise. I even picked up a brochure on board and this confirmed it. However when I asked about this, especially regarding the breakfast option I was told that 'The American Head office don't think that the British 'will get' the Dreamworks experience so they are not going to do it until the Ship goes to America'!!! I then asked another member of staff and they confirmed that the experience wouldn't be implemented until the ship relocates but wouldn't elaborate on this. When I showed them the brochure I was told it was a misprint, despite it being the latest edition in the 'Next Cruise' section. Families beware if that's one of the things you are looking forward too, it's not there.
Another niggle was that they wanted to charge for the use of the stem room and sauna as it was classed as 'high tech'. I have no idea how a sauna can be high tech but at $118 for the fortnight it must've been special. (we don't know as my husband refused to pay it!)
Cabin Review
Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony
It was kept clean and tidy but as stated above, it seemed a bit narrower than previous cabins and we chose to collapse the pull out bed ourselves as we were fed up with the bruises on our legs!! The balcony was high enough for us to feel that our daughter was safe if she went out on her own and we were able to open up the connecting cabin next door which made our balcony seem bigger.
Port Reviews
Southampton
We always go down the night before our cruise as we love Southampton and enjoy chilling the night before. A very clean City and easy to get to the town centre.
Gibraltar
Easy access on your own and ideal to walk into the town after a few days on board. The shopping is good and great for some bargains: electrical; alcohol; tobacco and jewellery. Definitely worth saving your money for then.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
We never go into Rome but believe its a good trip. The port of Civitavecchia is lovely itself and on some days there is a good market. The beach area is good so it isn't always necessary to feel the need to go to Rome to enjoy this port.
Florence (Livorno)
An industrial port. If you go there on a sunday then an excursion would be good. If you wanted something different to Pisa, then the canal trip around Livorno is a good one and not too long.
Marseille
A very nice port. A shuttle bus was offered but well worth going in for the few hours.
Seville
Within walking distance of the port and if you like markets there is a good one there with lots of choice for souvenirs and gifts. Plenty of bars to stop and have a drink. There is a beach as well but this can get quiet windy. Venture out to the abandoned castle which is a good walk.
Lisbon
Depending on where the ship docks there are options. if you dock by the town you can walk towards Belum Tower but maybe not go that far without a pitstop at some bars!!! On your return a different mode of transport is a TukTuk which is fun and inexpensive. If you park nearer the tower then do the full walk which is without shade if you like the sun. There is always the hop on hop off bus if you don't want to walk. Either way, you don't need to do a ships trip to enjoy this port.
Vigo
I'm sure there is lots more to do than we have seen. It is within walking distance so no need to spend on trips if you just want to stretch your legs and see the town. There is a great fish market and we have eaten there.....safely!! Plenty of bars and places for souvenirs.