First, let me provide the basis for my review. My wife and I have been on 54 cruises. Three years ago I wrote a Cruise Critic review of the Oasis of the Seas and claimed it was the BEST ship we had ever been on. We subsequently sailed on it another time and confirmed our assessment. I am NOT biased against Royal Caribbean, BUT, the Anthem has some MAJOR problems.

Let me state the three positive aspects of the Anthem at the beginning. The ship is BEAUTIFUL. The entertainment was OUTSTANDING. And, our room steward was one of the best we ever had.

Anthem's biggest problem is the dining. We were part of a group of four couples. I diligently made dining and entertainment reservations for all four couples ensuring we did not have conflicts. The first night we arrived for dinner, I was told we only had reservations for two, not eight. I provided my reservation receipts and was told, "Okay, we can seat you." The second night the same thing happened and I got a little upset. After the occurrence, I got quite upset. Read more