We chose this cruise because the Anthem is a newer ship that leaves from a local port that did not require airfare with an itinerary that we love - Bermuda. We have travelled on over twenty cruises. Pros: The ship is new and well maintained. Activities are excellent, especially for children. There is a complex with bumper cars, roller skating, an arcade, computer games, circus trapeze, foosball, shuffle board, table tennis, and xbox. The food is the main dining room is the best I have ever had on a cruise and the service with Jason Politico as a waiter was extraordinary. The main entertainment (comedians, Las Vegas Three Tenors) was excellent. The shows were odd. Spectra was similar to a cirque de soleil but not as good. Let Us Rock You was very loud and overall well done but better if you are a Queen fan. The sets for the gift were ornate and beautiful but the actual script was boring and the acting average. Anthem might want to have at least one traditional show like a recognizable Broadway Play.

Cons: Guest services staff was rude and condescending and did not solve issues in a timely fashion. Shopping options were below average - not enough variety. The number of stores were limited with most of the merchandise boasting a logo. The Solarium is far superior on the Oasis and Allure. On those ships, the chairs were more comfortable and the venue more spacious.Guests were more pampered with sherbet served and chocolate covered strawberries. Solarium Bistro food is poor although the venue is less crowded. Pancakes were hard and yogurt, pudding and fruit in the cup dried out. The excuse is that there is no kitchen and food needs to be transferred to another venue. We found out the Love and Marriage game is rigged (verified by its participants). Couples are pre-chosen and rehearsed with the illusion of an open opportunity for all. We were told a similar situation occurs with the point scoring on the quest. If you are not up early, you will not have a deck chair. The smoking section is in a prime location near the pool and contains the most comfortable chairs on the ship. This is good for smokers and awful for the rest of us that have to breathe the toxic smoke every time you walk by the pool.

Tips: Remember to PRINT YOU SAIL PASS THREE DAYS PRIOR TO SAILING or you will be unable to do so. Plan to arrive on the ship early 10:30 or so. If you are unable to book the North Star and IFLY (amazing experiences) prior to sailing run to guest services and book them. Avoid the Royal Theater option that takes longer. Bermuda was awesome. Go on the bumper cars as soon as you get on the ship. It will be much more difficult to ride them later in the cruise. We got to ride them three times from 11 to 12.Do not buy a two day or one day ferry ticket unless you are using all it has to offer. We found out for 9 dollars round trip per person, you can go to St. George for the day. Most excursions are less expensive purchased off the ship. The casino does not have good odds. Most people reported losing money. Although there were appearances of large jackpots, those that won them reporting having put far more money into the slot machines or roulette before winning a portion back. I would avoid the casino or decide on a small amount to lose. Quick pick machines usually hit. They did not and were empty most of the cruise. Pay a porter to carry your bags upon departure. You will avoid the long customs lines because porters have a separate line that bypasses the long one. This is not equitable but you will save time. Anthem is a beautiful ship with a variety of entertainment and good stateroom and main dining room service.