My wife and I chose this cruise, because the port is only about one hour from our home, and we wanted to try one of RC larger ships. The tender experience was horrible. We had to wait in line for tender tickets for at least an hour, to go to Bar Harbor. Very unorganized. The departure from the ship was not as bad, but it can use some help. One of the days we had at sea, the inside of the ship was very busy, especially the Windjammer, because it was to chilly to sit by the pool. The dinning room food was very good, but even having My Time Dinning, you still had to make reservations. It seems like when you are on the larger ships, you have to either wait in long lines, or make reservations.The Anthem is a beautiful ship, but we still prefer the smaller ships that RC has.
The cabin, was a perfect size for two people. The only complaint my wife and I had, was that the AC did not go below 68. And yes we did have the balcony door closed. Over all, it was good. The cabin steward, (I Forgot his name) did an excellent job.
Halifax was good, but it just seemed like an old city. The shops there were pretty good. The ship at least docks there.
Other then waiting on the ship for over an hour for tender tickets, the Bar Harbor port was excellent. Definitely have the lobster. We had lunch at Galyns. The shops were very good as well.
The port was very close to home, all we did was drive, and use the parking garage.