We chose this cruise for 2 primary reasons.....we didn't need to fly to get on the boat (cost savings and convenience) and it fit our schedules perfectly. The experience began in the Bayonne Cruise Terminal for embarkation. We were scheduled for 11am and arrived at 10:45. Amazingly....and to our utter but pleasant surprise we were on the boat by 11:05. Clearly the best embarkation of any cruise we have ever been on. Once on food and drink was immediately available as was access to the shopping area, guest services and more. The boat was rigid about staterooms not being available until 1:00pm and that deadline was adhered to like clockwork. We had 2 balcony staterooms side-by-side but not connected. They are just fine....well appointed and plenty spacious. The bathroom was nice as well.....with the wall mounted shower gel dispenser now replaced with individual hotel like tubes of amenities. The balconies came with a two reclining chairs, foot stools and a table. We were able to get the partition open between the rooms to make it easier to get back and forth between the 2 rooms. The ship left promptly on time and off to Bermuda we went.....transit was smooth and uneventful. However, if you are a cruiser that wants a recliner at the pool.....you better get up early AND you better plan on staying at your chair. Anthem has a rigid policy of removing personal effects after 30 minutes on non-attendance.....which I support. There were more than a few irritated passengers who found their chairs taken by others.....but they had no one to blame but themselves. The policy is well communicated and posted.

We had the same dining table each evening and our waiter and his assistant were wonderfully attentive and fun. The food in the main dining room was well prepared but not terribly interesting.....but plenty good. If there was a routinely weak area....I would have to say it was desert. Some were very good......the Key Lime Cheesecake was yummy, but most of the other cakes were fairly bland and uninteresting.

We did eat one night at Wonderland......which was a truly unique experience. If you like adventurous cuisine and are willing to spend the $49 per person to eat there, give it a whirl. We enjoyed it! Read more