Is the Anthem that bad now?

[LouMont]

Looking to cruise January 2021, we are young 50’s Diamond members so we are very familiar with RCL. We live in NJ so getting to Bayonne is easy but we’ve always flew to Fla or SJU. Looking at the 11 day with a few concerns. Most of the reviews On the Anthem I’ve read are negative for various reasons, rowdy passengers, terrible food and service, dirty ship etc...Has it been that bad? Did a ship tour on her a few years ago and it didn’t seem that way but things change I’m sure. Here’s another question if you’ve read this far. Never did Celebrity and considering the Apex if completed by Jan. Big concern is being bored. We like the music by the pool and just the overall atmosphere going on the on the RCL big ships. We are late diners and usually hit the late shows, karaoke, comedians after dinner and are concerned that the ship is dead by then. Thanks for your opinions 

[ONECRUISER]

45 minutes ago, LouMont said:

Looking to cruise January 2021, we are young 50’s Diamond members so we are very familiar with RCL. We live in NJ so getting to Bayonne is easy but we’ve always flew to Fla or SJU. Looking at the 11 day with a few concerns. Most of the reviews On the Anthem I’ve read are negative for various reasons, rowdy passengers, terrible food and service, dirty ship etc...Has it been that bad? Did a ship tour on her a few years ago and it didn’t seem that way but things change I’m sure. Here’s another question if you’ve read this far. Never did Celebrity and considering the Apex if completed by Jan. Big concern is being bored. We like the music by the pool and just the overall atmosphere going on the on the RCL big ships. We are late diners and usually hit the late shows, karaoke, comedians after dinner and are concerned that the ship is dead by then. Thanks for your opinions 

My 30 yr old Kids just on Anthem in last yr and loved it. Diamond Plus Members been Cruising Royal for 25yrs so if wasn't good food, had rowdy passengers and poor service they wouldn't be planning do her again. Certain weeks Cruising out NY/NJ to avoid, not sure myself which but maybe another on here knows.

Edited June 14, 2020 by ONECRUISER

[Noreen411]

We love the Anthem and have been on several times.

We haven’t experienced any of the concerns you raised.

I have several Anthem reviews linked in my signature (including several of the winter 11 or 12 night sailings) if you want to read more about them / see pictures.

Happy to answer any questions you have

We are looking forward to getting on Anthem again

 

We have also tried Celebrity (Reflection and Silhouette) and loved those as well.  Reviews with pictures are linked for those also.  

Edited June 14, 2020 by Noreen411

[Arzeena]

We have been on the Anthem several times. LOVE the ship. Plus the convenience of sailing from the home port!

I too would suggest to read Noreen411's reviews.

[cruiserhal]

We were on the Anthem in January for an 11 night cruise and we encountered none of the things you mentioned.   In fact, it was just the opposite.  I recommend the ship highly.

[JAMESCC]

We have sailed Anthem twice and there is nothing not up like. It's an excellent, fun ship that you will never run out of things to do. Negative people are always the most vocal. The satisfied just go on with their business. It's always the case.

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[mets123]

We have been on her about a dozen times in the past four years with no issues. We're well into d+. Just stay away during Yeshiva week in January. 

[lenquixote66]

We were on the Anthem this past December .We like the convenience of cruising out of Bayonne ,which by the way is becoming a beautiful area.

I love that I can eat all the Sorrento’s Pizza that I desire.

[Iamcruzin]

We sailed Anthem last year for DW 50th birthday in early June. We didn't find it to be rowdy or dirty and my only complaint was the lack of service in the MDR my time dining.  The food was delicious and there was plenty of activities for all ages.  I thought that the ship was nicely designed with the adult section forward and the kids area with the courts, rock climbing wall and flowrider Aft.  We really didn't see kids all week. The best part is that it was driving distance to port and a 9 day cruise. 11 days would be even better.

[JAMESCC]

We were on the Anthem this past December .We like the convenience of cruising out of Bayonne ,which by the way is becoming a beautiful area.
I love that I can eat all the Sorrento’s Pizza that I desire.

Yes to this, 30 minutes from Cape Liberty and sailing from here is so easy. Itineraries may be limited but that doesn't bother me much. The convenience is more important to me.

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[twangster]

I love Anthem and wouldn't hesitate to sail her.  I was supposed to be on the transatlantic in April but the virus happened.  My last time on her was in January:

 

 

[BirdTravels]

4 hours ago, LouMont said:

Looking to cruise January 2021, we are young 50’s Diamond members so we are very familiar with RCL. We live in NJ so getting to Bayonne is easy but we’ve always flew to Fla or SJU. Looking at the 11 day with a few concerns. Most of the reviews On the Anthem I’ve read are negative for various reasons, rowdy passengers, terrible food and service, dirty ship etc...Has it been that bad? Did a ship tour on her a few years ago and it didn’t seem that way but things change I’m sure. Here’s another question if you’ve read this far. Never did Celebrity and considering the Apex if completed by Jan. Big concern is being bored. We like the music by the pool and just the overall atmosphere going on the on the RCL big ships. We are late diners and usually hit the late shows, karaoke, comedians after dinner and are concerned that the ship is dead by then. Thanks for your opinions 

We were on the Anthem in 2017 and loved the ship. We had a good time. Not as hectic as an Oasis class ship. Just right for us. 

 

For us it was an adventure. We were scheduled to sail to Bermuda,,, but ended up in Canada running away from a hurricane. So, it was a cruise and an adventure. We did have a lot of angry people who could not understand why the captain would not sail to Bermuda through the hurricane.... but we were happy just being out on the ocean. 

 

 

[DaniDanielle]

We have done ten cruises on Anthem.  Food was always good so was the service.  There is always something to do if you look for it.  The ships is starting to look worn but I think that it is supposed to be refurbished???

[kwokpot]

I was on the Anthem last August and it wasn't dirty in the least. 270 is my favorite place on the ship. It's a great ship with a great layout. The only real problematic area is the Promenade which is a tight space and can get crowded.  

 

The Edge Class ships on Celebrity are beautifully designed. The entertainment on those ships are a bit different than a regular Royal cruise. Poolside you'll find DJ lounge/bar style music and live music would be say a vocalist doing pop vocals,light rock. 

 

While you will find interesting shows, live music, comedians, karaoke Celebrity ships are NEVER hopping late night and the only places you'll find people after midnight are at The Club, Casino, Casino Bar (Or whatever new name that place is). If you're looking for late night fun then Celebrity ships aren't for you. Even at The Club you won't find a huge crowd latenight. I have 18 cruises on Celebrity, two on The Edge, vs 30 on Royal. 

Edited June 14, 2020 by kwokpot

[mugtech]

Did 2 different 9 days, one to Canada the other to the Caribbean.  The entertainment was worth seeing twice, loved the bumper cars.

[LouMont]

These are all great reviews and feel much better about it. We all know a lot people would rather find a negative and waste time bitching about it then relax and enjoy their vacation. Thanks!

[Arzeena]

 

45 minutes ago, DaniDanielle said:

We have done ten cruises on Anthem.  Food was always good so was the service.  There is always something to do if you look for it.  The ships is starting to look worn but I think that it is supposed to be refurbished???

And that is where we first met!

Never to be forgotten!😁

[HOSKI]

Anthem is my favorite ship so far.  We loved it but I understand what you read.  There were a lot of first time cruisers on her and a lot of people who seemed to be expecting more than what they paid for.  Since it leaves a cold port the casino was packed most nights and not very big.  I mean there were people arguing over machines.  This was worst when we first left and at the end when we weren't in warm water.

We also met some awesome people and tried to get machines close to the same people and cheer each other on.  I missed the shows and could kick myself but hubby really likes the casino.  The kids loved it.  It is so nice to drive to port and board verses flying.

One of our Anthem cruises got canceled this year but we are sailing her for Christmas and I'm super excited to sail on her again.

 

We are in our 50s and Diamond, should be Diamond + except for canceled cruises.

 

[Ocean Boy]

1 hour ago, BirdTravels said:

 

 

For us it was an adventure. We were scheduled to sail to Bermuda,,, but ended up in Canada running away from a hurricane. So, it was a cruise and an adventure. We did have a lot of angry people who could not understand why the captain would not sail to Bermuda through the hurricane.... but we were happy just being out on the ocean. 

 

 

That is funny. When Anthem sails through a hurricane people complain. When the ship avoids a hurricane people complain. Sometimes RCI just can't win.

[sdrocks]

We were on the Anthem this past fall (October, 2019)  This was our second cruise on the Anthem.  Enjoyed it

very much.  Ship very nice IMO.

[JAMESCC]

That is funny. When Anthem sails through a hurricane people complain. When the ship avoids a hurricane people complain. Sometimes RCI just can't win.

Exactly right. I for one do not want to sail anywhere near a hurricane so if I end up in Canada I would be happy.

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[Ocean Boy]

9 minutes ago, JAMESCC said:

Exactly right. I for one do not want to sail anywhere near a hurricane so if I end up in Canada I would be happy.

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I agree. Being in a house during a hurricane is stressful enough. I don't need the ride a ship through one. I could just go to Six Flags and ride the rollercoaster if I need the thrill.

[Trailcon]

DW and I did two trips on her last year.  DW loves the Royal Swedes.  This our new favorite ship.  Booked on her for the 11 day Jan 15 2021.  Hope this one goes as I have already L & S both cruises for this year.

[boscobeans]

Been on her recently and have 2 more booked in the near future.

 

Aside from the usual annoying plea by some PIA maître de at the end of the cruise, droning on about the importance of the cruise review, the ship, crew, food and service were wonderful.

 

 

[lovescats5]

We loved everything about the Anthem, have sailed on her many times and will sail on her again.  The shows were great, we even enjoyed We Will Rock You more every time we saw it.  Never noticed anything wrong but when I am on a ship I do not go to take note of what is showing wear and all personal were happy, we never met a unhappy person.  I cannot imagine you would not enjoy the ship.