Why Anthem Of The Seas Delivers Some Of The Best Family Cruises

This Quantum Class cruise ship is loaded with stellar entertainment, crave-worthy cruise-dining options and fun cruise activities for the whole family.

By Amanda Mesa | Published on October 25, 2023

Many seasoned travelers might tell you that planning a fun vacation for the whole family is easier said than done. But I’ve discovered a shortcut that really does make the planning process effortless while ensuring plenty of fun for everyone in my group, no matter what their age. The trick is to forego a traditional trip and opt instead for a cruise onboard a ship designed with families in mind. One of my favorites is Anthem of the Seas.

Part of Royal Caribbean’s tech-forward Quantum Class, this engineering marvel is loaded from bow to stern with next-level feats. Like North Star®️, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. Virtual concerts that bring iconic performances to life in stunning 4K resolution. Hours of tide-taming thrills on the fan-favorite FlowRider®️ surf simulator. And all kinds of activities at SeaPlex®️, the largest indoor active space at sea.

In addition to its many cruise attractions for kids and families, Anthem of the Seas also boasts a top-notch food scene sure to please even the most discerning diners. From fresh sushi at Izumi and hand-spun milkshakes at Johnny Rockets®️ to artisanal brats at Dog House and prime cuts of steak at Chops Grille^SM, every meal onboard this award-winning cruise ship is bound to tantalize your taste buds. And once the sun goes down, you and your loved ones will find plenty of options to keep the vacation vibes going strong with show-stopping musicals, original theatrical productions, outdoor movie nights and more.

Here are just some of many reasons why Anthem of the Seas is a great choice for anyone who is looking to plan the best family vacation.

1. The Ship Offers Plenty Of Opportunities To Earn Bragging Rights

Anthem of the Seas is a wonderful option for families that have a competitive streak. At SeaPlex, parents and siblings can put their dribble and dunk skills to the test on a full-sized basketball court or buckle up for an epic whirl around the bumper car course. The ship also has an arcade filled with classic and contemporary games that both parents and kids will love, a 40-foot rock climbing wall that yields some truly spectacular views and Expedition Two70®️, a collection of immersive, augmented reality challenges where players have to raise temples and blast ruins in order to recover ancient artifacts.

2. Daredevils Can Fill Every Sea Day With Next-Level Thrills

One of the things I love most about Anthem of the Seas is that it has so many tech-driven onboard attractions for kids, teens and adults. My favorite is North Star®️, an observation capsule that raises guests over 300 feet above sea level to showcase 360-degree views of the sea and sights around you. It won the Guinness World Record for tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and is best enjoyed during Golden Hour — though you can score some envy-inducing photos from inside the capsule during any time of day.

If you’re craving something a little bit more adrenaline-amping, there’s the FlowRider, a surf simulator that funnels 30,000 gallons of water to create shred-worthy waves all day, every day. And of course, no cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas is complete without a skydiving session on the RipCord®️ by iFLY®️ simulator. Simply suit up, step inside the simulator and get ready to feel the rush of freefall without ever leaving the ship’s uppermost deck.

3. Pool Days Are Pretty Much Perfect Onboard Anthem Of The Seas

You’ll find multiple pools and whirlpools located on Deck 14 of the ship, with plenty of lounge seating for families in the shade, the sun and even the water. Something I find super convenient about cruising onboard Anthem of the Seas is that the ship also offers a climate-proof indoor pool and bar. This means you can enjoy a dip and a drink whether you’re island-hopping across the Caribbean or sailing along Alaska’s misty fjords.

If you’re looking for a little slice of heaven onboard, hit the adults-only Solarium. This tranquil hideaway has its own pool and whirlpools, ample room to unwind and a bistro that serves up fresh Mediterranean-inspired fare during breakfast, lunch and dinner at no additional cost. If you’re hanging out at one of the ship’s main pools, you should definitely plan to do lunch steps away at Johnny Rockets. After all — does anything hit the spot on a sunny pool day like a juicy burger and a refreshing, decadent milkshake? I’ll wait.

4. Parents Can Take Advantage Of Complimentary Childcare Services

Anthem of the Seas is home to Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Adventure Ocean®️ Youth Program, which caters to kids aged 3-11. The program breaks little ones into groups based on their age, then fills their time with plenty of engaging, educational, supervised activities — think arts and crafts, science experiments, scavenger hunts and more. The best part? The program is totally free for cruise guests and available every day of your sailing. If you’re cruising with a baby, you’ll probably be happy to know that the ship also offers a nursery drop-off program specifically for babies and tots at an additional charge. And even teens get their very own lounge to chill and make new friends.

5. Bond With Your Loved Ones Over Crave-Worthy Cuisine

Mealtime is when my family comes together — especially during vacations. And Anthem of the Seas offers lots of great cruise dining options to make every meal onboard truly memorable. One of my top picks is Jamie’s Italian, a trattoria-style specialty restaurant helmed by British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. All of the items on the menu are perfect for sharing, especially the creamy burrata, buttermilk garlic bread and fresh prawn linguini.

For special-occasion dinners with the whole fam, it doesn’t get better than Chops Grille. This well-known specialty restaurant is a fleetwide favorite that delivers a contemporary steakhouse experience complete with perfectly seared prime cuts of meat, world-class seafood and white-tablecloth service. And for a casual, fuss-free dining experience that goes bold on global flavors, there’s Windjammer. This complimentary, buffet-style restaurant features a series of stations serving rotating dishes from Sao Paolo to Seoul and every culinary capital in between.

6. Elevate Every Evening With Nonstop Entertainment

Making memories onboard Anthem of the Seas doesn’t end when the sun goes down. In fact, the diverse array of entertainment that this ship has to offer is one of the reasons why I think it offers some of the best cruises for families. One of the signature performances onboard is the hit Broadway musical, We Will Rock You, which won an Olivier Award for its beat-driven Queen anthems and hard-rocking dance moves and costumes. Another theatrical favorite onboard is The Gift, an original production complete with dazzling costumes, electrifying choreography and a spellbinding plot.

Hands down one of the most unique shows onboard is Spectra’s Cabaret. In keeping with the ship’s futuristic vibe, this fusion of experiential cinema and live performances combines pop culture, grade-A singing and dancing and cutting-edge technology. If you’re in the mood for more of a low-key evening, check your Cruise Compass or Cruise Planner app to see what movies are playing on the pool deck’s giant projector screen during your cruise. Then grab a towel and cozy up with your family for a chill movie night under the stars.

These are only some of the ways Anthem of the Seas lives up to its reputation of delivering some of the best family cruises. There are plenty more experiences onboard designed with families in mind. You can check out all of the ship’s restaurants, bars, shows and activities. If you’ve seen enough and are ready to start planning your next family escape onboard this top-rated cruise ship, check out some of its most popular itineraries.