On April 20, one week after German shipbuilder Meyer Werft delivered it, Anthem of the Seas was christened in Southampton, England. During her maiden season this summer, she will service a handful of itineraries, primarily in northern Europe and the Mediterranean, according to recent press releases. Around 80,000 passengers—mainly from the UK and Ireland—are expected to enjoy the new ship’s much-anticipated features in the next several months.
Anthem will later relocate to Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey. Starting in October this year, she will sail from her new homeport to destinations such as Bermuda, the Bahamas, New England and Canada, as well as destinations throughout the Caribbean.
The second of Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI’s) advanced new Quantum-class vessels, Anthem weighs in at a massive 167,800 tons, and can accommodate 4,180 passengers. Her sister ship, Quantum of the Seas, launched last year, and is being repositioned to Asia in advance of the summer sailing season. The two new vessels are among the largest cruise ships in the world.
Like her sister ship, Anthem offers a range of technological innovations and forward-looking features, including some that are being introduced for the time ever. Today’s tech-savvy cruisers will appreciate the quick digital check-in, as well as ultra-fast onboard internet.
Anthem also boasts North Star, an experience that hoists cruisers in glass-enclosed capsule to a height of 300 feet above the waves for spectacular panoramic views. The ship also has bumper cars (a first on the high seas!), the huge SeaPlex sports and entertainment complex, a skydiving simulator, and many other exciting entertainment options.
There is also a bar featuring robotic bartenders that serve up precision cocktails. Those looking for more traditional fare, needn’t worry, though: they can enjoy superb meals in one of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s signature restaurants.
