Anthem of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's brand new cruise ship that is under construction and a member of the Quantum class of cruise ships. Anthem of the Seas will have her first cruise in spring 2015, with a homeport yet to be announced.
Royal Caribbean is adding additional time for guests to enjoy two of the premier attractions on Anthem of the Seas.
In an effort to enhance the overall guest experience, Royal Caribbean is adding support staff onboard to accommodate expanded hours of operation at Ripcord by iFly and North Star attractions. This will allow more guests to experience these popular attractions than ever before.
The expanded hours for these attractions will be in place for sailings beginning November 27, 2016.
Royal Caribbean is also adding more convenient line-up of show times that complement the evening dining options. For guests in the early dinner seating at 6:00pm, their evening show will be at 8:30pm. For guests in the late dinner seating (8:30pm), their show time will be at 10:30pm.
The additional hours are part of the changes Royal Caribbean is making to Anthem of the Seas that were announced this week, including a notable change to dinner.
Royal Caribbean will be discontinuing its Dynamic Dining program on Anthem of the Seas, beginning with sailings on November 27, 2016.
The reason for the change is feedback from guests indicated a preference for a dining program that combines traditional seating with the option for flexibility. As a result, Royal Caribbean will offer on Anthem of the Seas My Time Dining program, with traditional and flexible options, as well as introduce new, upgraded dinner menus. The four main restaurants – Chic, Grande, Silk, and American Icon – will now become the main dining venues to support the My Time Dining program and will all feature the same upgraded dinner menu each evening. My Time Dining flexible venues will be located on Deck 4 in American Icon and Silk, while Chic and Grande will be designated as the early and late seating restaurants on Deck 3. The name and décor of each venue will remain unchanged.
All Anthem of the Seas sailings departing on-or-after November 27th, 2016, as well as sailings departing November 23rd, 2016 through April 14th, 2017 onboard Ovation of the Seas, will be impacted by this change. In addition, beginning November 27th, 2016, Anthem of the Seas will offer either one or two formal evenings per cruise, dependent upon sailing length.
All active bookings on-or-after November 27th, 2016 on Anthem of the Seas will automatically convert to the new dining program, respecting all pre-selected times, party sizes and other reservation features.
Traditional Dining will occur in The Grand and Chic restaurants and choose between early (6:00pm) and late seating (8:30pm). Traditional dining includes a fixed dining time, fixed venue, fixed table assignment and same table companions each evening.
Flexible Dining will occur in the Silk and American Icon Grill restaurants. Guests in Flexible Dining choose a preferred dining time and are seated on a first come, first served basis and include a variable dining time with fixed venue and flexible table assignments.
Families with small children can take advantage of My Family Time dining benefits while sailing onboard Anthem of the Seas. This is available as part of the traditional dining experience during the early seating time and can be reserved pre-cruise via Cruise Planner or once onboard. My Family Time dining allows children ages 3-to-11 to enjoy their meal within 40 minutes of seating before heading to the evening’s Adventure Ocean activities.
New, upgraded dinner menus will be introduced each evening in all four main dining restaurants.
The decision to change how guests dine on Anthem of the Seas marks a tremendous reversal in fortunes for the Dynamic Dining program, which at one time was arguably heralded as the future of cruise ship dining.
Back in March 2014, Royal Caribbean had previously announced its Quantum-class cruise ships would usher in a radically new dining program called Dynamic Dining, where there would be no main dining room and instead would offer a combination of complimentary and specialty restaurants for guests to choose from. Then in August 2014, Royal Caribbean announced Dynamic Dining would spread to Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean will be discontinuing its Dynamic Dining program on Anthem of the Seas, beginning with sailings on November 27, 2016.
The reason for the change is feedback from guests indicated a preference for a dining program that combines traditional seating with the option for flexibility. As a result, Royal Caribbean will offer on Anthem of the Seas My Time Dining program, with traditional and flexible options, as well as introduce new, upgraded dinner menus. The four main restaurants – Chic, Grande, Silk, and American Icon – will now become the main dining venues to support the My Time Dining program and will all feature the same upgraded dinner menu each evening. My Time Dining flexible venues will be located on Deck 4 in American Icon and Silk, while Chic and Grande will be designated as the early and late seating restaurants on Deck 3. The name and décor of each venue will remain unchanged.
All Anthem of the Seas sailings departing on-or-after November 27th, 2016, as well as sailings departing November 23rd, 2016 through April 14th, 2017 onboard Ovation of the Seas, will be impacted by this change. In addition, beginning November 27th, 2016, Anthem of the Seas will offer either one or two formal evenings per cruise, dependent upon sailing length.
All active bookings on-or-after November 27th, 2016 on Anthem of the Seas will automatically convert to the new dining program, respecting all pre-selected times, party sizes and other reservation features.
Traditional Dining will occur in The Grand and Chic restaurants and choose between early (6:00pm) and late seating (8:30pm). Traditional dining includes a fixed dining time, fixed venue, fixed table assignment and same table companions each evening.
Flexible Dining will occur in the Silk and American Icon Grill restaurants. Guests in Flexible Dining choose a preferred dining time and are seated on a first come, first served basis and include a variable dining time with fixed venue and flexible table assignments.
Families with small children can take advantage of My Family Time dining benefits while sailing onboard Anthem of the Seas. This is available as part of the traditional dining experience during the early seating time and can be reserved pre-cruise via Cruise Planner or once onboard. My Family Time dining allows children ages 3-to-11 to enjoy their meal within 40 minutes of seating before heading to the evening’s Adventure Ocean activities.
New, upgraded dinner menus will be introduced each evening in all four main dining restaurants.
The decision to change how guests dine on Anthem of the Seas marks a tremendous reversal in fortunes for the Dynamic Dining program, which at one time was arguably heralded as the future of cruise ship dining.
Back in March 2014, Royal Caribbean had previously announced its Quantum-class cruise ships would usher in a radically new dining program called Dynamic Dining, where there would be no main dining room and instead would offer a combination of complimentary and specialty restaurants for guests to choose from. Then in August 2014, Royal Caribbean announced Dynamic Dining would spread to Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas is a rather unique cruise ship, and offers some truly fun experiences that are certain to make memories for everyone in your group.
Royal Caribbean packed a lot into this ship, but we picked seven aspects of the cruise experience that we really love and think you will too! Anthem of the Seas offers quite a variety of activities, with thrills, impressive technology and more dining options than you would know what to do with.
1. North Star
Before you even step foot onto Anthem of the Seas, you will see one of the more prominent features of the ship, North Star.
Royal Caribbean's North Star takes guests in an observation pod 300 feet above sea level for amazing views of the area around the ship. For the the first time ever, guests can get an amazing view around their cruise ship and take what is sure to become amazing photos of the scenery.
Whether at sea or in port, the views from North Star are stupendous and a one-of-a-kind experience.
2. We Will Rock You
Did you know some Royal Caribbean ships offer full Broadway shows? On Anthem of the Seas, guests can enjoy the hit musical, "We Will Rock You."
Written by British-comedian Ben Elton, this hilarious award-winning and record-breaking phenomenon is built around 24 of the greatest hits of British rock legend, Queen. The best part about the show is it is included in your cruise fare!
3. Bionic Bar
Regardless of if you actually get a drink here, the Bionic Bar is an experience to itself onboard Anthem of the Seas. Two robot bartenders can make two drinks per minute, delivered in plastic cups via four conveyor belts.
Built by Makr Shakr, the idea is simple: guests place orders via tablets and then can watch the robot bartenders start mixing the cocktails. Bionic Bar combines two big trends, robotics and mixology.
The single armed robot will get the ice, mints and lemon and then squeeze and shake them to make your drink. Eventually, there wont be a limit on what the drinks the robots can make. The customization is what Royal Caribbean is aiming for.
4. Anything in Two70
When we cruise on Quantum-class ships, we become self-diagnosed Two70 junkies. Two70 is the large, multi-purpose space at the aft of the ship offering some of the best entertainment onboard Anthem of the Seas.
Two70, Royal Caribbean's transformative space onboard Anthem of the Seas fuses highly advanced robotic and projected technology with live performance, creating an unparalleled entertainment experience on land or sea.
As its name implies, Two70 offers a two hundred and seventy degree view from the aft of the ship. An expansive ocean view that is two decks high allows you to see an amazing view during the day. At night, Two70 transforms to offer a seamless video projection, robotics and human artistry.
5. WOWbands
An undeniably cool innovation onboard Anthem of the Seas are the RFID bracelets known as WOW Bands.
WOW Bands give guests everything they have been accustomed to having in a SeaPass card, on their wrist. This means getting access to staterooms, making purchases and checking in for entertainment has never been easier.
Guests can use their WOWband to enter their staterooms, purchase beverages, merchandise and anything else Royal Caribbean sells. Plus, WOWbands serve as an easy way to distinguish which muster station each guest is assigned to.
WOW Bands are an optional feature, but once you try the WOW Bands, you will likely be leaving your SeaPass card behind in your stateroom.
6. Ripcord by iFly
RipCord by iFly is a skydiving simulator that will be a first for cruise ships. Rather than descend from 10,000 feet in the sky, RipCord allows guests to get the sensation of skydiving without the incredible risk.
Guests put on a jumpsuit and goggles and then soar up to 23 feet in the air for a two-minute adrenaline rush.
7. Music Hall
Spanning two decks, the Music Hall lives up to its name with bands, musicians and DJs playing music for all to enjoy.
If you want to jump into a crowd of people and put your hands into the air like you just don't care, then Music Hall is for you.
This hip spot features live music in the evenings to get things started and that gets a crowd in of itself. But after the band is done, the DJ comes out and then Music Hall really comes alive.
Guests onboard Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas can get a real taste of New York when they dine in the Windjammer's New York Deli. Experience specially prepared deli favorites like pastrami sandwiches, rye bread and kosher pickles that the Big Apple is so well known for.
Guests onboard Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas can get a real taste of New York when they dine in the Windjammer's New York Deli. Experience specially prepared deli favorites like pastrami sandwiches, rye bread and kosher pickles that the Big Apple is so well known for.
Perhaps no space on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas is as innovative, impressive and down right fun as the aft-facing theater known as Two70.
Two70 is an unique venue to the Quantum class of ships, and offers guests multiple experiences throughout the day that makes Two70 a hub of entertainment. This means, there is almost always something going on in Two70, and it has quickly become a favorite among guests.
If you have a cruise booked on Anthem of the Seas, here is the important information to know about everything going on in Two70.
What is shown in Two70
Royal Caribbean offers a few different shows in Two70 to enjoy. Exact shows and schedules will depend on your sailing.
Vistarama
Ordinarily, Two70's giant windows offer sweeping views of the ocean, but quickly those windows can be transformed into a theater experience with Vistarama. Vistarama transforms Two70’s floor-to-ceiling sea view into any scene, real or imagined. You will find cityscapes, glass windows, expansive rooms and a lot more.
Vistarama is made possible by 18 projectors that combine to create an ambient surface over 100 feet wide and over 20 feet tall in stunning 12K resolution.
Vistarama is not just a passive experience, because impromptu digital shows come to life at any point in the show. Simply put, Vistarama is a stunning display that is as beautiful as it is immense in scale.
There will be different Vistarama shows throughout any given point in the cruise, so it is one of those experiences you need to stop by and see what is being shown.
Roboshow
RoboShows are perhaps the most impressive use of the amazing troupe of six agile Roboscreens, that are capable of moving in many different directions and tells a story through the use of amazing technology, music and well-choreographed video.
Each of the Roboscreens measures seven feet and is controlled by mega-powerful robotic arms. When working in tandem, the Roboscreens can twist, spin and move all around to offer a very impressive visual experience.
Of course, the show is why guests should stop by, and there are a variety of different shows to see. Each is unique and it is something that has to be experiences to truly understand and enjoy.
Spectra's Cabaret
Spectra's Cabaret is an original Royal Caribbean production that is shown in the evenings and is a featured show onboard Anthem of the Seas.
Trying to explain Spectra's Cabaret is not easy, but it features the Maestro and his Agents of Rhythm, whom take the audience through an, "an electric multi-dimensional cabaret" that involves singing, dancing, plenty of lighting effects, integration with the Roboscreens and much more.
What is truly impressive about Spectra's Cabaret is that it is a multi-media extravaganza brimming with kaleidoscopic sounds, effervescent colors and dazzling movement. Spectra’s Cabaret blends live performance and experiential cinema along with music from popular culture. In short, it is like nothing you may have seen before.
Virtual Concert & Virtual Symphony
Royal Caribbean has built a reputation for offering terrific music on its cruise ships, and Two70 offers virtual concerts that are the next best thing to the real thing. In fact, it can be difficult sometimes to hear a difference.
There are Virtual Concert & Virtual Symphony performances offered throughout Anthem of the Seas sailings, that feature performances by the American Philharmonic Orchestra or the Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns.
This is a real concert that was recorded in ultra-high definition and broadcast on the amazing screens in Two70.
Seminars
There is a lot of entertainment offered in Two70, but some of it involves you. Often, there will be classes and lessons offered in Two70 during the day, where guests can go to learn about a certain topic. This can come in the form of dance classes, educational seminars and more.
We have seen a lot of different kinds of classes offered here, including ballroom dance (which is quite popular), culinary lessons and jewelry making workshops.
Nightclub
When evening turns to night, Two70 is transformed yet again into an adults-only nightclub. Club two70 offers plenty of music for adults to dance to, in a nightclub kind of experience.
Loud music, flowing drinks and plenty of space to dance. With the large dance floor and ample seating, Club two70 is a mix of a lounge and club that should provide the right kind mix of both for guests looking to dance the night away.
The view
While there is lots of great entertainment in Two70, visiting this part of the ship is worth it just for the sweeping views available. Whether you are in port, or out at sea, there is always a very impressive landscape to enjoy.
Two70 got its name by the fact it offers a two hundred and seventy degree view of the aft of the ship, and this means you can enjoy one of the best views on the ship, inside or outside.
In truth, Two70 acts kind of like the ship's "living room," and like most living rooms, it is a great place to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view from the comfort of a couch.
Cafe @ Two70
It just would not be a Royal Caribbean cruise if there is not food conveniently located nearby, and adjacent to Two70 is the cafe that shares its name: Cafe @ Two70.
Throughout the day, guests can get meals and snacks from Cafe @ Two70. By far, the best choice for food here is the Kummelweck Sandwich. This sandwich was first offered on Oasis-class ships, but is available on Anthem of the Seas in Cafe @ Two70. It is essentially a rare, thin cut of roast beef, dipped in au jus and served on a roll with a touch of horseradish.
If it sounds mighty tasty, that is because it really is and something that is a must-try (at least a half dozen times) for any guest.
There is plenty more of food served in Cafe @ Two70, and is a great less-crowded breakfast option. Regardless of which meal you choose to eat here, the best part is taking your food over to Two70 and enjoying the view with your food!
Two70 Bar
If you like a view with your drink, head over to Two70 on one of Anthem of the Seas ships because it is hard to beat what you can see here.
With all the goings-on in Two70, grabbing a drink at Two70's bar makes for the perfect accompaniment to any performance.
Besides the view, the drink quality at this bar is quite good. In our experience, this bar tends to rely less on mixes and hand-crafts many of the drinks served here. This means the quality of the drinks are far often superior to other locations onboard.
Your thoughts
Have you been to Two70 on Anthem of the Seas? What is your favorite aspect of Two70? Which performance stands out as a real crowd pleaser? Share your opinion in our comments below!
Perhaps no space on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas is as innovative, impressive and down right fun as the aft-facing theater known as Two70.
Two70 is an unique venue to the Quantum class of ships, and offers guests multiple experiences throughout the day that makes Two70 a hub of entertainment. This means, there is almost always something going on in Two70, and it has quickly become a favorite among guests.
If you have a cruise booked on Anthem of the Seas, here is the important information to know about everything going on in Two70.
What is shown in Two70
Royal Caribbean offers a few different shows in Two70 to enjoy. Exact shows and schedules will depend on your sailing.
Vistarama
Ordinarily, Two70's giant windows offer sweeping views of the ocean, but quickly those windows can be transformed into a theater experience with Vistarama. Vistarama transforms Two70’s floor-to-ceiling sea view into any scene, real or imagined. You will find cityscapes, glass windows, expansive rooms and a lot more.
Vistarama is made possible by 18 projectors that combine to create an ambient surface over 100 feet wide and over 20 feet tall in stunning 12K resolution.
Vistarama is not just a passive experience, because impromptu digital shows come to life at any point in the show. Simply put, Vistarama is a stunning display that is as beautiful as it is immense in scale.
There will be different Vistarama shows throughout any given point in the cruise, so it is one of those experiences you need to stop by and see what is being shown.
Roboshow
RoboShows are perhaps the most impressive use of the amazing troupe of six agile Roboscreens, that are capable of moving in many different directions and tells a story through the use of amazing technology, music and well-choreographed video.
Each of the Roboscreens measures seven feet and is controlled by mega-powerful robotic arms. When working in tandem, the Roboscreens can twist, spin and move all around to offer a very impressive visual experience.
Of course, the show is why guests should stop by, and there are a variety of different shows to see. Each is unique and it is something that has to be experiences to truly understand and enjoy.
Spectra's Cabaret
Spectra's Cabaret is an original Royal Caribbean production that is shown in the evenings and is a featured show onboard Anthem of the Seas.
Trying to explain Spectra's Cabaret is not easy, but it features the Maestro and his Agents of Rhythm, whom take the audience through an, "an electric multi-dimensional cabaret" that involves singing, dancing, plenty of lighting effects, integration with the Roboscreens and much more.
What is truly impressive about Spectra's Cabaret is that it is a multi-media extravaganza brimming with kaleidoscopic sounds, effervescent colors and dazzling movement. Spectra’s Cabaret blends live performance and experiential cinema along with music from popular culture. In short, it is like nothing you may have seen before.
Virtual Concert & Virtual Symphony
Royal Caribbean has built a reputation for offering terrific music on its cruise ships, and Two70 offers virtual concerts that are the next best thing to the real thing. In fact, it can be difficult sometimes to hear a difference.
There are Virtual Concert & Virtual Symphony performances offered throughout Anthem of the Seas sailings, that feature performances by the American Philharmonic Orchestra or the Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns.
This is a real concert that was recorded in ultra-high definition and broadcast on the amazing screens in Two70.
Seminars
There is a lot of entertainment offered in Two70, but some of it involves you. Often, there will be classes and lessons offered in Two70 during the day, where guests can go to learn about a certain topic. This can come in the form of dance classes, educational seminars and more.
We have seen a lot of different kinds of classes offered here, including ballroom dance (which is quite popular), culinary lessons and jewelry making workshops.
Nightclub
When evening turns to night, Two70 is transformed yet again into an adults-only nightclub. Club two70 offers plenty of music for adults to dance to, in a nightclub kind of experience.
Loud music, flowing drinks and plenty of space to dance. With the large dance floor and ample seating, Club two70 is a mix of a lounge and club that should provide the right kind mix of both for guests looking to dance the night away.
The view
While there is lots of great entertainment in Two70, visiting this part of the ship is worth it just for the sweeping views available. Whether you are in port, or out at sea, there is always a very impressive landscape to enjoy.
Two70 got its name by the fact it offers a two hundred and seventy degree view of the aft of the ship, and this means you can enjoy one of the best views on the ship, inside or outside.
In truth, Two70 acts kind of like the ship's "living room," and like most living rooms, it is a great place to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view from the comfort of a couch.
Cafe @ Two70
It just would not be a Royal Caribbean cruise if there is not food conveniently located nearby, and adjacent to Two70 is the cafe that shares its name: Cafe @ Two70.
Throughout the day, guests can get meals and snacks from Cafe @ Two70. By far, the best choice for food here is the Kummelweck Sandwich. This sandwich was first offered on Oasis-class ships, but is available on Anthem of the Seas in Cafe @ Two70. It is essentially a rare, thin cut of roast beef, dipped in au jus and served on a roll with a touch of horseradish.
If it sounds mighty tasty, that is because it really is and something that is a must-try (at least a half dozen times) for any guest.
There is plenty more of food served in Cafe @ Two70, and is a great less-crowded breakfast option. Regardless of which meal you choose to eat here, the best part is taking your food over to Two70 and enjoying the view with your food!
Two70 Bar
If you like a view with your drink, head over to Two70 on one of Anthem of the Seas ships because it is hard to beat what you can see here.
With all the goings-on in Two70, grabbing a drink at Two70's bar makes for the perfect accompaniment to any performance.
Besides the view, the drink quality at this bar is quite good. In our experience, this bar tends to rely less on mixes and hand-crafts many of the drinks served here. This means the quality of the drinks are far often superior to other locations onboard.
Your thoughts
Have you been to Two70 on Anthem of the Seas? What is your favorite aspect of Two70? Which performance stands out as a real crowd pleaser? Share your opinion in our comments below!
Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas had to head back to its homeport of Bayonne, New Jersey following an incident where a young child nearly drowned in the pool.
In a statement by Royal Caribbean, the cruise line indicated an 8 year old boy had an accident in one of the ship's pool. The boy needed medical attention, so Anthem of the Seas sailed back to Bayonne.
He is currently being treated at the hospital. Royal Caribbean's Care Team is providing support to his family.
We are assisting family of 8 year old boy sailing on #AnthemoftheSeas who had an accident in one of the ship pool. (1 of 3)
For a limited time, Royal Caribbean is offering a Balcony Stateroom at Interior prices, as well as savings up to $300 per stateroom on Anthem of the Seas.
The Anthem of the Seas Upgrade Bonus allows booking a balcony stateroom for the price of an interior stateroom at standard/full or 60% Off Second Guest fare.
This offer applies to Anthem of the Seas sailings departing June 11 to December 16, 2016 and cruise must be booked May 2-June 6, 2016.
This offer is combinable with the Crown & Anchor discounts and NextCruise offers, and Shareholder Benefits. Offer is not combinable with restricted rates (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military). Offer not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Standard Group, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, Weekly Sales Events, and Net Rates.
Royal Caribbean Blog is an unofficial fan blog written for other fans of Royal Caribbean International. The Royal Caribbean Blog is not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International
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