Recently, I had the opportunity to preview Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, marking its first-ever season in Asia and arrival in Singapore. Launched on 21 February 2015, it’s been a while since this iconic ship has made waves in the cruising world. But this isn’t just another ship—it’s the beginning of an extraordinary adventure season for thrill-seekers, food lovers, and culture enthusiasts.
The last time I visited the Singapore Cruise Centre was during a cruise-to-nowhere post-lockdown. Returning to this familiar spot brought back memories, but today’s highlight was far grander, boarding the Anthem of the Seas.
Being part of the media, we were among the first to board, granting us the privilege of exploring the ship while it was still relatively empty. Let me share the highlights of this incredible experience.
What Makes Anthem of the Seas Special?
1) Unmatched Views: Take in panoramic views from the North Star, a glass observation capsule that rises 90 meters above sea level. This is a must-do for anyone looking to capture breathtaking photos.
2) Skydiving and Surfing at Sea: Feel the adrenaline with RipCord by iFLY, a skydiving simulator, and the FlowRider, an onboard wave simulator that lets you surf right on the ship.
3) SeaPlex: Endless Indoor Fun: The largest indoor activity space at sea features bumper cars, roller skating, and even arcade games for the young (and young at heart).
4) Outdoor Adventures: From a rock-climbing wall to jacuzzis overlooking the ocean, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
5) Relaxation Zones: My personal favourite? The sheltered, air-conditioned solarium with natural lighting. Sitting in a jacuzzi here, gazing at the ocean, is the ultimate definition of a holiday.
Food Highlights
Exploring the ship worked up an appetite, and the food onboard didn’t disappoint. Here’s a quick rundown of what we tried.
Soft Serve Ice Cream: A delightful treat during our tour.
Johnny Rockets: A retro diner serving classic American burgers and milkshakes—perfect for comfort food fans.
Windjammer Café: Known for its extensive international buffet, it’s a haven for food lovers. From grilled chicken to fresh fruit, the spread was impressive, though we held back since lunch awaited at a special venue.
Grilled Chicken looking good as always.
This is definitely the most popular spot with high turnover rate.
Cheese, anyone?
The fruit selection is huge, better than some hotel buffets.
Desserts!
Lunch at Jamie’s Italian
As someone who grew up watching Jamie Oliver on TV, dining at Jamie’s Italian onboard was a nostalgic experience. Here’s what was on the menu:
Ultimate Garlic Bread
Tomato Bruschetta
Meat Plank
Famous Prawn Linguine
Amalfi Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
While the meal was enjoyable, I found the flavours somewhat underwhelming. Next time, I’ll explore the Japanese fare at Izumi or the Mediterranean-inspired Solarium Bistro, which came highly recommended.
Room Tour
After lunch, we toured the accommodations onboard.
Balcony Staterooms: Spacious and perfect for soaking in the ocean views.
Virtual Balcony Rooms: Even interior rooms have LED panels showing real-time views outside. What a clever touch!
Suites: The highlight of the tour. The luxury, space, and amenities of the suites made it hard to imagine staying anywhere else next time.
The North Star Experience
The day’s highlight was riding the North Star, which rises 300 feet above the ship. The 360-degree views of the ocean and horizon were nothing short of magical—a must-do for every guest.
The Anthem of the Seas offers itineraries to some of Southeast Asia’s most stunning destinations:
- Quick Getaways: 3- or 4-night cruises to Penang or Phuket, featuring vibrant street art, historic architecture, and bustling markets.
- Cultural Escapes: 5-night voyages to Penang’s Peranakan heritage and Phuket’s Big Buddha.
- Bali Bliss: 8-night adventures to Bali’s temples, rice terraces, and cultural hubs like Ubud.
- Immersive Journeys: 10-night explorations of Vietnam’s history and Thailand’s iconic landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
The Anthem of the Seas is here for a limited time, so don’t miss your chance to experience this floating marvel. Whether you’re seeking thrills, world-class dining, or cultural exploration, this ship delivers it all.
Ready to set sail? Head to Royal Caribbean’s website to book your next adventure!
