After two hectic days of traveling, today was an opportunity for resting and relaxing on Anthem of the Seas as we sail towards Boston, our first destination. Our cruise is over Halloween, and on our first night, the ship was decorated for the celebration.
Anthem of the Seas was launched in April 2015 and was the second ship in the Quantum Class. She weighs 168,666 GT and has 18 decks, 16 accessible to passengers. Unique features on Quantum Class ships include a skydiving simulator, dodgems, the North Star Observation Tower, and the exclusive two70 lounge.
Two70 offers stunning views of the sea during the day, but in the evening, the windows are transformed into 12K screens. Add in 6 robot screens, and you have one of the most sensational showrooms at sea.
Anthem of the Seas had its first season sailing from Southampton. It had very mixed reviews and was replaced the following season with British Favorite Independence of the Seas. There were several reasons for her failure in the British Market but primarily the disastrous implementation of Dynamic Dining and the mixed opinion on a cold-weather ship sailing from the U.K.
Since her first season, she has been homeported in Cape Liberty, New Jersey. However, she will be sailing once more from Southampton in Summer 2020.
Our last cruise on Royal Caribbean was not great, and we had started to fall out of love with the Cruise Line. However, our initial impressions of Anthem have been good. The ship is beautifully furnished, with excellent staterooms and comfortable lounges. Staff are helpful, and there seem to be more waiters available again in bars. Food so far has been delicious.
A first sea day is meant for relaxing, and that is what we have done. During the day, we have explored the ship and rested in the solarium. The kids have enjoyed their various clubs.
Tomorrow we are arriving in Boston and will be catching a ferry to Salem, which is famous for its Halloween celebrations. Salem is infamous for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. We are expecting it to be very crowded for Halloween weekend.
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