Anthem of the Seas offers a lineup of thrilling experiences, from the RipCord by iFly sky diving experience to the North Star glass observation capsule to robust culinary experiences (Photo: Royal Caribbean)
Being at sea takes on an altogether different meaning when you step into Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. Onboard, the niggling anticipation of motion gives way to sure-footed ease as you look around its lavish interior and hear an excited passenger exclaim, “It’s like a big floating hotel!”
At 347m long and with 16 guest decks, this quantum-class liner certainly is. Operating mostly in the UK and US, it made its Asian debut last November with short getaways and long-haul itineraries with Spice of Southeast Asia cruises sailing out from Singapore to Penang and Phuket over three to five nights. These are ideal for dipping your toe in a high-seas holiday, celebrating a special occasion with friends, or just bonding with young and old in the family.
There were many multigenerational groups on board, with each member quickly finding his or her groove. The tots have a room to roll around in and the teens club is where they can do their thing or game with peers. Come mealtime, a cruise highlight for many, parties gather to indulge in the many varieties of cuisine laid out for main meals and snacks in the restaurants, or chat about their day.
The family that travels together stays together? Likely, especially when the days’ programmes are all mapped out and you are welcome to nip from one to the next and try new things you may not have time or inclination for in a typical day.
Scout around and you will find stations offering quick bites at different times of the day. You will not say no to a second hotdog at SeaPlex, Anthem’s indoor activity space at sea.
seaplex_dog_house_anthem_of_the_seas.jpg
Food options range from English pub grub where you can immerse in live guitar music and guzzle all kinds of pints (try the Brass & Bock) to Mediterranean-inspired flavours at Solarium Bistro and piping hot pizza at Sorrento’s — definitely a favourite with young guests — which also serves a selection of desserts.
Meals at signature specialty restaurants are not part of the complimentary menu but they present a chance to indulge and dress up. Izumi’s sushi selections are a dainty breather after buffet-style dining at the 24-hour Windjammer Marketplace, or multi-courses at Silk and Chic. Jamie Italian’s Ultimate Garlic Buns and Creamy Prawn Linguine stay in the mind long after the meal is done.
Want to cap your evening with a drink? Saunter to the Bionic bar manned by robotic bartenders Shaken and Stirred, who can “muddle, stir, shake and strain” all kinds of combinations from a list of 30 spirits and 21 mixers in a mesmerising show of technical engineering and balletic grace. No wonder: The Italian robotics company that created the pair collaborated with New York Theater Ballet choreographer Marco Pelle to create their moves.
Before calling it a night, check out the Cruise Compass to plan the next day’s programme so you can max out your time on board. Various activities require pre-booking, such as roller skating and pickleball; those that do not are popular and often have long queues. Hats off to a team that ably took care of the crowd at the bumper cars. When they announced that each ride would only be 61 seconds, no one seemed to mind after waiting an hour because everyone had a go at revving the vehicles.
wall_climbing_on_anthem_of_the_seas.jpg
Adventure and entertainment beckon from dawn to dusk and beyond. Rock climbing challenges youngsters to strap up and push hands and legs to coordinate and conquer a wall. A FlowRider close to four swimming pools and outdoor Jacuzzis is a test of balance, while court games encourage guests to play in pairs or groups. If solitary activity suits you, brisk walking on a track that loops around the top deck should break a sweat. Do it after 5pm and you can keep step with the sun dipping below the horizon.
For an aerial 360-degree view of ship and sea, nothing can beat North Star, which takes guests 90m up in a jewel-shaped glass capsule. For heart-in-your-mouth skydiving, step into RipCord by iFly, stretch out and soar.
Have a blast and sing along to songs from the past. Or, let your hair down and rock till you drop. But if doing nothing is your idea of the perfect break, set out treats and curl up in a chair on the balcony. Gazing out to sea is calming and a big liner slicing through the water, leaving frothy grooves in its wake, makes a pretty picture.
Those heading north from Singapore to Penang and Phuket on the Spice of Southeast Asia cruise are bound to catch sight of other vessels in the distance. Sea traffic picks up along the Strait of Malacca, the narrow waterway that made the Melakan sultanate a maritime powerhouse in the 16th and 17th centuries.
north_star_sky_bar_and_pool.jpg
A shore excursion to Penang, the Pearl of the Orient, is a must if you have never stepped foot on this gem. A seven-hour stopover will not give you much time to explore but a quick jaunt around George Town, part of which is a Unesco World Heritage Zone, will convince you of its charm.
Phuket, an overnight stop on the same tour, offers a colourful opportunity to be part of the crowd at Patong Pier or walk the busy roads fanning out from the coastline and observe how hard the Thais work to boost tourism. Or, ride out to a cashew nut factory and pick out those crunchies in multiple flavours — tom yam, truffle or matcha, anyone? — for those back home. Phuket Old Town is rich in culture and local fare. En route, stop at Wat Chalong, where countless figurines of elephants placed at the temple are solid reminders of faith.
Getting off the ship at these two stops is hassle-free, thanks to the efficiency of the Royal Caribbean crew whose caring touches — shaded walkways and water stations to beat the heat — are much appreciated. Staff helming the guest services counter deserve a pat too for their patience in answering the endless queries of passengers and helping to accommodate personal requests.
The Bahamas-flagged Anthem was delivered by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft in 2015. It is the Royal Caribbean’s second of five quantum-class liners, the others being Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas. Imposing but certainly not intimidating, and equipped with what you would wish for a relaxing escape over waves and on land, it is one option to add to your holiday list.
This article first appeared on Jan 13, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
