Royal Caribbean‘s newest Quantum-class cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas, arrived in Southampton this morning to a crowd of onlookers as she pulled into the Southampton Cruise Port to prepare for her inaugural sailing.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RMJplli7S_I/VTE5hsbF_CI/AAAAAAAA3mk/uXZI-u2z0Qc/s144-c-o/1429105160_sbw-an-090.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/RoyalCaribbeanSAnthemOfTheSeas#6138751018105961506″ caption=”Anthem of the Seas arrives in Southampton, UK on April 15, 2015. Royal Caribbean International” type=”image” alt=”1429105160_sbw-an-090.jpg” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CzaiE-VoV8M/VTE5ilW1S4I/AAAAAAAA3ms/gXT74_-jKDs/s144-c-o/1429105239_sbw-an-111.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/RoyalCaribbeanSAnthemOfTheSeas#6138751033388911490″ caption=”Anthem of the Seas arrives in Southampton, UK on April 15, 2015. Royal Caribbean International” type=”image” alt=”1429105239_sbw-an-111.jpg” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pOoSvTGFD-w/VTE5jiGTGdI/AAAAAAAA3m0/LUR6c8BkzOk/s144-c-o/1429105421_sbw-an-124.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/RoyalCaribbeanSAnthemOfTheSeas#6138751049694124498″ caption=”Anthem of the Seas arrives in Southampton, UK on April 15, 2015. Royal Caribbean International” type=”image” alt=”1429105421_sbw-an-124.jpg” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2LyL10Mo2Fc/VTE5k2PZggI/AAAAAAAA3m8/SjWyOfDgNYw/s144-c-o/1429105530_sbw-an-203.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/RoyalCaribbeanSAnthemOfTheSeas#6138751072280871426″ caption=”Anthem of the Seas arrives in Southampton, UK on April 15, 2015. Royal Caribbean International” type=”image” alt=”1429105530_sbw-an-203.jpg” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OHYhtYdZgng/VTE5mCkVBNI/AAAAAAAA3nE/k0C85qWhd3g/s144-c-o/1429105636_sbw-an-301.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/RoyalCaribbeanSAnthemOfTheSeas#6138751092769752274″ caption=”Anthem of the Seas arrives in Southampton, UK on April 15, 2015. Royal Caribbean International” type=”image” alt=”1429105636_sbw-an-301.jpg” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uE40FvCT4d0/VTE5nWr4LCI/AAAAAAAA3nM/7wfmrwwRJdA/s144-c-o/1429105715_sbwpc-an12.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/RoyalCaribbeanSAnthemOfTheSeas#6138751115349994530″ caption=”Anthem of the Seas arrives in Southampton, UK on April 15, 2015. Royal Caribbean International” type=”image” alt=”1429105715_sbwpc-an12.jpg” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ONqThrgumpA/VTE5oHGDEVI/AAAAAAAA3nU/8lEtLydkDCc/s144-c-o/1429105789_sbwr-an-0147.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/RoyalCaribbeanSAnthemOfTheSeas#6138751128344662354″ caption=”Anthem of the Seas arrives in Southampton, UK on April 15, 2015. Royal Caribbean International” type=”image” alt=”1429105789_sbwr-an-0147.jpg” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_3rX7NdmnXI/VTE5qp1FM1I/AAAAAAAA3nk/16ltOqOBsc0/s144-c-o/1429105941_sbwr-an-0419.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/RoyalCaribbeanSAnthemOfTheSeas#6138751172028478290″ caption=”Anthem of the Seas arrives in Southampton, UK on April 15, 2015. Royal Caribbean International” type=”image” alt=”1429105941_sbwr-an-0419.jpg” ]
Anthem will homeport in Southampton offering Mediterranean cruises during the spring and summer season before sailing across the pond to Bayonne, NJ where she will find her permanent home at the Cape Liberty Cruise Port where she will sail Caribbean itineraries, replacing sister ship Quantum of the Seas who in just a few days will be moving to China.
As curious spectators lined up to get a glimpse, fireboats gave her a welcome fitting the world’s third largest cruise ship.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q8wym0Tyd9U/VTE5pNzKMDI/AAAAAAAA3nc/Zj4IR1y2dj0/s144-c-o/1429105846_sbwr-an-0169.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/RoyalCaribbeanSAnthemOfTheSeas#6138751147324354610″ caption=”Fireboats provide a welcome escort to Anthem of the Seas as she arrives in Southampton, UK on April 15, 2015. Royal Caribbean International” type=”image” alt=”1429105846_sbwr-an-0169.jpg” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AW3m1NVzd14/VTE5rv-GdnI/AAAAAAAA3ns/lcNfZVmjidA/s144-c-o/1429106046_sbwr-an-0489.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/RoyalCaribbeanSAnthemOfTheSeas#6138751190856791666″ caption=”Fireboats provide a welcome escort to Anthem of the Seas as she arrives in Southampton, UK on April 15, 2015. Royal Caribbean International” type=”image” alt=”1429106046_sbwr-an-0489.jpg” ]
On April 20, 2015, Anthem of the Seas will be officially christened by her Godmother, 27 year old travel agent Emma Wilby from Sunderland, UK. “We are delighted to welcome Emma Wilby into the Royal Caribbean family as Anthem of the Seas’ Godmother,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Emma is among many submissions from truly talented travel agents across the U.K. and the judging was very difficult. We thank all travel agents, who we value and are honoring by naming a fellow travel agent as the Godmother of our newest ship.”
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A83_HgqKuAY/VTE5gX3MSHI/AAAAAAAA3mc/RckicEjpvIQ/s144-c-o/1429105040_RJ-Anthem-of-the-Seas-020.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/RoyalCaribbeanSAnthemOfTheSeas#6138750995406801010″ caption=”Emma Wilby, the Anthem of the Seas godmother was at the quayside to welcome her in on April 15, 2015. Royal Caribbean International” type=”image” alt=”1429105040_RJ-Anthem-of-the-Seas-020.jpg” ]
Once the bottle of champagne is smashed, guests will be able to enjoy all the unique amenities only offered on Anthem and Quantum including:
iFly Skydiving Simulator where you get so experience what it’s like to actually skydive without going far off the ground. While I didn’t have the intestinal fortitude to give it a shot when I was on Quantum of the Seas, plenty of people suited up, took a lesson and entered the simulator to have the flight of their life.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cvrKTypj8fo/VHzWFWIXIHI/AAAAAAAAxLQ/iPAkPVW3zeY/s144-c-o/IMG_4886.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/QuantumOfTheSeasNovember23December12014#6087976183626408050″ caption=”iFly skydiving simulator on Quantum of the Seas” type=”image” alt=”IMG_4886.JPG” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0R6gs6lc4QY/VHz3AquCWpI/AAAAAAAAxhw/-Z1Wc4K45T0/s144-c-o/IMG_5090.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/QuantumOfTheSeasNovember23December12014#6088012387137510034″ caption=”iFly skydiving simulator on Quantum of the Seas” type=”image” alt=”IMG_5090.JPG” ]
The North Star which takes passengers way up above and over the side of the ship in a viewing capsule to give unparalleled views of the ship and the surroundings. Check the daily program for operating hours and get their early so you don’t miss this one!
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2XltTtdDqP8/VHOs1hpTV6I/AAAAAAAAxCA/tzELmTsoZio/s144-c-o/IMG_4853.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/QuantumOfTheSeasNovember23December12014#6085397557072320418″ caption=”The North Star on Quantum of the Seas” type=”image” alt=”IMG_4853.JPG” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bQFMsnq0VqQ/VHzeEk9wqiI/AAAAAAAAyo4/l2odaDGNVjQ/s144-c-o/IMG_4894.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/QuantumOfTheSeasNovember23December12014#6087984966521629218″ caption=”The North Star on Quantum of the Seas” type=”image” alt=”IMG_4894.JPG” ]
Sea Plex where you can play a game of basketball, take circus lessons, grab a hot dog at the Dog House, and… get this… bang into fellow passengers with the only bumper cars at sea. Definitely a fun place to hang out!
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TckSTMxVlno/VHzeOP2NVOI/AAAAAAAAxNU/rw_C25T4C2k/s144-c-o/IMG_4899.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/QuantumOfTheSeasNovember23December12014#6087985132651500770″ caption=”The Sea Plex Dog House Food Truck on Quantum of the Seas” type=”image” alt=”IMG_4899.JPG” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XnVlVCrV8B8/VHzeaU4D0qI/AAAAAAAAxNk/MrJFPan6br8/s144-c-o/IMG_4902.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/QuantumOfTheSeasNovember23December12014#6087985340159873698″ caption=”The Sea Plex Dog House Food Truck on Quantum of the Seas” type=”image” alt=”IMG_4902.JPG” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sEBccUFlbKw/VHzekZVTQwI/AAAAAAAAxN0/wXTOvovN8pw/s144-c-o/IMG_4904.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/QuantumOfTheSeasNovember23December12014#6087985513154953986″ caption=”Bumper cars in the Sea Plex on Quantum of the Seas” type=”image” alt=”IMG_4904.JPG” ]
Bionic Bar where two robots turn into well choreographed mixologists who can whip you up a pre-programmed cocktail or you can make your own by ordering off tablet computers. I have to say, the Cosmo I had was pretty darn good!
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SmL-F8bGBj0/VHz3LXDVtUI/AAAAAAAAxi0/nsjsWwY3S08/s144-c-o/IMG_5102.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/QuantumOfTheSeasNovember23December12014#6088012570836710722″ caption=”Bionic Bar on Quantum of the Seas” type=”image” alt=”IMG_5102.JPG” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SuA2UmficrE/VHz3MhKD80I/AAAAAAAAxi8/UtyOvWKPUVw/s144-c-o/IMG_5103.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/QuantumOfTheSeasNovember23December12014#6088012590729130818″ caption=”How you order a drink from the Bionic Bar on Quantum of the Seas” type=”image” alt=”IMG_5103.JPG” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CA6tLlQmUHI/VHz3Nyk-i9I/AAAAAAAAxjE/AM_rSaQORro/s144-c-o/IMG_5106.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/QuantumOfTheSeasNovember23December12014#6088012612585294802″ caption=”The finished product, a cocktail from the Bionic Bar on Quantum of the Seas” type=”image” alt=”IMG_5106.JPG” ]
Dining is a spectacular event on Quantum-class ships. The only problem is, you’ll have a hard time trying to make a decision as to where you want to eat each night during your cruise! From Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant, to my favorite – the spectacular Wonderland, there are 18 different restaurants to choose from all offering up a variety of food from the calorie conscious to the steak lover.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ASZXIqSpNnM/VHz62OK-jfI/AAAAAAAAx2M/uoTTseM1LTc/s144-c-o/IMG_5276.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/QuantumOfTheSeasNovember23December12014#6088016605722086898″ caption=”Crispy Calamari from the Jamie’s Italiam tapas menu available at Vintages on Quantum of the Seas” type=”image” alt=”IMG_5276.JPG” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TmNC6X5QEIM/VHz7bLcbX1I/AAAAAAAAx4Q/ZXXFRlmdpJw/s144-c-o/IMG_5297.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/QuantumOfTheSeasNovember23December12014#6088017240645132114″ caption=”Baby Vegetables in the Garden from Wonderland on Quantum of the Seas” type=”image” alt=”IMG_5297.JPG” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mdUyd-qJZZE/VHz7uRxFtTI/AAAAAAAA3fc/yL8sn_eKygs/s144-c-o/IMG_5312.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/115993125735820548294/QuantumOfTheSeasNovember23December12014#6088017568759919922″ caption=”Beef from Wonderland on Quantum of the Seas” type=”image” alt=”IMG_5312.JPG” ]
Of course, there’s so much more to enjoy on either Quantum of Anthem, you’ll have to make time to explore the ship and find your personal favorites. If you want to know what it’s like to sail on one of these amazing ships, be sure to check out my review of Quantum’s inaugural Bahamas cruise where I talk about the ship, the food, the “WOW’s” and the special touches that make these ships stand out from the rest.