Embark on an unforgettable family adventure aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. This innovative cruise ship is not just a vessel; it’s a floating resort packed with thrilling activities and world-class amenities designed to delight travelers of all ages. From adrenaline-pumping experiences to relaxing escapes, Anthem of the Seas truly offers a vacation experience that defies traditional cruise stereotypes.
For too long, the idea of a cruise vacation has been shadowed by a persistent myth: that cruises are exclusively for retirees seeking quiet relaxation or endless buffets. While there’s certainly no shortage of comfort and culinary delights onboard, modern cruise ships, especially those like Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, have completely redefined the cruising experience. My recent journey on this magnificent ship completely shattered my preconceived notions, revealing a vibrant world of adventure, entertainment, and unparalleled family fun.
Anthem of the Seas stands out as a beacon of innovation in the cruise industry. As I’ve explored in previous articles, the staterooms are thoughtfully designed, modern, and surprisingly spacious, offering a range of options to suit every family’s needs. The ship boasts an impressive and diverse array of gourmet dining options, ensuring every meal is an event. Furthermore, the onboard entertainment options are truly top-notch, featuring Broadway-caliber shows and immersive experiences. But what truly sets Anthem of the Seas apart, especially for families, is its incredible selection of activities – a playground at sea that keeps everyone engaged and entertained.
If you’re planning a family cruise and seeking a ship that offers more than just traditional amenities, look no further. Here are my top 10 exhilarating activities that make Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas the ultimate family vacation destination.
1. iFly Skydiving Adventure: Soar Above the Sea
For families with an adventurous spirit, the Anthem of the Seas offers an experience that is truly out of this world (and literally, above the sea): RipCord by iFly. This is the first-ever skydiving simulator at sea, providing the thrill of freefall in a safe, controlled environment. Before you take flight, it’s essential to be aware of Royal Caribbean’s current age, weight, and medical restrictions, as these are in place to ensure everyone’s safety.
The journey begins with registration and the signing of necessary waivers, followed by a concise video briefing that covers all the essentials. Next, you’ll suit up in specialized gear and be guided by an expert instructor through a crucial training course. This session focuses on mastering proper body position and understanding hand signals – vital communication tools once you’re inside the powerful wind tunnel, where verbal instructions are impossible to hear. The anticipation builds as you prepare for your turn.
While the entire flying experience lasts approximately one minute, it is an incredibly memorable and exhilarating minute! The sensation of floating on a cushion of air, feeling the powerful winds beneath you, is unlike anything else. I absolutely adored this experience; I couldn’t stop smiling throughout, even with the intense winds pushing against me. It’s an absolute blast and a highlight for anyone seeking a unique thrill.
Prepare for an adrenaline rush and incredible photo opportunities. This is one adventure on Anthem of the Seas that you won’t soon forget!
2. SeaPlex: The Ultimate Multi-Activity Zone
Families with children of all ages, and even adults seeking some playful competition, will find endless entertainment within SeaPlex, Anthem of the Seas’ groundbreaking sports and entertainment complex. This enormous, multi-use space ingeniously transforms throughout the day and night, offering a dynamic array of activities that guarantee boredom is never an option.
By day, the main SeaPlex floor hosts a variety of thrilling options. You can test your acrobatic skills on the only flying trapeze at sea – a truly unique experience! For those who prefer land-based sports, a full-size regulation basketball court invites friendly matches, also adaptable for team sports like soccer, volleyball, and badminton. A personal favorite of mine was the classic fun of the bumper cars, providing laughs for everyone involved. At designated times, the main floor even transforms into a lively roller skating rink, complete with rental skates for all sizes. As night falls, a special floating DJ booth descends from the ceiling, and the SeaPlex floor comes alive with an electrifying mix of lights and music, transforming into a vibrant dance floor where guests can groove to the latest hits.
If you have tweens or teens who might typically lament about being “SO BOOORED” on vacation, SeaPlex has them covered. Show them the dedicated areas featuring a live gaming suite with Xbox consoles, alongside popular interactive games like table tennis, air hockey, and foosball. These spaces offer a perfect blend of social interaction and competitive fun.
Beyond the main floor, SeaPlex also features a well-stocked arcade with a wide selection of games suitable for kids of all ages. Perhaps most importantly for older kids, there’s a private Teen Room. This supervised haven is often off-limits to adults (except for supervisors) at certain times, providing a cool, exclusive space for 12 to 17-year-olds. It’s the perfect spot for teens to unwind, socialize without parents or younger siblings, and forge new friendships with peers from around the world. SeaPlex truly offers something for everyone, making it a central hub of fun on Anthem of the Seas.
3. North Star: Breathtaking 360-Degree Views
Prepare to be mesmerized by the North Star, an exclusive and intimate experience that elevates guests high above the waves for truly unparalleled vistas. This engineering marvel is a jewel-shaped glass observation capsule that gently yet powerfully rises over 300 feet above sea level. As it ascends, the capsule also rotates, extending over the sides of the ship to provide truly breathtaking, panoramic 360-degree views of the ocean, the ship itself, and any surrounding port landscapes. It’s a serene yet exhilarating journey that offers a unique perspective of your cruise.
Whether you’re sailing through stunning coastlines or simply gazing at the endless expanse of the sea, the North Star delivers an unforgettable visual spectacle. This experience is popular, so it’s advisable to check for reservation availability upon boarding to secure your preferred time slot, especially during peak hours. The view from the top is simply incredible, making it a must-do for families looking for a tranquil yet awe-inspiring moment together.
4. Adventure Ocean: Kids’ Clubs for Every Age
Royal Caribbean understands that happy kids mean happy parents, and Anthem of the Seas’ Adventure Ocean program is a testament to this philosophy. This expansive and expertly supervised kids’ club is meticulously designed to cater to various age groups, ensuring that every child finds engaging activities tailored to their developmental stage. The Royal Babies & Tots Nursery provides a nurturing environment for the youngest cruisers, from 6 months to 3 years old, offering age-appropriate toys and activities.
For potty-trained children aged 3 to 5, the Aquanauts room offers a world of imaginative play, crafts, and games. The Explorers Room, designed for 6 to 8-year-olds, ramps up the excitement with themed parties, scavenger hunts, and educational fun. Older kids (9-11) have their own space with Voyagers, offering sports tournaments, themed dances, and interactive challenges. The programs are designed to be fun, educational, and social, allowing children to make new friends from around the globe.
Even after regular hours, the fun continues! From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Adventure Ocean transforms into a Late Night Party Zone for children between ages 3 and 11, giving parents the chance to enjoy a quiet dinner or an evening show. For ultimate flexibility, in-cabin babysitting services are also available for children who are at least one year old. Given that hours, prices, and availability can vary based on registration and cruise itinerary, it’s highly recommended to check with Royal Caribbean for the most up-to-date information regarding your children’s specific age ranges and activity requests before your departure to ensure a seamless experience.
5. Rock Climbing: Conquer the Wall at Sea
For those who love a physical challenge and a rewarding view, Anthem of the Seas features an impressive 30-foot outdoor rock climbing wall. This exhilarating activity is perfect for adventurers of all skill levels, from beginners looking to try something new to seasoned climbers seeking to conquer new heights. Safety is paramount, with trained staff providing all necessary equipment, including harnesses and shoes, and offering guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable climb.
The wall offers various routes of different difficulties, allowing climbers to challenge themselves at their own pace. Reaching the top is not just about physical strength; it’s also about strategic thinking and perseverance. Once you conquer the summit, you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and the ship’s deck below – a truly unique perspective that few experiences can offer. It’s an empowering activity that builds confidence and provides a fantastic workout, all while surrounded by the beauty of the open sea. The rock climbing wall is a popular spot, so arrive early to minimize wait times and maximize your climbing fun!
6. Interactive Art: A Ship Transformed into a Gallery
One of the most delightful and unexpected features of Anthem of the Seas is the abundance of innovative, interactive art installations peppered throughout the ship. Far from being static decorations, these pieces are designed to intrigue, entertain, and engage guests of all ages as they move between activities or simply explore. There’s always something fascinating around the corner, turning every stroll into an artistic discovery tour. My kids would have absolutely adored the light switch art (pictured above), which allows guests to playfully manipulate light patterns, creating a unique visual experience.
Even more captivating is the stunning Pulse Spiral Chandelier (pictured below), a true masterpiece of responsive art. This magnificent installation invites guests to place their hands on metal plates for ten seconds. In response, the 200 light bulbs of the chandelier flash in perfect sync with their individual heartbeat. Once the initial flashing concludes, a recording of that heartbeat is transferred to the lowest light bulb, slowly moving upwards as each new heartbeat is added to the collective rhythm of the ship. How incredibly cool and personal is that? It’s a profound and beautiful way to connect with the ship and fellow cruisers.
These are just two of the numerous examples of inventive, interactive art installations that transform Anthem of the Seas into a floating gallery, adding a layer of wonder and discovery to your family vacation.
7. DreamWorks Fun: Meet Your Favorite Characters
Bring your favorite animated adventures to life on Anthem of the Seas with the delightful DreamWorks Experience. Kids and adults alike will be thrilled to encounter beloved characters from popular DreamWorks movies roaming the ship. Imagine meeting Po from “Kung Fu Panda,” or catching Shrek, Fiona, and Puss In Boots from “Shrek,” or perhaps dancing with Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, King Julien, and the mischievous Penguins from “Madagascar.” These characters are not just for show; they actively participate in various shipboard activities.
Families can kick off their day with a special DreamWorks character breakfast, complete with photo opportunities and lively interactions. Throughout the cruise, there are numerous Meet & Greet sessions scheduled, providing ample chances for hugs, high-fives, and memorable photos with these larger-than-life personalities. Additionally, guests can participate in a variety of games, parades, and activities specifically centered around DreamWorks movies and characters, creating magical moments and unforgettable memories for young cruisers. It’s a fantastic way to add an extra layer of enchantment and fantasy to your family vacation.
8. FlowRider: Catch a Wave at Sea
Directly below the thrilling iFly skydiving area lies another incredible adventure: the FlowRider surfing simulator. This popular attraction allows guests to experience the excitement of surfing or boogie boarding on a continuous sheet of rushing water, all while at sea! Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a complete beginner, the FlowRider provides a safe and fun environment to try your hand at wave riding.
There are height restrictions for participation, which vary depending on whether you choose to boogie board (lying down on the board) or attempt to stand up and surf. Trained instructors are always on hand to provide guidance, safety tips, and encouragement, helping you get the hang of it. While I didn’t have the chance to try it myself during my visit, watching others on the FlowRider was incredibly entertaining, and it looked like an absolute blast! It’s a fantastic way to challenge yourself, cool off, and enjoy some active fun under the sun, making it a favorite for adventurous families and individuals alike.
9. Pools: Splash, Relax, and Unwind
No family cruise is complete without ample opportunities for splashing and relaxation, and Anthem of the Seas delivers with three distinct pool areas, each offering a unique ambiance. The main outdoor pool deck is the vibrant heart of aquatic activity. It’s a spacious area surrounded by countless lounge chairs, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the lively atmosphere. This deck also features two inviting whirlpools and a massive outdoor screen that serves multiple purposes: from displaying announcements and social media fun during the day to hosting popular movie nights under the stars, creating a unique cinematic experience.
The second pool area is the ingenious all-weather pool, a true game-changer. Housed under a retractable glass roof, this pool allows for swimming and relaxation regardless of the weather outside. It also includes additional whirlpools and a shallow wading pool, making it ideal for families with younger children or those seeking a slightly calmer environment. This section tends to be less crowded than the bustling outdoor main pool, and consequently, the pool bar situated nearby also enjoys a more relaxed patronage, perfect for grabbing a refreshing drink without the long lines.
Finally, for adults seeking a tranquil retreat, there’s the exquisite adults-only pool in the Solarium. This truly beautiful area is characterized by its serene ambiance, lush greenery, and comfortable loungers, providing a peaceful oasis away from the main family areas. With its own whirlpools and a dedicated bar, the Solarium offers a perfect spot for parents to relax, read a book, or simply enjoy the ocean views in a sophisticated setting.
10. Fitness & Spa: Rejuvenate and Recharge
After indulging in the incredible array of dynamic dining options available on Anthem of the Seas, you might feel inspired to work off some of those delicious calories, or simply maintain your wellness routine. The ship’s **HUGE fitness center** is exceptionally well-equipped to help you do just that. It boasts a wide selection of modern cardio equipment, including numerous treadmills, ellipticals, and stationery bikes, alongside a comprehensive range of weight training machines and free weights. Guests can also participate in a host of fitness classes offered throughout their stay, from invigorating yoga sessions to high-energy spinning classes. For those who prefer outdoor exercise, a dedicated jogging track circles around the deck of the main activities area, providing a scenic route for a morning run – you’ll even jog right by Gigi the Giraffe, the ship’s iconic art installation!
For ultimate relaxation and pampering, the onboard spa is a serene little getaway. This tranquil sanctuary offers a wide range of services designed for both adults and children. You can treat yourself to a fresh haircut, a revitalizing manicure or pedicure, or a deeply relaxing massage. What truly sets this spa apart for families are its specialized services: I know my daughter would have absolutely loved the mother/daughter mani/pedi services, creating a special bonding experience. They also offer unique mother/daughter and father/son massage services, allowing families to share moments of wellness and relaxation together. It’s the perfect place to unwind, recharge, and feel refreshed after a day of exciting activities.