Anthem of the Seas

The North Star is a climate-controlled glass capsule on a giant crane arm that lifts guests several stories up and out over the side of the ship. Danny calls it a pretty cool experience while sailing past glaciers. Right below it is the North Star Bar. The main pool is big enough for laps, with a shallow ledge for dipping your toes, the Sky Bar, a bandstand and a big LED screen for movies and sports.

All the way forward, the adults-only Solarium is complimentary and fully climate controlled. Day beds line the windows, and two levels of loungers face out the front of the ship, which makes it a great spot for scenic cruising. The Sunshine Bar sits in the middle, cascading pools step down the room, and bridge wings by the hot tubs have big views. Just inside, the Solarium Bistro serves breakfast and lunch, then a complimentary Mediterranean dinner by reservation.

The aft sports zone starts with the rock climbing wall, a complimentary concept that debuted on Voyager of the Seas and works for every skill level. Next door, the FlowRider surf simulator is complimentary too, with lessons and private hour-long rentals. RipCord by iFLY lets guests skydive at sea in a wind tunnel, from first-timers to experienced flyers. Guests watch a short instructional video and suit up before flying, and Danny’s kids beg to do it again every sailing.

The SeaPlex is an enormous indoor zone for family fun, so the weather never matters. Its full basketball court also hosts dodgeball, gaga ball, roller skating and big parties, then turns into a track for the complimentary bumper cars, where two can ride together. The Dog House serves fast casual hot dogs and bratwurst. Up a level are ping pong tables, the Xbox lounge and seating to watch the action, plus a separate arcade with racing games, Skee-Ball and claw games.

Adventure Ocean starts with a drop-off nursery for little ones from six months to 36 months, with cribs, play areas, diaper changes and meals, booked by time slot. Families can also play together in an open, supervised play area. The drop-off kids club begins at age three, potty trained, with crafts, games, video games and movie nights by age group. Teens get the Living Room, with video games and quiet nooks, and Fuel, their own dance club.

Two70 takes its name from the 270-degree wall of windows at the back of the ship, two stories high. By day it’s a lounge with a library, a full bar and big views for scenic cruising. At night it becomes an entertainment complex, with two stages, performers who drop from the ceiling or pop up from the floor, and six robotic screens. Café @ Two70 next door serves made-to-order sandwiches, soups, a salad bar and fresh orange juice.

Chops Grille is the classic steakhouse, with signature cuts, pork belly, Caesar salad and an over-the-top cheesecake. The Chef’s Table is tucked in the back. Izumi is Danny’s favorite specialty restaurant on board, with sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, chicken karaage and teriyaki bowls. At Jamie’s Italian, Danny’s daughter wanted the fresh pasta over and over again. Wonderland serves whimsical dishes you reveal by painting your menu. Specialty dining carries an extra cost.

The Royal Esplanade runs down the center of the ship with bars, restaurants, shops and Guest Relations at the base of the stairs. Sorrento’s pizza and Café Promenade are complimentary and open late. Boleros turns into a Latin dance club at night, and the Brass & Bock pub has live music. The Schooner Bar is a piano bar Danny says you shouldn’t miss. The two-level Music Hall has a big stage, a dance floor, bars and pool tables.