Royal Caribbean 'Anthem Of The Seas' review

Sailing from Sydney for the first time, Anthem of the Seas is an award-winning ship.

Looking for thrills, spills and a good dose of chilling? Let the adventure begin on Anthem of the Seas. The ship features ‘first-at-sea’ experiences, including the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, the FlowRider surf simulator and SeaPlex, which has a full basketball court, bumper cars and roller skating. Add to this, the best vantage point at sea on the North Star observation capsule, as well as an incredible line-up of entertainment and dining, and you’re in for a voyage to truly savour.

Anthem Of The Seas North Star observation capsule — Capture 360-degree sea views on top of the North Star observation capsule.

Key dates: This season Anthem of the Seas sets sail into Sydney on 31 October, and will make its final trip from Sydney to Honolulu on 1 May 2026 before returning to Australia next season.

Capacity: 4905 guests

Best suited to: Families and multi-gen cruisers. The Adventure Ocean kids’ programme is located on decks 11 and 12 and offers an array of activities and entertainment for children and teens aged three to 17. While they’re having supervised fun, Mum and Dad, and Nan and Pop might want to spend time at the Vitality Spa, the Solarium or dine at a specialty restaurant.

Where does Anthem of the Seas sail to?

Summit of Kunanyi / Mount Wellington in tasmania — Summit Mount Wellington. (Image: Samuel Shelley)

Upcoming itineraries (from three to seven days) on Anthem of the Seas head to Eden (NSW), Hobart and the Whitsunday Islands. Spot whales, hike through stunning national parks or relax on pristine beaches in Eden. Experience Hobart’s famous culinary scene, ride horses to Mount Wellington and enjoy up-close encounters with Tasmanian devils. Or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef around the stunning Whitsunday Islands.

Further afield, it will also be heading out on seven- to nine-night itineraries to the South Pacific and nine- to 12-night itineraries to New Zealand.

Sustainable practices

aerial of Anthem Of The Seas — Embark on a cruise from Australia on board *Anthem of the Seas*.

The Royal Caribbean Group has a Blue Green Promise, embracing its responsibility to protect the oceans it sails. The Blue Green Promise is a commitment to support sustainable and resilient ocean communities all over the world by working to ensure their health and vitality for generations to come by protecting and restoring ecosystems, reducing marine pollution, advancing sustainable seafood and supporting biodiversity.

Royal Caribbean has also partnered with the ocean communities it visits to ensure their continued cultural and economic vibrancy by supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs. Royal Caribbean also invests in educational resources, supporting conservation education and providing skills training. For example, Royal Caribbean International has partnered with Amaro Primary School on Lelepa Island, Vanuatu, to provide needed educational resources to local students. The cruise line worked with the school and the local community to provide renovation and repair support to the school, new desks and chairs for the students, equipment such as computers and printers, and teaching resources such as books and stationery supplies.

Dining on Anthem of the Seas

Anthem Of The Seas Izumi Sushi — Stop into Anthem Of The Seas’ many dining options.

With a choice of over 18 dining options, there’s a vast array of flavours from around the globe to sample aboard Anthem of the Seas. Complimentary dining options include the main dining room for a la carte service, Windjammer Cafe for an assortment of global cuisines, Sorrento’s for New York-style pizza, the Dog House for a choice of hot dogs, the Solarium Bistro for lighter options, and cafes. For a special occasion, book into a specialty restaurant. Below are some of the highlights onboard.

Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver

Sit down to a delicious meal in this specialty restaurant where the menu, devised by celeb chef Jamie Oliver, features handmade Italian favourites using fresh produce and free-range meats. Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, so each ship or sailing may see different pricing for specialty restaurants. Expect to pay around US$30 for lunch and US$45 for dinner.

Wonderland

Be prepared for a feast for all the senses at this Alice in Wonderland-inspired dining experience, where Royal Caribbean chefs twist their culinary kaleidoscopes to invent a dreamscape of never-before-seen fare. Choose dishes based on five natural elements – Earth, Sea, Fire, Ice and Sun. The dishes (and cocktails) here are designed to tantalise your taste buds. Save room for the dreamy desserts. It’s priced from around US$60.

Chef’s Table

Join up to 14 guests at a private table for the ultimate intimate dining experience: a five-course wine-pairing dinner hosted nightly by an Executive Chef and Sommelier. Dinner with wine pairings comes at around US$120.

Bars on Anthem of the Seas

Anthem Of The Seas Two 70 Lounge — Stay hydrated at 11 bars and lunges on board.

There are 11 bars and lounges onboard Anthem of the Seas. Find a few highlights below.

Bionic Bar

Be prepared for a unique mixology experience. The two robotic bartenders at the Bionic Bar know how to shake, stir and mix your cocktail to perfection.

Boleros

This Latin-themed club is perfect for an after-dinner mojito or caipirinha. Sip on cocktails while enjoying the sound of a six-piece band playing salsa, cumbia, merengue and samba.

Schooner Bar

Sing along to your favourite tunes by the grand piano at this nautical-themed lounge. Perfect for a nightcap, Schooner Bar offers live entertainment and an impressive drinks menu.

Activities and entertainment on Anthem of the Seas

Anthem Of The Seas Flowrider surf simulator — Try your hand at the FlowRider surfing simulator.

Expect extreme highs aboard Anthem of the Seas; ascend 91 metres above sea level with the iconic North Star observation capsule. Then there’s RipCord by iFLY simulated skydiving, and the FlowRider surfing simulator. The 12-metre-long wave machine allows you to carve like a pro.

Come evening, enjoy unique shows and revues in the Royal Theatre. More one-of-a-kind experiences come to life for guests in transformative venues, such as Two70, offering 270-degree views of the ocean by day and transforming into a theatre at night.

Cabins

interior cabin on Anthem Of The Seas — Wake up to sweeping sea views from your superior room.

There’s a stateroom to suit every cruiser’s adventure with a choice of interior, ocean view, balcony or suite. Quantum of the Seas has 2094 staterooms. Located in the middle of the deck, interior cabins are a great budget-friendly option. Royal Caribbean came up with the genius idea to introduce a ‘virtual balcony’ with floor-to-ceiling HD display screens that show live-action footage of the sea.

To get a feel of the ocean, choose an ocean-view stateroom, and for extra space and the perfect perch to enjoy the view, choose a balcony stateroom. Those staying in the spacious Royal Suite Class staterooms have access to complimentary services and amenities, plus personalised attention.

Deck plan

Anthem of the Seas docked in Sydney harbour — Set sail from Sydney.

The cruise ship features 16 passenger decks with a top deck featuring a solarium for adults, an outdoor pool, an indoor pool featuring an operable roof system and an H2O Zone kids’ aqua park.

For more cruising inspiration, tips, and news, visit our Cruising in Australia guide.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas