hero media

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

Quentin LongBy Quentin Long
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

Anthem Of The Seas Wonderland Lamb
Try some whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-inspired dining.

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.

Quentin Long
Quentin Long is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Australian Traveller Media. Quentin is a sought-after travel media commentator. He is Australia’s most trusted source for travel news and insights, having held weekly radio segments across the country since 2006, and regularly appearing on Channel 9’s Today and A Current Affair programs from 2010. Don't ask him his favourite travel experience as that's like asking him to choose a favourite child. However he does say that Garma Festival is the one travel experience that changed him the most.
See all articles
Royal Caribbean Weekend Cruises cruising from Australia.
Cruising

How to turn a summer weekend into an unforgettable cruise holiday

Why settle for another landlocked weekend away when you could spend a thrilling few days sipping cocktails poolside with friends and family, taking in a Broadway-style musical, and having once-in-a-lifetime adventures—all without leaving Australia?

Read more
Milford Sounds, New Zealand
Cruising

The best itineraries for first-time cruisers

Whether you’re into high-end food and wine or looking to entertain your young family, there’s a cruise out there for you. The trick is knowing where to look, writes Dilvin Yasa.

Read more
A picturesque cruising destination found with My Cruises
Cruising

Introducing My Cruises

Read more
hero media

The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn PrideBy Jocelyn Pride
    Continue
    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso , and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack . Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal , is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.