Trip Notes: 4D3N Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas (March 2025)

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Introduction

Sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas is like stepping into a floating city packed with adventure, luxury, and non-stop entertainment. As one of the Quantum-class ships, this colossal vessel boasts cutting-edge attractions like the North Star observation capsule, the iFly skydiving simulator, and Broadway-style performances.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, there’s something for everyone onboard. This guide shares my experiences and essential tips from a 4-day, 3-night cruise that departed from Singapore in March 2025, with a stop in Penang, Malaysia.

Notes

1. No Free Internet Access

If you’re hoping to stay connected without purchasing an internet package—think again. Using the cruise Wi-Fi, I couldn’t browse the web or use social media. However, I did notice that for certain apps, notifications managed to sneak through. For example, email subject lines.

The cruise ship is too far from the coast to get any reception for cellular data. Nope. Going to the top deck doesn’t help.

2. In-house App Messaging is Limited

The Royal Caribbean app includes a messaging feature, but to be honest, it’s pretty disappointing. Notification alerts are iffy, meaning you have to constantly check for messages. Plus, you’re limited to text — no photos or audio messages. If you’re traveling in a group, consider alternative ways to stay in touch. I heard of people being walkie-talkies onboard.

3. Tap Dance Show Seating Restrictions

If you’re planning to watch the tap dance performance at the Royal Theatre, be aware that the best seats on deck 5 are reserved for premium members. Arrive early if you want a decent spot at the general seating area. For my trip, there were more than 4000 other holidaymakers onboard.

4. Unable to Locate the iFly Facility

Despite my best efforts, I never actually found where the iFly skydiving simulator was located! It’s somewhere onboard, and I wish I had asked for directions earlier in the trip.

5. Long Walk at the Penang Port Stop

Be prepared for some cardio when disembarking in Penang! It takes at least 10-15 minutes of jostling in the crowd to walk from the ship to the cruise terminal exit. We arrived in Penang at around 2:30 PM when it was insanely hot, and by the time we made it outside, there wasn’t much time left to explore the major tourist attractions.

6. The Ship is Huge – Expect Lots of Walking

This ship is enormous, and you’ll find yourself walking a lot — whether it’s getting to meals, attending performances, or simply exploring. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to rack up some serious step counts.

7. Spectra’s Cabaret vs. “We Will Rock You”

Spectra’s Cabaret was a fantastic, visually stunning experience that I really enjoyed. However, the musical We Will Rock You didn’t quite do it for me. The latter operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you arrive late, you won’t get a seat. That said, I noticed quite a few people leaving after about 20 minutes — it just didn’t appeal to everyone.

8. No Need to Worry About Seasickness

As a first-time cruiser, I was concerned about seasickness, but it turned out to be a non-issue. The massive cruise ship feels like a floating building, and I experienced minimal motion throughout the trip.

Tips

1. Download an Offline Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion Tool

The air conditioning control onboard only displays in Fahrenheit. If you’re more comfortable with Celsius, download an offline converter before your trip. No free internet onboard, remember?

2. Book Free Sessions for iFly and North Star Early

The free slots for iFly and North Star get snatched up quickly. Don’t hesitate — book them as soon as you can!

3. Adjust Your Main Dining Hall Timing Early

Your allocated dining time at the main dining hall is printed on your SeaPass card. If it doesn’t work for you, head to guest services immediately to request a change. Be warned — there’s usually a queue! I was assigned 8:15 PM, which felt too late and clashed with evening performances.

4. Monitor Your Credit Card for Errors

After the cruise, keep an eye on your credit card statements to ensure there are no unexpected charges.

5. CIMB Visa Signature Cashback

If you have a CIMB Visa Signature card issued in Singapore, you may be eligible for 10% cashback on cruise-related expenses. Check the terms and conditions before your trip.

6. Consider GigSky Travel eSIM for Cheaper Internet

Cruise ship internet packages can be pricey. Check out GigSky Travel eSIM as an alternative for potentially lower rates.

7. Get Familiar with the Ship’s Layout

It takes time to learn your way around. One tip: pay attention to whether the nearest elevator to your room reaches deck 15 or 16 — it helps with navigation!

8. Check Out the Glass Bottom Staircase Deck

There’s a hidden gem onboard — a glass-bottom staircase deck! I believe it’s on deck 14, but I only discovered it on my third day.

9. Late Dining at the Main Dining Hall

Even if your allocated dinner time is over, you might still get served at the main dining hall as late as 9:15 PM. It’s worth trying your luck when you’re running behind schedule.

10. Avoid Peak Hours at Windjammer

Windjammer can get packed during peak meal times, leading to long waits at the entrance. If you want a stress-free dining experience, go early or late. I found that having breakfast at 8 AM after my gym session meant no queues at all.

This cruise was an interesting experience, but knowing these little details in advance would have made it even smoother. Whether you’re planning your first Royal Caribbean adventure or just looking to optimize your trip, I hope these notes and tips help you make the most of your time aboard Anthem of the Seas! Happy cruising! 🚢✨