For weeks now we’ve been looking forward to this weekend, as we’ve been invited by Royal Caribbean to experience their newest cruise ship ‘Anthem of the Seas’. Part spaceship, part cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas is dubbed a totally new experience in cruising. Not that we’ve ever been cruising before, so it will all be new and very exciting for us.
As you can imagine we’ve been avidly researching and watching YouTube videos on this new ship, since the invite came through. This week alone we’ve been following her journey from Germany (where she was built) to the UK, ready for this weekend!
As I mentioned, we’ve never been on a cruise ship before – to be honest it’s a holiday option that I hadn’t really considered until now. However, I have a feeling that this is all about to change! Earlier this week we were sent our itinerary for the weekend and it looked like this:
SATURDAY 18th APRIL
- 11.30am: Check in at Southampton Cruise Terminal
- 12.00pm: Luggage drop & Lunch
- 13:20pm: RipCord by iFLY (A Simulated Sky-dive)
- 14.30pm: Register at Adventure Ocean (Kids Club)
- 18.00pm: Dinner at ‘The Grande’
SUNDAY 19th APRIL
- 09.30am: Full Body Hot Bamboo Massage
- 12:15pm: Lunch at Jamie’s Italian
- 15:30pm: North Star Trip
- 17.00pm: We Will Rock You – West-end Show
- 19:00pm: Dinner at Silk
All this, along with 18 restaurants, 4 swimming pools, robotic bartenders, circus training, roller-skating, a casino, Xbox Room and a surfing pool to name a few of the other actives on board.
As I write this post, I’m sat in the pool bar with a cocktail, while my hubby and kids splash about in the in-door pool. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Here are some pictures to give you a taste of the ship and our time at sea…
Here she is the ship that’s bigger than IKEA, as Lili pointed out when we got to the dock. There was an IKEA near the dock, in case you were wondering!
The kids were made to feel at home as soon as we got on the ship.
Hubby and I ready for our ‘sky-dive’…
Drinks on the pool deck, happy days!
Great fun hanging out with Karen and her lovely family from Mini Travellers blog.
Here are the outdoor splash pools, Sky Bar and the North Star pod, which raises up to give the most amazing view point!
Yes, there were Bumper Cars!!
Look out for my next post on this wonderful weekend at sea with Royal Caribbean, coming very soon!!
What a fun experience. Looks like you are all having lots of fun! Looking forward to hear more about the rest of your weekend.
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It’s been a fabulous weekend! We’ve all had such a great time. I can’t wait to write up my next post, detailing everything we’ve been up to!
Oh Heledd it looks amazing I cant wait to go on it, xx
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Sarah, you would LOVE it! Everything was five star quality, from the staff, activities, food and the actual boat was beautiful!
It looks absolutely AMAZING H!!!! I really wish I wasn’t so travel sick!! Even the mere thought of going on a boat makes me feel queasy. One question.. could you feel the motion of the sea?? xx
Caro | http://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk
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Oh no you get sea sick! Well if I’m honest you couldn’t really feel the motion most of the time but every now and again you did. Especially when you’re relaxing in bed. Maybe not for you then Caro?! Thanks for commenting hon xx
Just sat typing up my post now, there is so much to write! Fab weekend with you all.
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I started my post earlier, it’s going to be a long one!! Thank you for bring such great cruising companions xx
What a fantastic treat. It looks like you had an amazing weekend. I’d love to go on a cruise. My folks are absolutely addicted to them but Mr TB needs a bit more convincing. He keeps joking about it being too much like work – he’s in the Royal Navy. I’m pretty sure it’s nothing like being on a big grey ship! 😉 x
It looks fab! I love that it is bigger than IKEA ha! The food and drinks looked amazing on Instagram. Can’t wait for the next installment x
Wow Heledd it looks amazing!!!!! What a fab time you had! And love the photo’s too! Love it. You’ve really made me want to go cruising now! We’ve never been either. However the twins would love it and it would be ideal for our family. Thanks, xx
What amazingly fabulous fun it all looks!
It all looks and sounds amazing, i have never thought about going on a cruise with children either so i can not wait to see what it was like xx
Love the photo of you and Karen, you both look so relaxed. It looks amazing and what a fantastic trip for your family. Will look forward to reading more xx
What an amazing experience! I’ve never been on a cruise ship either but this looks fantastic – and brilliant that the kids are kept entertained too, if they are happy everyone’s happy after all! Really gorgeous photos, you all look so happy xx
So glad you had a fantastic time! The skydive sounds fun, not sure I would be brave enough!! Can’t wait to hear more xx
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Oh Kate the iFly was so much fun!! You’d love it honestly!!
looks so incredible Heledd I’ve never thought about cruising with the kids I’ve always thought they’d get bored but it sounds amazing! x
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Thanks Amy, you should definitely look into it, there’s so much for the kids to do!!
Amazing photographs. It looks like the most fabulous experience ever. You all look like you had a fantastic time. I had never really thought about cruising as a holiday option either…but you may have changed my mind. Hugs Mrs H xxxx PS. Lili’s comment about the ship being larger than IKEA is genius!