Now, as a disclaimer, I’d like to state I understand each cruise line has a following of its own, and not everyone looks for the same things when they shop for their next cruise vacation. For me, being able to relax for a few days while all my daily needs are well taken care of is at the top of that list. I was a little worried because the cruise I booked on Anthem this time was a so-called holiday cruise, and I was right to be worried. The ship maxed out on its passenger capacity of some 4,100 people. As a result, we had to battle to get a table at the buffet (Windjammer) pretty much all the time. The main dining fare was just lackluster day after day. The crew at the buffet, especially, seemed always overworked and tired, though they barely held their temper flare-ups at bay and stopped short of snapping at the guests who make any sort of requests.

Entertainment on board was decent. Any show worth attending needs prior reservation, so that was another added stress. If it is one of the more popular activities — such as iFly, Escape Room, or North Star — you’d either have to book your cruise early and get a spot on line as soon as you can, or risk standing in line at the “box office” for 2-3 hours on the day of embarkation to see if you are lucky enough to get in. Not pleasant.

Cost-cutting measures were evident everywhere. One thing, very trivial, struck me the most inconsiderate was the fact that they do not offer any blankets by the pool side for late night poolside movie events. Depending on the season and itinerary, some nights get rather chilly and windy to be out by the pool to be exposed to the elements. On one of the nights, they offered a pool side movie, which my kids wanted to watch, but no crew members were present on deck and nothing by way of blanket (or something comparable) was available. The movie just played by itself in what seemed like a ghost pool in the dead of the January night. They could have cancelled the showing, or just make plans to accommodate guests who wanted to participate despite the weather condition by providing some simple amenities. Read more