Explorer Versus Anthem - Southampton 2015

Since Royal Caribbean announced Explorer of the Seas will be calling Southampton her home in summer 2015, sales and interest for this ship have rocketed. However, with new ship Anthem of the Seas also sailing from Southampton during this time, which Royal Caribbean ship will you choose?

Ships Stats

Itineraries

Anthem of the Seas – Anthem of the Seas is set to sail a range of exciting European itineraries from Southampton during the summer before heading back to America for the winter. She will set sail for a number of two and three night cruises to Paris and Bruges, making it perfect for those who cannot get time off work or just want to try a taster cruise on the new ship. Her longer sailings include a 13 night Spain and Canary Islands voyage, 7 night France and Spain cruise and a 10 night Canaries cruise. Some of her ports include Lanzarote, Vigo, Lisbon, Barcelona and Cadiz.

Explorer of the Seas – Explorer of the Seas will sail slightly different areas than Anthem of the Seas, she is set to explore more Northern Europe. Delving through the Norwegian Fjords and areas such as Oslo and Rotterdam, guests will have the chance to sail through breath-taking areas on a larger ship. When not taking in the sights of Northern Europe, she will be sailing to the Canary Islands, Spain and other sun-drenched parts of the Mediterranean. Included in her summer schedule are 10 night Canary Island cruises, 12 night Canaries and Morocco, 8 night Cultural Northern Europe and 8 night Norwegian Fjords.

Entertainment

Anthem of the Seas – Set to completely change the dynamic of cruise ship entertainment, she will showcase game-changing features to rival any land based entertainment. New multilevel venue two70 will showcase an experience like never before, in the daytime a venue to drink, dine and watch the sea and by evening transforms into an cutting-edge, digital entertainment venue. 'Vistarama' will offer an innovation engineered especially for these ships, that has not been seen anywhere else in the world. It will see the venue’s floor to ceiling windows transform into large screens and project real and imagined scenes to set the mood of various themes. 18 projectors that are 100ft wide and more than 20ft high plus six Roboscreens are set to showcase never seen before scenic technology.

A rock and roll inspired venue called Music Hall will feature some of the best live music acts at sea along with a sleek and distinctive decorated space.

The only cruise line to perform Broadway musicals, the main theatre will showcase a 90 minute version of hit musical We Will Rock You.

Explorer of the Seas – The Voyager class ships were the first ships in the fleet to really change the entertainment programmes on Royal Caribbean. With multiple entertainment venues, a huge theatre and an ice-rink, the entertainment venues are endless.

The main theatre is home to musicals, comedians and various guest entertainers. Royal Caribbean are known for having some of the best entertainment at sea, and Explorer of the Seas is no exception. Guest entertainers will be brought onboard and feature tribute acts, comedians and lecturers.

Studio B, the onboard ice-rink is a place where you will find people speechless. Featuring a cast of international, championship ice-skaters in a phenomenal show, you will not believe your eyes as you see them perform tricks and dances like nothing you have ever seen before.

Other entertainment venues around the ship include live music in the English pub, piano entertainment in the Schooner bar and movies in the screening room.

Dining

Anthem of the Seas – The two Quantum class ships will change everything we are used to with Royal Caribbean dining. The new dynamic dining programme gives guests more flexibility and choice by eliminating the main dining room. There will be a choice of 18 restaurants to choose from, including three main complimentary restaurants; Chic, Silk and America Idol Grill. Other complimentary dining venues include The Grande, Coastal Kitchen, Sorrento’s, Windjammer Buffet and The Café @ 270.

Dining with a cover charge will include Jamie’s Italian featuring a menu created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, Devinly Decadence, designed by the chef of television show The Biggest Loose’ where all dishes will be 500 calories or less and Wonderland, taking guests through a journey of unique dishes.

Explorer of the Seas – Showcasing traditional dining we have all grown to love, Explorer of Seas presents a multi-tiered luxurious dining room that is home to award-winning menus and immaculate service. Aside from the main dining room other complimentary options include the Windjammer Buffet, Sorrento’s and Promenade Café.

Speciality restaurant Portofino will take you to a real-life Italian terrace eatery with its intimate atmosphere and exquisite flavoured dishes.

Staterooms

Anthem of the Seas – Staterooms on Anthem of the Seas will be 9% larger than those on the Oasis-class ships. Featuring the modern décor that Royal Caribbean express in their staterooms, they will include all amenities including a safe, mini bar and hairdryer.

Great news for solo travellers, she will feature 28 studio staterooms including 12 solo balcony rooms.

Due to the success of the loft suites on Oasis and Allure of the Seas, these popular rooms will be brought to Anthem and allow guests to stay in these two-story penthouse apartment style rooms that offer incredible views of outside with floor to ceiling windows.

Explorer of the Seas – Featuring a range of stateroom types, there is sure to be a room to suit every budget and desire. From inside, out and balcony to interior windows and suites, you can choose a room that suits you.

All staterooms feature the latest amenities including flat screen televisions, a safe, mini bar and hairdryer.

The voyager class ships were the first ships to boast inside windows with a view of the Royal Promenade. With great views of the parades, entertainment and other Promenade entertainment, they are unique rooms that no other cruise line can offer.

Activities

Anthem of the Seas – The range of activities onboard Anthem of the Seas will raise every bar in the cruise industry. Perfect for those thirsty for adventure, every inch presents a new wow. Making the impossible, possible you will not believe the things you can do onboard. An indoor skydive simulator, Flowrider surf machine and bumper cars are among the adrenalin-pumping activities you can participate in, - and all complimentary.

SeaPlex will be the largest indoor activity space at sea. This innovative venue will host a full sized basketball court, flying trapeze school, bumper cars and roller skating, all with a floating DJ. There will even be a food truck to serve snacks while you play.

Explorer of the Seas – Explorer of the Seas really does has something for everyone, whether you want to be adventurous or simply relax.

Test your adrenalin on the rock climbing wall, practise your putting at mini golf or even enter a ping pong challenge. With activities for the whole family, even the sea days will not present enough time to try everything.

For the not so adventurous, there is the solarium pool, trivias, the library and internet cafe.