Bermuda Cruise ~ The Ship

Originally this year I was hoping to get down to Brazil for the first time, but when I found out the big news and with that being the origin of the zika virus I knew we had to change our plans for our trip. We also wanted to stay away from the Caribbean for the same reason, so we narrowed it down to Hawaii and Bermuda. Bermuda ended up winning since we were able to take a cruise, and all of our meals would be taken care of plus it was a much shorter flight. (Yes, we have several cruise ports within driving distance in FL, but the Bermuda cruises go out of NY, NJ, and MD.)

Today, I'm going to talk about the gorgeous ship Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas, and I'll come back next week and share more about our two days docked in Bermuda. We set sail from Bayonne, NJ which had a great view of the NYC skyline as well as the Statue of Liberty.


We were constantly in awe of the beauty of this ship, and all the advanced technology and features on board. Maybe it was because we sailed with Carnival last year (and never again!), but I truly think the Anthem of the Seas was our favorite ship we've sailed so far. It even beat our first Mediterranean Cruise aboard the Norwegian Epic.


*Once you go balcony, you can't ever go back*

Balcony rooms are hands down the way to go! You get extra space with a sitting area, a hair and makeup vanity, natural sunlight, and your own private balcony which is perfect for room service breakfast (always free!) in the morning or night caps in the evening. 



One of my favorite spots on the ship was Two 70, which is a cafe during the day and at night it turns into a great spot to catch a show. The breakfast and lunch were both a great alternative from the windjammer buffet up on the lido deck. They served breakfast sandwiches, paninis, bagels, salads, pastries, cereal, and had a full coffee and espresso bar.





Up on the top deck was the Flowrider and Rip Cord attractions where you can simulate surfing and skydiving. Pregnant chick had to sit these 2 out *womp womp*. Next time though!



The North Star was also a great on-board attraction which lifts you over 300 feet above sea level for unparalleled 360 degree views of the sea or the port you're docked in. (On all Quantum class ships on Royal Caribbean.)

*I of course needed a North Star souvenir cup*

Vintages was a neat wine bar that also served tapas as a great pre-dinner snack. I also thought it was neat that they had machines to sample different wines like the Wine Room that the Central FL gals are familiar with.



The Bionic Bar was really neat where you order a drink from the iPads at the tables, and keep track of how your drink is being made up on the big screen as robotic arms put on a show making the drink from the bottles on the ceiling.


One of my favorite parts of cruising is always the food, as it's all-inclusive and there's so much of it. I enjoyed the extra variety on this ship as well as choosing a different restaurant each night. We tried American Icon Grill, The Grande, Chic (twice), and Chops Grille Steakhouse. All had phenomenal service, and we were able to order as much as we wanted. 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 3 desserts?! Sure! Let's just say we gained weight on this vacay!


*I need this couch and that backsplash in my house*



*There was also an on-board Starbucks and a la carte pastry and sweets shop*

Another great part of cruising is how amazing the room stewards are, they are always the friendliest people and so willing to help out with anything you need. They clean and make up your room each morning, and then do a turn-down service each evening while you're at dinner which includes fun towel animals and a copy of the next day's schedule with information on activities, restaurants, the weather forecast, and whether you're stopping at an island or enjoying a fun day at sea. Our steward Marvin rocked, and we definitely left him a little extra something at the end as well as a great review in the RCCL survey.


The SeaPlex featured an indoor basketball court, ping pong, air hockey, fooseball, an arcade, and a floor that transferred into a rollerskating rink as well as bumper cars.


The Solarium was my favorite place to relax during "at sea" days. Such a beautiful and serene adults only area with several tiered pools and hot tubs with amazing views of the ocean.



The main pool was a lot of fun too with a big screen for "movies under the stars" in the evenings and live Caribbean music during the day. 



Another great after dinner spot is the casino, where H swears it's much easier to win than in the casinos back home. I'm usually just an observer...


The on-board fitness center (that I only went to once - whoops!) was equipped with any workout machine you can imagine, a full spa, yoga studio, and even a spin class room.



And the shopping.... oh the shopping on board! I am still thinking about the KS and Prada sunnies I drooled over every day. Designer bags, clothes, makeup, fragrances, and accessories were all on board with duty free pricing.



These ships (especially the bigger/newer ones) truly are beautiful giant floating resorts, equipped with whatever your heart may desire and the most accommodating crew. Cruising is hands down my favorite way to travel between all the amenities, waking up at a new island most days, amazing crew, the food, things to do, and getting dressed up and going to dinner and a show every night they really can't be beat.


What are some of your favorite cruises you've been on?

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52 comments:

  1. This ship looks absolutely amazing! The adults only pool sounds like where I'd be most of my time and that bar that a robot makes your drinks? How cool?! I think a cruise to Bermuda was the perfect way to go! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  2. You have me so excited for our cruise in less than a month! I've heard good things about the ship we are on and I can't wait! Your ship looked gorgeous and like it was endless fun :)

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  3. WOW!!! The ships are so amazing!! Yay fora balcony! Your room looked so nice and the ship you were on looked so updated and chic!! Pretty Kate ready for dinner...love the black dress!!

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  4. That trip looked like such a blast!! And sooo beautiful too!! This makes me want to take a cruise ASAP :)

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  5. I am the last person on earth to find out you're preggo! Congrats!! You look beautiful. What an amazing vacation!

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  6. holy crap, that's a huge boat. the cruise we went on was a smaller ship and that felt big!

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  7. The trip looks like SUCH a blast and the boat is absolutely gorgeous! That picture of your breakfast overlooking the water makes me so jealous!

    www.rosyoutlookblog.com

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  8. This is probably the most beautiful ship I have ever seen. And YOU Mama look absolutely beautiful..seriously! What a fun recap, now I want to go on this ship!

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  9. Definitely looks like there is so much to do on this ship! Great recap! <3 <3 <3

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  10. What an amazing ship! I love how much there is to do onboard - they really think of everything!

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  11. Love your plan B! The ship looks great, glad you had a good time!

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  12. How gorgeous does this ship look!??? I am obsessing over all the things you have to do and eat hahaha! Hope you seriously had a blast!
    xoxo,Victoria
    www.coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com

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  13. Consider me sold!! I wanna go on a cruise right now!!

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  14. so much to do! i often forget they have so many options including tons of shopping. it's kinda unreal to think about all of it. all on one boat! and that bionic bar looks super cool!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  15. I have never been on cruise and hubby and talk about considering it! I'll have to show him this! Looks fabulous!

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  16. How did I miss your pregnancy announcement?! Congratulations!!! I am so freaked out by Zika. My hubby and I have been talking about a babymoon spot, and it's hard to find something safe. The cruise looks amazing!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  17. Wow what an amazing cruise ship. I have never been on a cruise but you really are making me think I should. Glad you had a good time. I had no idea that the shopping would be duty free, that is awesome.

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  18. You must have had amazing time, these pictures are so beautiful. xx
    Nina
    http://www.ninasstyleblog.com

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  19. So now I feel silly because I had NO idea that a cruise had all of those options!
    The Adored Life

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  20. Well, we've never been cruising, but now I really want to go on this ship - wow! You're right that it's basically a floating resort. So glad that you enjoyed your time on the ship!

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  21. What a fun cruise! the room looks perfect with the balcony over looking the sea!
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

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  22. We've been going back and forth on trying out a cruise and this looks like such an amazing trip. I love the look of your room and can definitely see why going with a balcony can make all of the difference!

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  23. This boat looks so amazing!! I have only been on short cruises so I've never been on a super cool boat like this one!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  24. I've been on many cruises, but I've never sailed with Royal Carribean. I might have to check it out! And you're totally right...hubby and I had a balcony on our honeymoon cruise and it's basically impossible to go back to an interior room after that!

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  25. The solarium looks like the best area! And I totally agree - it's so nice having a balcony, it makes the room so much more enjoyable!

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  26. That looks like an awesome ship! Bermuda is on my short list partly because it's so easy for me to get to the ports.

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  27. cruises are so fun !! looks like you had an amazing time !! :)

    http://www.carolinapinglo.com/

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  28. What a gorgeous ship! I've always been a fan of Royal Caribbean cruises although it's been a while since we've taken a nice long cruise like this one. The Solarium looks so relaxing especially since it's adult only. I think this cruise and Bermuda were the perfect choice for a babymoon although you can't tell you're preggo in any of these photos!

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  29. WOW! This ship just looks amazing! Glad you two had a wonderful time.
    My husband and I would love to do a cruise sometime soon, I love how much there is to do inside the ship!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

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  30. Wow!! Looks like you had fun!

    Such a great post!


    xo, monique

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  31. Okay, A) I missed your big post and I want to say congrats (congrats!) but gonna head over to that after commenting here :) B) thanks for the view of the ship! I have always wondered what they are like and if they are worth it. Cruises sound cool but I just have some doubts about if I would prefer it to a more traditional vacation. Ship looks beautiful here! So many fun areas and gorgeous views!

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  32. This ship hands down sounds like the most amazing ship ever! WOW! It's been way too long since we've taken a cruise (3 years) it's time!

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  33. Looks like an absolutely amazing vacation! So jealous!

    xo Kylie
    www.dressinsparkles.com

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  34. Looks like the best time! I've always wanted to try a cruise but was a little afraid of being out at sea.. This is changing my mind a bit.. They just have everything! We would def get a balcony! Love the extra space!!! Xo

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  35. Wow! That state room looks super nice!! All the drinks look so cool - the bionic bar sounds CRAZY!! I can't get over the fact that ships can sail with all these cool amenities onboard!

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  36. Every time I read one of your cruise posts it makes me want to suck up my fears and try it more and more. This ship looks amazing!!!! The pools, the bumper cars, the views, and all that food?!?! What a great time you guys must have had!

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  37. Wow this looks amazing! I haven't been on a cruise in years and they have really gotten better. That balcony in your room looks perfect! What a great little babymoon!

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  38. oh my gosh this is getting me SO excited!!! i know our ship will be a little different, but still. i am so excited. especially for all the food and drinks! we are hoping to eat at chops and a couple other places when we are there. the bionic bar looks super cool though i don't think that is on our ship. the solarium looks like the perfect place to relax. i'm getting so excited!! weird question, do they have hair dryers in the room? i normally never take mine when i travel, but i don't normally spend a lot of time in water, so i will need one but wasn't sure if they have them or not. i'm so excited! fabulous review girl! now here's hoping i don't get zika :-|

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  39. Beautiful pictures, Kate! I am saving up for a cruise trip and you have got me all excited for it, I so wanna take a cruise trip right now :)


    Come visit us soon
    xx
    Makeup, Style and Sugar
    http://makeupstyleandsugar.blogspot.in/

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  40. Hey, would you like to follow each other on social media? Let me know if you follow me, will follow back. Thanks xx

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  41. This looks like such a fun getaway! I wasn't sure if I'm a cruise person after going on our European one a few years ago but I feel like an island would give it a different experience. Bayonne isn't far from us at all so I might have to look into this :) Beautifully Candid

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  42. Wow the ship looks amazing! Talk about a breathtaking view from your balcony too!

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  43. Your ship is so beautiful, and I love that y'all had such amazing views of NYC before you left! We went on one of the newer Carnival ships a few years ago, and it really is amazing how beautiful those ships are! I definitely want to go back on another cruise sometime soon!

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  44. Gahh, this ship looks like a dream! I'm so sad we had to abandon our NYE cruise idea (probably for the best when I felt terrible lol), but one day I'm getting on this one! And yes to balconies!!

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  45. I have never been on a cruise but oh my a gosh now I REALLY want to! Or maybe I just want to live on one haha! The balcony is amazing!
    Xo, Evelina @ Fortunate House

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  46. I've been so curious about The Anthem of the Seas, thanks for doing such a fun recap of the ship! :) You look smoking in that red dress! I absolutely love that Solarium, and some of those new restaurants sound really great! I would love to try Chic!

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  47. Ok seriously this has got to be my favorite cruise that you went on. That cruise ship looks SO cool!! My aunt is planning a girls trip on Royal Caribbean for early next year and I literally cannot wait, so happy that I'll finally be driving distance to a popular port too :)! Also you are beyond glowing in these pictures and it's not just the tan you got ;)! And yes, totally going balcony when I go :)!!!

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  48. I love love love Royal Caribbean!! And you are looking so pretty mamma!! :) How fun was your balcony view- stunning!

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  49. Ok, so I'm been on a million cruises {seriously we went on them all the time as kids} and this one certainly takes the cake!! So fun!! And bumper cars?!?! That is just awesome! Smart not to head to Brazil but you'll get there one day! Thanks for sharing girl, loved reading this!

    Xox Dana Ivy // www.iadorewhatilove.com

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  50. I want to jump on that ship right now! This looks like an amazing trip! I'm adding it to my list since we live so close to where it leaves from!!

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  51. Oh my gosh!! This boat is beautiful! Looks like there was ton of stuff to do!

    Ashley
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

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  52. What a fun trip, i wish i could do the same trip one day :)

    - Lily Widjaja
    www.Glowlicious.Me

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