Anthem of the Seas vs Enchantment of the Seas

Which ship offers more modern amenities and attractions?

Anthem of the Seas takes the crown when it comes to cutting-edge amenities and attractions. This Quantum Class vessel feels like a floating theme park with its impressive lineup of high-tech features. You'll find the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, which lets you experience indoor skydiving without jumping out of a plane. The North Star observation capsule is another showstopper – it lifts you 300 feet above sea level for breathtaking 360-degree views.

The ship's SeaPlex deserves special mention as the largest indoor sports complex at sea. Here you can try bumper cars, roller skating, and even a flying trapeze. There's also a FlowRider surf simulator and multiple pools, including a lazy river for those seeking relaxation.

Enchantment of the Seas, being from the older Vision Class, offers a more traditional cruise experience. While it has been lengthened and updated since its 1997 debut, it simply can't compete with Anthem's modern innovations. You won't find skydiving simulators or observation pods here, but that's not necessarily a bad thing if you prefer classic cruising.

How do the sizes and passenger capacities compare?

The size difference between these two ships is quite dramatic. Anthem of the Seas accommodates approximately 4,180 passengers, making it nearly twice the size of its Royal Caribbean sibling. This larger capacity translates to more everything – more dining venues, more entertainment options, and more space to spread out.

Enchantment of the Seas carries around 2,200 passengers, which creates a completely different atmosphere. Some cruisers actually prefer this smaller scale because it feels less crowded and more intimate. You're more likely to see familiar faces throughout your cruise and feel like you're part of a close-knit community rather than navigating a floating city.

The smaller size of Enchantment also means shorter lines for activities and easier navigation around the ship. However, it also means fewer amenities and entertainment options compared to Anthem's extensive offerings.

What about dining and entertainment differences?

Dining Options

Anthem of the Seas really shines in the culinary department with 18 different dining venues. You'll find specialty restaurants like Jamie's Italian, Wonderland (which offers molecular gastronomy experiences), and La Patisserie for dessert lovers. The variety resembles what you'd find in a major metropolitan city, with options ranging from casual to fine dining.

Enchantment of the Seas offers satisfactory dining that's typical of Vision Class ships, but with notably fewer specialty restaurants and less culinary variety. While the food quality remains good, adventurous food lovers might feel limited compared to Anthem's extensive options.

Entertainment Experience

The entertainment on Anthem of the Seas centers around the innovative Two70 theater, where you'll witness shows featuring robotic performances and aerial acts that seem almost magical. The ship also hosts West End-style musicals like "We Will Rock You," plus numerous bars and venues that create a vibrant nightlife scene.

Enchantment of the Seas provides solid entertainment with daily activities and shows, but maintains a more laid-back approach. The entertainment feels more traditional and less high-tech, which appeals to cruisers who prefer a relaxed evening rather than high-energy spectacles.

Which ship suits different types of cruisers better?

Anthem of the Seas is perfect for:

• Thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts who want to try skydiving simulators, bumper cars, and surf simulators
• Families with active kids and teens who need plenty of activities to stay engaged
• First-time cruisers who want to experience everything cruising can offer
• Longer cruise passengers who appreciate having numerous activities for sea days
• Tech-savvy travelers who enjoy modern innovations and high-speed internet

Enchantment of the Seas works well for:

• Traditional cruise lovers who prefer a classic maritime experience
• Budget-conscious travelers since it typically costs less than Anthem
• Couples seeking romance who appreciate the more intimate atmosphere
• Older adults who might find Anthem's size and activity level overwhelming
• Repeat cruisers who focus more on destinations than onboard amenities

How do costs and value compare?

Anthem of the Seas generally commands higher prices due to its newer build date, advanced amenities, and extensive offerings. You're paying for those innovative attractions, diverse dining options, and cutting-edge entertainment. For many travelers, the premium feels justified given the sheer volume of included activities and experiences.

Enchantment of the Seas typically offers better value for budget-conscious cruisers. While you sacrifice some modern amenities, you still get the Royal Caribbean experience at a more affordable price point. This makes it an excellent choice for families watching their spending or travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring ports rather than using ship amenities.

The cost difference becomes more pronounced during peak season, when Anthem's popularity drives prices significantly higher than Enchantment's more modest rates.

Which ship handles sea days and port days better?

For sea days, Anthem of the Seas clearly wins with its abundance of activities. When you're spending entire days on the ship, having access to skydiving simulators, observation pods, multiple pools, and extensive entertainment options prevents boredom. The ship essentially becomes your destination.

Enchantment of the Seas can feel limiting during long sea days since it has fewer activities to fill your time. However, this isn't necessarily problematic on itineraries with frequent port stops where you'll spend most daylight hours exploring destinations.

For port days, both ships function well as your floating hotel. Enchantment's smaller size might actually provide advantages in certain ports where docking space is limited, and you'll face shorter waits when returning to the ship after shore excursions.

The choice ultimately depends on your cruise style – whether you view the ship as your primary vacation experience or simply as transportation between exciting destinations.