Anthem of the Seas vs Freedom of the Seas

Which ship is bigger - Anthem or Freedom of the Seas?

Anthem of the Seas takes the crown here, though not by a massive margin. At approximately 168,666 gross tons, it's about 7-8% larger than Freedom's 156,271 gross tons. Anthem also stretches longer at 1,141 feet compared to Freedom's 1,112 feet.

Here's where it gets interesting though - Freedom is actually wider at 185 feet versus Anthem's 136 feet beam. So while Anthem wins on overall size and length, Freedom gives you that broader feel when you're walking around.

Both ships carry roughly the same number of passengers (Anthem holds 4,180 while Freedom accommodates 3,926), which means you get a bit more breathing room per person on the larger Anthem.

What are the main differences in onboard activities?

This is where these ships really show their personalities. Anthem of the Seas is the tech-forward showoff of the pair, packed with cutting-edge attractions that'll make your Instagram followers jealous.

Anthem's High-Tech Thrills

The North Star observation capsule lifts you 300 feet above sea level for 360-degree ocean views. RipCord by iFLY lets you experience skydiving without jumping out of a plane. You can bump into friends (literally) at the bumper car arena, and the Two70° entertainment venue transforms completely each night with different shows.

Freedom's Classic Fun

Freedom of the Seas keeps things more traditional but no less entertaining. It was actually the first Royal Caribbean ship to feature the FlowRider surfing simulator, so there's some pioneering spirit here. You'll find multiple pool areas, rock climbing walls, water park features, and that classic cruise ship vibe many people absolutely love.

The entertainment on Freedom leans toward community experiences - think karaoke nights, trivia contests, ice shows, and live music that brings people together rather than wowing them with technology.

How do the dining options compare?

Anthem of the Seas pulls ahead with about 11% more dining venues than Freedom. That translates to more variety and more specialized cuisine options spread throughout the ship.

However, here's something worth noting: while Anthem offers more choices, it also means more decisions about where to spend your dining dollars. Some of those extra venues come with additional costs.

Freedom's dining scene is more straightforward - fewer options, but what's there tends to be solid and accessible. Sometimes less choice makes for a more relaxed vacation experience, especially if you're not someone who enjoys researching restaurant menus.

Which ship offers better value for money?

This gets complicated because "value" depends on what you prioritize. Freedom of the Seas includes about 80% of its activities at no extra charge, while Anthem includes 76%. That 4% difference might seem small, but it adds up when you're looking at specialty activities and experiences.

Anthem's newer technology and additional amenities often come with premium pricing. Those innovative attractions like North Star and iFLY typically require additional fees. Freedom's more traditional approach means fewer surprise charges for basic fun.

If you're budget-conscious and prefer knowing most costs upfront, Freedom might feel more wallet-friendly. If you don't mind paying extra for unique experiences you can't get anywhere else, Anthem's premium offerings could be worth it.

What's the age and condition difference?

Here's a significant factor: Anthem of the Seas launched in 2015, making it nine years newer than Freedom, which debuted in 2006. However, Freedom received a major renovation in 2020, so it's not like you're stepping onto a time capsule.

Anthem represents Quantum-class innovation with more modern design elements, updated technology throughout the ship, and that contemporary cruise ship feel. Everything feels fresh and current.

Freedom belongs to the Freedom class and carries that mid-2000s cruise ship DNA, even after its renovation. Some cruisers actually prefer this era of ship design - it feels more like a classic cruise experience rather than a floating tech playground.

Which ship should thrill-seekers choose?

Anthem of the Seas wins this category hands down. The combination of North Star, RipCord skydiving, bumper cars, and various high-tech entertainment options creates more adrenaline-pumping moments per day.

That said, don't count Freedom out entirely. The FlowRider surfing simulator provides plenty of thrills, and the rock climbing walls and water features keep adventure-seekers busy. It's just a different style of excitement - more physical, less tech-dependent.

What about families with kids?

Both ships work well for families, but they serve different family styles. Anthem's high-tech attractions often appeal to older kids and teens who want Instagram-worthy experiences and cutting-edge fun.

Freedom's approach tends to work better for families with mixed ages. The community-style entertainment, multiple pool areas, and more inclusive activities make it easier to keep everyone happy without breaking the budget on specialty experiences.

Younger kids might actually enjoy Freedom's more straightforward fun, while teenagers might get bored faster compared to Anthem's innovative offerings.

Which has the better atmosphere and vibe?

This comes down to personal preference, and both ships have devoted fans who swear their choice is superior.

Anthem feels dynamic and modern. There's always something new to discover, and the technology creates "wow" moments throughout your cruise. The atmosphere buzzes with innovation and possibility.

Freedom carries a more communal, traditional cruise vibe. Crew members often seem more connected to guests, and the entertainment brings people together rather than just impressing them. Many cruisers describe the atmosphere as warmer and more welcoming.

Some people find Anthem slightly overwhelming with all its options and technology, while others think Freedom feels dated despite its renovation. Your personality and cruise preferences will determine which atmosphere suits you better.