Anthem of the Seas vs Grandeur of the Seas

Which ship is larger: Anthem of the Seas or Grandeur of the Seas?

Anthem of the Seas absolutely dwarfs Grandeur of the Seas in every size metric. We're talking about a massive difference here – Anthem weighs in at 168,666 gross tons while Grandeur comes in at just 73,817 gross tons. That makes Anthem roughly 128% larger overall.

The length difference is pretty striking too. Anthem stretches 1,141 feet compared to Grandeur's 916 feet. Even the width tells the story – Anthem spans 136 feet across while Grandeur measures 105 feet. It's like comparing a modern mega-mall to a cozy neighborhood shopping center.

How do passenger capacities compare between these ships?

The passenger numbers really highlight the scale difference. Anthem of the Seas can pack in 4,180 passengers in double occupancy rooms, and when they squeeze everyone in, that number jumps to nearly 5,000 people.

Grandeur of the Seas takes a much more intimate approach with 1,992 passengers in double occupancy, maxing out around 2,446 when full. The crew sizes follow the same pattern – Anthem needs about 1,300 crew members to keep things running, while Grandeur operates with around 760.

Honestly, if you're someone who gets overwhelmed by crowds, these numbers matter more than you might think.

What's the age difference and what does that mean for amenities?

Here's where things get interesting. Anthem of the Seas launched in 2015, making it part of Royal Caribbean's modern Quantum Class fleet. Grandeur of the Seas rolled out way back in 1996 as part of the Vision Class – we're talking about a 19-year age gap.

That age difference shows up everywhere. Anthem comes loaded with high-tech features and modern design elements that simply didn't exist when Grandeur was built. Think cutting-edge entertainment systems, robotic bartenders, and virtual balconies in interior staterooms.

Grandeur keeps things more traditional with classic cruise features like rock climbing walls, standard pools, and that timeless cruise ship vibe that some people absolutely love.

How do dining options stack up between the two ships?

Anthem of the Seas completely dominates when it comes to food variety. The research shows Anthem offers 78% more dining venues than Grandeur. That's a huge difference when you're spending a week or more onboard.

With Anthem's size and modern design, you'll find specialty restaurants, casual eateries, grab-and-go spots, and unique dining experiences scattered across those 16 decks. Grandeur's 12 decks house fewer options, but sometimes less choice means better execution of what they do offer.

The dining variety often becomes a deciding factor for food lovers who want to try something different every night.

Which ship offers a better atmosphere and experience?

This really comes down to personal preference, and there's no wrong answer here. Anthem of the Seas brings that buzzing, energetic atmosphere you get with nearly 5,000 passengers and crew. There's always something happening, someone to meet, or an activity to join. The modern amenities and tech features create an almost futuristic cruise experience.

Grandeur of the Seas offers something completely different – a more relaxed, intimate setting where you're not fighting crowds for deck chairs or standing in massive buffet lines. Some cruisers describe it as having that "old school" charm that made cruising special before ships became floating cities.

The smaller passenger count on Grandeur means you might actually recognize faces by the end of your cruise, while Anthem's size means you could sail for two weeks and still meet new people every day.

What about stateroom options and deck space?

Anthem of the Seas provides way more variety with 2,091 staterooms spread across 16 decks. You'll find everything from interior rooms with virtual balconies to massive suites with private amenities. The newer construction also means more efficient use of space and modern cabin designs.

Grandeur of the Seas has 996 staterooms across 12 decks. While there are fewer options, the lower passenger count means you're not competing with as many people for public spaces, elevators, or those perfect sunset viewing spots.

The deck space per person actually works out better on Grandeur in many areas, even though Anthem has more total space.

Which ship should you choose for your cruise?

Your choice between these ships should match your cruising style. Pick Anthem of the Seas if you want the latest technology, tons of dining variety, and don't mind sharing the experience with thousands of other passengers. It's perfect for families who need lots of activities and entertainment options.

Choose Grandeur of the Seas if you prefer a more intimate cruise experience with fewer crowds, don't need the latest gadgets, and enjoy that classic cruise ship atmosphere. It's ideal for couples or travelers who want to actually relax without feeling like they're at a theme park.

Neither choice is wrong – they're just completely different experiences that happen to sail under the same Royal Caribbean flag.