Anthem of the Seas vs Mariner of the Seas

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

Anthem of the Seas takes the crown for size. This Quantum Class vessel measures 168,666 gross tons and stretches 1,141 feet in length. Mariner of the Seas, while still impressive, comes in smaller at approximately 139,999 gross tons and around 1,105 feet long. That makes Anthem roughly 17% larger than Mariner – a noticeable difference when you're walking around the ship.

The size difference shows up in passenger capacity too. Anthem accommodates 4,180 guests at double occupancy, while Mariner handles about 3,114. If you're someone who enjoys having more space and amenities to explore, Anthem's extra size translates to more venues, activities, and breathing room.

What are the main differences in onboard activities and entertainment?

The activity lineup reveals each ship's personality pretty clearly. Anthem of the Seas brings the high-tech wow factor with features you won't find on many other ships. The North Star observation capsule lifts you 300 feet above sea level for panoramic views, while the RipCord skydiving simulator lets you experience freefall without jumping out of a plane. Robot bartenders mix your drinks at the Bionic Bar, and the entertainment venues feel more futuristic overall.

Mariner of the Seas goes for tried-and-true fun with a solid mix of activities that appeal to families. After its recent refurbishment, it added waterslides, laser tag, an escape room, and the Sky Pad trampoline experience. The ship still features the classic Voyager Class promenade with parades and street performances, plus rock climbing walls and mini golf.

Entertainment venues comparison

Anthem's entertainment leans heavily into technology and innovation. The shows often incorporate cutting-edge production elements, and venues like Two70° offer transformative entertainment spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows that become digital canvases at night.

Mariner sticks with more traditional cruise entertainment – Broadway-style shows, comedy clubs, and live music venues. It's classic cruise ship entertainment done well, just without the bells and whistles of newer ships.

How do the dining options compare between these two ships?

Anthem of the Seas offers more dining venues overall thanks to its larger size and newer design. You'll find specialty restaurants covering everything from Japanese cuisine to steakhouses, plus the main dining room and casual options. The Windjammer buffet tends to be larger and more varied than Mariner's version.

Mariner of the Seas received significant dining upgrades during its recent "amplification." New restaurants were added, and existing venues got refreshed menus. While it has fewer total dining options than Anthem, the quality improved substantially after the renovation. The ship now includes popular Royal Caribbean dining concepts that weren't available when it first launched in 2003.

Both ships include the standard Royal Caribbean dining packages, but Anthem's newer specialty restaurants often feature more innovative concepts and preparation styles.

Which ship offers better value for money?

Mariner of the Seas typically wins the value conversation. As an older ship that's been refreshed rather than built from scratch, it usually costs less to cruise while still offering plenty of activities and amenities. The recent renovations mean you're getting updated features without paying premium prices for a brand-new vessel.

Anthem of the Seas costs more but delivers a premium experience. The newer technology, additional amenities, and innovative features justify the higher price tag for many cruisers. You're paying for cutting-edge cruise ship design and the latest Royal Caribbean has to offer.

Consider what matters most to you. If having the newest gadgets and most advanced features excites you, Anthem's extra cost makes sense. If you want solid cruise amenities at a better price point, Mariner delivers excellent value.

What are the typical itineraries for each ship?

Mariner of the Seas focuses heavily on Caribbean cruising from Port Canaveral, offering everything from quick 2-day getaways to week-long adventures. The ship regularly visits the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and sometimes Bermuda. These shorter, more frequent itineraries work well for families or first-time cruisers who want to test the waters without committing to a long voyage.

Anthem of the Seas typically offers longer cruises including Caribbean routes, Bermuda sailings, and transatlantic crossings. The itineraries often span 7-14 days, appealing to cruisers who want more time at sea and don't mind the longer commitment.

Both ships adjust their routes seasonally, but Mariner's focus on shorter Caribbean runs makes it more accessible for weekend warriors or those with limited vacation time.

Which ship is better for families with children?

Both ships cater well to families, but they do it differently. Mariner of the Seas might actually have the edge here despite being older. The waterslides, laser tag, and Sky Pad trampoline create obvious excitement for kids and teens. The smaller size also means children can navigate the ship more easily and parents don't have to walk as far to supervise different activities.

Anthem of the Seas offers more sophisticated family entertainment. The skydiving simulator appeals to older kids and teens, while the North Star observation capsule creates memorable moments for the whole family. However, the ship's larger size can make it harder to keep track of children in busy areas.

Kids' club facilities

Both ships feature Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean kids' programs with age-appropriate activities. Anthem's facilities tend to be newer and larger, while Mariner's were updated during its recent renovation to meet current standards.

Which ship should first-time cruisers choose?

Mariner of the Seas often works better for cruise newcomers. The smaller size feels less overwhelming, the activities are straightforward and familiar, and the price point allows you to experience cruising without a huge financial commitment. If you discover you love cruising, you can always upgrade to larger, newer ships later.

Anthem of the Seas might spoil you right out of the gate. Starting with such an advanced ship could make future cruises on older vessels feel disappointing by comparison. However, if you know you want the full modern cruise experience and budget isn't a major concern, Anthem delivers an impressive first impression.

The choice really depends on your personality and preferences. Conservative first-timers often appreciate Mariner's approachable scale, while those who want to jump in with both feet might prefer Anthem's comprehensive feature set.