Anthem of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas

What are the main differences between Anthem of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas?

The biggest difference between these two Royal Caribbean giants comes down to size and era. Oasis of the Seas is massive – we're talking about a floating city that stretches 1,187 feet long and weighs in at around 226,000 tons. Anthem of the Seas, while still huge by most standards, is noticeably smaller at 1,141 feet and 168,666 tons.

But size isn't everything. Oasis belongs to the older Oasis Class (launched in 2009), while Anthem represents the newer Quantum Class (2015). This means you get different philosophies: Oasis focuses on creating distinct neighborhoods throughout the ship, while Anthem packs in cutting-edge tech and thrill rides.

The passenger experience varies quite a bit too. Oasis can handle up to 6,780 guests when packed full, compared to Anthem's maximum of 4,905. That's nearly 2,000 more people competing for deck chairs and dinner reservations.

Which ship has better onboard activities and entertainment?

This really depends on what gets your heart racing. Oasis of the Seas takes the traditional approach with its seven distinct neighborhoods. You can stroll through Central Park with real plants and trees, catch a show on the Boardwalk, or people-watch along the Royal Promenade. It's like having multiple cruise experiences rolled into one ship.

Anthem of the Seas goes for the "wow factor" with high-tech attractions. The North Star observation capsule lifts you 300 feet above sea level for incredible views. Want to feel like you're skydiving? The RipCord simulator has you covered. There's even bumper cars and the Two70 entertainment venue that transforms throughout the day using robotic screens.

Honestly, Oasis gives you more space to spread out and find your own vibe. Anthem packs more innovative thrills into a smaller area, which can feel exciting but also more crowded.

How do the dining options compare between the two ships?

Oasis of the Seas wins this one hands down with around 20 dining venues compared to Anthem's 13. When you have nearly 7,000 passengers to feed, variety becomes crucial. Oasis offers everything from Izumi Hibachi & Sushi to Portside BBQ, with 14 complimentary options included in your fare.

Anthem's dining scene is more focused but still solid. You'll find popular spots like Vintages Wine Bar and the Chef's Table experience. About 12 venues are included in your cruise fare, with 9 specialty restaurants requiring extra fees.

The math is pretty simple – more passengers on Oasis means Royal Caribbean had to create more dining spaces. This works in your favor if you love trying different cuisines or hate waiting for tables.

Which ship offers better value for families?

Oasis of the Seas typically provides better bang for your buck if you're traveling with kids or a large group. The ship's neighborhoods create natural gathering spots, and there's genuinely something for every age group. Kids can run around the Boardwalk while adults relax in Central Park or hit the casino.

The extra dining options on Oasis also mean fewer fights over restaurant reservations – always a plus with families. Plus, the larger common areas give everyone room to breathe, which matters when you're sharing a cabin.

Anthem appeals more to families with older kids or teens who want Instagram-worthy experiences. The North Star capsule and skydiving simulator create those "remember when we..." moments. However, the smaller size means you might feel more cramped during busy times.

What about cabin quality and comfort?

Both ships offer similar cabin categories, but there are some subtle differences. Anthem of the Seas, being newer, has slightly more modern furnishings and updated technology in the rooms. The bathrooms tend to be a bit more contemporary too.

Oasis cabins aren't outdated by any means, but they reflect 2009 design choices rather than 2015 trends. The real advantage of Oasis is the variety of cabin locations – with seven neighborhoods, you can choose a room near your preferred hangout spots.

Anthem's Virtual Balcony interior rooms deserve a special mention. These inside cabins feature real-time ocean views on wall-mounted screens, making windowless rooms feel less claustrophobic.

Which destinations and itineraries work better for each ship?

Oasis of the Seas sticks mainly to Caribbean and Mediterranean routes, which makes perfect sense. Those warm-weather destinations complement the ship's outdoor neighborhoods beautifully. Imagine sipping coffee in Central Park while sailing through the Caribbean – it's pretty magical.

Anthem of the Seas ventures into more diverse territory, including Bermuda, Alaska, and the Canary Islands. The ship's modern amenities and indoor activities work well for destinations where weather might be less predictable.

If you're set on a specific destination, this might make your decision easy. Alaska cruise with innovative onboard tech? Anthem wins. Caribbean voyage with maximum space and dining variety? Oasis takes it.

How do crew service and passenger-to-crew ratios compare?

Here's where the numbers get interesting. Anthem of the Seas actually has a slightly better passenger-to-crew ratio at about 2.8 passengers per crew member, compared to Oasis's 2.6 ratio. Wait, that seems backward, right?

Actually, Oasis has the better ratio, meaning more crew members per passenger. This often translates to more attentive service, faster response times, and generally smoother operations. When you're managing thousands of guests, every extra crew member makes a difference.

Both ships maintain Royal Caribbean's typically friendly service standards, but Oasis's larger crew helps manage the chaos that comes with nearly 7,000 passengers.

Which ship should you choose?

Your choice really comes down to personal priorities. Pick Oasis of the Seas if you want maximum space, dining variety, and don't mind being part of a larger crowd. It's perfect for families who plan to spend lots of time exploring the ship itself.

Choose Anthem of the Seas if you prefer modern innovations, don't need as many dining choices, and want those unique experiences like North Star and skydiving simulators. It's ideal for travelers who see the ship as their base between destinations rather than the destination itself.

Both ships deliver that signature Royal Caribbean experience – you honestly can't go wrong with either choice. The "better" option is whichever one matches how you like to cruise.