The right cabin selection will determine your entire experience on Anthem of the Seas which serves as Royal Caribbean's most advanced cruise ship. The ship offers multiple exceptional features, but different cabin locations yield different guest experiences. First-time cruisers find themselves surprised by some rooms because of their noise problems and motion issues and layout design.
This long form guide walks through the cabin types and locations many travelers prefer to avoid, plus why they can be problematic. The cabins become livable spaces through their existence but knowing their tradeoffs enables you to make better booking decisions.
Cabins Directly Under or Over Noisy Venues
The most common passenger complaint on Anthem of the Seas occurs when guests sleep in rooms near active spaces. The building contains rooms which occupy space directly beneath the pool deck and the Solarium and Windjammer and all entertainment areas.
Through the ship's structure, late night chair dragging and early morning deck cleaning and thumping bass from shows can move through the entire ship. Light sleepers find this experience to be their most noticeable disturbance.
Cabins to be cautious about include:
- The rooms which exist below the main pool deck
- The rooms which exist above the Music Hall or Theatre
- The rooms which exist near the SeaPlex activity area
Staterooms on mid-level decks which have their doors facing other staterooms provide the best option for guests who want to experience quiet.
Understanding the Layout of Anthem of the Seas
Royal Caribbean operates Anthem of the Seas as a Quantum Class ship. The ship has a massive size which includes multiple public spaces that extend throughout its various decks. The ship contains entertainment areas and spaces for children and dining facilities and areas for outdoor recreation which are arranged above and below the areas where passengers sleep.
The design of this layout matters because the comfort of cabin occupants depends on the activities that take place in adjacent spaces and in the spaces that exist above and below their room. Nearby venues create three different effects which include noise and vibration and foot traffic. A cabin that appears perfect on paper will deliver an entirely different experience when the ship becomes operational and reaches full passenger capacity.
Cabins Located Under the Pool Deck
Passengers on Anthem of the Seas frequently report problems that occur in the cabins which exist directly beneath the pool deck and outdoor activity spaces. The cabins are located on the decks which sit directly beneath the main pool and sports facilities.
During the day, these spaces are active with loungers being moved, people running, and staff cleaning. The early morning hours create the worst conditions because crew members begin their work by setting up chairs and washing down the deck long before most guests wake up.
These cabins create an annoying experience for people who want to sleep late or take afternoon naps. The noise occurs at irregular times but reaches a volume level that disturbs your sleep.
Cabins Near the SeaPlex
The SeaPlex is one of the most popular features on Anthem of the Seas. The venue contains bumper cars and roller skating and basketball and organized games as its main activities. The venue itself functions as an excellent location, but the surrounding cabins produce noise disturbances.
The SeaPlex generates sound through its music system and announcement system and the sounds of activities which occur inside its large space. The resulting noise from the SeaPlex creates disturbances that reach nearby staterooms during peak evening activity times.
Guests who book these cabins report that they can hear outside sounds through closed doors. Those who need silence to sleep and those who want quiet time in their cabins should steer clear of this location.
Cabins Adjacent to the Royal Theatre
The Royal Theatre hosts major shows and performances. The impressive productions create sound disturbances which affect cabins located next to or directly above or below the theatre.
Music rehearsals bring about sounds which include bass vibrations and crowd movement that continue until shows begin and after they finish. The public can better observe this pattern during evening hours when shows reach their maximum attendance.
The area surrounding these cabins brings about noise disturbances which exist as a possibility for every performance night. The safest way to achieve uninterrupted sleep requires selecting a cabin which stands farther from all entertainment locations.
Forward Cabins and Motion Sensitivity
The first section of the ship shows more movement because it exists at the frontmost part of the vessel. The physical laws of nature still affect the massive and stable design of the Anthem of the Seas.
The forward section of the ship experiences greater movement during stormy weather and rough seas. The sound of waves hitting the hull creates two different reactions because some people find it soothing while others view it as disturbing.
The midship cabins which exist on the lower decks of the ship provide better protection for people who experience seasickness and motion problems during cruises.
Aft Cabins and Vibration
Vibrations from the ship's engines and propulsion systems sometimes reach aft cabins which sit at the back of the vessel. A specific problem exists with certain aft cabins on the Anthem of the Seas because they experience slight vibrations during operating speeds.
Some guests remain completely undisturbed by the sound while other guests become annoyed by the unending noise especially during nighttime. Midship areas provide better protection against vibration and sound for people who have these sensitivities.
Cabins Far from Elevators
Anthem of the Seas has a unique elevator layout. The ship provides more elevator access points which operate between midship and forward sections while decreasing access points for the rear ship section. Passengers who stay in the farthest back cabins must walk extended distances to reach the nearest elevator.
The situation may appear minor, yet guests have trouble when they need to transport buffet plates back to their rooms after dining and when they need to walk back from shows. The problem becomes more severe because of three specific groups which include guests who have trouble walking and parents with small children and travelers who carry substantial bags.
You should study the deck plan to find the best cabin location if you want to experience maximum convenience.
Cabins Directly Next to Elevators
People experience multiple difficulties when they stay in a room which exists directly adjacent to an elevator. Space experiences unending human movement because people talk to each other while using the elevators throughout the whole area.
Elevator waiting areas serve as popular gathering spots for guests who want to socialize with others throughout the evening. The result leads to persistent noise which occurs outside your cabin door throughout the entire day. Light sleepers will find this situation to be highly disturbing.
Elevator access from a cabin requires only a short walk which provides guests with both easy access to elevators and a peaceful environment.
Connecting Cabins When You Are Not Traveling Together
The rules for using connecting cabins state that family members and group members who need to move between their rooms should use these connecting cabins. The rooms become less appealing when you travel without your cabin mates who stay in the adjacent cabin.
The connecting door enables sound transmission which exceeds the sound proofing capacity of a solid wall. Guests frequently report that they can hear conversations and televisions and people moving about from the other side.
People who want to maintain their personal space and need to stay quiet should not reserve connecting cabins unless they plan to book both rooms.
Obstructed View Balcony Cabins
Anthem of the Seas offers balcony cabins which people can purchase as obstructed view. The cabins provide partial views which get obstructed by lifeboats and building elements.
The cabins become less expensive because they offer better value than some people expect when they view the intended obstruction. The balcony space becomes more confined when you sit there which restricts your ability to see the ocean.
If a clear sea view is a major reason you are booking a balcony, it is worth paying extra for an unobstructed option.
Interior Cabins Without Virtual Balconies
Anthem of the Seas offers virtual balcony interior cabins which show real time ocean views on their large screen displays. The interior cabins do not contain this particular feature.
Traditional interior cabins without virtual balconies create a dark and enclosed atmosphere which becomes more pronounced during extended sailing periods. Some guests find the lack of natural light affects their sleep patterns and overall comfort.
You should check whether the interior cabin includes a virtual balcony system before making your reservation.
Cabins Under Windjammer
The Windjammer buffet area experiences heavy visitor flow from the beginning of morning until the end of evening. The Windjammer buffet area creates sound disturbances which affect guests staying in cabins that are situated directly underneath the buffet area.
The breakfast service begins early, and the subsequent cleanup process continues until late night. The noise from the ship exists as a common problem but not all passengers will experience it.
Quiet mornings require you to stay away from all cabins that exist beneath the buffet area.
Cabins Close to Crew Entry Points
Some cabins are located near crew-only doors or service corridors. Staff members walk through these spaces during their early morning and late-night work hours.
You will hear carts rolling through the area together with the opening and closing of doors and the staff members who talk with each other. The Royal Caribbean team works to keep disturbances at a minimum, but guests will still hear some sounds from the environment.
Midship cabins deliver a peaceful stay experience because they exist outside the reach of operating service zones.
Cabins on Very Low Decks Near Technical Spaces
When people stay in lower deck cabins that are situated close to technical areas and mechanical spaces they might experience background noise and vibration issues. The ship experiences this issue in some areas although it does not occur throughout.
The safest way to select a cabin for people who experience sensitivity to noise and vibration is to choose a mid-level deck cabin which exists near other passenger rooms.
Studio Cabins Near High Traffic Areas
Solo travelers who need affordable accommodation should choose studio cabins which meet their needs. The location of a studio cabin determines its value. Studio cabins exist in two categories which include those that back onto elevators and those that face active corridors.
People who walk through these areas during daytime hours create additional noise because they make constant trips between different locations. When you book a studio cabin select one which exists in an area with less foot traffic.
What Cabins Are Usually the Best Choice?
To balance comfort, quiet, and stability, experienced cruisers recommend selecting midship cabins and deck locations that have cabins above, below, non-connecting rooms and rooms of the building that are situated far from main performance areas and the building's entrance doors. The cabins provide a reliable experience because their operations run without unexpected events.
Final Thoughts
The ship Anthem of the Seas impresses all visitors who board the ship because they prefer their rooms which have no important problems. The cruise experience improves significantly when passengers learn about the ship layout and choose to stay away from specific cabin areas.
Booking research helps you avoid tension from loud disturbances and extra walking distances which lead to bedtime problems. Your chances for a smooth and peaceful cruise experience will increase when you steer clear of the cabin types and locations that we have defined above.
The choice of cabin selection represents a critical decision at the beginning of your cruise planning process. The selection you make will have greater impact on your experience than you realize because of the ship's extensive size and complex design.
FAQs related to Anthem of the Seas Cabins to Avoid
1. Do forward cabins feel more movement?
Passengers who stay in forward cabins on upper decks experience greater ship motions than other passengers. The most stable position on a ship exists at the midship area which carries the lowest deck height.
2. Should I avoid connecting cabins?
Yes, the design permits greater sound transfer between adjacent spaces.
3. Do interior cabins without virtual balconies create a bad experience for passengers?
The dark environment creates an enclosed atmosphere which becomes unpleasant during extended ocean voyages. Guests prefer virtual balcony interior cabins because they provide extra comfort.
4. Which distance from elevators offers people the best experience?
Elevators create constant noise problems for people who stay in rooms that exist directly next to them. The distance to the back of the ship creates extended walking time for passengers. People usually prefer to stay within close distances from elevators.
5. Which cabins are the noisiest?
The loudest noise occurs in rooms which exist under public areas that include the pool deck and buffet area and in cabins which are located close to elevators and theaters and the SeaPlex.
