The Top Free Things To Do Onboard Anthem Of The Seas

This top-rated Quantum Class cruise ship makes it easy to plan an epic escape on a budget with plenty of included onboard activities.

By Amanda Mesa | Published on October 25, 2023

Planning a great getaway can be almost as fun as the trip itself — especially when you choose a vacation that takes stress — and unexpected expenses — out of the equation. It’s one of the many reasons why I love cruising. No other vacation option comes close to offering the same level of value and convenience as a cruise, especially when you choose to sail on a ship like Anthem of the Seas. Part of Royal Caribbean’s tech-driven Quantum Class, it’s a great option for adults, couples and families and offers one of the most well-rounded cruise experiences in the industry. And because it’s loaded with free things to do and free places to eat, you can bank on a thrill- or chill-filled vacation without spending a single dollar over your cruise fare.

If you’re an adrenaline-chaser, this ship will hit all the high notes. It offers some of the cruise line’s top-rated attractions — the FlowRider®️ surf simulator, the North Star®️ observation capsule and the largest activity space at sea, SeaPlex®️, to name just a few. If you prefer to spend your vacation lounging outside, you can look forward to a stellar pool scene that provides the perfect blend of lively fun and chill vibes. And when the sun goes down, the adventure continues with a dazzling lineup of Broadway-style shows, musical performances and more — all included in the cost of your fare. Here are just some of the top free things to do onboard Anthem of the Seas.

1. Scope Out The Surrounding Sights From The North Star®

One of the coolest things about Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class — which includes Anthem of the Seas — is the technology that’s been infused into every ship. My personal favorite high-tech feature is the North Star, an observation capsule that gently elevates guests up to 300 feet above sea level, yielding awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. This engineering marvel holds the Guinness World Record for tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship — and rides up are completely free for cruise guests on most sailings.

2. Enjoy Plenty Of Complimentary Ways To Play At Seaplex

SeaPlex is the largest indoor activity space at sea. It offers hours of entertainment to cruise guests of all ages, from kids to adults. Onboard Anthem of the Seas it’s home to a full-sized sports court where you can practice your dunking, dribbling, serves and smashes. There’s also a bumper cars course that’s open to guests aged five and older, a video-gaming suite where you can try to top your best scores and plenty of classic activities ranging from table tennis and air hockey to foosball. Sometimes, SeaPlex transforms into a massive roller-skating rink complete with a floating DJ booth. There’s even a circus school where guests can harness up and learn the arts of juggling, Lyra hoops and trapeze-flying. The best part? Admission to this cutting-edge play space is totally complimentary for cruise guests.

3. Scale The Ship’s Iconic Rock Climbing Wall

The Rock Climbing Wall is a fleetwide classic, and it never disappoints. Onboard Anthem of the Seas, it towers 40 feet above Deck 15 and is an arm-stretching challenge for both seasoned climbers and beginners who have never harnessed up before. The reward at the top is well worth the effort, though — guests who make it all the way up are treated to some truly incredible views. The Rock Climbing Wall is free and open to anyone onboard aged six and older. You don’t need to make a reservation — simply show up, strap into a harness and get ready to go vertical. There’s no pressure to conquer the wall on your first try, either. There’s no limit on admission, so you come back as many times as you want and take your time.

4. Post Up Poolside

For me, the perfect cruise involves plenty of sunshine and relaxation by the pool — and Anthem of the Seas offers a great pool scene. The main pool on Deck 14 is flanked by two whirlpools and is just steps away from a bar where you can order all your favorite vacation libations — including beers, wines, cocktails and mocktails. But my favorite onboard haunt is hands down the Solarium. Open to guests aged 16 and older, it spans two decks and is the chillest spot on this cruise ship. The vibe here is peaceful no matter what time you drop by, and there’s always plenty of room to lounge out in the shade or the sunshine. It’s enclosed by a beautiful glass rooftop, which makes it easy to enjoy the hideaway’s lagoon-like pools, whirlpools and jaw-dropping views no matter what the weather’s like outside. Admission to the Solarium is included in your cruise fare and you can stay as long as you like.

5. Let The Kids Enjoy Their Own Designated Hangouts

Royal Caribbean’s ships cater well to families, and Anthem of the Seas is one of the best options in the fleet if you’re cruising with little ones or teens. The ship is home to the cruise line’s Adventure Ocean®️ Youth Program, which places little cruisers in groups based on their age and keeps them occupied with plenty of educational, supervised fun. Parents will be pleased to know that this award-winning childcare program is available at no additional cost. There’s also a hip lounge onboard designed exclusively for teens. Admission to the teen lounge is also free, as are all the pre-planned social events offered daily for young adults onboard.

6. Hang Ten On The Flowrider Surf Simulator

The FlowRider surf simulator is yet another awesome attraction you’ll find on Anthem of the Seas — and one of the best free things to do onboard. This guest-favorite ride funnels 30,000 gallons of rushing, roaring water to create top-notch waves that are perfect for shredding. Grab a board and try to stay upright as you tame the tide or do like me and coast the waves boogie-style on your belly. If you prefer to watch, that’s totally fine, too — there’s plenty of stadium-style seating where you can cheer on other surfers and even get splashed in the process.

7. Jam Out At Nightly Concerts Onboard

Music fans will find plenty to love about Anthem of the Seas — especially the lineup of immersive virtual concerts hosted at the cruise ship’s cutting-edge Two70®️ theater. Guests can gather to watch some of the most iconic live performances ever, captured on five 4K cameras and played back in ultra-high res. Then there’s Music Hall^SM, a sprawling multi-level venue that hosts some of the industry’s hottest cover bands ranging from disco to big band to classic rock. And at Schooner Bar, you can pair ice-cold brews with lively singalongs accompanied by one of the ship’s master pianists. Admission to Two70 theater, Music Hall and Schooner Bar is included in your cruise fare. Here’s a pro-tip: buy a Specialty Beverage Package and all your drinks will be included, too.

8. Dig In To Crave-Worthy, Complimentary Flavors

Great food is always a given when you sail onboard Anthem of the Seas. The ship is home to some of the fleet’s top specialty restaurants, but the complimentary restaurants onboard are just as amazing. Windjammer is one of my favorite free places to eat onboard — it’s a casual, buffet-style restaurant that serves a rotating selection of global fare during breakfast, lunch and dinner. For free formal dining, there’s the Main Dining Room. Like Windjammer, the menu spotlights international cuisine with several changing delicacies, so you can look forward to new surprises — and guest favorites — every time you dine. My go-to on warm, sunny pool days is Dog House. Located in the SeaPlex, it’s a fast and convenient food truck that delivers crazy-good artisanal hot dogs included in your cruise fare. And these are just some of the best free places to eat onboard — there’s also mouthwatering pizza by the slice at Sorrento’s and tasty bistro bites served around the clock at Café Promenade.

9. Enjoy Showstopping Musicals And Theatrical Productions For Free

I’m the kind of person who likes to have something to look forward to every moment of my vacation. Fortunately for folks like me, this cruise ship keeps the fun going long after the sun sets. There’s always something happening onboard after hours — from Broadway-style musicals to game shows and late-night dancing. The ship’s entertainment lineup includes the Olivier Award-winning musical We Will Rock You by Ben Elton, as well as two original productions — The Gift and Spectra’s Cabaret. All three will dazzle you with their extravagant costumes and world-class choreography. If you fancy a whirl on the dance floor, head to Boleros for nonstop Latin beats. And if you’re craving a low-key night with your loved ones, grab a beach towel, claim a chaise lounge on the pool deck and settle in for a movie night under the stars. The ship showcases classics and recent hits on the giant projector screen located on Deck 14.

There are so many great free things to do onboard Anthem of the Seas, you might find yourself looking for longer sailings just so you have enough time to hit them all. From thrilling attractions and spellbinding entertainment to delicious eats and an awesome pool scene, this ship makes it easy to plan an unforgettable escape for less. Want to turn your trip into a true all-inclusive cruise vacation? Purchase a Specialty Beverage Package and enjoy unlimited drinks. You can also purchase a Specialty Dining Package for deep discounts on the ship’s a la carte restaurants. Check out a full rundown of the dining options, shows and activities available onboard Anthem of the Seas, or browse popular itineraries.