Ahoy, fellow cruisers! Did you know that a cruise can offer up to 30 different dining options and a plethora of entertainment choices all in one place? It’s a world of adventure right at your fingertips. Join me as I share my experience aboard the Anthem of the Seas, where every day is filled with surprises.
Let’s dive into Day 4 of my four-night, five-day cruise on Royal Caribbean’s
Anthem of the Seas! This is also my second Royal Caribbean cruise, following a December 2023 trip which was the same itinerary: Singapore, Penang, and Phuket, just a different ship (
Cruise Review: Royal Caribbean 4-Night Cruise Review: Singapore – Penang – Phuket).
A Sluggish Start and Brunch
Today started a tad later than planned—thanks to a few clock hiccups. But no worries! The ocean breeze has a way of easing the mind. After a quick freshen up, I headed to my first stop of the day – the the main dining room for brunch. Although the food is quite similar to what you find at the Windjammer, we find it so much easier to get a table for a large group at the dining room.
We also find the food is fresher even if the choice is not as wide as you would get at the Windjammer
Unfortunately before we ordered, we had a little accident – our baby got a scratch from the baby high chair that they provided. The plastic zip tie was not removed and when we sat our baby down, they ended up with a scratch on their back.
I suspect they use the zip tie to hold the chairs in place when the dining room is not in use, but they should really remove it completely rather than leave it on like this.
Fortunately our child was ok, but the scratch was still there for a few days afterwards.
Hip Hop Dance Class at 270
At 11:15 AM, I made my way to the 270 venue for a hip hop dance class. It was an exciting way to wake up my body and shake off the travel fatigue! If you fancy busting a move, I’d highly recommend joining in. The kiddies in particular seemed to really get into it.
Just be prepared to have a giggle if you’re not quite coordinated!
A Peek Behind the Scenes – a Kitchen Tour
At noon, I joined a complimentary tour of the ship’s kitchen. Let me tell you, it was a bit of an eye-opener! The kitchen may be bustling, but the space is surprisingly small given the number of guests they serve daily. I was genuinely taken aback by how efficient they were in such a confined area. If you get the chance, this tour is worth your time—just remember to eat some of the provided snacks before you start or else you might get hungry as it goes on for about an hour.
A few drinks and snacks before you start the tour!
And then the tour proper starts.
Lunchtime Cravings
After the tour wrapped up just before 1 PM, my stomach started grumbling. I had only munched on some fruit for breakfast, so I dashed over to Sorrento’s for a quick bite. Their pizzas were a saving grace for someone who needed quick cheesy pick me up.
Here is a video of Sorrento’s
Magic Show with Sunny Chen
At 2:30 PM, I attended a magic show featuring Sunny Chen. It was a decent performance, but I have to admit, it paled in comparison to Shin Lim’s jaw-dropping act on
. Some tricks felt a bit too familiar, which didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Still, it was entertaining enough for a cruise show, so I wouldn’t rule it out for a casual afternoon distraction.
Passport Collection Drama
By 3:30 PM, it was time to collect our passports. We had received the note about it the day prior but we nearly forgot to grab ours, but I made a mad dash just in time.
The line was long, but it moved quickly, so no need to panic!
But don’t worry if you don’t pick them up during the window they state in the letter delivered to your stateroom. You can still collect them from guest services afterwards. I guess the do this collection because it would overwhelm guest services.
Pro tip: If you’re travelling with a group, one person can collect the passports for everyone as long as you have your sea passes. I picked up passports for three separate rooms without a hitch!
Dinner
We finally made our way to dinner …. again!! And once again we stuffed ourselves silly.
As this was the last night, the dining staff put on a show for us. There was some good natured dancing from the waiters and the chefs.
But suddenly we realised that we had a photo session arranged with extended members of our travelling party and had to cut short our dinner.
Photo Ops and Packing
Still smarting from not getting our deserts we took some photos around 6:15 PM. We chose two locations: one with a vibrant backdrop and another on the lively promenade. It was the perfect way to capture memories!
Post dinner – prepare to leave
Post-photos, it was time to tackle the packing. On this cruise, you need to leave your luggage outside your cabin before departure. Make sure to remember that! It can be a bit chaotic, so get organised early.This is also the time that we need to start packing in preparation to leave the cruise because the night before which is today day four you need to place your luggage outside the cabin.
7:15 pm was when we went to select the photos. One of our our party had diamond club status which means they get one free digital photo or one free physical photo and because they each are diamond club they chose one digital and one physical
Seems to be a reasonable deal as the photos can be quite expensive
Another bite to eat
At 8:45. I thought what the heck as well go and get some more food. They directed me to my original table, which was for a large group, and so that’s I end up being the only person on a table set for eight. I didn’t have to wait long, maybe 10 minutes before the food was brought to my table. I just piled them on top of each other and made my way gingerly back to the room. What a feast to end the night!!
While I was waiting for the food, the rest of the crew got the luggage all packed. We then put them outside the cabin and later in the evening someone comes to pick it up in preparation for the actual departure where you just leave with your hand carry.
This is also when you should consider completing and submitting the ICA arrival card. Need to know how to fill it out
– click here! But I hear you ask: how does one do that without internet onboard? Well the cruise ship enables the internet for access to complete the Singapore arrivals card formalities.
For us, we needed to keep some check-in luggage as we still have a lot of clothes and toys for the kids to pack.
Final Thoughts
As Day 4 at sea came to a close, I reflected on the experiences packed into just one day. From dance classes to magic shows and delicious meals, there’s never a dull moment aboard the Anthem of the Seas!
This was also an opportunity to walk the upper deck while most people were inside.