Deliciously Fun: Exploring Entertainment and Food on Anthem of the Seas

I’ve been on a few cruises now, and let me tell you, the most important part of your vacation isn't the port excursions or the shows—it's the food. You're basically on a floating, all-you-can-eat resort, and you need a strategy. So, here’s my completely unofficial guide to eating your way across the open sea.

The Free Stuff (Because You've Already Paid For It)

• The Main Dining Room: This is where you put on your "I’m on vacation and I'm fancy now" outfit. It's multi-course, the service is top-notch, and the menu changes every night. You'll get to try something new without the commitment. The ship I was on had four of them: Silk, Chic, The Grande, and American Icon Grill. I guess they ran out of names and just started describing the vibe.

• Windjammer Marketplace: I like to call this place the “Hunger Games of Buffets.” It’s pure chaos, but in the best way. They've got everything—pizzas, salads, tacos, you name it. It's the perfect spot to get a little bit of everything and create a plate that makes zero sense. I once saw a guy with a slice of pizza, a bowl of pho, and a plate of nachos. No judgment.

• The Casual Bites: If you’re not up for a sit-down meal or a full-on buffet battle, these are your saving grace. Café Promenade is a 24/7 lifeline for coffee and pastries (especially for those late-night sugar cravings). Sorrento's has pizza that’s just okay, but who cares? It's free pizza! And The Dog House is there for when you just need a hot dog. It's a simple pleasure, and honestly, sometimes that's all you need.

• Solarium Bistro: This is the spot for when you're feeling guilty about all the hot dogs. Located in the adults-only area, it serves "healthy" Mediterranean food. You'll go here for breakfast, feel good about yourself, and then head straight to the Windjammer for a second breakfast.

The "Worth It?" Splurge (Specialty Dining)

Look, the free food is great, but sometimes you want something extra. This is where you throw down a little extra cash for a different experience.

• Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver: We're talking rustic, fresh Italian food. It’s a nice change of pace from the dining room, and who doesn't love a good pasta dish on vacation?

• Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine: This place is a trip. The menu is inspired by Alice in Wonderland, so forget picking what you want. You only tell them what you're allergic to, and then they bring you anywhere from three to seven random, mind-bending appetizers. You don't choose your dessert either; you just get whatever whimsical masterpiece they've created. The only thing you get to decide on is your entree. Kirk and I have done this twice, and we were never disappointed. The food is as delicious as it is weird.

• Chops Grille: Classic American steakhouse. You know what you're getting here: a huge, juicy steak. It's not reinventing the wheel, but it's exactly what you want it to be.

• Izumi: Sushi on a cruise ship. It sounds a little risky, but trust me, it’s good. Perfect for when you've had enough of the heavy stuff.

• Coastal Kitchen: This one is exclusive for the suite guests. So, if you're rich and fabulous, this is where you go to eat a fusion of Californian and Mediterranean food and look down on all of us plebs eating hot dogs.

Entertainment That Will Rock You

The entertainment on Anthem of the Seas is just as impressive as its food, with a variety of shows and activities that cater to all ages and interests.

Main Shows:

• "We Will Rock You": A full-length Broadway musical set to the music of Queen. This award-winning production is a major highlight and a must-see.

• Spectra's Cabaret: This immersive show at the high-tech venue, Two70, combines live performance with stunning digital projections and robotics for a truly unforgettable experience.

• "The Gift": A magical original production by Royal Caribbean.

Thrills & Activities:

First off, there’s this place called SeaPlex. It's basically a giant indoor playground. We're talking bumper cars, a roller-skating rink, and even a circus school where you can learn to fly on a trapeze. It’s like they crammed a whole amusement park into the ship, which is pretty awesome.

Then there's the North Star. It's this glass capsule that lifts you over 300 feet in the air. The views are absolutely insane. You get a full 360-degree look at the ocean, and it really puts into perspective how tiny you are out there. Totally worth it for the photos alone.

If you're a thrill-seeker, you have to check out RipCord by iFLY. It's a skydiving simulator right on the ship. You get to feel what it's like to freefall without the whole "jumping out of a plane" part. My husband Kirk did it and absolutely loved it. He was a natural and couldn't stop grinning the whole time. The best part is, they have times available where it’s free of charge, so you can just walk up and give it a try. And for anyone who's ever wanted to surf, they've got the FlowRider, a surf simulator where you can try to catch a wave. My favorite spot might be Two70. During the day, it's just a lounge with these huge windows that give you an incredible 270-degree view of the sea. But at night, the whole room transforms. The windows get covered by a giant screen, and these robotic screens called "Roboscreens" move around. The shows they put on, like Spectra's Cabaret, are just mind-blowing. It’s like a live show and a movie all in one.

Honestly, whether you're a total foodie or someone who just loves to stay active, the Anthem of the Seas has something for everyone. It’s a cruise you won’t forget, and it definitely keeps you busy.