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Quantum of the Seas vs Anthem of the Seas: The Ultimate Royal Caribbean Showdown (2025 Comparison)
Introduction
Hello cruise enthusiasts! In this article, I am taking you on a virtual tour of two of the Most Beautiful Ships in Royal Caribbean’s Fleet — Quantum of the Seas & Anthem of the Seas. So buckle up folks because we are about to embark on a great story at sail comparing them against each other!
Also check the following comparison of Royal Caribbean ships.
Independence of the Seas Vs Freedom of the Seas
Overview and Key Stats of These Ships
Let me tell you, when I first saw these monsters, my jaw dropped to the floor faster than an anchor.
The two ships are part of Royal Caribbean’s revolutionary Quantum Class, both of which — I kid you not — look like floating pieces of art.
Quantum of the Seas (Maidan Voyages in November 2014) has been followed up by Anthem of the Seas in 2015. Talk about sibling rivalry!
Just for the record, herewith is an overview of their vital statistics;
- Quantum of the Seas: 168,666 gross tons, 1,141 feet long, 4,905 passengers.
- Anthem of the Seas: 168,666 gross tons, 1,141 feet long, 4,905 passengers
Yes, you read that correctly- they are basically the same size! Each has its own character and individual personality while either one could inspire a different reason to love them.
Entertainment and Activities Onboard
| Entertainment options on of The Cruise ships | Anthem of the Seas | Quantum of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPA & FITNESS CENTER | Yes | Yes | |
| SHOPPING | Yes | Yes | |
| GUEST ENTERTAINERS | Yes | No | |
| LIVE ORCHESTRA | Yes | No | |
| ORIGINAL PRODUCTIONS | No | Yes | |
| INVITATION TO DANCE | No | No | |
| ONCE UPON A TIME | No | No | |
| PUB PERFORMANCES | Yes | No | |
| FITNESS CLASSES | Yes | Yes | |
| FLOWRIDER | Yes | Yes | |
| WHIRLPOOLS | Yes | No | |
| GAME SHOWS | Yes | Yes | |
| OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS | Yes | Yes | |
| SPORTS COURT | Yes | No | |
| LIVE BANDS | Yes | Yes | |
| ARCADE | Yes | Yes | |
| THEME NIGHTS | Yes | No | |
| SOLARIUM | Yes | Yes | |
| POOLS | Yes | Yes | |
| ART COLLECTION | Yes | Yes | |
| WINE TASTING | Yes | Yes | |
| ROCK CLIMBING WALL | Yes | Yes | |
| NIGHT LIFE | Yes | No | |
| SALSA DANCING | Yes | No | |
| SHUSH! SILENT PARTY | No | Yes | |
| DANCE CLASSES | Yes | Yes | |
| AQUANAUTS | Yes | No | |
| ALL ACCESS TOUR | Yes | No | |
| SCRAPBOOKING | Yes | No | |
| TABLE TENNIS | Yes | Yes | |
| GUEST LECTURES | Yes | No | |
| BABIES AND TOTS PROGRAMS | Yes | No | |
| ADVENTURE OCEAN® | Yes | Yes | |
| FOLDING ARTISTRY | Yes | Yes | |
| VOYAGERS | Yes | No | |
| SIP, TOUR, BRUNCH | Yes | No | |
| ART AUCTIONS | Yes | Yes | |
| 70S DISCO PARTY | Yes | No | |
| ROYAL ESCAPE ROOM℠: THE OBSERVATORIUM | No | Yes | |
| PICKLEBALL | No | Yes | |
| LATIN FIESTA | Yes | No | |
| LATIN DANCE CLASSES | Yes | No | |
| CUPCAKE CLASS | Yes | No | |
| SUSHI MAKING CLASS | Yes | No | |
| JEWELRY MAKING | Yes | No | |
| TEEN LOUNGE | Yes | No | |
| ADVENTURE SCIENCE LAB | Yes | No | |
| EXPLORERS | Yes | No | |
| SEQUINS & FEATHERS | No | Yes | |
| NORTH STAR | Yes | Yes | |
| SEAPLEX | Yes | Yes | |
| RIPCORD BY IFLY | Yes | Yes | |
| BUMPER CARS | Yes | Yes | |
| TW070 | Yes | Yes | |
| WE WILL ROCK YOU | Yes | No | |
| THE GIFT | Yes | No | |
| SPECTRA'S CABARET | Yes | No | |
| POOL TABLE | Yes | No | |
| VIRTUAL CONCERT | Yes | No | |
| BUMPER CARS | Yes | Yes |
Both Quantum and Anthem have so much to do onboard that you’ll find yourself wondering if you’re on a ship at all. I have tried my hardest to do almost everything (for research, you know) and it has been a roller coaster!
Entertainment Similarities First: Quantum Vs Anthem
SeaPlex is onboard both ships, and it remains the largest indoor active space at sea. I’ve ridden the bumper cars, thrown some strikes at the bowling alley, —without ever leaving the ship!
The North Star, a glass capsule that offers 360-degree views 300 feet above sea level. Note: Sunset is the magical time right to try this one. I hope I only did it once though as I almost forgot to breathe in the view.
Here’s where it gets fun. Well I am here to give you some differences.
Entertainment on Anthem of the Seas
Man, Anthem sure can put on a show. I saw “We Will Rock You” at the Royal Theater, and if I knew more than one Queen song before the cruise, I was practically joining the band by curtain call. The live orchestra takes the performances to another level; it’s like being in a Broadway show but with open ocean views.
This two-story live music venue is located on Anthem. I have seen a Beatles act there and for a second, I thought I was back in the 60’s!
Anthem has its share of original experiences too — Guest Entertainers (I watched a magician that had me puzzled for days) and special themed nights. I went to a 70s Disco Party and danced like you would not believe.
Entertainment on Quantum of the Seas
You will not find Broadway shows on Quantum, but you will find original productions. I went to see “Sequins & Feathers” and if anything was worth (price of admission), it was just the costumes.
Another unique feature on Quantum is the Silent Party. Imagine, everyone is dancing but the music was only heard by who have headphones.
The crowd is amazing to watch and the activities are better to participate in. I may have taken it a bit far and got carried away singing out loud, much to the pleasure of some fellow cruisers!
Shared Entertainment Options
Both ships offer some fantastic shared experiences
- FlowRider: I’ve enjoyed on this surf simulator on both ships. Even if you fall more than surf, it is joyful!
- RipCord by iFLY: Want Indoor skydiving, at sea? RipCord by iFLY!is for you and it’s as awesome as it sounds.
- Rock Climbing Wall: I Eventually Made It upto the top. The climb to the peak will be worth it, take my word for it!
- Movie Nights by the Pool: Watching a movie under the stars while watching it on sea is something magical.
Both ships carry a vast array of classes and activities throughout your stay. There was scrapbooking; folding artistry (who knew towel animals were eligible for origami?) and dance classes (don’t worry! I won’t be auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars” anytime soon).
Dining & Culinary Experiences
| Dining options on the Cruise ships | Anthem of the Seas | Quantum of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| CHEF'S TABLE | Yes | Yes |
| WINDJAMMER | Yes | Yes |
| JOHNNY ROCKETS | Yes | No |
| DOG HOUSE | Yes | Yes |
| CHOPS GRILLE | Yes | Yes |
| SOLARIUM BISTRO RESTAURANT | Yes | No |
| ROOM SERVICE | Yes | Yes |
| CAFÉ PROMENADE | Yes | Yes |
| SORRENTO'S PIZZA | Yes | Yes |
| COASTAL KITCHEN | Yes | Yes |
| MAIN DINING ROOM | Yes | Yes |
| IZUMI HIBACHI & SUSHI | Yes | Yes |
| LA PATISSERIE | Yes | Yes |
| WONDERLAND | Yes | Yes |
| JAMIE'S ITALIAN BY JAMIE OLIVER | Yes | Yes |
| THE CAFÉ @ TW070 | Yes | Yes |
Well, foodies, this is where it really gets juicy — in more ways than one! There are a ton of great choices while you’re sailing the seas aboard both ships, but we’ll break down some meal-for-meal showdowns to help you decide which lines up with your own personal palate.
Main Dining Room
Have just had dinner in the Main Dining Room on both ships, and its not just about the food (which was first class) but also about eye-pleasing mulit-level design and exquisite service.
My MDR dinners are always something to look forward to — a nightly meal that feels as if you’re dining out in an upscale, but reasonably priced restaurant.
Windjammer Marketplace
This buffet-style restaurant is available on both ships, and it’s a great option when you just don’t know what you want to eat. Pro tip: stop by the Windjammer for breakfast late enough and if you are lucky, you might catch me at the made-to-order omelet station!
Specialty Restaurants
Specialty Restaurants gets you into something good. Both ships have some incredible specialty dining venues, but here are how they differ:
Anthem of the Seas Exclusives
Johnny Rockets: There’s something about indulging in a burger and shake at sea that just feels right. The dance routines from the staff are an added bonus!
Solarium Bistro: This adults-only venue offers a healthier twist on cruise dining. The views are almost as good as the food!
Exclusives about Quantum of the Seas
Here, Quantum doesn’t offer exclusive specialty restaurants per se, but it does take the dining experience a step further with Dynamic Dining.
It means that you can eat at various restaurants every night and are not confined to a specific dining room. This is perfect for those of you who love variety!
Shared Specialty Restaurants
- Chops Grille: A classic American steakhouse is a real meat lover paradise. So good, in fact, that I ALMOST forgot about the chocolate lava cake! Almost.
- Jamie’s Italian (from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver with his delicious rustic meat-centric Italian flavors). Seriously, the truffle tagliatelle is orgasmic
- Izumi: Sushi and hibachi on the ocean? Yes, please! This is where I have ever had the pleasure of eating sushi, and watching the hibachi chefs work is always a good time.
- Wonderland: Where dining is Alice in Wonderland. When I first tasted Pho 79’s “vanishing noodles” I thought I was hallucinating. It is a dining experience you cannot miss!
Casual Dining Options
When it comes to more casual dining on both ships, you have several options for grabbing something quickly.
- Café Promenade: Open around the clock this is my favorite place after some party & to get a “midnight” snack.
- Sorrento’s Pizza: Because you know, sometimes…you just want a slice (or three). I have a weakness for the pepperoni here.
- Dog House: This spot offers hot dogs with all the toppings you could ever dream of. It’s basic, but sometimes that’s enough.
Bars and Lounges
| Bar & Lounges options on ships | Anthem of the Seas | Quantum of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| SCHOONER BAR | Yes | Yes |
| BOLEROS | Yes | Yes |
| SUITE LOUNGE | Yes | No |
| ENGLISH PUB | Yes | No |
| POOL BAR | Yes | Yes |
| VIKING CROWN LOUNGE | No | Yes |
| NORTH STAR BAR | Yes | Yes |
| SUNSHINE BAR | Yes | Yes |
| BIONIC BAR | Yes | Yes |
| TW070 BAR | Yes | Yes |
After all of that eating you might even need a drink, or two. You’re in luck — each ship offers an array of bars and lounges sure to keep your cocktail from feeling lonely. Here, let me take you on a tour of my best-loved bars:
Shared Bars and Lounges
- Schooner Bar – a Royal Caribbean signature venue with a nautical flair I like to stop in for a cocktail and live piano music before dinner.
- Bolerios: Latin salsa and mojitos? Count me in! Have totally embarrassed myself on several dance floors here!
- Bionic Bar: Ever wish you were on a space station, having cocktails mixed by robotic arm? The novelty of it never wears off!
- North Star Bar: From the void of your North Star experience comes the bar with a view. Another place to catch the sunset.
Anthem of the Seas Exclusives Bars
- English Pub: Live music and a cold pint, need I say more? The pub quiz nights are super fun here!
- Music Hall: This two-story space is designed for live music. I’ve seen everything from cover bands to comedians here.
Quantum of the Seas- Exclusives Bars
- Viking Crown Lounge: One of the highest view lounges on the ship. One particular corner, that I love to end an evening peacefully.
Spa and Wellness Facilities
After eating, drinking, and enjoying various activities up you might want to treat yourself some R&R. Good news — the ships offer that too with their Vitality Spa and fitness centres.
And you cannot tell me that the Vitality Spa onboard each ship is not a piece of heaven. I’ve gotten a hot stone massage on Quantum and a seaweed wrap on Anthem, both of which were otherworldly.
You have to experience the thermal suite — lying back on a heated ceramic lounger looking out to sea is hard to beat.
Both ships also include state-of-the-art fitness centers, so you can burn off a few of those inches picked up at the buffet.
I tried to do a sunrise yoga class on Anthem one time. All of the gym equipment is state of the art and there’s nothing like an running on a treadmill and watching for whales.
Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces
The pool deck – 90% of my time on any cruise is spend here.
The ships each have several pools and an adults-only Solarium. Sipping a piña colada in the Solarium’s cantilevered whirlpools that hang over the side of the ship? Pure bliss.
On both ships, the main pool areas are loud and lively offering lots of loungers & hot tubs as well as (of course!) poolside bars.
While Anthem of the Seas offers the bigger H2O Zone water park for kids. Maybe I snuck in once or twice… strictly for research!
Cabin Types & Facilities
Moving onto where you lay your head each night, both of these vessels have something for all tastes and budgets. Choose from street-side, interior cabins to over-the-top suites.
My personal favorite cabins? Well, with the virtual balconies in interior staterooms. Imagine this: you’re in an indoor room, yet with a full-length screen depicting live ocean sights. It’s like magic.
Families, however, should steer towards the Family Connected Junior Suites. They can accommodate 10 of your closest friends!!!
For my solo travelers, both ships have Studio staterooms that are perfect for you. Hallelujah indeed — no more single supplement.
Pros and Cons of Each Ship
Alright, let’s break it down. Here are some pros and cons based on my personal experiences:
Quantum of the Seas Pros
- Cozier than it looks
- If you’re travelling around Asia this is perfect.
- Cool events like Silent Party
- Spectacular Views from Viking Crown Lounge
Quantum of the Seas Cons
- Specialty dining is limited
- No Broadway shows
- Few Itineraries to Locations Outside Asia
Anthem of the Seas Pros
- More diverse itineraries
- Broadway show and live orchestra
- For classic diner ambiance: Johnny Rockets
- Live Performance at Music Hall
Anthem of the Seas Cons
- Can feel slightly more crowded
- No Viking Crown Lounge
- Dynamic Dining not available
In Summary: Quantum of the Seas vs Anthem of the Seas
It really comes down to personal preference in choosing between Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. Quantum has Asian sailing experiences and is smaller, more social and unconventional with unique features in entertainment like the Silent Party and Viking Crown Lounge.
There are also a multitude of different sailing options available on Anthem in addition to significant live entertainment offering — from catching Broadway shows, a live orchestra onboard and huge Music Hall.
One ship is stronger in some parts than the other; it’s like preferring chocolate or vanilla. The right choice depends on your preferred type of travel, budget and the itinerary you are looking for. Either option leads to a journey of a lifetime.
The following luxury features are available on these Royal Caribbean ships:
- Diverse dining options, casual restaurants to fine-dining.
- A more seamless, connected experience with cutting-edge technology
- Spa facilities and gym with latest equipment
- Extensive pool decks for sunning and relaxing
- Various bars and lounges
- Exclusive experiences such as North Star and FlowRider
During your cruise on either ship, you can expect the wide range of activities, dining outlets and amenities that Royal Caribbean is careful to house in all their ships.
Either way, if you’re Team Quantum or Team Anthem you’re getting a great game. By the time you ride the FlowRider waves, soar above the ship in the North Star or just lounge poolside with a cocktail in hand, it’ll be an experience like no other.
Don’t forget to bring your adventuring attitude, (and maybe some comfy pants for the great food). No matter what boat you are on, you will have the experience of your lifetime! Bon voyage!