Which cabin should you book on Anthem of the Seas? For most people the answer is a midship Balcony on the mid-decks, and for the best value it is a Virtual Balcony interior. But the right room really depends on who you are travelling with and how much the ride matters to you, especially on the open water between Sydney and New Zealand. This guide walks through how Quantum-class cabins are organised, what each category actually gives you, the decks worth targeting, and the specific rooms most people are happier avoiding.
How Quantum-class cabins are organised
Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum-class ship of around 168,000 gross tons with roughly 16 guest decks, carrying about 4,180 guests at double occupancy and up to around 4,900 when every berth is full. That is a lot of rooms, but the way they are laid out is more logical than the sheer number suggests. Cabins fall into a handful of clear tiers, and once you understand the tiers you can read any deck plan quickly.
The categories, from most affordable to most lavish, are the Virtual Balcony interior, the Ocean View, the Balcony, the Studio cabins built for solo travellers, and the suites that climb all the way to the two-deck Royal Loft Suite. One thing that sets Anthem apart from older ships is that her balcony staterooms are all outward-facing with real sea views, and even her interior rooms get a floor-to-ceiling screen that streams the ocean in real time. There is no dark, viewless interior hidden along an inner corridor with nothing to look at. That single design decision changes how you should think about value here.
Position matters as much as category. On any large ship, midship and mid-deck rooms feel the least motion, rooms directly below busy venues catch noise, and forward high-deck rooms feel the most movement in rough water. Anthem sails the South Pacific and New Zealand out of Sydney, and the Tasman Sea crossing to New Zealand can be lively, so where your cabin sits on the ship is not a minor detail. Keep that in mind as we go tier by tier.
A category-by-category deep dive
Virtual Balcony interior — the smart-value pick
The Virtual Balcony interior is the cheapest way onto the ship and, on Anthem specifically, it is a genuinely clever one. Instead of a blank wall, you get a floor-to-ceiling, high-definition screen showing a live feed of the ocean outside, complete with sound if you want it. You wake up and can tell whether it is bright, grey, or already in port without leaving bed. It is not a real window, and it will not replace fresh air on a warm South Pacific day, but it removes the claustrophobic feeling that makes interior cabins a hard sell on other ships.
This is the category to book if your budget is tight, if you plan to spend nearly all your waking hours out at the pool, in the SeaPlex, or ashore, or if you simply do not want to pay for a view you will rarely be in the room to enjoy. Because these rooms sit on the interior of the ship, many of them are also naturally close to midship, which helps with motion. If you are chasing the lowest fare that still feels comfortable, start here.
Ocean View — a real window for a modest step up
Ocean View staterooms give you an actual porthole or picture window to the sea. The trade-off compared with the Virtual Balcony interior is usually a slightly higher fare and, in some cases, a location on a lower deck. What you gain is real daylight and a real horizon, which some travellers strongly prefer for orientation and for the simple pleasure of watching the water go by. If a live screen feels like a gimmick to you and you want the genuine article without paying for a balcony you might not use in cooler New Zealand weather, the Ocean View is the sensible middle.
Balcony — all outward-facing, and the all-round favourite
Balcony staterooms are where most people land, and on Anthem they are all outward-facing with true sea views. Having your own slice of open air changes the rhythm of a cruise. You can take a coffee outside on a slow morning at sea, watch the approach into the Bay of Islands, or sit out under the stars crossing the South Pacific. For the scenic New Zealand sailings, a balcony pays off during the fjord cruising, when the ship glides past waterfalls and peaks and you can step outside without hunting for a spot on the public decks.
The important nuance is that not all balconies are equal. A midship balcony on the mid-decks gives you the steadiest ride and quick access up and down the ship, while some lower-deck balconies sit in line with the lifeboats and have partly obstructed views. The category is the same on paper; the experience is not. We will come back to the obstructed rooms in the section on cabins to avoid.
Studio cabins — built for solo travellers
Anthem carries dedicated Studio cabins designed for one person, which is unusual and welcome. On most ships a solo traveller pays a single supplement, effectively covering two fares in a double room. Studios are sized and priced for one, so you skip that penalty. If you are sailing alone, this is almost always the cabin to look for first. Check the deck plan for where the Studios cluster, and book early, because there are only so many of them and solo-friendly rooms tend to sell out ahead of the standard categories.
Suites — up to the Royal Loft Suite
At the top, Anthem’s suites climb through progressively larger and better-positioned rooms to the two-deck Royal Loft Suite, a genuine showpiece with a grand upstairs-downstairs layout. Suites bring more living space and, at the higher levels, added service and priority perks. They are a big jump in price, so they make the most sense for travellers who value space and quiet, families who need room to spread out, or anyone marking a special occasion. If you are considering the top suites, decide what you are actually paying for — square footage, location, and service — and match that to how you like to travel rather than booking the biggest room on principle.
Best value and best all-round picks
Two picks cover most travellers. For best value, book a Virtual Balcony interior. You get a comfortable, non-claustrophobic room with a live ocean feed at the lowest fare, and on a ship this packed with things to do, you will not be in the cabin much anyway. It frees up budget for the North Star, a specialty dinner, or a shore excursion, which many people would rather spend on than on square footage they sleep through.
For best all-round, book a midship Balcony on the mid-decks. This is the sweet spot for space, natural light, and the steadiest ride, which matters on open stretches like the Tasman Sea crossing to New Zealand. You are central for the lifts and stairs, close to the main indoor venues, and far enough from the top-deck action to sleep well. If you can only follow one recommendation in this whole guide, this is it. For more on planning the sailing itself, the Anthem of the Seas cruise guide pairs well with your cabin choice.
A deck-by-deck orientation
Rather than memorise specific deck numbers, which vary by category and can shift with the layout, it helps to think in three bands: the top decks, the mid-decks, and the lower decks. Each band has a personality, and matching your priorities to the right band is more useful than chasing a particular room number.
The top decks are where the outdoor pools, the Solarium, the sports and activity zones, and the North Star sit. Cabins up here put you steps from the action, which is great if you live poolside — but they also sit under or beside foot traffic, deck chairs being dragged around early, and the general bustle of the busiest part of the ship. Light sleepers should be cautious about rooms directly beneath the pool deck.
The mid-decks are the quiet, balanced heart of the ship. This is where the steadiest ride and the shortest walks to most venues come together, which is exactly why the best all-round pick lives here. If you want a room you can rely on to be calm and central, aim for this band, and aim for midship within it.
The lower decks tend to hold Ocean View rooms and some balconies at friendlier fares, and being low and central actually helps with motion. The things to watch here are lifeboat-obstructed balconies and proximity to interior nightlife venues, both of which we cover below. Forward on any deck means more movement in rough seas, and the effect is strongest high and forward. Keep that geometry in mind as you scan the plan.
Cabins for solo travellers, couples, and families
Solo travellers
Start with the Studio cabins. They remove the single supplement and are purpose-built for one, so your money goes further. If Studios are sold out, a Virtual Balcony interior is the next most economical choice for a solo cruiser who plans to be out and about. Book as early as you can, because solo-friendly rooms are limited.
Couples
A midship Balcony on the mid-decks is hard to beat for two. It gives you private outdoor space for slow sea-day mornings and scenic arrivals, a steady ride, and central access. Couples who spend little time in the room and want to save can drop to a Virtual Balcony interior without feeling cramped, thanks to the live ocean screen. Couples marking an anniversary or honeymoon might stretch to a suite for the extra space and quiet.
Families
Families should think about connecting rooms or a larger suite so everyone has somewhere to retreat. Being near the lifts and stairs saves a lot of walking with children and gear, so favour midship. Proximity to the SeaPlex and the pools sounds convenient for kids, but remember that the cabins directly under those spaces are the noisiest on the ship — being a short walk away is better than being directly below. Adventure Ocean and the indoor activity spaces mean children can be entertained regardless of the weather, which is a real advantage on cooler New Zealand days.
Cabins to avoid
No cabin category is a mistake, but specific locations can undercut an otherwise good room. Always confirm the exact position on the deck plan before you book, because a small shift of a few rooms can be the difference between quiet and disturbed.
- Directly under the pool deck or the SeaPlex. These are the noisiest spots on the ship. Expect early-morning deck-chair scraping above the pool, and the thump of activity from the SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea, with bumper cars, roller skating, and basketball overhead.
- Near Two70 or the Music Hall. Two70 hosts immersive evening shows and the Music Hall is a live-music and nightlife venue. Rooms close to either can catch late-night sound. Great to visit, less great to sleep beside.
- Forward high-deck rooms if you are prone to motion. The bow moves most, and the effect grows the higher and further forward you go. On the Tasman Sea crossing to New Zealand, anyone sensitive to movement will feel a forward top-deck cabin more than a midship mid-deck one.
- Lower-deck balconies with lifeboat-obstructed views. Some lower balconies sit in line with the lifeboats, so you pay for a balcony but look at a white hull instead of open sea. If the view is the reason you are booking a balcony, avoid these and confirm the sightline on the plan.
For a broader sense of the daily experience and how these venues fit into a sailing, it is worth reading what to expect on Anthem of the Seas alongside this list.
How to read a deck plan
A deck plan looks busy but rewards a few minutes of study, and it is the single best tool for avoiding a disappointing room. Work through it in this order.
- Find midship first. Locate the centre of the ship lengthwise. Rooms here get the steadiest ride and the shortest walks. Then note which cabins are truly midship versus drifting toward the ends.
- Look at what is directly above and below your room. Check the decks immediately over and under the cabin. A pool, the SeaPlex, a buffet, a theatre, or a nightlife venue stacked next to your room is your noise warning. Empty cabin decks above and below are the quiet ideal.
- Check the balcony sightline. On the lower decks, see whether lifeboats sit in front of the balcony. If they do, expect an obstructed view.
- Mind the forward-aft trade-off. Forward means more motion but often a quieter, more private feel; aft can be lovely but sits over the engine areas. Midship threads the needle for most travellers.
- Confirm the category symbol. Make sure the room you like is actually the category you are booking — interior, Ocean View, Balcony, Studio, or suite — since similar-looking rooms can differ.
Do this for two or three candidate rooms and the best choice usually becomes obvious. For more on getting the most from the ship once you are aboard, the Anthem of the Seas tips guide covers the reservations and rhythms worth knowing.
Quick-pick table by traveller type
| Traveller type | Best cabin pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-focused | Virtual Balcony interior | Lowest fare, live ocean screen, no claustrophobia — ideal if you are rarely in the room |
| All-round / most people | Midship Balcony, mid-decks | Steadiest ride, private outdoor space, central access |
| Solo traveller | Studio cabin | Built and priced for one, no single supplement |
| Couple, saving | Virtual Balcony interior | Comfortable for two who are out most of the day |
| Couple, celebrating | Suite | More space and quiet for a special occasion |
| Family | Connecting rooms or a suite, midship | Room to spread out, short walks, away from venue noise |
| Prone to seasickness | Midship, mid or lower deck | Least motion; avoid forward and high |
| Scenery lover | Balcony, unobstructed | Private view for fjord cruising and scenic arrivals |
Whichever you choose, confirm the exact room on the current deck plan and check the latest layout and pricing in the Royal Caribbean app, since availability moves. If this is your first sailing with the line, the first-time cruise on Anthem of the Seas guide is a good companion to this one.
Get the complete Anthem of the Seas playbook
Want every cabin, deck, and booking decision spelled out with clear action steps? “The Ultimate Guide to Sailing on Anthem of the Seas” by Leo Sotropa, part of the Ultimate Ship Guides series, turns choices like these into simple, confident calls so you board with the right room and a plan for the whole voyage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cabin on Anthem of the Seas?
For most travellers, a midship Balcony on the mid-decks is the best all-round choice. It combines private outdoor space, plenty of natural light, and the steadiest ride, which matters on open stretches like the Tasman Sea crossing to New Zealand. It also keeps you central for the lifts, stairs, and main venues.
Are the Virtual Balcony interior cabins worth booking?
Yes, especially if you are budget-conscious or plan to spend most of your time out of the room. The floor-to-ceiling screen streams a live view of the ocean, so the room never feels dark or closed in, and it is the lowest fare on the ship. It is the best-value pick for solo cruisers and couples who are rarely in the cabin.
Which cabins should I avoid on Anthem of the Seas?
Avoid rooms directly under the pool deck or the SeaPlex for noise, cabins close to Two70 or the Music Hall for late-night sound, forward high-deck rooms if you are prone to motion, and lower-deck balconies where lifeboats block the view. Always confirm the exact location on the deck plan before booking.
Is there a good cabin for solo travellers?
Yes. Anthem has dedicated Studio cabins designed and priced for one person, so you avoid the single supplement that solo travellers usually pay. These rooms are limited, so book early. If Studios are unavailable, a Virtual Balcony interior is the next most economical option.
Which cabin is best if I get seasick?
Choose a midship room on a mid or lower deck. The middle of the ship, both lengthwise and vertically, moves the least. Avoid forward and high-deck cabins, which feel the most motion, particularly on the open-water crossing between Sydney and New Zealand.
Do balcony cabins make sense on the cooler New Zealand sailings?
They still add value. A balcony pays off during scenic moments like the Fiordland cruising, when you can step outside for the views without hunting for a spot on the public decks. On cooler or wet days you may use it less, in which case the ship’s glass-roofed indoor pool and glass-domed Solarium give you sheltered options, and a Virtual Balcony interior becomes a reasonable money-saver.
How do I choose between two similar cabins on the deck plan?
Compare what sits directly above and below each room, how close each is to midship, and whether the balcony has a clear sightline or a lifeboat in front of it. The room with quiet decks above and below, a central position, and an unobstructed view is almost always the better booking. Confirm the current layout in the Royal Caribbean app.
Meet Alexander: The Heartbeat Behind ‘A Country A Month’
Journeying through the pages of A Country A Month, you might often feel the rhythm of a storyteller’s heartbeat, pulsating through each line, each image, and each adventure shared. That heartbeat belongs to none other than our remarkable website editor, Alexander.
With a lens in one hand and a pen in the other, Alexander seamlessly marries his passions for photography and writing. His eye captures moments that words can barely describe, yet his eloquence brings those images to life, transcending borders and connecting us all through shared stories. An avid traveler, every country he’s visited has added another chapter to his expansive tale, and through our platform, he generously shares these chapters with us.
His prowess with WordPress ensures that our readers get a seamless and engaging experience every time they land on our website. But beyond the technicalities, what truly sets Alexander apart is his authentic passion for the places he writes about. He doesn’t just tell you about a destination; he takes you there, guiding you through its nooks and crannies with an intimacy only a genuine explorer possesses.
Join us in appreciating Alexander, the guiding spirit of A Country A Month, as he continues to chart new territories, uncover hidden gems, and weave narratives that resonate with wanderers worldwide.
