Royal Caribbean
Anthem of the Seas
- Cruises
- 37
- From
- $514
Ship comparison
Anthem of the Seas vs Norwegian Epic
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Epic
- Cruises
- 35
- From
- $389
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Anthem of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 4,180 passengers, in service since 2015. Norwegian Epic is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,100 passengers, in service since 2010.
Choose Anthem of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, a more family-friendly ship or more culture: it outscores Norwegian Epic for active (8.0 vs 7.0), family friendly (10.0 vs 9.0) and cultural (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Norwegian Epic if you want a more romantic trip, more adventure and nature or more crew per passenger: it outscores Anthem of the Seas for romantic (7.0 vs 4.0) and adventure & nature (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has a crew member for every 2.3 passengers (vs 2.8).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Anthem of the Seas | Norwegian Epic | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2015 (better) | 2010 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2021 |
| Gross tonnage | 167,800 | 155,873 |
| Passengers | 4,180 | 4,100 |
| Crew | 1,500 | 1,753 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.8 | 2.3 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 40.1 (better) | 38.0 |
| Decks | 16 | 19 |
| Length | 1,141 ft | 1,080 ft |
| Beam | 134 ft | 133 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 37 | 35 |
| Upcoming sailings | 88 | 90 |
| Cruise lengths | 3 to 18 nights | 4 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $514 | $389 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Anthem of the Seas leads on 3 of the ten, Norwegian Epic on 3, with 4 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Royal Caribbean
Anthem of the Seas
Royal Caribbean promised newly designed staterooms, game-changing technology, ground-breaking venues and excellent dining — and Anthem of the Seas certainly provides it. Active cruise passengers will love the interior design, sports and fitness options, and entertainment.
Highlights
- Head to the free RipCord by iFly, where you can skydive without the scary jumping-out-of-a-plane part.
- Play basketball, go roller skating and ride bumper cars at the SeaPlex.
- The new stateroom design includes family-friendly modular staterooms that interconnect and the first virtual balconies at sea.
- There are no set dining times, no assigned seats and no required formal nights.
Sailing now
37 cruises on sale, from $514.
About Anthem of the Seas Plan my cruise on Anthem of the Seas
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Epic
While other cruise lines focus on set itineraries while on board, Norwegian Cruise Line takes the view that everyone has different needs and interests and aims to provide as much choice and as many options as possible. They embrace the concept of choice and build it into every aspect of the onboard offering.
Highlights
- Water parks with three thrill rides are available for all ages, and there is now a SplashGolf experience in the Kids Aqua Park.
- For solo travelers, there is a dedicated area with private access and a lounge.
- The Haven offers a premium suites area with their own deck, concierge and spa access.
- Brand name entertainment shows include the “Burn the Floor” dance show and the Broadway show "Priscilla Queen of the Desert."
Sailing now
35 cruises on sale, from $389.
Questions
Anthem of the Seas or Norwegian Epic?
Which is bigger, Anthem of the Seas or Norwegian Epic?
Anthem of the Seas is bigger at 167,800 gross tons, against 155,873 gross tons for Norwegian Epic. Anthem of the Seas carries 4,180 passengers and Norwegian Epic carries 4,100.
Which ship is newer, Anthem of the Seas or Norwegian Epic?
Anthem of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2015 against 2010 for Norwegian Epic.
Which has more space per passenger?
Anthem of the Seas, with 40.1 gross tons per passenger against 38.0 on Norwegian Epic. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Norwegian Epic, with one crew member for every 2.3 passengers against one for every 2.8 on Anthem of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
Anthem of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10, against 9.0 for Norwegian Epic.
Still deciding?
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