Serenade vs. Anthem

[Bmill]

Hi everyone!

I could use any advice that can be given. My wife and I are looking at going on our first Alaskan cruise with Royal Caribbean in 2026. Trying to decide between the anthem of the seas out of Seattle or serenade of the seas out of Vancouver. Anthem is quite a bit more expensive and leaves the 8th-15 of June, while the serenade leaves the 14-21, is the anthem or earlier June worth more money? Which would you choose? Thanks in advance

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd go with the least expensive as the scenery is the most important on that itinerary. Be sure to calculate the cost to get to Seattle or Vancouver when comparing prices.

 

[msmayor]

I've never sailed on Anthem...but regardless would still pick Serenade (sailed a 10-night on that ship a few years ago). Anthem is much larger (up to 2,000 more passengers) and I much prefer a ship with a capacity around 2,000 - 2,200 passenger.

We loved the public spaces that had wide open views to the outside of the ship, wonderful for scenic cruising (especially if the weather isn't the best).

 

[Frozen2014]

We just booked our first Alaska cruise for next year and also looked at the ships. I've been on Anthem but not on Serenade. Our choice was between Anthem and Voyager and we selected Anthem since it has a lot of indoor viewing space (270, Solarium, indoor pool and SeaPlex). That way, if the weather is cold or raining, we can still see the beautiful views. I also love Anthem as a ship for the included food venues (270, additional Solarium Cafe) and I personally love We Wil Rock You.

For the negatives, I've heard that the larger ships may have a harder time with going to some places such as Endicott Arm as it is harder to maneuver.

 

[tidefan]

If the Serenade is R/T Vancouver, it will sail the complete inside passage. Ships out of Seattle go around the Western side of Vancouver Island whereas most of the ships out of Vancouver go the Eastern side between Vancover Island and the mainland. It's like cruising down a river. Absolutely worth it!