Cruise smackdown: Norwegian Escape vs. Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas
Which cruise line has the hottest new ship of 2015? Readers, we want to hear what you have to say!
In this, the sixth of our new series of Cruise Ship Smackdowns, we're pitting Norwegian Cruise Line's just-unveiled Norwegian Escape against Royal Caribbean's new Anthem of the Seas.
Click through the photo tours of the two ships in the carousels above and below, then go the comment area to tell us: Which one would do you think should hold the crown as the year's hottest new cruise vessel -- and why?
Unveiled in October and April, respectively, the two ships are among the largest at sea and boast all the trappings of a major megaresort, from deck-top fun zones with gee-whiz attractions to multiple restaurants and nightspots. Still, as you can see in the photo tours, each has its own distinct vibe.
NCAA president 'very pleased' with revisions to Indiana religious freedom law
Sailing out of Miami, the 4,248-passenger Norwegian Escape boasts one of the largest water parks at sea with four major water slides; a giant spa with a flurries-filled snow room; elaborate production shows including Broadway's Million Dollar Quartet; the first Margaritaville at sea; the largest ropes course at sea; a miniature golf course; a full-size basketball court; and a bocce ball court -- a first for the line. The vessel also offers an unusually wide range of eateries, a Norwegian hallmark, including several indoor/outdoor outlets along an innovative, restaurant-lined boardwalk. It's also home to one of Norwegian's signature "ship-within-a-ship" luxury suite area, The Haven, which has its own private pool, restaurant, butler service and concierge.
Sailing year-round out of the New York area, the 4,180-passenger Anthem boasts such innovative features as a skydiving simulator, a bar with a robot bartender and a glass capsule on a mechanical arm that rises above the ship for bird's-eye views. The vessel also has bumper cars, roller skating, multiple pools, large production shows including the West End's We Will Rock You and an unusual, multilevel entertainment space called Two70 that features aerial performances.
