Royal Caribbean will once again have a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year, likely to promote the arrival of Anthem of the Seas to her new homeport of the New York City area.

Macy's Thanksgiving Parade website has Royal Caribbean's float listed and a photo of the float that Royal Caribbean has used for the last two years, entitled, "A World At Sea".

The float was designed by the creative artists of the Macy’s Parade Studio and depicts three distinct postcard scenes which take place onboard a Royal Caribbean ship. The rotating scenes depict three “WOW” moments found only on Royal Caribbean, including the FlowRider surf simulator, thrilling zip line and iconic rock climbing wall.

Photo by Michael Poole

Royal Caribbean has had a parade float in the annual event the last two years to promote sister ship, Quantum of the Seas.  

The 89th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airs nationwide on NBC, on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2014.

Thanks to Cruise Ship News for the find!

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas is wrapping up her European cruise season in preperation for her move across, "the pond" to the United States, where she will arrive at her new home in the New York City area.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Steven van Belleghem sent us these great shots of Anthem of the Seas today in Zeebrugge, Belgium.

Enjoy!

All photos by Steven van Belleghem

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas is less than two weeks away from her arrival in the New York City area and many  fans are excited to check out what this brand new ship offers.

Royal Caribbean has packed Anthem of the Seas with innovations, activities and technology that all contribute to give guests that "WOW" factor the company is well known for.

There is a lot of exciting options onboard and in anticipation of Anthem of the Seas' arrival, we are counting down the top five coolest features onboard.

5. Virtual Balconies

When Royal Caribbean announced it would transform indoor staterooms with an 80-inch LED television that would provide real-time views, the concept may not have resonated with guests as much until we saw it in action.

Virtual balcony staterooms transform the experience of an indoor stateroom without the balcony stateroom price and the picture quality is amazing.

In addition to the real-time views, the virtual balcony provides audio as well and unlike a real balcony, you can simply press a button on your remote and turn it on or off at your discretion.

4. Voom high speed internet

If you have a need for speed when it comes to surfing the internet, Royal Caribbean's Voom internet is perfect for you.

Imagine being at sea and sharing photos and videos from all the "WOW" moments in this blog post with your friends and family back home.  Or better yet, show them by calling them on Skype or Facetime.  You can do all that and more with Voom.

Anthem of the Seas is one a few Royal Caribbean ships currently offering Voom internet and for just $15 per device, per day, you can stay connected without the sluggish internet speeds traditionally found on a cruise ship.

If you are a gamer, head over to the X-Box pod in the SeaPlex, because Voom is powering the gaming experience there, where guests can engage in Xbox Live.

3.  Two70

Entertainment has always been a staple of Royal Caribbean cruises and Two70 offers some of the most impressive shows we have ever seen.

Two70 is a venue at the aft of the ship that offers a two hundred and seventy degree view of the ocean, and there is much more than just that to see.

During the day, you will find Roboshows shows that feature robotic screens that move and adjust to the show they are displaying.  

Two70 also features Vistarama, which transforms its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows into any scene, real or imagined, by combining 18 projectors to create an ambient surface over 100 feet wide and over 20 feet tall. Across this expanse, impromptu digital shows come to life in stunning 12K resolution.

At night, there is yet another show to enjoy here, with Spectra's Cabaret.  This is an immersive audio and visual experience that is certain to be like nothing you have seen before.

Two70 is a hub of activity for guests onboard Anthem of the Seas and after your cruise is over, it is quite likely many of your cruise photos will have been taken here.

2. Ripcord

Four words: sky diving at sea.

That is all most guests need to hear to understand what Ripcord by iFly is all about.

Guests get the sensation and experience of sky diving without the whole jump out of a perfectly good airplane from an obscene altitude.

It is one of those things that so many guests instantly want to try because not only does it look super cool, it is also super fun!

There is no additional cost to hop in Ripcord, guests simply make a reservation and get suited up and literally jump in.

Be sure to have someone take photos for you, because Ripcord is such an unique experience and something only available on Royal Caribbean.

1. North Star

When we are talking about "WOW" moments, there is nothing that quite compares to the most visible feature on Anthem of the Seas, North Star.

Guests board a jewel-shaped observation capsule and are taken up 300 feet above sea level for views never before seen on a cruise ship.

North Star offers 360 degree views all around Anthem of the Seas and it is something that simply never gets old.  No matter how many times you go up on North Star, it is still a stunning sight to behold and you will need extra memory cards for your camera to be able to handle all the photos and video from here.

If you really want to spice things up, remember the Voom internet from earlier in this post?  How about streaming your experience on Periscope or calling your friends at home on Facetime and showing them where you are? When you are on North Star, you are going to want to do all of it!

There is much more!

We limited ourselves to the top 5 coolest things about Anthem of the Seas for this blog post, but there is so much more that will impress you.

Surf simulators, bumper cars at sea, an amazing adults only pool, incredible restaurants and much more.  We cannot fit it all into one blog post but rest assured that a cruise on Anthem of the Seas is certain to impress.

What aspect of Anthem of the Seas is the coolest, in your opinion? Tell us in the comments below!

In just a little under 20 days, Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas will be arriving in the New York City area to begin offering cruises from her new home in Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

You might be wondering how Anthem of the Seas is different from her sister cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas and we have the list of how to tell them apart!

1. Art

Perhaps the most noticable difference between Anthem of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas is the art work.

Royal Caribbean has added thousands of art pieces onboard Anthem of the Seas and as you explore the ship, you will encounter pieces from all over the world.

Anthem of the Seas even has its very own Picasso!

Once you get onboard Anthem of the Seas, be sure to explore the ship to discover the many pieces of art.  You will find art all over the ship, from the elevators and stairways to the restaurants, staterooms and even out on the decks.

2. Gigi

One big difference (and we mean big) is on the top deck is a 32-foot tall giraffe that the crew affectionately have named, "Gigi".

You will find Gigi wearing a bright pink inner tube and yellow swimsuit, just outside the SeaPlex.  

French artist Jean-François Fourtou designed Gigi, and says her purpose is to, " always to show something outside of its natural context."

"I hope people will feel a big surprise — I hope they will laugh, and I hope some of them will feel something emotional because, for me, the giraffe seems almost human with her expression," he says. "Much like being a father, you have to let the kids leave home, and I think it’s great that she’s going to see the world and have a great adventure."

3. We Will Rock You

These days, no new Royal Caribbean ship is complete without a new musical and guests on Anthem of the Seas get a chance to rock out to a West End favorite.

"We Will Rock You," performs multiple times on Anthem of the Seas in the Royal Theater.  

The 90 minute show is included in the cost of the cruise and performs some of Queen's greatest hits, while telling the story of Bohemians seeking to restore the power of rock 'n' roll.

Not only is "We Will Rock You" an entertaining and fun show to watch, it is a great example of the first class entertainment Royal Caribbean is known for.

4. Escape From the Future

If you are looking for something fun but different, check out "Escape from the Future".

Basically, "Escape from the Future" is a game where teams of guests try to figure out clues and codes to find a key that allows them to escape from the room.  The catch is, guests only have one hour to figure it all out.

This interactive brain teasing game is something very different from other onboard activities and it can be a very fun way to test their wits.

"Escape from the Future" was designed by a land-based company known as Puzzle Break and the all the fun is included in your cruise fare.

5. Stowaway Piano Player

Royal Caribbean is always trying to offer more entertainment that gets guests talking and finding this show may require some random luck.

On the surface, the stowaway piano player sounds like a normal piano player that can crank out some great tunes.  But the catch is you will never know where to find the stowaway!

The piano player is quite mobile, and that means performances can break out almost anywhere on the ship.

In addition, the piano has hidden compartments and functions and can dispense various things, such as lollipops for kids or appear to overheat because of "intense" piano playing.

6. Spectra's Cabaret

On Quantum of the Seas, the Starwater show in Two70 was very impressive and Royal Caribbean offers a brand new evening show in Two70 called, "Spectra's Cabaret."

This is an original Royal Caribbean production created by Moment Factory, exclusively for Two70 on Anthem of the Seas and it features, "the Maestro and his Agents of Rhythm as they invite you to an electric multi-dimensional cabaret where you will be transported into invisible realms."

Guests that watch "Spectra's Cabaret" will witness a multi-media show featuring kaleidoscopic sounds, effervescent colors and dazzling movement.

Spectra’s Cabaret blends live performance and experiential cinema along with music from popular culture. 

In just about a month, Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas will be arriving at her new homeport of Cape Liberty, New Jersey, and it will mark her debut in the United States.

Photo by Royal Caribbean

Anthem of the Seas' arrival stateside is a big deal because there will be a brand new cruise ship for guests to try out in one of the most populous parts of the country.

In anticipation for Anthem of the Seas' arrival, we are counting down the top reasons you ought to be excited to welcome Anthem of the Seas "home".

5. The biggest ship to call New York home

With Anthem of the Seas arrival in the New York City metro area, Anthem of the Seas will be the largest and most innovative ship ever to homeport in the New York region.

Folks living in the North East definitely hold themselves in high regard and having a significantly larger Royal Caribbean ship than ever before means there is a lot to enjoy about her.

4. Lots of WOWs

​Of course, this massive ship contains lots of WOWs onboard and there ought to be enough to enjoy on Anthem of the Seas to satisfy the Big Apple's appetite.

Onboard Anthem of the Seas, guests will find quite a variety of onboard activities, dining options and places to relax.

There is no way to fit them all into one post but here are the ones not to miss:

• We Will Rock You, the Olivier Award-winning musical
• Bionic Bar
• Bumper cars
• Two70 theater
• Music Hall
• iFly skydiving simulator

3. Seeing the New York City skyline from North Star

Few skylines are as easily recongizable and beloved as the New York City skyline, but you have to see it from over 300 feet above sea level!

North Star is Royal Caribbean's amazing observation capsule, that takes guests smoothly into the air to provide breathtaking views of New York City, the Statue of Liberty and the surrounding areas.

Once you see New York from North Star, it will give you a view of the area that you have never experienced before.

2. The arrival of Dynamic Dining Classic

Dynamic Dining is not new to the United States but Royal Caribbean has introduced a new option to Dynamic Dining for those that want a more traditional dining experience.

Onboard Anthem of the Seas, guests can choose Dynamic Dining Classic if they prefer the traditional main dining style with the same dining time each night, with the same wait staff and dining companions throughout the cruise. 

Guests will rotate through restaurants onboard the ship, giving them the Dynamic Dining experience coupled with the traditional dining memories they have enjoyed on past cruises.

Dynamic Dining Classic is available on a first come, first serve basis. 

1. Longer itineraries

Photo by Miguelángel

Royal Caribbean designed Anthem of the Seas for longer itineraries and that means this new ship will take New Yorkers, New Jerseyians and Connecticitians to more exotic and beautiful destinations than ever before.

Anthem of the Seas will offer cruises to 

• The Caribbean
• The Bahamas
• Canada & New England
• Bermuda

Anthem of the Seas offers sailings that are 7-, 8-, 10- and 12-nights that are sure to meet the needs of all Royal Caribbean fans looking to get away.

Sailing from the northeast means no plane rides south required and more time onboard, enjoying the ambiance and views only a cruise ship can provide.

What are you most excited about to experience on Anthem of the Seas? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Royal Caribbean kicked off today a special 72-hour sale on Anthem of the Seas cruises, where guests can get a free upgrade to a balcony stateroom and $200 in onboard credit.

Guests that book a qualifying cruise can get

• Free Upgrade – from Interior to Balcony (starting at $799 per person).
• An additional $200 onboard credit per stateroom for all categories.

The cruise sale runs from September 21 through 23, 2015 and is for all Anthem of the Seas sailings departing November 10 – December 19, 2015.

Free Upgrade offers are combinable with the adjoining OBC offer, Crown & Anchor discounts, Next Cruise offers, and Shareholder Benefits. Free Upgrade offers are not combinable with restricted rates (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military, BOGO). OBC offer is combinable with restricted rates (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military, BOGO, Free Upgrades, Free Gratuities) as well as Next Cruise offers. OBC offer is not combinable with Crown & Anchor discounts and Shareholder Benefits. Neither offer is combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Standard Group, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, weekly Sales Events, Net Rates.

Offer open to residents of the United States or Canada.

Royal Caribbean announced today that Anthem of the Seas will offer the DreamWorks Experience, which offers family friendly activities and entertainment centered around famous characters from the DreamWorks catalog of films.

Guests on Anthem of the Seas can enjoy events and activities based on DreamWorks Animation's popular feature-film characters, including

• DreamWorks Character breakfast in the main dining room
• ‘meet and greet’ experiences throughout the day
• activities, games and adventures rooted in the popular DreamWorks Animation films at Adventue Ocean.
• guests can watch the latest DreamWorks Animation films at the ship’s movie theater or on a dedicated DreamWorks TV channel in their stateroom.

"Anthem of the Seas already offers an unprecedented line-up of entertainment activities on board for our guests," said Mark Tamis, senior vice president, hotel operations, Royal Caribbean International. “With the addition of the DreamWorks Experience guests of all ages will be even more wowed with everything Anthem has to offer.”

The DreamWorks Experience will begin being offered on Anthem of the Seas when she begins sailing from her homeport of Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, NJ.

Leonardo Da Vinci was a visionary with ideas that far surpassed his time. With the technology available inAnthem of the Seas’ Two70, Royal Caribbean is able to bring many of his dreams to life in a dazzling display of digital technology.

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas features two glass enclosures for either side of the ship's upper-deck pool, patio and bar area that was made by OpenAire and it has become a popular spot on the ship.

Photo by OpenAire

The retractable roof retracts into a central core and wall panels that slide down to railing height that allows the space to go from indoor to outdoor easily and quickly.

When it's cold outside or the weather does not cooperate, both of these 3,706-square-foot structures close automatically and silently, letting guests continue enjoying all of the ship’s amenities. The design has brought extremely positive reviews for both Anthem of the Seas and OpenAire.

Anthem of the Seas is the second collaboration between Royal Caribbean and OpenAire.  OpenAire created a similar retractable roof for sister ship Quantum of the Seas.  The work done on Quantum of the Seas made the work on Anthem of the Seas much easier.

Photo by OpenAire

The retractable roof will also create significant future operational savings for Royal Caribbean, as the thermally-broken aluminum framing is maintenance-free and resistant to corrosion caused by an outside atmosphere of salt air and the moist chemical aquatic inside environment. By allowing the ocean’s sunshine and breezes into the pool area, it also reduces HVAC energy use by 27% compared to a traditional enclosure.

OpenAire will complete work on a retractable enclosure for Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Ovation of the Seas ship this fall.

Two70, Royal Caribbean's transformative space onboard Anthem of the Seas fuses highly advanced robotic and projected technology with live performance, creating an unparalleled entertainment experience on land or sea.