'One week is all it took to convert me from cruise sceptic to super fan'

Sitting on my private balcony in a complimentary robe, I found myself mesmerised by the shifting shades of blue stretching endlessly across the ocean. 

We had just left New Caledonia, and were en route to the beautiful islands of Vanuatu. 

This holiday felt different. There were no frantic rushes to the airport, logistical headaches, and none of the exhaustion that so often comes before a trip that's meant to free you from this inevitable burnout. 

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Instead, my partner slept peacefully in our air-conditioned stateroom while I soaked up uninterrupted ocean views as we drifted through the South Pacific. I couldn't remember the last time I felt so relaxed. 

We were on board Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas along with 4,000 other passengers. Yet, in that moment, it felt like we had the ship to ourselves. 

That's the magic of a near 170,000 gross-ton, 350-metre-long floating resort.

With 16 decks, endless dining options, thrilling activities, standout entertainment and unforgettable port days, it really is the getaway that ticks every box. 

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The stateroom

Stepping into our stateroom felt like entering our private piece of paradise. 

It was surprisingly spacious, featuring a comfortable double bed, a large sofa, ample storage, and a TV loaded with movies and live channels. 

As a self-confessed sports tragic, I was thrilled to discover I could watch live NRL and AFL games from my bed, in the middle of the ocean, no less. 

Still, the real highlight was the balcony. While not essential, having a private outdoor space elevated the entire experience more than I expected. 

Whether it was a morning coffee or an evening sundowner, those uninterrupted ocean views were hard to beat. 

Dining

And when I wasn't admiring the views, I was usually thinking about food. 

As an active 28 year old with an enormous appetite, I was salivating just thinking about the dining options available to me. 

Every day was a new culinary experience. We ate to our hearts content at the Windjammer buffet, which offered a rotation of international cuisines like Chinese, Italian, Greek and British pub favourites. 

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it was so expansive that I never quite made it all the way around before being distracted by the tantalising flavours on offer. 

For a more relaxed evening, we opted for 'My Time Dining'. It offered the same variety, but in a quieter, more intimate setting, with a three-course menu and a designated waiter. 

Ikadek was brilliant. With a smiling disposition, he took a genuine interest in our day and only enhanced our dining experience. 

We also treated ourselves to a few specialty restaurants, including Jamie's Italian, Izumi and Chops Grille. These came at an additional cost, but the high-end experience and slower pace made them well worth it and perfect for a romantic evening. 

Leisure

Whilst everything on board was 'smooth sailing', there were important daily decisions to be made! 

After a morning workout in a gym that rivals most on land, the first crucial call was always: which pool? 

The outdoor pool deck delivered a classic cruise vibe. We lounged under the sun, surrounded by live reggae music, and tried to secure prime spots near the pool - perfect for watching everything from volleyball matches to belly flop competitions. 

Regular trips to the Sky Bar kept us refreshed, and I couldn't resist the complimentary soft-serve ice cream station which was (unsurprisingly) always popular. 

For a quieter escape, we retreated to the Solarium, an adults only area at the front of the ship. With cascading pools, Jacuzzi's and panoramic views, it was the ideal place to unwind.

More than once, I found myself drifting off or finally getting stuck into a book I'd been meaning to read for months. 

The entertainment

As the sun dipped below the horizon, attention turned to the evening's entertainment. Just a few decks below our room, the ship came alive at night. 

The Royal Theatre hosted everything from the award-winning musical We Will Rock You to comedy shows and a dazzling magic performance. Elsewhere, we stumbled across cabarets, game shows, and immersive experiences that felt far removed from anything you'd expect at sea. 

After the shows, it was never far to one of the ship's eleven bars, all offering their own unique ambience. The Music Hall quickly became a favourite, where we joined hundreds of others singing along to live renditions of classic 70s and 80s hits. 

When the late-night entertainment made me peckish, Sorrento's pizza bar was always there, impossible to walk past without grabbing a slice. 

Activities

For those craving action, there was no shortage of ways to stay busy. 

The FlowRider surf simulator was far more challenging than it looked (or was it just me). After multiple attempts and a few humbling wipeouts, I decided it would take another cruise trip before I could truly master it. 

Ripcord by iFly offered a different kind of thrill, simulating freefall in a 160km/h wind tunnel, an experience that was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. 

Then there was the North Star viewing capsule, which lifted us high above the ship for sweeping views of the ocean. 

With rock climbing, bumper cars, basketball and even an arcade on offer, there were ample activities for young and old. 

Port Days

Waking up and opening the curtains to completely new destinations made me feel like I was still dreaming. 

As was the case when we arrived in New Caledonia and Vanuatu. 

Two gorgeous countries hidden away in the South Pacific Ocean, stepping off the ship and into island life was far easier than any airport experience I've had. 

My highlight was exploring Vanuatu's Blue Lagoon. Just a short drive from the port, it's a stunning natural swimming hole with crystal-clear water, rope swings and jumping platforms. It was picture perfect.  

We did miss out on Vanuatu's idyllic Mystery Island due to rough weather, but with so much to do on board it felt like only a minor setback. 

The verdict

In this day and age, it feels like we're all caught in a web of travel indecision. Rising costs, endless options, and global uncertainty only adds to these concerns. 

Margin for error is simply not an option. If you're taking the time to go away then everything has to be, well... perfect!

An Anthem of the Seas voyage offers ease, luxury, variety and hospitality, all wrapped into one experience. You unpack once, wake up somewhere new, and have everything you desire at your fingertips. 

When we departed from Sydney Harbour, I had a clear idea of what I wanted from this trip. By the time we returned, it had exceeded my expectations. 

The writer travelled as a guest of Royal Caribbean.

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