Our group of 11 (ranging from ages 9mo-60) embarked onto the Anthem of the Seas on May 5, 2016 from Bayonne. I (in my late 20s) personally have been on many cruises throughout the years and have sailed on most major cruise lines including 4 previous RCCL cruises (all Explorer class), Carnival, Celebrity and Princess. I have never had such an overall terrible experience before on any vacation that I have ever taken.
Instead of going into detail about every aspect of the ship as I normally would in review, I would instead like to leave some bullet points that summarize my personal experience.
*Entire Esplanade area is devoted to trying to get you to spend even more money. Like sailing on a giant shopping mall. Consists of 'luxury' stores such as Bvlgari, a for-pay bakery (where you can enjoy slightly better looking pastries than what's available in the Windjammer buffet for a price), and a few scattered bars that are obviously dead during the daytime. Absolutely no free (aka included) activities to be found in this area. What felt like Daily sale promos (50% OFF; Captain's Sale, etc.) would be held in the middle of this area where people would line up in the middle of the ship for their chance to obtain some of the junkiest jewelry/accessories I have ever seen in my life. Apparently buying a $20MSRP (as set by RCCL, but available for purchase for $1 online) watch for $10 is worth spending an hour in line for some people but I digress.
Fantastic beach; great little "boardwalk-type" area
This is a great port usually but unfortunately was rained out this trip.
embarkation
Very limited time but never happy to see San Juan as a cruise port as not one of my favorite destinations.
Fantastic beach; any extra activities at an additional cost even though the island is owned by RCCL; long lines for the provided mediocre BBQ food