Launching in 2015, Anthem of the Seas is a near-carbon copy of Quantum of the Seas, a vessel that made a striking debut in 2014, taking cruising to an entire new level with robotic bartenders, skydiving simulator, a choice of 18 restaurants and a viewing pod, the North Star, that lifts 14 passengers at a time 300 feet above the deck. The difference, though, is that while Quantum of the Seas will be based in Shanghai, serving Chinese cruisers, Anthem is to spend summer 2015 sailing from Southampton and the following winter in the Caribbean.

Anthem carries 4,180 passengers in a variety of cabin grades from innovative inside cabins with 'virtual balconies' - a projection onto one wall of the view outside the ship - to family suites, solo cabins and double-height Loft cabins at the ship's stern. Children are well catered for in the superb Adventure Ocean children's clubs and teens will be wowed by SeaPlex, a fantastic sports area with basketball, table tennis, roller discos and bumper cars.

There are 18 places to eat on board and thanks to a system called Dynamic Dining, you can choose where and when you dine. Four of the main restaurants are included in the price (serving anything from French classics to New Orleans gumbo or Indian curry), while fees vary for the others, which include Jamie's Italian, by Jamie Oliver; bar meals in Michael's Genuine Pub, the first American gastropub at sea; and delicious, sub-500 calorie dishes at Devinly Decadence, created by The Biggest Loser chef Devin Alexander. Yes, you can indulge in pulled pork tacos or chocolate chip pancakes with a clear conscience!

In addition, Anthem offers a huge gym and spa; several pools; a high-tech theatre showing the Queen-inspired We Will Rock You; and Two70, an innovative lounge by day and dazzling nightclub after dark.