Driving from Montreal to Cape Liberty and sailing to the Bahamas sounds like an easy Spring Break escape. Our experience reveals where it delivers and where it does not.
A Quebec Spring Break ritual
For many Montreal families, driving to Cape Liberty in New Jersey and boarding Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas has become a Spring Break tradition. The promise is tempting: avoid airfare, escape winter and sail toward the Bahamas.
Our experience was more complicated. The ship performed very well where it mattered most, especially food and service, but the long drive, cold sea days and additional costs made the overall value less obvious.
What Anthem of the Seas offers
Anthem was designed for cooler climates, with large indoor spaces and activities such as the SeaPlex, bumper cars, FlowRider, RipCord by iFly, North Star observation capsule, theaters, pools and a covered solarium.
The basic fare normally includes the cabin, main dining room, buffet, selected casual food, shows and many activities. It does not include gratuities, most alcoholic drinks, internet, specialty restaurants, excursions, parking, some attractions and transportation to New Jersey. Those extras are what change the final bill.
The trip from Montreal to New Jersey is already tiring
The drive is roughly six to seven hours without serious traffic, but weather, the border and New York congestion can stretch it considerably. We arrived a day early to protect ourselves against delays, which added a hotel night and meals.
Our budget hotel proved to be false economy. Saving a little on the room was not worth the lower comfort before a demanding travel day.
We also visited Times Square. It photographs well, but the crowds, noise and inflated prices confirmed what we already suspected: it is one of New York’s biggest tourist traps.
If you enjoy long highway drives, this approach may suit you. For us, it reduced the feeling of a relaxing escape before the cruise had even started.
A cold-weather ship has a Spring Break downside
Anthem’s enclosed spaces are excellent in the North Atlantic. The problem is that the first two sea days can be cold, and the final two become cold again on the return north. On a week-long trip, only the middle portion consistently feels tropical.
When the temperature reaches 15°C, many Canadians treat it as summer and fill the outdoor deck. Visitors expecting Caribbean heat may see it differently.
Food and service were the strongest part
The main dining room surprised us positively. Meals were consistent, varied and well presented, and the crew made the experience feel organized despite the number of passengers.
The buffet handled breakfast and quick meals well, while scheduled dining gave each evening a calmer rhythm. Service was attentive without feeling artificial. This is where Royal Caribbean justified its reputation.
The ports: pleasant, but not equally memorable
Cocoa Beach
We went expecting a classic Florida beach day, but conditions and the overall setting did not match that image. The long transfer from the port also reduces the time available. It was fine, not a highlight.
Nassau
The blue water impresses immediately, but cruise schedules make the experience less efficient than it appears. Popular beaches and resorts require transport, planning and often an additional payment. The port area itself becomes crowded when several ships arrive together.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
CocoCay is beautiful, clean and extremely organized. It is also a carefully engineered Royal Caribbean product. Beaches, paths and services are convenient, but anyone seeking an authentic Bahamian island experience may find it too artificial.
That does not make it bad. Families who value safety, comfort and easy logistics may consider it the best day of the trip. We simply prefer destinations with more local character.
The real cost is much higher than the advertised fare
The cruise price is only the beginning. Add:
- fuel, tolls and parking at Cape Liberty;
- one hotel night before departure;
- mandatory gratuities;
- drinks and internet if you want them;
- port transportation and excursions;
- meals during the road trip;
- optional specialty dining and paid onboard activities.
Spring Break demand also raises cabin prices. What initially looks cheaper than flying to an all-inclusive resort can become comparable once every expense is included.
Verdict: is the Anthem Spring Break cruise worth it?
It is worth considering for families who dislike flying, enjoy the ship as a destination and value strong food, service and indoor entertainment. It is especially practical when several people can share the drive and parking costs.
It is less convincing if your priority is warm weather every day, authentic Caribbean culture or a genuinely restful journey from Montreal. Four cooler sailing days and a long road trip consume a significant part of the vacation.
Our honest conclusion: Anthem of the Seas is a good ship, but this particular itinerary is not automatically the best Spring Break value for Montreal residents. Compare the complete cost with a direct flight and resort package before booking, not just the cruise fare displayed on the first screen.
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