Royal Caribbean International has officially taken delivery of its 23rd ship, Anthem of the Seas, at a signing ceremony held in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Royal Caribbean chairman Richard Fain received the second of the global holiday company’s Quantum-class ships from Meyer Werft Yard managing partner Bernard Meyer.

Fain said: “We’ve always broken the mould with each successive ship we build, and Anthem of the Seas is no different.

“I would like to thank Bernard and the Meyer Werft team for their ongoing partnership in designing and building awe-inspiring ships with us.”

Anthem of the Seas now sails to Southampton, where she will be home-ported for her inaugural season of sailings to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands.

The ship will be inaugurated on April 20th, when travel agent Godmother Emma Wilby will be responsible for naming the ship before performing a special song for more than 1,300 invited guests and dignitaries.

Passengers on board the new ship can experience a wide range of unmatched on board innovations, such as the North Star aerial observatory, a glass capsule that takes guests more than 300 feet above the ocean for incomparable panoramic views; RipCord by iFLY skydiving and FlowRider surfing simulators; and SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more.

Passengers can enjoy an expansive array of delicious fare in 18 distinctive on board restaurants and enjoy Royal Caribbean Productions’ industry-renowned entertainment in Music Hall, the Royal Theatre, and the Royal Esplanade.

Anthem of the Seas spans 16 guest decks, encompasses 167,800 gross registered tonnes, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms.

In November, New York Harbour will be the ship’s permanent home, sailing regularly from Cape Liberty Cruise Port to Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada and New England.