snowdayz Posted October 25, 2016 #1 Share Posted October 25, 2016 (edited) We are considering taking a cruise for Christmas..... It would be 6 of us--hubby and I, my parents and our kids. On the one hand, we could go on the Anthem. The pros, I imagine, include the lack of flying as we can drive there. I like the idea of boarding on the 23rd in the cold, having two days at sea (24th/25th) while still dealing with winter weather and exploring the ship and having the whole Christmas experience. We would then wake up in Labadee on the 26th. The cons are--well the cold weather I said I liked above, but also the 6 days at sea going there and back. I also worry 10 days may be "too much" family togetherness.....or that my teens might get bored on the days when the weather is iffy. The reviews on the Anthem are nota s great as I would have expected, also. Thoughts? The Harmony seems amazing. We have done the Oasis and the Allure before so we know what to expect--althout Harmony seems even better than that. The only downside would be the flights...... but we have miles so it nets out to just being a hassle but not that much of an added expense when you factor in parking in NJ. It's a shorter cruise (7 days, I think) and therefore cheaper. Less novelty but more of a sure thing. Any advice, insights or experiences sailing at Christmas (and being Christian and actually celebrating the holiday) would be appreciated. We have many Jewish friends who often take cruises that week-but as Christians who celebrate, this would be a first for us. We'd be celebrating my parent's 50th anniversary so we are looking to do something truly memorable for the family....but I don't want to find I feel like I missed Christmas. We have two teenagers and they are excited about the idea of vacation but concerned that they will miss "Christmas" which they enjoy so much. Thank you in advance! Edited October 25, 2016 by snowdayz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted October 25, 2016 #2 Share Posted October 25, 2016 My preference would be to fly to Florida to be warm and sunny immediately and soon as I get off the plane, rather than spending some cold days at sea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdwh1902 Posted October 26, 2016 #3 Share Posted October 26, 2016 You can always join us on the Ovation OTS Christmas cruise out of Sydney to New Zealand return! No nasty cold weather to worry about, only warmth and sunny skies! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bostongalpal16 Posted October 26, 2016 #4 Share Posted October 26, 2016 Jewel out San Juan! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ocean Dancer Posted October 26, 2016 #5 Share Posted October 26, 2016 I would do the Anthem. There are no cold days, you'll be in the Caribbean as soon as you board. Bored is the last thing your teens will be. There are many indoor activities, pools, etc. to make everyone happy and enough room on the ship that you can meet for family time at dinner. Both ships will be decorated to the nines. Have a great cruise :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kruzerci Posted October 26, 2016 #6 Share Posted October 26, 2016 Harmony. Hands down. December from NJ for a premium price, no thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken at the beach Posted October 26, 2016 #7 Share Posted October 26, 2016 We were booked on Anthem for Christmas last year however I cancelled and booked Oasis instead. Last years Anthem cruise was a 7 or 8 day cruise and I didn't want to give up almost half of it to cooler weather. I want all 7 days to be nice and warm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DkswartzFamily Posted October 26, 2016 #8 Share Posted October 26, 2016 Harmony has sooo many great things to do and sunshine from the minute you get off the plane sounds great! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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