NYC during winter/holidays - Anthem or Breakaway

[heathermiller86nj]

Hi,

 

We are a family of four with grown kids and are looking to sail out of NYC for the holidays again. We haven't sailed NCL in 5-6 years. We usually sail with RCL and last year aboard the Anthem of the Seas was our favorite cruise to date.

 

Both cruises are around the same price per day, with Anthem being more due to it being an extra night. Both cruises would be during Christmas.

 

Has anyone been on both ships for the holidays? In summary, some pros/cons include:

 

Anthem:

Pros - favorite ship, there will be new comedians and a new tribute band. Typically meet some good people aboard RCL ships aboard the holidays, like the tri-state area crowd. Some new live music. Love the indoor spaces for the winter sailing - Solarium, 270, Esplanade.

Cons - Same ship. 3 same productions shows and will likely have the same holiday activities. Even one of the fly-on acts will be the same (Finnis Henderson) - was at least hooping the fly-on entertainment would change and be different for some vareity within the entertainment department. Same food menus.

 

Breakaway:

Pros - new ship for us. 2 production shows plus second city and dueling pianos. New dining options and menus.

Cons - Limited indoor space and crowding from what we've read for a ship not meant to sail during the winter with a significant portion of outdoor space (no indoor pool, no large indoor venus like 270). 7 nights instead of 8 nights probably means only 2.5 days in warm weather vs 3.5. Also another con seems to be entertainment - doesn't seem like NCL has fly-on acts. We usually like variety with tribute bands, a variety of comedy and magician/juggler etc. It seems like besides the two shows, there is only second city and dueling pianos which leaves 4 nights of no show / main form of professional entertainment. The bands and live music are usually secondary entertainment to do before and after a show.

 

For anyone who has been on both ships during the winter and/or during the holiday season, how do they compare? How does entertainment compare - daytime and nighttime, food and the crowd of passengers?

 

Thank you very much.

[Ocean Dancer]

The guy that can answer your question is currently on board the Harmony doing a live review with 3 other friends. Look for the active thread called four headed monster and his name is Rick (CruiseLifeRick)

[Clarea]

The guy that can answer your question is currently on board the Harmony doing a live review with 3 other friends. Look for the active thread called four headed monster and his name is Rick (CruiseLifeRick)

I have a feeling Rick will say the nightlife is better on NCL!

[wilmingtech]

I haven't been on either ship, so just some questions to ponder...

 

I'd go 8 days over 7 regardless unless you just want to try a new ship.

 

Breakaway will be a nice change but crowded indoors on day 1 /2 And 6/7. No indoor pool for 4 days. Hot tubs will be stacked.

 

And it depends on when you sail. Is the ship half empty? Or is it a holiday sailing? Cold weather expected?

 

Also - RCI is having a sale right now. We just got 2 balconies for 400 less than NCLs price was for a balcony and inside.

 

We will miss the drink package though :(

 

-Sean