New Year’s Cruise Questions?

[Spunky946]

12 hours ago, Noreen411 said:

Thank you.

Good point about when kids return to school.

Next year with Christmas falling on a Friday there is more distinction between the Christmas vs New Years week.  Or maybe that’s just my way of looking at it.

I agree with the safe factor and not having to worry about crazy drunk people on the road

 

Noreen

we’ve done a Christmas cruise the last three years, including this year.  Next year will be New Years as the way the holidays fall and my kids school schedule.  They are off from 12/23-1/3, returning 1/4.  We are looking at the freedom 12/27.  I suspect that this year it will be full of kids.

[SG65CB]

If New Year's Day is a port day it could affect what activities and locations are available off the ship. That's just a guess. someone who has been there could relate their experience.

[trivia addict]

Yes, the timing of this years calendar may make a difference in family plans.

i can’t remember how a NYD port call affected us. Thinking that better stores will be closed but beaches and souvenir stalls will be open. That is a good point to look into.

[Noreen411]

11 hours ago, Cruise a holic said:

When we went to an all inclusive upscale resort in Cancun during New Years, they also charged a significant charge for a special dinner and a show on New Years eve.  Didn't like it of course, but it also applies to cruise ships.  Didn't pay additional on Celebrity for a NY eve cruise on the Edge- perhaps now only Royal- for now!

I’m hoping someone who was on board this year does a review and posts the compasses/specials so we can see what was done.

[Noreen411]

9 hours ago, trivia addict said:

We always bought the beverage package, so no need to buy the special champagne package on NYE. We, too, are not champagne people, but if we wanted a glass of champagne, we just ordered one from a bar. Also, remember you are allowed to bring one bottle of wine per person onboard. ( of course, could not bring that to your dinner if that is what you would be looking for.)

And, never bothered to reserve a space on the Promenade. Truthfully, it does become a very crowded and noisy space. Not a place I wanted to be. 
All of the bars on board and the Viking Crown (does it still exist?) had countdowns at midnight. Can also watch the countdown from one of the balconies above the Promenade.

That’s what worries me a bit - the crowds.  We don’t like crowds.

I did the NYE in Times Square thing once years ago; never again, way too crowded.

I want to see the festivities on the ship on New Year’s Eve but not be crushed by tons of people.

 

Noreen

[trivia addict]

Noreen, maybe look for a smaller ship without the Promenade,  and one without  the bells and whistles. Less crowds, less kids.
We did the Jewel one year. Lovely. Also did another Line a few times. One not known for having a lot of children on board.

Keep looking! NYE is really a lot of fun on a ship!

[Noreen411]

22 hours ago, Moltar said:

In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing better then a NYE cruise and no better way to do NYE. We have been on 3. 1990-91, 2015-16 and last NYE 2018-19.  Sovereign Of the Seas, Independence and last year Anthem. Our favorite so far was Independence hands down! Anthem was fun too but definitely loved the Royal Promenade much more on Indy.

 

 

 

Your videos are amazing.  It looks fantastic.  Thank you for sharing.

[Noreen411]

19 hours ago, ilovecrusin422 said:

So the ships are still decorated for Christmas on the New Years Eve cruises.

That would make it even better.  I would love to see how the ships decorate for Christmas

[Noreen411]

14 hours ago, trivia addict said:

Noreen, maybe look for a smaller ship without the Promenade,  and one without  the bells and whistles. Less crowds, less kids.
We did the Jewel one year. Lovely. Also did another Line a few times. One not known for having a lot of children on board.

Keep looking! NYE is really a lot of fun on a ship!

Hi.

 

We would want to cruise out of Bayonne so we can easily drive to the pier.  I would look at NYC as well but we mainly cruise on Royal Caribbean and have cruised on Celebrity so it’s Bayonne.  We could look at other departure ports but we also have another cruise booked late January 2021 so are trying to limit the travel time/days needed to get to/from the cruise.

 

Maybe we should branch out into other lines and see what they have to offer also.  We really liked our Celebrity cruise and it’s still in the same family.

 

Noreen

[Noreen411]

Hi

 

Apologies if I missed responding to anyone’s individual response.  I appreciate all the info being provided.

Keep it coming

 

Noreen

[discru]

Just got off Indy for NYE. Not a lot of small kids. College age and teens, tho.  Average age of everyone I’m guessing was 40-60s. 

They had free glasses of champagne on Promenade when we boarded on the 28th, and again around midnight NYE.  We always cruise at Christmas on bigger ships and it never feels crowded to us. Indy felt crowded to me. Bars were woefully understocked. Ran out of standard items... olives, titos, mint, etc. from day 1. We routinely went to numerous bars just to get the fixings for a drink. Worst staffed bars on any ship we have ever sailed. But... the bartenders were awesome. Super friendly!! I felt so bad for them as they were constantly out of items and I know some of the guests were not happy. 

Most of the seating on promenade was reserved for a price. They had “parties” on promenade, star lounge, pool deck, Bolaros, from what I understand; however, I was told the only venue that had a countdown was promenade.  Viking crown was for people who wanted a “quieter” venue. 

Whole experience was fun and safe ... but the crowds and pathetically stocked bars were a big letdown for our group. 

Oh, yeah... and they took the tree down the morning of NYE!  Strange!!

Edited January 3, 2020 by discru
Added info

[Noreen411]

26 minutes ago, discru said:

Just got off Indy for NYE. Not a lot of small kids. College age and teens, tho.  Average age of everyone I’m guessing was 40-60s. 

They had free glasses of champagne on Promenade when we boarded on the 28th, and again around midnight NYE.  We always cruise at Christmas on bigger ships and it never feels crowded to us. Indy felt crowded to me. Bars were woefully understocked. Ran out of standard items... olives, titos, mint, etc. from day 1. We routinely went to numerous bars just to get the fixings for a drink. Worst staffed bars on any ship we have ever sailed. But... the bartenders were awesome. Super friendly!! I felt so bad for them as they were constantly out of items and I know some of the guests were not happy. 

Most of the seating on promenade was reserved for a price. They had “parties” on promenade, star lounge, pool deck, Bolaros, from what I understand; however, I was told the only venue that had a countdown was promenade.  Viking crown was for people who wanted a “quieter” venue. 

Whole experience was fun and safe ... but the crowds and pathetically stocked bars were a big letdown for our group. 

Oh, yeah... and they took the tree down the morning of NYE!  Strange!!

Hi.

 

Thank you for the info.  That’s a shame that they weren’t stocked properly at the bars, especially a NYE sailing.

 

 

[trivia addict]

Sorry, I may have been misleading. Yes, for a balloon drop and video countdown, only the Promenade. After doing that once, we knew the crowds were not for us.
But on every line and ship that we have been on at NYE, someone in the bar we were in started a countdown and all toasted and  made noise at midnight. If we were in a bar with live music, Auld Lang Syne was of course, played. Everyone is in such a festive and happy mood.
On one cruise we were off the shores of Key West and watched the  fireworks from the pool deck at midnight. 

Sorry to hear of the lack of bar supplies on the Indy. Not acceptable. Reasons such as this are why we have diversified, and branched out to other lines for many of our recent cruises.

 

Noreen, we too, are on a cruise next Jan 2021! Celeb Summit. Same one?!

[Noreen411]

14 hours ago, trivia addict said:

Sorry, I may have been misleading. Yes, for a balloon drop and video countdown, only the Promenade. After doing that once, we knew the crowds were not for us.
But on every line and ship that we have been on at NYE, someone in the bar we were in started a countdown and all toasted and  made noise at midnight. If we were in a bar with live music, Auld Lang Syne was of course, played. Everyone is in such a festive and happy mood.
On one cruise we were off the shores of Key West and watched the  fireworks from the pool deck at midnight. 

Sorry to hear of the lack of bar supplies on the Indy. Not acceptable. Reasons such as this are why we have diversified, and branched out to other lines for many of our recent cruises.

 

Noreen, we too, are on a cruise next Jan 2021! Celeb Summit. Same one?!

Hi.  We don’t like crowds so that is one of my concerns.  I think we can be in the crowd for a short period of time to be part of the excitement of New Year’s Eve, but then be able to go to less crowded parts of the ship.

 

We’re looking to sail out of Bayonne NJ so we can drive to the pier so are looking at Anthem.  I checked Celebrity but they aren’t going out of Bayonne in the winter.

 

I’ve never been on Celebrity Summit.  We were on Celebrity Reflection and loved it.  

 

Noreen

 

 

[Noreen411]

Thank you to everyone for all your input

 

We have booked our first New Year’s Cruise on Anthem of the Seas and will ring in 2021 on a cruise ship

 

I’m sure I’ll have more New Year’s cruise specific questions as it gets closer

 

Thank you

Noreen

[mc117]

Hi.

We just got off the Anthem New years cruise.  There were surprisingly not as many kids as I thought there would be.  Christmas decorations were up but slowly disappearing throughout the week.  Tree was gone for NYE to make more room in the Esplanade.  There were gatherings all over the ship.  270 had a party with the band and dancers but for a fee, but I don't know what the fee was.  Esplanade was packed for the balloon drop but we were tucked into the pub and there was plenty of breathing room.  The theater had a quiet party that showed Times Square and Music Hall had a Bon Jovi tribute band that was pretty packed as well but ended around 12:30.  Casino was mostly empty that night. LOL.  I do have all the compasses if you would like any other info.  We are going again next year but not sure if Anthem or out of Fla.  Was a great cruise with great weather except for a rainy last sea day but for Dec./Jan it was great.

[The Grumpus]

On 1/1/2020 at 4:47 PM, Host Clarea said:

 

The ships virtually always sail full, though there will likely be a higher percentage of children aboard during the holiday period.

 

They usually have a formal night on New Year's Eve.

 

 

1820 Kids on Oasis last week.  Was told about the same over Christmas cruise too.

 

For last week's cruise, the formal night was the night before NYE.  NYE was "dress your best".  Most people dressed up for NYE over formal the night before. 

[chiguypaul]

On 1/1/2020 at 3:34 PM, Noreen411 said:

Hi

 

We started talking today about next New Year’s Eve and my husband said “What about a cruise for New Year’s next year?”

 

We have never cruised during a holiday period.   

 

What special events happen for New Year’s Eve on a ship?

Are there special rules around booking?

Is it worth cruising New Year’s?  I don’t mean financially, I know it will cost more than other times of year; but is it that much more fun than a cruise during a non holiday time?

I’m assuming it will also be a lot more crowded

 

We would probably look at Anthem as it leaves from Bayonne NJ and is easy for us to get to.

 

I’ll look for reviews that cover New Year’s to do some research but figured I’d put the question out there

 

Thank you in advance

Noreen

 

 

Just back from Anthem NYE cruise.

 

TONS of NYE options. Multiple options for every different type of taste is music and atmosphere.

No special rules.

We LOVE taking the NYE cruises. It has been a tradition in our family for 5 years now.

I don't find NYE more crowded than any other busy time (e.g. xmas, Spring Break, etc...).

[chiguypaul]

On 1/2/2020 at 6:58 PM, Noreen411 said:

That’s what worries me a bit - the crowds.  We don’t like crowds.

I did the NYE in Times Square thing once years ago; never again, way too crowded.

I want to see the festivities on the ship on New Year’s Eve but not be crushed by tons of people.

 

Noreen

 

Noreen, on the Anthem there were more than enough options of very chill experiences. The most chill was being in the main theater where they showed the NY ball drop on a big screen. Very calm. The area near the champaign bar was very chill and had the ship orchestra paying.

[Noreen411]

21 hours ago, mc117 said:

Hi.

We just got off the Anthem New years cruise.  There were surprisingly not as many kids as I thought there would be.  Christmas decorations were up but slowly disappearing throughout the week.  Tree was gone for NYE to make more room in the Esplanade.  There were gatherings all over the ship.  270 had a party with the band and dancers but for a fee, but I don't know what the fee was.  Esplanade was packed for the balloon drop but we were tucked into the pub and there was plenty of breathing room.  The theater had a quiet party that showed Times Square and Music Hall had a Bon Jovi tribute band that was pretty packed as well but ended around 12:30.  Casino was mostly empty that night. LOL.  I do have all the compasses if you would like any other info.  We are going again next year but not sure if Anthem or out of Fla.  Was a great cruise with great weather except for a rainy last sea day but for Dec./Jan it was great.

Hi.  Thank you for all the info and for the same ship we’ll celebrate on.  

You mentioned you have the compasses.  Would you be able to scan them or post them or email them to me or mail them to me (whatever is easiest for you),  I would love to see them.  If you want to mail them I’ll send you the postage.

My email is noreenchin at yahoo dot com (using normal email format)

 

Thank you in advance

[Noreen411]

20 hours ago, The Grumpus said:

1820 Kids on Oasis last week.  Was told about the same over Christmas cruise too.

 

For last week's cruise, the formal night was the night before NYE.  NYE was "dress your best".  Most people dressed up for NYE over formal the night before. 

Wow that’s a lot of kids.  We probably don’t spend time where the kids spend time in general.  We enjoy the casino so expect that to be a kid-free area.

 

I am already thinking about what to wear for NYE.  I would think that would be formal night

[Noreen411]

18 hours ago, chiguypaul said:

 

Just back from Anthem NYE cruise.

 

TONS of NYE options. Multiple options for every different type of taste is music and atmosphere.

No special rules.

We LOVE taking the NYE cruises. It has been a tradition in our family for 5 years now.

I don't find NYE more crowded than any other busy time (e.g. xmas, Spring Break, etc...).

Thank you - I wonder if this will start a tradition for us too

We haven’t cruised during the traditional busy times in the past, intentionally trying to avoid the crowds.  But we are super excited to spend NYE on a cruise.

[Noreen411]

18 hours ago, chiguypaul said:

 

Noreen, on the Anthem there were more than enough options of very chill experiences. The most chill was being in the main theater where they showed the NY ball drop on a big screen. Very calm. The area near the champaign bar was very chill and had the ship orchestra paying.

That’s good to know that there were places catering to all different type of party goers.  Thank you

Did they provide a list showing where different types of events were happening for NYE or did you just wander until you found the right place?

[doug618]

Hi-

 

We just got off the Allure NYE cruise.  Like the other ships, Royal had a balloon drop in the promenade.  They were pouring champagne at midnight.  It got crowded but not to the point where it felt overcrowded.  By 12:10 AM it started to empty out.

 

They also has a party going in Dazzles and Latin fiesta on the Boardwalk.  As others have shared they charged for "VIP" seating.  We thought the prices for this were outrageous.  I am attaching a photo of the flyer they had promoting this.

 

In addition to NYE, Royal charged crazy prices for Coco Cay Cabanas. They clearly look to charge a premium this week.

 

 

 

[franncos]

My wife and I just got off the Anthem of the Sea's this past Sunday. It was by far the best cruise we had ever taken. The weather was great. The sea's were so smooth both way's. Food was great. We did not go to any specialty dining. We had my time dining in the main dining room. Our server's were great. House keeping also was great. Entertainment was also great. If we did have a complaint, even though the food was great it seemed on the salty side.  Would do it again. Was very impressed with the ship. I am sure if you go on NYE cruise we are sure you will have a great time. If any question's I will try to answer them the best I can.