New Year's Eve Cruise out of NJ -what to expect

[Sunshineandseadays]

Thinking of booking the Odyssey of the Seas out of NJ for their New Year's Eve cruise. We've never sailed during a holiday before - wondering what fun things the ship does to celebrate?  Also any advice about sailing out of NYC in the winter - which day does the weather warm up and are the seas rough?

TIA!

[Biker19]

1 minute ago, Sunshineandseadays said:

Also any advice about sailing out of NYC in the winter - which day does the weather warm up and are the seas rough?

Middle of the second day - yes, it can be off the Carolinas. 

[Another_Critic]

Special events that we had on Anthem for NYE 2021/2022.  Party in the Esplanade with midnight balloon drop.  Party in Two70.  Party in SeaPlex.

[Cruising to Retirement]

If you go the week after, the price will probably drop by almost half.. 

[leaveitallbehind]

Our experience is similar to that mentioned by @Biker19 that with a typical 4 PM departure, but the early afternoon of the next day the weather is very comfortable off the Carolina's.  As to sea conditions, there is no way to predict as we have done two winter sailings out of Cape Liberty and one was very calm and the other had heavy seas on the return.

 

Based on sailing on three NYE cruises there will most definitely be a party celebrating the night on board, and likely activities in more than one location.

[Jetdriver787]

In the Med’ the ship will be inverted by a Tsunami and Shelly Winters will drown in the buffet! (A not wholly unfitting epitaph.) Eventually you will be rescued (if you are attractive with reasonable actors equity rates!) from a hole cut in the keel where  plastic bags containing your onboard alcoholic purchases will be returned to you before boarding a Greek helicopter!

 

Im showing my age aren’t I? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[Kellie in Texas]

We were on Adventure from Galveston a couple of years ago and we departed on New Year's Eve. They made that the first formal night in the dining room because lots of people were going to be dressed up anyway. Lots of photographers around to take family/group photos. 

[waterfever]

I sailed on a New Year's cruise 2 years ago.  I don't remember which ship it was.  There were decorations, noise-makers, and headbands on the tables in the  main dining room on New Year's Eve.  There was a countdown on the pool deck & several parties to celebrate.

[Lady Hudson]

Did a NYE cruise a few years back.  Lots of fun.  Yes, weather not as hot as a Bahamas/Caribbean cruise but just as enjoyable.  New Years Eve night was a “party” night throughout the ship.  Many dressed in typical festive clothes.  Have fun!

[donnabonna]

I went in a New Years cruise in the early 90’s. Best new year ever! Only downsides were crowds and cost. But so much fun!

[Sunshine3601]

Specialty restaurants such as Chops usually have a special menu.  

 

We have sailed out of NJ many times during the winter and have had lots of different weather.   Just like anywhere, impossible to predict.   

 

Odyssey does have a nice solarium for chilly days you will have at beginning and end of the cruise.

 

Hope you have lots of fun.

[Another_Critic]

7 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Specialty restaurants such as Chops usually have a special menu.  

 

MDR had a special menu on Anthem.  NY menu served on NYE.

 

 

Edited August 14 by Another_Critic

[Tatka]

This is NYE cruise on Anthem. Dec 31. 2021

 

To get an idea. 
We celebrated NYE 5 times in different ships. The best time.

Odyssey doesn’t have second indoor pool, so it will be a bit different , than on Anthem, but Solarium is still there.

[LuCruise]

We were on Odyssey last New Year's (but out of Fort Lauderdale). It was lots of fun. They had some paid events (e.g. 270) and paid viewing spots, but lots free events. If I remember correctly, they had something at the pool, a more laid back new years in the theater. We were in the main Centrum area. The CD ran that one, who was so high energy and funny, so we enjoyed it there. We did stand on the end (which was the end where he was) as it was very crowded but we managed. Fun night. 

Oh and they had a special MDR menu and they provided new years stuff like hats and shakers. 

Edited August 15 by LuCruise