Still Unsure - Anthem. New Years? Concerned.

Hi All,

I have been going back and forth regarding what to do for the family for a holiday cruise.

There are 4 of us (our two kids are recently out of college).

Although we love Royal, our last few cruises on the Freedom, Independence, Oasis, Allure and Liberty have become very repetitive. Same script for the love and marriage show, same belly flop contest, similar ice shows, same entertainers (we've seen many of the same jugglers, Earl Turner, and the comedians year after year). Even the 70's show hasn't changed with the same costumes and script. Why can't the update all ships to the 90's party like the Harmony now has? It's nice to have change after having the same things for 7-8 years. Even some new game shows and new questions added to the love and marriage show would be great.

We saw a woman's cannonball contest on the Independence and Zumba by the pool, and these additions and changes would be welcomed! If only we could come to expect new and different things on different ships.

We were going to try the Breakaway out of NYC for the holidays. For Christmas, it's substantially cheaper than the Anthem and for New Years its similar on a per day basis.

The Breakaway seems like a nice change, but we've read there is limited indoor space for the 2-4 days going and coming from the Bahamas where the weather won't be nice. If it wasn't for that, we'd try it.

Then Anthem is more expensive, but it's for 10 days, goes to the Caribbean, and incorporates Christmas and New Years.

Has anyone done both cruises? How does Anthem compare to other RCL cruises?

-Will there be a lot to do on sea days on the cold weather days?

-Is there a dress code? We are tired of wearing suits on the formal nights (it's a vacation and we shouldn't have a dictated dress code).

-Are there any new activities besides the same old we've come to dread from the repetition on our recent RCL ships?

-How is the entertainment? Music Hall seems nice. How are the fly on acts? I've read mixed reviews about the 270 show and The Gift.

-Does Dynamic Dining classic work? Do the menus change where with a 10 day cruise, we won't be eating off of the same menus?

-When should we expect for the crowd going out of New York during the holidays? Will it be mostly families from the tri-state area?

Also, on our recent RCL cruises, they didn't even broadcast the Times Square ball drop. They had the same countdown on a screen that could've been done 20-25 years ago with mere numbers and then dropped balloons. Was very disappointing. How are the parties on the Anthem for New Years?

Thanks for everyone's help and opinions!

This is tough... as I started reading your post, I was going to ask if you have looked into Breakaway. I am going to assume Breakaway is a 7 night, so having the extra 3 days is nice. What are the ports for each? I am not familiar with Breakaways itineraries, but I know I am not a fan of Anthem's itinerary that stops at Port Canaveral and Nassau.

I live in RI and have debated taking a winter cruise leaving from up north. However IMHO, I don't want to have to spend a few days inside due to weather, and with port stops that don't interest me. I personally go on a cruise partly for the warm weather, but the cold may not bother you.

If you are not against flying, my suggestion would be to check out either NCL Escape or Getaway. Espace does the eastern route, with a stop in Tortola which RCI does not go to. Getaway does the western route, which goes to Roatan, Costa Maya, cozumel, and for your time frame it will be going to their new private island in Belize. Both of these will give you some variety of ports over RCI, and also different entertainment.

I will be going on my 4th RCI cruise in Nov so I am no expert, but I am booked on the Getaway for next Nov for a few reasons: UBP included as a perk, the private island in Belize, and simply I love RCI, but want to give another line a try to see if my love truly is with Royal, or if it is simply cruising that is my happy place :)

I know I didn't answer any of your questions, but just thought I would give my thoughts and possibly an alternative option. I think regardless of which you choose, spending the holidays on a cruise with your family is all you need to have a great time!!

Haven't been on the Anthem yet (7 more weeks)...but we thoroughly enjoyed the Breakaway. Not enough inside space? There are tons. It was very laid back and very casual. No gowns or suits. Everyone was very casual. We had a great time. :)

Haven't been on the Anthem yet (7 more weeks)...but we thoroughly enjoyed the Breakaway. Not enough inside space? There are tons. It was very laid back and very casual. No gowns or suits. Everyone was very casual. We had a great time. :)

I was surprised to hear that about Breakaway as well. I thought it was built for colder weather similar to Anthem, but I haven't actually been on it so wasn't sure :)

I was surprised to hear that about Breakaway as well. I thought it was built for colder weather similar to Anthem, but I haven't actually been on it so wasn't sure :)

In all fairness, I should have stated that we went in September, not in cold weather...so I really cannot give my opinion how the ship is in the winter. Just saying she is a fun ship and very laid back. :):):)

We are just off the Anthem, 5 day to Bermuda. Some different entertainment options than what you mentioned:

'70s dance party

Silent party

Tribute band in The Music Hall (We had Journey - awesome!)

The Gift is odd and disjointed but the quality of the singing is amazing. We Will Rock You was incredible. Specter's Cabaret was just odd.

Trivia every hour in The Schooner Bar

Took our "kids" - 23 yo son with 22 yo girlfriend, and 20 yo daughter. Everyone loved it!

Thanks for the info. Did the 70's dance party have live music? Hope it's somewhat different than the 70's party in the promenade with the same songs and soundtrack on other ships.

What kind of fly on entertainment did you have? How were the other activities and live music. Did you do dynamic dining classic? How were the different restaurants compared to having a main dining room? Thanks again!

Try something new - go with the Breakaway. Or, if you feel like flying, do Escape with me over New Years :-) Its actually cheaper than Breakaway and a better itinerary, IMO. Plus the choice of perks is nice. We went free gratuities and beverage package.

Thanks for the info. Did the 70's dance party have live music? Hope it's somewhat different than the 70's party in the promenade with the same songs and soundtrack on other ships.

 

What kind of fly on entertainment did you have? How were the other activities and live music. Did you do dynamic dining classic? How were the different restaurants compared to having a main dining room? Thanks again!

On the Anthem, it's called Groovy Town and it's in the Music Hall with live music.

Haven't been on the Anthem yet, 6 more days to go, but I do love the Breakaway!!!

I sailed the Breakaway both times for a cruise to nowhere out of NYC in February, so it was cold both times. I don't think it's an issue of not enough indoor space, but it's more an issue of everyone shows up to the same place at one time during the cold-weather days. For your most popular events that are indoors, you need to get there early for a seat, or if you want to buy a spa pass, you have to book in advance since they will sell out. The Breakaway has a TON of venues with so many diff shows, bars and things going on at one time, so more than enough space for everyone.. But keep in mind to fit all of of those venues on one ship, they are smaller than the more traditional ships where everyone went to the theater at 8pm and 10pm. My favorite has always been the Dueling Piano Bar, so I made sure to get there early and get seats in front.

I know I can't answer your Anthem questions, but I do think that the Breakaway will offer the change in pace you are looking for with their shows, Second City Comedy nights, Dueling Pianos, jazz club, etc. If you sailed NCL every year for the past 5 years, their same routine would be stale to you also.

Good luck!

Having cruised Anthem in May and Breakaway in December, I would prefer Anthem.... and I love both cruise lines. Breakaway is the most crowded ship I have ever been on with not enough public space, indoor or out.

Anthem has Music Hall, excellent venue while BA has a crowded Atrium. While the dueling pianos is an excellent show, the hard wooden chairs are lined up close together in a too small venue. The 'Cirque' show is good but the venue's sight lines and having dinner while watching a show is awful, not to mention the expensive fee. 'Broadway' shows are comparable, but the bars are very small with not enough seating, and the smokey casino is in the middle on BA. We liked Spectra on AotS, although it has mixed reviews. Much of the additional entertainment was similar on both ships.

We preferred the meals at the complimentary restaurants on AotS. We had a table of friends and family, total of 8 with Classic late seating. You dine in the restaurants in a rotation, keeping the same waitstaff and the menus are changed after 4 days so on our 9 day cruise there were no repeats. Men wore a suit or sport jacket or dress shirt and tie in Grande but the other venues attire were comparable on both ships. Never felt the need to dine in a 'pay' restaurant on AotS but did on BA. The main dining room on BA was a zoo, with music, singing, dancing and kids running around...huh.

Our group loved I-fly and Northstar. We liked the adult Solarium and adjoining cafe, (although very hot) and the indoor pool during inclement weather on AotS. We think the outdoor pool areas were more crowded on BA than AotS. Both buffet areas were crowded and food comparable so it's a wash. BA had a small buffet lunch set up Cagney's that was supposed to be for a certain Lattitudes level (which I qualified for) but they weren't checking ID's, which was very nice and not crowded. We liked Cafe 270 for breakfast and lunch on AotS; not a large selection but the food was very good and plenty of room to sit.

Having said all that, you can't really go wrong with either depending on your budget and wanting to try something different. But we prefer Anthem and since it had enough differences from other RCL ships, that is the ship we chose for our Thanksgiving week cruise.

We've sailed on Anthem (stunningly beautiful ship) and have taken seven NCL cruises, but not on the Breakaway, as most of what we've read about the Breakaway is unappealing to us, especially the poor layout that has smoke from the casino affecting other public areas.

Anthem was built for cold weather cruising. Most of her truly incredible public spaces are inside spaces, including Two70, which is the most amazing public venue we've ever seen on a ship, and the beautiful Solarium. There's also an indoor pool.

To the extent you may find it helpful, here are my detailed comments on Anthem (by subject), with photos:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2277588

Enjoy whatever you decide!

Thanks! Should we expect a tri-state area crowd? During the holidays, do you think it will be many families from the NY area?

Having cruised Anthem in May and Breakaway in December, I would prefer Anthem.... and I love both cruise lines. Breakaway is the most crowded ship I have ever been on with not enough public space, indoor or out.

 

Anthem has Music Hall, excellent venue while BA has a crowded Atrium. While the dueling pianos is an excellent show, the hard wooden chairs are lined up close together in a too small venue. The 'Cirque' show is good but the venue's sight lines and having dinner while watching a show is awful, not to mention the expensive fee. 'Broadway' shows are comparable, but the bars are very small with not enough seating, and the smokey casino is in the middle on BA. We liked Spectra on AotS, although it has mixed reviews. Much of the additional entertainment was similar on both ships.

 

We preferred the meals at the complimentary restaurants on AotS. We had a table of friends and family, total of 8 with Classic late seating. You dine in the restaurants in a rotation, keeping the same waitstaff and the menus are changed after 4 days so on our 9 day cruise there were no repeats. Men wore a suit or sport jacket or dress shirt and tie in Grande but the other venues attire were comparable on both ships. Never felt the need to dine in a 'pay' restaurant on AotS but did on BA. The main dining room on BA was a zoo, with music, singing, dancing and kids running around...huh.

 

Our group loved I-fly and Northstar. We liked the adult Solarium and adjoining cafe, (although very hot) and the indoor pool during inclement weather on AotS. We think the outdoor pool areas were more crowded on BA than AotS. Both buffet areas were crowded and food comparable so it's a wash. BA had a small buffet lunch set up Cagney's that was supposed to be for a certain Lattitudes level (which I qualified for) but they weren't checking ID's, which was very nice and not crowded. We liked Cafe 270 for breakfast and lunch on AotS; not a large selection but the food was very good and plenty of room to sit.

 

Having said all that, you can't really go wrong with either depending on your budget and wanting to try something different. But we prefer Anthem and since it had enough differences from other RCL ships, that is the ship we chose for our Thanksgiving week cruise.

I love your detailed comparison, thank you!! I am debated booking a sailing from up north, and I was leaning more towards Breakaway even though I have sailed more on RCI and have my first NCL booked for next year. Your post will definitely have some weight on my decision :D

I haven't done Anthem, but I have done Escape once and Getaway twice and Breakaway is almost like Getaway and Escape. I CAN offer some comparisons from "Away" class and Oasis class

-Ships feel WAY more crowded than oasis class for sure, and there are not as many passengers. The layout of the ship is not as good, with the decks 6-7-8 being open to each other, and Casino being on Deck 8, SO SMOKEY! They do games in the atrium which CAN BE FUN, but also CAN BE ANNOYING if you don't want to listen to that as you walk around those busy decks

-I thought the MDR/Specialty restaurants were very good and I felt like they had one the best buffets at sea in terms of freshness of food and variety.

-I love the Waterfront. It's possibly the best feature of the "away" class of ships and the bars are also excellent.

-Spice H20 is adults only at nights but doesn't hold a candle the solarium decks. Only have 2 hot tubs (escape has a water cove sprinkler thing, but still no pool)

those are just some points that come across my mind right now

If you want to do something different and haven't done NCL, I say try it! However, personally I would do Anthem over Breakaway, having tried the away class of ships and can't stand the smokey-ness of decks 6-7-8