Anthem or NCL Gem??

[mrsbojamp]

Hi All - this is probably a loaded question on the RCI boards - but I'm thinking of cancelling my current reservation on the Gem and booking Anthem of the Seas to the western Caribbean in January 2016. Anthem is more expensive, but a newer ship with cool amenities. Anyone have an opinion or advice they'd like to share?

[Turtles06]

Without knowing what your interests are and how you like to cruise and what's important to you (nor what the two itineraries are), it's hard to give you advice here. You are talking about two extremely different ships -- one holds about twice as many pax as the others, for starters. And yes, one is much newer and seems to be pretty much an amusement park at sea.

 

I've been on the Gem twice (as well as two of her sister ships), and next month will sail on the Anthem TA. I've enjoyed the NCL cruises, and I'm expecting to have a fun time on Anthem.

[conandrob240]

Give it a few more weeks. I bet Anthem will drop. Definitely prefer Anthem over the aging Gem

[mrsbojamp]

Without knowing what your interests are and how you like to cruise and what's important to you (nor what the two itineraries are), it's hard to give you advice here. You are talking about two extremely different ships -- one holds about twice as many pax as the others, for starters. And yes, one is much newer and seems to be pretty much an amusement park at sea.

 

 

 

I've been on the Gem twice (as well as two of her sister ships), and next month will sail on the Anthem TA. I've enjoyed the NCL cruises, and I'm expecting to have a fun time on Anthem.

 

 

I've been on about 25 cruises - split mostly among RCI, Princess, and NCL. I have not been on Oasis or Allure, but I was on Liberty OTS and several Voyager class ships. I definitely like the western itinerary over the eastern. I was on the Breakaway and Gem earlier this year and I liked the Gem better, that's why I booked it again. But I'm tempted by the itinerary and the new ship. I'm just a little worried about the amount of passengers (Breakaway felt too crowded).

[mrsbojamp]

One other consideration is that both the hubby and I prefer not getting dressed up at all. Much less luggage to deal with when you don't have to pack the fancy stuff!

[searoses]

My choice for jan would be western.....last jan the water was pretty cool on the eastern run....no personal interest in the huge ships.....

[riclop]

Anything but NCL.

[INGODWETRUST]

Anything but NCL.

 

I agree! Anthem. I love RCCL ship much better and you do not have to get dressed up all the time. :)

[mrsbojamp]

I made the leap and am now booked on the 1/25 sailing to the western Caribbean. I'm very excited and am enjoying reading about and looking at pictures and videos of the ship!