Which Ship: Breakaway or Gem from NYC

[cidymom]

We've never cruised with NCL before, mostly with Royal Caribbean as we have a child. We would like to try out NCL out of NYC. We're used to ships with all the bells and whistles (Allure & Anthem) and great shows/entertainment. There are two ships sailing out of NYC next year - Breakaway (7 days to Bermuda) and Gem (10/11 days to Caribbean). We like the idea of a longer cruise but it is on an older ship. The Breakaway is newer and has all the fun stuff but only 7 days and stop at only 1 port. For Breakaway, I'm wondering is there enough to do in Bermuda for 3 days? For the Gem, are we going to be disappointed because we're expecting all the bells and whistles of the newer ships? Would appreciate any of your comments/perspectives. Thanks all in advance.

[Sauer-kraut]

We've never cruised with NCL before, mostly with Royal Caribbean as we have a child. We would like to try out NCL out of NYC. We're used to ships with all the bells and whistles (Allure & Anthem) and great shows/entertainment. There are two ships sailing out of NYC next year - Breakaway (7 days to Bermuda) and Gem (10/11 days to Caribbean). We like the idea of a longer cruise but it is on an older ship. The Breakaway is newer and has all the fun stuff but only 7 days and stop at only 1 port. For Breakaway, I'm wondering is there enough to do in Bermuda for 3 days? For the Gem, are we going to be disappointed because we're expecting all the bells and whistles of the newer ships? Would appreciate any of your comments/perspectives. Thanks all in advance.

 

More than enough to do in 3 days in Bermuda!! Some people have gone back 3 times and haven't seen/done it all. Not so many children on longer cruises though so your child might not have a lot of playmates.

[Sizzlechest]

I love the Gem. It's a good sized ship for the number of passengers it serves. However, the Breakaway has more options for entertainment. Also, the main theater shows on the Gem are very stale and kitschy. I think the Breakaway is a better fit for you.

 

Bermuda has lots of things for first timers. What's also great about being there for three days is that you don't have to rush back to the ship for the first two days. Bermuda's currency is tied to the US dollar, so no surcharges on your credit card purchases and they take US cash. It's low crime and most things are regulated.

 

For the first day, take the ferry to St. George. Check out the town. Take any bus to the caves and go see those. Take the bus to the aquarium/zoo. After that, take the bus to Hamilton and check it out. Stay for Harbor nights if you have the energy. Take the ferry from Hamilton to the dockyards. Second day, take a shuttle or cab to Horseshoe beach. You MUST experience the pink sand in Bermuda. If you want to go snorkeling or do an excursion, don't bother going through NCL. There's plenty of excursions you can hire right at the dockyard. Bring cash. Third day, you can go shopping around the dockyards, if you like. See the glass blowing, rum cake factory, etc. You'll be close to the ship, so little danger of missing the boat.

[gymbomb]

Personally I prefer the Gem as I like smaller ships. But if you like the larger ships with the bells and whistles then maybe Breakaway would be better for you. I definitely prefer Bermuda to Bahamas/Caribbean.

 

 

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[abbyar]

How old are your little ones? What are you looking to do on your cruise?

 

We sailed the Gem out of NYC last year and loved loved loved it. The food was great, yeah the entertainment was kitschy but fun (I'm not a fan of big cruise entertainment), the pool was a good size. We liked the itinerary (although check GSC closure dates - our trip included a stop there) although ours was an 8 day.

 

But, when we arrived back into NYC we stopped next to the Breakaway. At that point the kids realized what they'd missed in the slides and other offerings, and begged to go on a bigger ship next time. They were 5&7 and I was concerned up until then about going on the bigger slides, but we are booked on the Epic for next year. We are still sailing the Jade this Thanskgiving, but I think with snorkeling and such they'll have so much fun it won't matter there's not an extra slide.

Edited May 22, 2016 by abbyar

[CateW]

We've been on the Gem twice but as you say it is an older ship, but we are fine with that, out kids are adults now. We are doing our first Breakaway cruise in January (which is 14 days) and goes to 8 Caribbean ports. You don't say when you want to cruise but that may be an alternative for you.

[Turtles06]

We've never cruised with NCL before, mostly with Royal Caribbean as we have a child. We would like to try out NCL out of NYC. We're used to ships with all the bells and whistles (Allure & Anthem) and great shows/entertainment. There are two ships sailing out of NYC next year - Breakaway (7 days to Bermuda) and Gem (10/11 days to Caribbean). We like the idea of a longer cruise but it is on an older ship. The Breakaway is newer and has all the fun stuff but only 7 days and stop at only 1 port. For Breakaway, I'm wondering is there enough to do in Bermuda for 3 days? For the Gem, are we going to be disappointed because we're expecting all the bells and whistles of the newer ships? Would appreciate any of your comments/perspectives. Thanks all in advance.

 

We've sailed on the Gem (three times) and on Anthem, but not on the Breakaway, so I can't directly compare the Breakaway and Gem for you, but if you are looking for the "bells and whistles" of a new ship like Anthem, you won't find them on the Gem. That is not a slight to the Gem. In fact, we love the size of the Gem (and indeed all NCL's Jewel class ships). Very comfortable, a true promenade deck, the wonderful Great Outdoors, etc.

 

There is plenty to do in Bermuda, that's why so many ships spend a few days there, so don't let the number of days there deter you if you decide to pick the Breakaway. (But I agree, a longer cruise is better!)

 

I think you should keep doing what you are doing -- reading about both ships and what's on them, and deciding whether you would indeed be disappointed because there's nothing on the Gem like iFly or NorthStar, etc. Because there isn't.

 

Enjoy whatever you decide!

[pe4all]

Have been on Gem and Breakaway. My vote goes to Breakaway. Their children's splash area is cute (you didn't say how old your child was) and their water slides and ropes course for older kids is fun. They have a "mini" ropes course under the large course for younger kids that don't make the height requirement on the large course. The entertainment is better on Breakaway. And Bermuda is nice, if you have never been.

[2specialkidsforme]

I have sailed both and with kids. I love the Gem but honestly the Breakaway was by far better for a family trip. Lots to do with the kids - we all love the ropes course and the water slides. We absolutely loved Bermuda and will be looking to go on Breakaway again next summer to Bermuda.

 

Let us know what you decide and have a great trip!!!!

[Crusin6]

The gem is a much nicer ship than the BA for many many reasons

 

 

If you want bells and whistles the BA i guess has them in the slides ropes courses etc but it is very poorly designed. I stress very poorly designed.

 

As long as constant smoke doesn't bother you that sifts through a major entertainment bar seating area of the ship (the second atrium area) and you don't mind sitting in the buffet after hours as it is the only place with seating to relax you will be fine with the BA

 

 

Btw the 10 day gem to the Carib is incredible !!!

 

Done it twice and for the next cruise we picked the gem over the BA.

 

We really want to go to Bermuda too but the thought of all the smoke on the BA plus the iron bar that is strategically placed on the theater seats that pokes into your back and there is nothing you can do about it is helping us to decide to take the gem again.

 

 

The BA is horribly designed...but I digress

 

 

If we ever get to Bermuda it will be on celebrity

 

 

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Edited May 22, 2016 by Crusin6

[mrobstad]

Love the BA.

Never smelled smoke, but i do prefer to dine on the waterfront.

[luvtheships]

Love the BA.

Never smelled smoke, but i do prefer to dine on the waterfront.

 

 

I guess you never found the level 6/7/8 atrium

 

I think they call it ocean something

 

 

Its too bad because the area is very pretty but the totally open casino smoke from level 7 totally permeates level 6 and 8.

 

I've seen it firsthand and anyone who says it doesn't permeate is just lying or delusional

[Winnigirl]

We are sailing on the Breakaway this August and I know how you feel. Two cruises ago we were on the Oasis of the Seas and I still dream about that ship. It was, without a doubt, the best cruise we have ever had. Last year we sailed to Bermuda on the Celebrity Summit - and I was underwhelmed. I just felt out of place on that ship. There was not very much to do and though we are 55+, the majority of passengers seemed a lot older than us. We are trying the Breakaway this year because we love Bermuda. It's a wonderful island with tons to do and it's so easy to get around on the ferries and buses. Definitely plan for a day at Horseshoe Bay - and take the earliest bus you can. It does get crowded. Hamilton is very "British" - reminds me a bit of Victoria. If you can swing it plan for a couple of days in New York before or after the cruise. It's always exciting.

[BirdTravels]

If you know bells and whistles, then take the BA. We have sailed on the BA, GA, and Escape two times each (along with the Epic 5 time). The Gem is an older ship and gives you a more traditional cruise experience. The newer ships have been designed to meet the expectations of the contemporary cruiser. We prefer the bells and whistles,,,, but would never shy away from the smaller ships to cruise to new and different locations.

 

Three days in port is actually kinda nice. You're not rushing off and then back on the ship. Go to the beach, don't feel rushed to get back. Hop off the ship and take the ferry across to the street fair [if in season] or to enjoy a dinner off the ship.

Edited May 22, 2016 by BirdTravels

[cidymom]

Thank you everyone for your feedback - it's greatly appreciated. As much as I like a longer cruise, I'm going with the newer Breakaway in April as that is the only time we can travel and tie it in with a stay in NYC. It has all the fun kid stuff that will keep my son busy so I can have a vacation too! Many thanks.

[Fpacifico]

Thank you everyone for your feedback - it's greatly appreciated. As much as I like a longer cruise, I'm going with the newer Breakaway in April as that is the only time we can travel and tie it in with a stay in NYC. It has all the fun kid stuff that will keep my son busy so I can have a vacation too! Many thanks.

 

In ny, take a tour with gray line, dinner cruise around the harbor at night and if you really have time, Bronx zoo because all the babies are being born that time of year

[zubee23]

Did a dune walk from Warwick Long Beach to Horseshoe Bay. May be fun for your little one. Link gives more info:

http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_0000b4.htm

[Fpacifico]

In ny, take a tour with gray line, dinner cruise around the harbor at night and if you really have time, Bronx zoo because all the babies are being born that time of year

 

Must see the museums, if you go to the met, then take the cloisters in the morning first. One ticket for both

[luvtheships]

Must see the museums, if you go to the met, then take the cloisters in the morning first. One ticket for both

 

 

Remember the met is free entry

 

They ask for a specific donation but you can give them a dollar if you want or give them nothing

 

It free to all

[3XX1XY]

We have 2 kids, 6 and 8. The 8 year old is autistic, 6 year old ADHD. Love the Gem. It is smaller which is good for us. Lower stress due to less lines and less planning and booking things in advance. I'm pretty sure the bigger ship would drive me insane. We are really just looking for food, entertainment, and a pool. We don't want all that other stuff, it would just muddy the waters and make the kids, and us, stressed out.

[janetz]

Thank you everyone for your feedback - it's greatly appreciated. As much as I like a longer cruise, I'm going with the newer Breakaway in April as that is the only time we can travel and tie it in with a stay in NYC. It has all the fun kid stuff that will keep my son busy so I can have a vacation too! Many thanks.

 

I was going to suggest the Gem as I would vote for a longer cruise.

Be aware that in April the waters of Bermuda will not be warm enough to enjoy. There are plenty of other things to do in Bermuda ;)

Edited May 24, 2016 by janetz

[mrobstad]

I guess you never found the level 6/7/8 atrium

 

I think they call it ocean something

 

 

Its too bad because the area is very pretty but the totally open casino smoke from level 7 totally permeates level 6 and 8.

 

I've seen it firsthand and anyone who says it doesn't permeate is just lying or delusional

 

 

ive been on the BA several times. never smelled smoke.

[Kattus]

My vote is for the Gem. While I loved the Breakaway's bells and whistles, especially the jazz club and the comedy venue, the ship is waaaaaaay too crowded and chaotic with a very small pool area for the amount of people it holds. My husband and I both agree, were we to sail on the BA again, it would have to be the Haven or not at all. The Gem came out of dry dock not too long ago, so she is a fresher ship. I also believe your kids will enjoy the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, especially seeing the airplanes at Maho Beach in St. Maarten!

[Winnigirl]

Did a dune walk from Warwick Long Beach to Horseshoe Bay. May be fun for your little one. Link gives more info:

http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_0000b4.htm

 

Thank you for the information on this attraction. I'm definitely putting it on our itinerary for this year.

[SailAwayInAugust]

It all comes down to this:

 

If your looking for a truly relaxing vacation - I would book the Gem.

 

If your active love doing things other than relaxing & soaking up the sun all day - book the Breakaway.

 

Problem is this....

 

Breakaway's 3 day itinerary in bermuda is very hard to beat. Bermuda is just an amazing island with so many things to do & see.

 

The Gem sails to...the Bahamas :(

 

Overall, The breakaway is a better valuable experience overall - especially with kids.

 

But, I really REALLY loved the Gem. The ship is amazing. Perfect size, well designed. Plenty of open space.

 

The Breakaway felt like a floating hotel.

 

I'm no help! Sorry :)