12-night Anthem or 7-night Adventure Southern Routes

[MikeBTN]

My wife and I are having a slight "dilemma", if you can call it that. We celebrate our anniversary every November with a cruise. We want to try a southern route this go around. Two appealing options - a 12-night Anthem from NJ or 7-night Adventure from San Juan. Anthem is 12 nights, and longer is probably better, BUT 1-2 days leaving and heading back are going to be chilly. Leaving from San Juan we could spend a few days in Puerto Rico, which wouldn't be terrible. We could also stay in a Grand Suite for basically the same cost as a balcony on Anthem.

 

Which would you choose and why?

[Ocean Dancer]

I would try the Anthem. It is a newer ship, built for cooler weather with an excellent solarium that has an adults only pool. The Anthem will be a different cruising experience than the Adventure.

 

Whichever you choose, have a great cruise :)

[champagne123]

The Anthem. Puerto Rico would not be my choice of stay right now...too many problems going on there right now.

 

Anthem...brand new ship. Great on board activities...on and on. As far as the chilly weather, ok it will be chilly for a day going and coming back, but there are plenty of things to do inside the ship.

Edited June 10, 2016 by champagne123
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[Merion_Mom]

My wife and I are having a slight "dilemma", if you can call it that. We celebrate our anniversary every November with a cruise. We want to try a southern route this go around. Two appealing options - a 12-night Anthem from NJ or 7-night Adventure from San Juan. Anthem is 12 nights, and longer is probably better, BUT 1-2 days leaving and heading back are going to be chilly. Leaving from San Juan we could spend a few days in Puerto Rico, which wouldn't be terrible. We could also stay in a Grand Suite for basically the same cost as a balcony on Anthem.

 

Which would you choose and why?

 

From Tennessee? I would do some checking of airfare prices and factor that into my decision.

[jock804]

The Anthem. Puerto Rico would not be my choice of stay right now...too many problems going on there right now.

 

We will be stopping off there in October en route to Tampa, so what's happening there that is giving you cause for concern as this side of the pond we hear nothing.

[champagne123]

The Anthem. Puerto Rico would not be my choice of stay right now...too many problems going on there right now.

 

We will be stopping off there in October en route to Tampa, so what's happening there that is giving you cause for concern as this side of the pond we hear nothing.

 

Sorry...did not mean to scare you. We are going to be there in October also. Puerto Rico is in GREAT financial despair. Going there for a day off of a cruise ship as one of your ports of call, you probably wouldn't even notice. There are many shops shut down, hotels shut down, etc. The OP was trying to decide between staying in PR for a couple of days, or a 12 cruise....and my opinion was I would rather be on the ship. You will be fine, you will be safe. :)

[cyntil8ing]

I will be a lone voice for the other choice. I love Puerto Rico! I also really like the suite perks. I would probably go with Adventure.

 

As a matter of fact, I am! I am leaving two months from today to spent three days in Ponce before our Adventure cruise. Afterward, we will spend three days in Isla Verde. Last year, we went four days ahead and stayed in Fajardo. There is so much to see and do in Puerto Rico. We still have a long list of places we want to visit.

 

While I enjoy sea days, I think any more than two would be too much for me. I would rather be exploring the island in the sunshine and warmth.

[Ashland]

Why not a B2B on Adventure :)...We just returned and can't wait to go again...we enjoyed San Juan for our pre-cruise and on the turn around day...we saw nothing negative to be concerned with as a traveler ;)

[UandMe4Ever]

Have you thought about the Anthem, 12 Night Western Carib. Oct. 29th to Nov. 10th. It leaves from Bayonne, NJ. Sounds wonderful and looking forward to it ourselves. No hotels, no flying. we live about 1 hour or so away from the port! Nice itinerary. We've pretty much done most Eastern and Southern Ports. Haven't been to Gr. Cayman, Cozumel or Casta Maya. Have seen Jamaica, Hondouras and Labadee. Probably won't get off in Hondouras. Not that nice unless you do a nice beach tour. I'm sure whatever or wherever you go, you will have a wonderful time and great anniversary!! Share your decision...

Safe travels...

[TargetsMom]

You will have to fly to the port city and spend a night in a hotel regardless of which cruise you book. Cape Liberty is great for those of us who live in the NE, but the Newark/Bayonne area is really NOT a place you want to spend time pre-cruise. San Juan, on the other hand, is a great place to visit.

 

We did a Southern Carib. itinerary out of San Juan on Adventure and loved it. We stayed at the beachfront San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and they gave us a wonderful room with a gorgeous ocean view. We could walk to restaurants. Wish we had flown in a day or two earlier than we did.

 

I assume the ports are the same (or similar)? I would do Adventure and spend a day or two on each end in San Juan. Whatever you decide, have a great trip.

 

k.

[Virtopia]

I'm another vote for Adventure. SJ is my preferred departure port now and I usually go in 2 days early. I was on it in September and am going back next November for a B2B. I also would want to get as much warm weather as I can, especially for such an occasion :) I had Anthem booked for Mar 2018 and within 2 weeks, I changed it to Navigator leaving from Miami. I've left from NJ in Jan and Mar before and it's something I probably wouldn't do again. My March cruise only had 2 warm days on a 8 day sailing.

Edited June 13, 2016 by Virtopia

[Merion_Mom]

You will have to fly to the port city and spend a night in a hotel regardless of which cruise you book. Cape Liberty is great for those of us who live in the NE, but the Newark/Bayonne area is really NOT a place you want to spend time pre-cruise. San Juan, on the other hand, is a great place to visit.

 

We did a Southern Carib. itinerary out of San Juan on Adventure and loved it. We stayed at the beachfront San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and they gave us a wonderful room with a gorgeous ocean view. We could walk to restaurants. Wish we had flown in a day or two earlier than we did.

 

I assume the ports are the same (or similar)? I would do Adventure and spend a day or two on each end in San Juan. Whatever you decide, have a great trip.

 

k.

 

It may come as a surprise to you, but some people WANT to visit New York City! ;)

[SwimAruba]

Should you opt to stay in Puerto Rico, check out the St Regis... It is AMAZING, and a perfect escape for your anniversary. There are 1/2 deals out there in recent weeks... I believe I last found them on top 20 deals from travel zoo.

 

 

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[BEENSAILING]

My wife and I are having a slight "dilemma", if you can call it that. We celebrate our anniversary every November with a cruise. We want to try a southern route this go around. Two appealing options - a 12-night Anthem from NJ or 7-night Adventure from San Juan. Anthem is 12 nights, and longer is probably better, BUT 1-2 days leaving and heading back are going to be chilly. Leaving from San Juan we could spend a few days in Puerto Rico, which wouldn't be terrible. We could also stay in a Grand Suite for basically the same cost as a balcony on Anthem.

 

Which would you choose and why?

 

Anthem is a GREAT ship and if you have the chance to experience this beautiful new ship - do it! You have many dining options at no extra charge. One night get dressed up and go to the Grande for dinner. So many fun things to do on board. Much more in entertainment options. And to be able to do "I Fly" is a must do. You can talk to the instructor and one of you can take video of the other "flying" and then switch. The Northstar gives you an amazing view over the ship. Bumper cars are lots of fun...If the weather is a bit cool on board, spend time in the beautiful solarium - the weather there is always perfect. Or spend time in 270 - daytime and nighttime a great venue. A Grande Suite on the Adventure would be nice - plus double C and A points...but I would opt for the Anthem. (We did Anthem 12 nights in December and it was great!) Going back on Anthem for 5 nights in August.

[cruiserking]

I would choose Anthem in a heartbeat over Adventure. Anthem gives you a longer cruise on a brand new ship.

 

The Solarium on board Anthem is a perfect place to lounge for the first sea day until you reach warmer waters. Plus, there is so much to do on board you will not really miss sitting by the pool for one sea day out and returning.

 

Stay a night or two in New York City, it's only a twenty minute cab ride to Bayonne, NJ. There is so much to see and do in New York, museums, restaurants, Broadway, shopping, sightseeing.

 

Toast your voyage sixty-five stories up at Bar 65 at Rockefeller Center, they're open weeknights from 5 pm till closing.

 

12 nights on Anthem and a couple of days in New York would be a lovely way to celebrate your anniversary.

 

Jonathan

Edited June 13, 2016 by cruiserking

[TargetsMom]

It may come as a surprise to you, but some people WANT to visit New York City! ;)

 

I was thinking mostly about pre-cruise travel, flying into the port the day before a cruise and planning to go to the ship late morning or early afternoon the next day. I think most people want to stay at a hotel that is convenient to the port and just spend some time relaxing in that general area. A partial day (after arriving at one of the airports) is not really enough time to do much in NYC. Post-cruise, sure, you could spend some time there after. Personally, I would still rather spend a few days on the beach in San Juan after my cruise then schlep around in the cold in NYC in November, but that is just me. I REALLY hate the cold! :)

 

k.

[erby2283]

Usually I'd say if it's a port intensive southern route, like most are, you may want to consider the Adventure purely bc you won't be on the ship all that much. However, since it's 12 nights and have more sea days, that might make a difference and thus get to enjoy a nice ship AND great ports. Airfare can be pretty expensive to SJU. If money is not a factor, I'd go with Anthem probably bc it is a new ship and a longer cruise.

[John&LaLa]

My wife and I are having a slight "dilemma", if you can call it that. We celebrate our anniversary every November with a cruise. We want to try a southern route this go around. Two appealing options - a 12-night Anthem from NJ or 7-night Adventure from San Juan. Anthem is 12 nights, and longer is probably better, BUT 1-2 days leaving and heading back are going to be chilly. Leaving from San Juan we could spend a few days in Puerto Rico, which wouldn't be terrible. We could also stay in a Grand Suite for basically the same cost as a balcony on Anthem.

 

Which would you choose and why?

 

Jewel is doing a 9 day Southern on November 18 this year. Prices are pretty good. All the ABC's plus Barbados, St Kitts and St Maarten. It's the first voyage after her TA from Rome.

Edited June 13, 2016 by John&LaLa

[John&LaLa]

It may come as a surprise to you, but some people WANT to visit New York City! ;)

 

Bummer that the ships don't go out of there then. :eek:

 

Maybe they can catch the Turkey Day parade.

Edited June 13, 2016 by John&LaLa

[UandMe4Ever]

Ships do go out of NJ and NYC Oct/Nov/Dec!! Gotta find the right one for you :-)