Breakaway in December? Usually loyal to Royal.

[heathermiller86nj]

Hi all,

 

We've cruised all major cruise lines, but most of our recent cruises have been on Royal Caribbean. We've celebrated the holidays or new years aboard Royal Caribbean for the past 4 years.

 

We are contemplating changing things up this year and trying a cruise aboard the Breakaway. Last year for the holidays, we cruised on the Anthem of the Seas, and it was our favorite cruise to date.

 

I know NCL has freestyle dining and cruising, but what can we expect aboard the Breakaway? Has anyone been on both the Anthem of the Seas and NCL Breakaway for the holidays for comparison purposes?

 

NCL seems to have the dueling piano bar, second city comedy and Rock of Ages. How is the live music? Is there anything for the 18+ crowd (young adults / early 20's) to do? RCL has a nightly gathering for this age group and then they usually met up at the nightclub.

 

A few other questions:

-Does NCL do anything special during a Christmas sailing?

-What is there to do for the first and last day and a half? The Anthem of the Seas had an indoor pool and 270 lounge. What kind of activities does NCL offer for the beginning and end of the trip?

-The itinerary is awful (GSC, Nassau and Orlando). We'd probably only get off at the private island and Nassau and would be cruising for the convenience and for a nice family trip. How has the weather been at these islands during this time of year? Does the ship more often than not miss Great Stirip Cay in the winter?

-Is there any fly on entertainment (special shows / comedy / vantriloquist / anything else besides the broadway-style shows)?

-How is the food in the included dining venues?

-What kind of crowd should we expect (families)? Heavy New York / New Jersey crowd similar to the Anthem of the Seas?

 

Thank you very much.

[PelicanBill]

My comparison to RCCL is a bit out of date but we used to cruise RCCL and Carnival and have taken Breakaway twice and planned a third this December. We find it equivalent overall.

 

The young adult crowd will enjoy Rock of Ages and the theme parties - last year we had a white/glow, 70s and 80s parties.

How at the Moon (dueling pianos) is lots of fun. The nightclub is 18+.

 

Food is quite good among the included venues. Paying for one or two specialty meals is a treat but not necessary.

 

I can't comment on Christmas, but yet it will be heavily NY Area/family crowd.

[heathermiller86nj]

Hi,

 

Does anyone have any experience on the Breakaway v.s. Anthem for the holidays. Would appreciate any insight and opinions. Thank you.