Breakaway/vs Anthem of the Seas

We would love to do either Breakaway or Anthem in May from New York. I was wondering out of these two ships which one is better at not nickle and dimeing you on every like thing?

I don't mind paying but hate when you get on a ship and every little thing is extra. I have read that some food is extra like pizza( not specialties ) I understand that! some activities are extra like blowing.

I'm just wondering what are the extra's that are not included in the price?

Also is there a fee for room services now ??

I will probably post this in both RC and NCL just to get both sides opinion

Was on Breakaway out of NYC last June. Beautiful ship. Hard to tell you what was or wasn't included, given we were in the Haven with the complimentary UDP and UBP. But, from memory, I think the bowling was extra charge. Drinks and specialty coffee are extra charge. Shanghai Noodles was an extra charge then, but I think complimentary now (well worth the modest upcharge, now even better if free).

Rock climbing was free. Most of the shows were free, except the Cirque show, but that one also comes with dinner. Other than that, all the entertainment was free. Pools and the huge slides around the pools are free. We never got pizza, so can't comment on it.

Was on the Allure a few years ago, and am getting ready to sail Anthem next month out of NJ.

Allure had just about the same regarding what was free and what they charged for. We had their pizza. Don't remember if it was free, but it should have been. It wasn't so good. I think breakfast fruits, cereals, pastries were free on the room service menus, as were some sandwiches. Anything hot that was delivered to your room there seemed to be a charge for, though. Anything delivered to your room I think after midnight there was a charge for.

Thinking both ships will be very similar as far as freebies and chargeable items/services.

My guess is, you won't be disappointed with either ship. Both are the best and brightest from their respective cruise companies.

We sailed on Breakaway in March 2014 and will be sailing on Anthem in May.

I have this feeling that experience will be pretty close. I do not know why.

We loved Breakaway, even though our "perfect size" is 90K T.

Somehow we did not pay for anything additional except for some drinks... contemplated booking sauna/spa for a week, but decided not to do this.

Food was overall better than on smaller NCL ships, so we did not feel a need to book additional restaurants. Shows are different. You do not have a regular theater shows, but have to book several shows. I guess the same story on Anthem.

We sailed in colder time and could not enjoy pools, but I feel that they are a weaker point of Breakaway. I cannot imagine all so many people fitting in that space. Although looking at Anthem's plan ... I feel there will be the same issue will Lido deck space.

I sailed Breakaway this spring, sailing Anthem tomorrow. I can give you details when I get back but my overall impression based on research and planning is that they are neck and neck with nickel and diming. Lots of extra charges to be had! And plenty of fun too.

Thank you I would love to hear all about the cruise when you return !

Thank you for the info everyone else ! :)

We have sailed both the Breakaway and the Allure. I can tell you that RCCL has a much lbetter lay out . They have utilized the same amount of same giving you a more open concept. NCL has used the same space and filled it with Bars. I am a big NCL fan, but will be on the Anthem in February.The Artrium on NCL is where everything happens where on RCCL things are spread out. Did the Breakaway Twice to Bermuda from NYC , beautiful ship but not enough pools.

Back from the Anthem. Did the Breakaway this spring. Both have their extra fees.

Anthem extra costs:

Drinks, food in Michael's Genuine Pub, Johnny Rockets, specialty dining, WOW bands

Breakaway extra costs:

Drinks, Vibe beach club (adults only area with hot tubs), bowling, specialty dining (Shanghai noodle place is free and very good).

They both have activities that are free (ropes course, rock climbing, water slides on Breakaway, iFly, North Star, bumper cars, roller skating, trapeze on Anthem) and shows are free except the Cirque on on Breakaway but that charge includes dinner too.

The burger place on Breakaway is free as opposed to Johnny Rockets which charges and both were hardly ever open. Pizza free on Anthem. Don't recall any pizza on Breakaway. Buffet on Anthem is WAYYYY better than Breakaway. Both have great selection of specialty dining with prices slightly lower on Breakaway and a few more selections than Anthem.

Anthem wins for awesome pool deck with no extra charge to be away from the kids in the Solarium and you can go there when the weather sucks and it is warm and lovely. You must pay for Vibe or go to the Spice H2O (which has no shade) to escape children on Breakaway.

Anthem wins for pool deck, cabin size and Breakaway wins for the Waterfront which is just lovely.

Room service on Anthem is mostly for fee items unless you get continental breakfast. On Breakaway I believe they are charging a fee now (it was free when we sailed in the spring).

I hope I covered it all!

I have a friend who recently sailed on Breakaway. She had fun but she also commented (consistent with what I've read here on CC) about the poor layout of the ship -- the casino is open to decks above and below, and the smoke there permeates other decks. My spouse and I were on the Anthem TA and thought the ship was not only stunningly beautiful but also really well laid out. And it's hard to believe there would be any space on Breakaway as incredible as Two70, or anything as fun as North Star.

I have a friend who recently sailed on Breakaway. She had fun but she also commented (consistent with what I've read here on CC) about the poor layout of the ship -- the casino is open to decks above and below, and the smoke there permeates other decks. My spouse and I were on the Anthem TA and thought the ship was not only stunningly beautiful but also really well laid out. And it's hard to believe there would be any space on Breakaway as incredible as Two70, or anything as fun as North Star.

That is true, on Breakaway you cannot avoid the casino to go various places. However the smoke didn't bother us all that much. It was nice on Anthem to never see the casino though! The layout was fine to me, had no trouble getting around and thought it was similar to Anthem in that there are two main spaces instead of one big one. Nothing can compare to the North Star, but again, nothing can compare to the Waterfront either, it's quite nice to see and enjoy the ocean so much on a cruise while eating, drinking, and listening to music (rather than a boring old promenade deck). Anthem keeps you locked inside until the pool deck except for Jamie's which has a very small outdoor dining area. Both are awesome, at the end of the day!

That is true, on Breakaway you cannot avoid the casino to go various places. However the smoke didn't bother us all that much. It was nice on Anthem to never see the casino though! The layout was fine to me, had no trouble getting around and thought it was similar to Anthem in that there are two main spaces instead of one big one. Nothing can compare to the North Star, but again, nothing can compare to the Waterfront either, it's quite nice to see and enjoy the ocean so much on a cruise while eating, drinking, and listening to music (rather than a boring old promenade deck). Anthem keeps you locked inside until the pool deck except for Jamie's which has a very small outdoor dining area. Both are awesome, at the end of the day!

I have been on both Breakaway and Anthem and loved both. There are many special things about Anthem, but I totally agree with your comments about Waterfront on Breakaway. We really enjoyed the bar there and outdoor restaurant areas. Missed the ability to walk totally around the ship outside other than on the jogging track on Anthem.

That is true, on Breakaway you cannot avoid the casino to go various places. However the smoke didn't bother us all that much. It was nice on Anthem to never see the casino though! The layout was fine to me, had no trouble getting around and thought it was similar to Anthem in that there are two main spaces instead of one big one. Nothing can compare to the North Star, but again, nothing can compare to the Waterfront either, it's quite nice to see and enjoy the ocean so much on a cruise while eating, drinking, and listening to music (rather than a boring old promenade deck). Anthem keeps you locked inside until the pool deck except for Jamie's which has a very small outdoor dining area. Both are awesome, at the end of the day!

I have been on both Breakaway and Anthem and loved both. There are many special things about Anthem, but I totally agree with your comments about Waterfront on Breakaway. We really enjoyed the bar there and outdoor restaurant areas. Missed the ability to walk totally around the ship outside other than on the jogging track on Anthem.

I agree with you both about the way that Anthem disconnects you from the water. We loved the TA, but that's a negative about the ship. There isn't even any outdoor space where you can stand in the middle of the bow; just those two wings off the side of the Solarium, which don't make up for it.

I did breakaway last February and anthem this February. In my desire to escape from the cold, I was disappointed with the pool on NCL. very much looking forward to the solarium on anthem.

I did breakaway last February and anthem this February. In my desire to escape from the cold, I was disappointed with the pool on NCL. very much looking forward to the solarium on anthem.

And don't forget Anthem's pool with the retractable roof. A real pool, excellent for swimming. (The water in the Solarium "pools" is two feet deep.)

How are the beds on the Anthem? Hubby doesn't look like firm beds and I heard that this is the case?

I thought that there is NO retractable roof on any of the pools on the Anthem? Looking forward to the Solarium. Just hope it isn't too hot in there end of Oct/Nov. Probably great on chilly days.

The pizza charge is on Breakaway. You can get an entire pie delivered to you for $5

Anthem

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How are the beds on the Anthem? Hubby doesn't look like firm beds and I heard that this is the case?

The beds are very firm on Anthem, but you can ask your stu to put an additional duvet under the sheet.

They are both good ships. Anthem has a better layout and BA has a better spa. Food is good on both. Anthem is a perfect cold weather ship. BA has way better shows and entertainment. I can go on and on...both have very good and not so good features. Quite hard to choose between the two.

So, I would pick whichever one has the better price for a similar itinerary and cabin .....do you hear me NCL???:D;)

Have not been on Anthem yet but we are booked. Have been on Breakaway twice. Would go more too. Restaurant venues and entertainment are very, very good.

Pool/pool deck area is a challenge problem for us. If you love pool decks this one is hard to get used to.

Unless you are cruising Haven.

im starting my research on anthem vs the BA and like what i read above

i have to research the solarium but sounds like the perfect place in cold weather for a cheaper bahamas cruise. though i do wish they had 7 day bermuda in sept/oct

i did not like my BA december trip as much because of the bad weather so if anthem has more places to sit/play that are inside, id be good with that. if there's a retractable roof on the pool thats even better. i never went in BA pools because the craziness.

any more current info about the buffet on anthem as well as specialties on anthem is appreciated. i have to begin somewhere :)

Beyond the nickle and dimeing you also have to decide on the cruise itself.

The Breakaway is on it's 7 night Bermuda cruise in May with almost 3 full days spent in Bermuda.

The Anthem does either a 5 night Bermuda cruise with only 2 full days in port or the 9 night Caribbean cruise in May.

We have now done both.

Anthem is definitely better ship for colder weather. Even in May we used solarium (which is great and our favorite!!!) often

Food was pretty good on both, not as good as Princess's or X, but better than NCL and RCCL average.

Shows.. Well, they have pretty similar Rock of the Ages and We will rock you. Not exactly my theme, but professionally done.

Other shows Burn the floor and forgot Anthem's were not great, but goof.

Anthem had wonderful Spectra's show in two70 venue.

I was not a fan of Anthems Esplanade. Just too crowded... and I don't know how to explain, but with all technology I felt a bit like in virtual reality. Not very relaxing.

On the other hand we loved Breakaway's outside promenade with all sofas and chairs.

Anthem has much better and cheaper internet. I was able to work from the ship, and even had video conferences. All for a bit more than $10 a day unlimited.

Beyond the nickle and dimeing you also have to decide on the cruise itself.

 

The Breakaway is on it's 7 night Bermuda cruise in May with almost 3 full days spent in Bermuda.

The Anthem does either a 5 night Bermuda cruise with only 2 full days in port or the 9 night Caribbean cruise in May.

i forgot to put in my date options

bermuda 7 days sept on pride or breakaway is about the same price (adding in NYC parking) but NCL gives many more perks for the money.

unsure why anthem doesnt do 7 day bermuda in fall. any ideas? (up to boston doesnt count). i dont feel the value would be there to lose a bermuda day vs the other ships. but that may change based on my continuing research of pricing etc.

the 8 night bahamas for anthem before christmas looks interesting and i hope they keep the sale going a while

We have now done both.

Anthem is definitely better ship for colder weather. Even in May we used solarium (which is great and our favorite!!!) often

Food was pretty good on both, not as good as Princess's or X, but better than NCL and RCCL average.

 

Shows.. Well, they have pretty similar Rock of the Ages and We will rock you. Not exactly my theme, but professionally done.

Other shows Burn the floor and forgot Anthem's were not great, but goof.

Anthem had wonderful Spectra's show in two70 venue.

 

I was not a fan of Anthems Esplanade. Just too crowded... and I don't know how to explain, but with all technology I felt a bit like in virtual reality. Not very relaxing.

On the other hand we loved Breakaway's outside promenade with all sofas and chairs.

 

Anthem has much better and cheaper internet. I was able to work from the ship, and even had video conferences. All for a bit more than $10 a day unlimited.

i spent last night viewing videos of the solarium and the pools and differnet room types. i regret not booking this ship last december vs the BA.

how bad was fighting for space in solarium? if we go in december this will definitely be heavily used.

regarding food i've given up about opinions. read anthem review that pretty much said all free food was crap lol. so i'm just going to try to find menus and deal myself with that.

the two70 looks like the kind of place the breakaway needs. just somewhere to sit. BA doesnt have that kind of thing. atrium is a joke. wouldnt call sitting there relaxing at all lol.

wow 10 a day unlimited web is insanely cheap

also i'm finding theres no way to tell what the drink packs and individual specialty restaurants cost on the royal website. NCL may not be cheap but at least prices are listed! i have to search the threads. im not a drinker but i think the drink pack is 50 a day. i'm just getting soda anyway. but im very interested in the prices for individual specialties. i see their SDP is about the same price as NCL

one thing i dont like on non NCL lines is they dont have any free perks at all like NCL does. i think celebrity is the only one i found like this..or was it crystal ..i forget