NCL Breakaway, Getaway or TCelebrity Equinox-specific questions

OK to start with, I know there are plenty of other threads comparing the ships and comparing the lines and I have looked at several of those. But I have specific questions and specific issues so I'd like your opinions to help us make a decision. We would be booking a balcony/veranda room, no suites, concierge levels or anything fancy.

Dh and I are in our early 60's, no health or mobility issues other than we're basically lazy. We've only sailed RCI except for one amazing trip on the Oceania Riveria to the Mediterranean. As you can see by my signature, we've sailed the mega ships as well as the medium size ones in RCI and are looking to try something different.

We want to go on a week trip to the Western Caribbean for our anniversary, which is mid-August, so we are looking at a trip during what is summer vacation time for students and teachers, so that's a bummer, but it is what it is because that's when our anniversary is and we're getting a second dog right after we come back and don't want to plan a trip and leave a new puppy.

I've done a bit of research and I've narrowed it down to the Celebrity Equinox or the NCL Breakaway or Getaway. Here's what I'm trying to consider:

Pluses for Celebrity:

(1) As RCI travelers, we are pretty close to the next level so if we do Celebrity, I think we get there.

(2) Celebrity according to our travel agent is a slight step up from NCL and RCI so we may prefer that for something new.

(3) I have seen some posts about smoking on the NCL ships and Celebrity seem to have a smoke free casino (not that we spend time in the casino, but for walking through and smoke drifting around it)

(4) Celebrity may appeal more to a slightly older crowd so there may be less children on board (been there, done that with kids, don't have grandchildren, prefer less kids vs family environment, but not such an older ship that it's totally "dead.")

Pluses for NCL/minuses for Celebrity:

(1) and this is the major one, we do like to have something to do in the evenings after dinner and after the shows. NCL seems to have more alternatives, Howl at the Moon, cheesy "contests" that are fun to watch, and I love the idea of the Waterfront area. Maybe it's just that X's website is not as informative, but when I click on "things to do" on the Equinox, all I see are the health programs.

(2) inclusive drink package appears a little better with NCL--not that we're huge drinkers but it may be fun to check out the different drinks especially the specialty ones that are offered inclusive.

The itinerary doesn't really matter. We usually plan an all inclusive beach day at the ports where we can find one, usually don't use the ship's excursions, aren't the adventurous types so the ports we visit aren't really important. The itineraries on the three above options are the same (NCL ones) or substantially similar.

Food, well, we like to eat, we're not picky, having specialty choices is nice, but I wouldn't build a cruise around food, especially these cruises. We just are looking for a one week get away to relax, unwind, have some fun, etc. We live in South Florida and we have lots of nice restaurants here so eating out/nice venues for dinner is nice but not overly important.

I am leaning towards the NCI over the X because of more to do at night. We have cruised on the Allure and the Oasis so larger ships don't bother us. Between the Breakaway and the Getaway, which do you prefer and why? The sailing dates and itineraries are pretty much identical between the two. The Breakaway is about $200 higher for the same exact room on the same weekend, though, not sure why?

Would appreciate your thoughts! TIA.

I'm not an expert, but I'm pretty positive that Royal and Celebrity do reciprocal rewards not additive. Ie if you get 7 points on Celebrity it doesn't add to your Royal points. So if you have 70 points on royal and sail with celebrity you'd get the equivalent level of rewards on Celebrity but after the sailing you still have 70 points on royal and only 7 on celebrity.

Not 100% on the points you have on celebrity, but I do know sailing on celebrity will not give you any crown & anchor points.

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We haven't been on NCL yet, (going on the GEM in June!), so I can't compare the two lines. We have been on 20 cruises, most of them on RCI, though. I do want to share the experience that my DH, SIL BIL, and I (all in our 60's and active) had on the Equinox on the New Year's Eve cruise this past January. It was the second time on Celebrity for DH and me. We enjoyed the cruise a lot, and the food was very good. There were few announcements which was nice and it seemed less crowded than our RCI cruises perhaps because there aren't water slides and similar activities that create mayhem on the pool deck. We had a lot of time to talk, read books and relax but near the end of the cruise, we commented that while we had a good time, there didn't seem to be much to do on the ship! You mentioned this concern, and it did seem to us that there weren't enough activities of interest to us on the Equinox compared to other ships we've been on.

One other comment in response to your item related to the RCI and Celebrity points. It is my understanding that the points you have with RCI will transfer to Celebrity (as it did for us), but the points you receive for a Celebrity cruise will not transfer to RCI. You may want to check this to be sure in case that is a major consideration in your choice of a cruise line.

Best wishes for a great cruise whichever ship you choose!

We were on Breakaway two years ago and just got off Getaway today (sigh) doing the Western Carribbean.

Getaway and Breakaway are sister ships, which means that the floor plans are very similar, as are the cabins - the two ships have different feels, however. Of the two, DH and I preferred Getaway because the staff seemed friendlier, but I'm comparing to 2 years ago vs today.

I will say that Breakaway has the District Brew House, and while DH and I don't like craft beers, if you enjoy a brew those who have been there only have good things to say about the bar and entertainment/ambiance. Breakaway also has Food Republic, which I really enjoyed - small plates with Asian flair that you order by hand held computer at your table.

Currently, Getaway has the edge for us on shows- Burn the Floor is amazing Latin dance, and we LOVED Million Dollar Quartet.

TBH, I'd go with Getaway because of the price - I don't get the $200 difference for the same route/week combo on sister ships...

You can't go wrong either way. Both ships are amazing.

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OP....tough choice. But, I’d say your assessments and comparisons ar dead on.

I’ve only sailed on Celebrity’s Solstice, but have sailed RCCL more often.

Love NCL, too. I think you’ll find more nightlife on NCL vs Celebrity!

Re: transfer/application of points--that was very helpful. So that takes away one consideration for Celebrity--it's not that much of an advantage, so still leaning more towards NCL thanks!

Also comments re not as much activities on Equinox, also very helpful--that's my #1 concern so NCL is still looking better on that level!

So Getaway v. Breakaway, not sure why the price differential especially since it's the same weekend and itinerary for both, but Getaway is looking better price-wise. I do like craft beers though...

I will say that Breakaway has the District Brew House, and while DH and I don't like craft beers, if you enjoy a brew those who have been there only have good things to say about the bar and entertainment/ambiance. Breakaway also has Food Republic, which I really enjoyed - small plates with Asian flair that you order by hand held computer at your table.

This is not correct. It's Escape that has the District Brewhouse and Food Republic, NOT Breakaway. Getaway and Breakaway are virtually identical I believe.

Oops, it appears Breakaway has the martini bar, Shakers, and Getaway has the mojito bar, Sugarcane.

Sailed on the Getaway 3 times so I’ll add my 2 cents. We have found the staff , food quality (not the buffet) and entertainment excellent.

There is always something to do in the evenings great shows lots of options for dinner and lots of bars. We love Howl at the moon and there is live music in multiple venues or a comedian. There always seems to be something we enjoy.

I’m an ex smoker so very aware of the smell now. As you walk through the casino area you can definitely smell cigarettes. Even in the day when in port it still lingers. The open Atrium design doesn’t help. I would say you notice it but it’s just for a few minutes as you walk through. Not a deal breaker for us.

Should probably say I’m not a fan of buffets so I’m not saying the Getaway’s isn’t good just not for me.

I've sailed both the equinox and the breakaway. Celebrity is our favorite line. But overall your assessment that back has better nightlife is correct. Overall the Celebrity nightlife should be very similar to what you have seen on royals midsized ships. Every night there are the shows and bands. But no comedy club or dueling piano bar like on ncl. But typically the martini bar is hopping until well past midnight.

Celebrity is a step up in every other way. Its the little things. On ncl you have to check out towels. On celebrity you can have as many as you want. I know you said food isn't that important, but celebrity is much more to our liking. We said we would not do another ncl cruise without paying for the specialty restaurants. In 6 celebrity cruises we have been to a specialty restaurant once, because the mdr is so good.

I've had the drink packages on both and am surprised to hear you think celebrity is not as good. Ncl's doesn't include the coffee bar. And i can't remember if it included water. Celebrity has both. Overall celebrity has a MUCH better wine list. I think their overall drink list is more creative too. On celebrity the classic package is included. You can pay 10pp/day to upgrade to the premium (highly recommended, but really depends on what you like to drink) on ncl you have to pay gratuities on the package price, so the cost difference isn't great.

Sailed on the Getaway 3 times so I’ll add my 2 cents. We have found the staff , food quality (not the buffet) and entertainment excellent.

There is always something to do in the evenings great shows lots of options for dinner and lots of bars. We love Howl at the moon and there is live music in multiple venues or a comedian. There always seems to be something we enjoy.

I’m an ex smoker so very aware of the smell now. As you walk through the casino area you can definitely smell cigarettes. Even in the day when in port it still lingers. The open Atrium design doesn’t help. I would say you notice it but it’s just for a few minutes as you walk through. Not a deal breaker for us.

Should probably say I’m not a fan of buffets so I’m not saying the Getaway’s isn’t good just not for me.

Totally agree about buffets. DH likes them because for him its the quantity of food not the quality but I'm more picky and usually avoid buffets like the plague unless it's just to grab a yogurt and fruit in the morning.

This is not correct. It's Escape that has the District Brewhouse and Food Republic, NOT Breakaway. Getaway and Breakaway are virtually identical I believe.

 

Oops, it appears Breakaway has the martini bar, Shakers, and Getaway has the mojito bar, Sugarcane.

Oooo that's good to know--I much prefer mojitos to martinis!! I do like a craft beer but if I'll be drinking the fancy island type drinks, I wouldn't mix so I guess craft beer isn't a priority for this trip.

I've sailed both the equinox and the breakaway. Celebrity is our favorite line. But overall your assessment that back has better nightlife is correct. Overall the Celebrity nightlife should be very similar to what you have seen on royals midsized ships. Every night there are the shows and bands. But no comedy club or dueling piano bar like on ncl. But typically the martini bar is hopping until well past midnight.

Celebrity is a step up in every other way. Its the little things. On ncl you have to check out towels. On celebrity you can have as many as you want. I know you said food isn't that important, but celebrity is much more to our liking. We said we would not do another ncl cruise without paying for the specialty restaurants. In 6 celebrity cruises we have been to a specialty restaurant once, because the mdr is so good.

I've had the drink packages on both and am surprised to hear you think celebrity is not as good. Ncl's doesn't include the coffee bar. And i can't remember if it included water. Celebrity has both. Overall celebrity has a MUCH better wine list. I think their overall drink list is more creative too. On celebrity the classic package is included. You can pay 10pp/day to upgrade to the premium (highly recommended, but really depends on what you like to drink) on ncl you have to pay gratuities on the package price, so the cost difference isn't great.

Hmmmm you raise some good points. I was just repeating what I was told, but you are correct, water is not included from what I've read with NCL, and I didn't realize about the coffee bar. That could be a biggee. I also read a couple of posts that coffee on the NCL wasn't very good....

I guess it may come down to evening activities versus the perks that X has to offer. We'll just have to try both I guess!