Sailed out of NYC March 2014. This was our second cruise so we have the ability to compare the Jewel class (2400 passengers) to the Breakaway with 4300 passengers.

Embarkation on both went very well. Now the difference. The Jewel had a different show in the main theater every night. The Breakaway had just three shows in the much smaller main theater, the shows repeated on different nights to accommodate the amount of passengers. Still, on the Breakaway, reservations were highly suggested. The Jewel had a definitely less crowded pool area, the biggest difference was that the Jewel had a barbecue around the pool area and live music most days. Breakaway had a hot dog cart, we saw live music just once. The Atrium on the Jewel had better entertainment and was definitely less crowded. The elavators on the Jewel were quicker and less crowded. The hallways on the Jewel were wider. Lots of walking on the Breakaway to get from our room to the elavaters. To get to the buffet we had to walk outside for a bit, not good on cold, wet days.

Overall, we will NOT book the Breakaway again, however, the Gem leaving out if NYC is same as the Jewel. We will definitely stick to the "smaller" ship.