peteukmcr

On 6/4/2019 at 5:43 AM, basicprincess24 said:

Day 1 - Travel Day (Continued)

We actually landed at EWR 20 min early, at 4:10pm local time. However, the traffic at the curb was crazy! It took probably 20-30 min for our LyftXL to get through to pick us up. Then, we were in bumper to bumper traffic all the way to hotel in NYC - the trip took about an hour and a half. The LyftXL cost about $75 from EWR to the Kimpton Ink48 Hotel. I had looked into the train prior to our trip, which would have cost about the same for the 4 of us,  but had decided that Uber was simpler. In hindsight, the train might have been the better option considering how long we waited to be picked up and how long we were stuck in traffic.

 

We made it!

 

We saw this Sierra Nevada truck right outside our hotel. One of Sean's favorite Nor Cal breweries!

 

We chose the Kimpton Ink48 because of the proximity to the port, only 1 block from pier 88. Hotels for the night in NYC were incredibly expensive, so we chose to share a room for the 1 night. We booked a two queen bed room, which was nice and modern and sufficient for our one night stay. One note on this hotel - it is located across the street from an event space, and there is a very loud event every Saturday from 11pm - 4am. The two queen rooms face this street, so we were warned at check in about the noise, and they let us know that they have sound machines and ear plugs available if we needed them. No one in our group was kept awake by the noise, but if this would bother you, book a different room type.

 

We had booked 7:30pm dinner reservations at Bea, which was about a 10min walk from the Ink48. I had found this place on Yelp, and we were all impressed. It definitely could be described as “trendy” but the food was excellent. They played loud 80s music, and had old black and white movies projected on the walls. It was a really fun meal, and we'd definitely recommend it.

 

 

 

We all started with cocktails. Sean had the Maracuya Mama, made with passion fruit puree and chipotle tequila. This one was delicious and only a little spicy.

 

I had the Long Life Elixir, made with Cilantro Tequila, lime, and pineapple juice. Also good, but Sean’s choice was better.

 

For dinner, Sean had the Herb Roasted Chicken, which he loved.

 

I had the gnocchi, which came in a tomato cream sauce that was to die for. I was scraping up every last bit of sauce from my plate.

 

After dinner, Matt really wanted to try some authentic New York cannoli, so he searched nearby on Yelp. He found a spot with over 1000 reviews and 4 ½ stars, and it was only a block away, so we headed there next. We all had a good laugh when we arrived at Carlo’s Bake Shop, from Cake Boss. Maybe not the authentic experience we were looking for, but we decided to go for it.

 

 

We got one of each kind of cannoli offered - original, chocolate, and rainbow sprinkle. Pretty good!

Another funny moment happened here. Grace was trying to AirDrop this photo from her phone to Sean, but Sean didn’t remember what his iPhone was named, so when she turned on AirDrop, the only option was iPhone. We figured that was probably it, so she shared the photo with iPhone, only Sean didn’t get it! Someone else in Carlo’s had accepted her cannoli photo! Whoever who are, we hope you enjoyed the cannoli photo!

 

Yum!

 

After we’d finished our dessert, we took a quick walk to Times Square to see the lights and the New Year’s Eve ball and take a few photos.

 

We walked back to the hotel and called it a night, excited for embarkation tomorrow morning!

 

Coming up - New York bagels and cruise day!
 

We're also staying at Kimpton Ink48 before our Escape sailing in Sept. Again picked for the location and close to Hells Kitchen (a Mexican restaurant on 9th Ave). I was concerned about the construction taking place next to the hotel but that is supposed to be finished in a few weeks, but didn't know about the event space! Thanks for the heads up.

2 hours ago, Denarius said:

An alternative would be to buy a white tuxedo

 

A stylish alternative would be to buy a white tuxedo or (if you feel that you could carry it off) one of those fancy coloured ones they sell in Moss Bros nowadays and wear it with plain black trousers and a bow tie of your choice.

Although I will be packing the full black tux, I will be bringing this too, which is similar to what you describe. This was worn on a line which does not have a formal dress suggestion. 

Well finally the video of this TA is ready!

It covers pre cruise in Sitges and Barcelona, the ports of call in Madeira, Antigua (replacement for St Maarten) St Thomas, Port Canaveral (Orlando) post cruise. 

Keep an eye out for "Freddy Mercury" (6 mins 30 secs in) at the 80's party, some limbo exercise (9 mins 47 secs), the famous Glow party (13 mins 15 secs) that was relocated from Spice H2O to the Bliss Ultra Lounge due the heavens opening 5 mins before the start and the 'Ice Man Cometh' 16 mins 45 secs in!

There's also a good extract from our first Teppanyaki  dinner 4 mins 5 secs in.

We’ve sailed over 20 times with RCI but have recently tried NCL (Epic & Breakaway) and soon will be on Escape. 

Overall I feel the 2 lines are very similar. However, the number and type of complimentary dining venues are a big draw to NCL for us. The number and variety of speciality restaurants too. 

Although we think there is a more limited choice in the buffets on NCL, the food quality is better (in our opinion the quality in RCI’s Windjammer has deteriorated hugely over the years). 

Food quality in the main dining rooms on NCL also give RCI a run for the money. 

Having a coffee maker in the cabin is a nice touch too instead of having to order room service every morning or slepping off to the nearest cafe on RCI. 

Already mentioned, but the process for disembarkation on the final day is far better on NCL. The deadline for vacating your cabin on the last morning is more generous on NCL compared to RCI which is great if you’re not in a rush. Also final breakfast in the MDR is far superior on NCL in that you are not forced to share a table as you are on RCI and the opening times are more reasonable. 

Our Breakaway experience was extremely positive especially as it was a last minute replacement for an Oasis of the Seas transatlantic that was cancelled. 

My review, including 3 videos (ship, cabin tour and ports) is here 

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2660960-ncl-breakaway-21st-april-2019-review/

26 minutes ago, madcat444 said:

Thanks 😄 
Surely high winds make it more interesting, no?!?! 🤣😆

 

Do you happen to know if there's a climbing wall as deck plan indicates yes but couldn't see one on any videos I've watched?

 

Fiona

There is a climbing wall on deck 16.

1 hour ago, ValerieJo said:

 

Hello,  We are considering booking this excursion.  Did you do the VIP or regular booking?  If you did the regular booking, did you have any trouble finding a chair?  Any additional information about this excursion we should know about?  Thank you for your time. 

We just did a regular booking and didn't have a problem finding a chair, especially undercover. If you don't need shade then there's plenty more available.

16 hours ago, PistolPete13 said:

Hi everyone,

 

First time cruiser here and I'd like to thank all the posters here with trip reviews and other information that made my experience more enjoyable.  I'm not much of a writer but I do like to take a lot of photos.

 

Here is a link to my snapshots of the trip in chronological order.  I'm still working on filling in some of the descriptions but if you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask.  If your curious about what some of the common areas of the ship look like, head towards the end of the album.  The last sea day was stormy so I had some time to wander the ship and click away.

 

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmDYU3rQ

 

Sailing on Escape in September but the above link is forcing me to create an account before I can view your photos 

1 hour ago, Host Clarea said:

 

Last time we cruised, a can of soda was around $4 including tip.

But prices on Indy when sailing from the UK include gratuity and someone posted a photo of a receipt and it clearly shows $7 for can of soda on her first sailing this year from Southampton following the TA.

Any examples of the drink prices, specifically the cost of a can of soda? The reason I ask is that it was reported on social media that a can of soda was $7!

24 minutes ago, dazlight said:

I’m still undecided to get it or not. As I have a room booked with my daughter and my wife is next door booked with my other daughter I only have to pay £40 a day. For 15 drinks it’s well worth it. My wife can have a few cocktails on it and I’ll get a good few pints on it. 

No sharing allowed. From the T&Cs

Shipboard management also reserves the right to add additional restrictions and revoke or cancel the Ultimate drinks package at any point
during a guest’s cruise for any reason without a refund, as appropriate. A guest’s beverage package may be forfeited if they:
 - Provide beverages to other guests or do NOT comply with the terms, conditions and limitations of the package
 - Exhibit behaviour that is inappropriate, a safety risk to themselves or others, or become offensive or disruptive to other cruise guests
or staff
 - Exceed, or attempt to circumvent, the daily limits and service limitations outlined

2 hours ago, Jennizor said:

Can we clarify one point. Formal nights are two on a 7 day cruise and  four on a 14. You should be aware of this when you book, if not, you have not researched your prospective holiday enough.  So for just a small portion of your cruise, you are asked to respect the designated dress code for these nights. Having been on many cruises with P & O I am always elated when we go down to dinner and see the vast number of passengers, young and old dressed in all their beautiful and elegant formal attire. What gives me the most pleasure is seeing the young people, men and women, who look so gorgeous and obviously are having a great time. How can that not be something to respect? Long may it last.

The number of formal nights are not unique to P&O, they are similar on other lines. It may last less time time than you think unfortunately. 

5 hours ago, LD Silver said:

Terrific review.....fair and balanced

Thank you, much appreciated 

And here's 678 Ocean Place and The Waterfront

Here's cabin 11294

Here's a compilation from the whole sailing.

We had to find an alternative cruise at very short notice due to the cancellation of our Oasis of the Seas Transatlantic and we chose Breakaway, what a treat!

I have done a review but here's a collection of videos to whet your appetite if you are considering Breakaway, have a specific cabin in mind or just want reminding how great the ship is.

Here's an introduction to us (you can see at least 2 NCL ships in this!)

Here's another video Patrick has completed

Check out our "Caribbean Capers" on board NCL Breakaway in April 2019. The ship, the ports and the parties.

On 5/27/2019 at 2:55 PM, dgs1956 said:

It astounds me the constant winging about Formal Nights with people insulting those that are happy to adhere to the rules and actually enjoy dressing up. I accept that many people don't want to get "dressed up" and are happy to go about in shorts and t-shirts all day (probably the same ones). That is entirely their choice but P&O say that they will have Formal Nights and do have a dress code. The answer is simple and has been said many many times, if you don't like it then go elsewhere. I for one hope that things stay the way they are.

What about the rude and offensive remarks made to those who don’t want to dress formally like you have made saying “if you don’t like it go elsewhere”. Isn’t that rude?

8 minutes ago, Highpeaklad said:

 

Perhaps I should have said, minimum attire then. Still true though. 

Personally, I’m completely against the compulsory nature of the formal dress code on P&O - being banished to the buffet. Surely one side of the MDR could be casual on a formal night. I don’t care what anyone else wears, so I think those who like formal dress should be encouraged to wear it every night. You’re on your holiday, you should be able to wear what you’re comfortable in. 

Totally agree. We're so close (99% convinced) to getting some friends to join us on the same P&O sailing as us, but the 1 issue preventing them from committing is the dress code. However, as I have reviewed the current P&O dress code for Britannia, it no longer appears as restrictive in terms of venues after 6pm where formal attire is mandatory. 

RCI did try introducing a 'formal' only restaurant on one of their Oasis class ships as part of a 'rotational' dining concept. However, the rotational dining concept didn't work and was abandoned and so was the 'formal only' venue unfortunately. 

On 5/27/2019 at 10:02 AM, Highpeaklad said:

 

Celebrity version of formal is ”evening chic” and designer jeans and a button down shirt is the suggested attire. 

 

 

You have been very selective in your description of Celebrity "Evening Chic" to suggest only designer jeans and button down shirt is expected. The dress code for men is actually described as below

Pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or sweater

Optional sport coat or blazer

Evening Chic means that you can get glamorous and be sophisticated in your own way. If you would like to still wear a tuxedo or formal gown on Evening Chic nights, you absolutely should.

So let's give the full picture please for a balanced report, not be so selective for dramatic effect. And for those who have not sailed anything other than P&O, I can vouch for the fact that many still do wear Tuxedos on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Cunard, MSC and even on the 'freestyle' line Norwegian. Admittedly not to the percentage witnessed on P&O, but it's not as regimented and dictated on those lines. Oh and BTW before you have a go at me, we still wear tuxes or DJ's on these lines. 

I don't understand why there is so much animosity and vitriol towards those who do not wish to wear formal attire on P&O. If you are comfortable in what you wear, why should it bother you what others wear?

1 hour ago, madcat444 said:

Great review - looking at booking BA for end of September in a solo cabin.  Travelled quite a few times with NCL and love them for the way they accommodate solo pax.

Could you tell me if any of the activities such as Walk The Plank, ropes course incur a fee please?

 

Thanks,

 

Fiona

Thanks for your feedback. Although I didn't do the ropes course etc. I didn't see any fees listed.

10 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

Perhaps she needs a good travel agent to make the arrangements for her.  She needs to realize that in Europe, hotels don't usually have a transfer service to/from the airport or the port.  EM

Some in Civitavecchia do like the one I have used in the past.

The Hotel San Giorgio in Civitavecchia used to offer a shuttle from the airport to the hotel and then you could arrange a shuttle on day of embarkation to the port.

https://www.sangiorgiohotel.biz/hotel-civitavecchia-and-tour.htm

Just a word of caution with rail travel in Italy, especially from Civitavecchia.

Trains are often late/cancelled or on strike. Locals often protest at Civitavecchia that they cannot get on trains due to the number of cruise line passengers boarding. As mentioned there isn't a direct service to the airports so a change is necessary.

More reliable is to pre-book a private transfer. Please don't rely on a cab as you will have to use the free port shuttle bus to the port entrance and despite Civitavecchia being a major cruise port, the number of local cabs is minimal, and so you will be waiting a long time for one.

I can recommend https://www.romecabs.com/

Many people organise a shared private shuttle to lower the per person cost.

Pre booked shuttles are also allowed into the port area and so you will normally disembark, collect your bags and the driver is outside the terminal.