SAmome

2 hours ago, dexddd said:

The BA has been getting iffy reviews since start.  Ok, to be fair none I've seen iffy recent years.

 

Normal complaint is crowded public areas.

https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruise/norwegian-ncl/norwegian-breakaway/reviews

I only looked as far as this site and, ouch.  I skipped the featured review from June 22 and read Mar/Apr 24 reviews and it probably helps me lower my expectations and increase patience.  Lots of references to lines.  I've never done GSC either, sort of accustom to CC and walking off the pier so tendering on a big ship might be a drag.  But, hey, not at work right?

On 5/2/2024 at 6:59 PM, pettygirl said:

Le Bistro, however, was a lovely little enclosed space on a lower deck, much more intimate and felt more like fine dining. A much better total dinner experience, with a very good menu. Both of us suggested to go back on our next cruise. Plus 'technically' it's the only place onboard where they serve Veuve Clicquot!

The tiered drink package is new to me on this cruise.  Can you order something from the premium list, like this, and pay some sort of upcharge to get a glass?  Thanks.

Thanks everyone, appreciate the replies!

32 minutes ago, Jordan61 said:

 

We're going on the Breakaway in a couple of weeks, so I can only answer this one. Reservations can be made on the app starting at 21 days out.

Interesting.  I think mine has always shown "Not available to book." for Burn the Floor. Not sure if that means it was never available or sold out.  

Hi guys!  It's been 5 years plus I think since last NCL cruise.  Breakaway has been getting some iffy reviews but I had a good time on the Escape and Bliss back when.  I've never been to GSC....... maybe spoiled by CocoCay.  How bad is the tendering on this "bigger" ship?  I'm guessing either super early or super late for tenders.  I'm bad about waiting around in lines nowadays, especially if hot. Sailing without any perks or priority.

Are there any Glow parties or White parties outside where might want to pack all white or neon? 

Any need to get reservations for Burn the Floor when get onboard (do they even take reservations?), not able to make them in the app. I'm guessing not needed.

Only doing one specialty restaurant and it's between Ocean Blue or Le Bistro if anyone has recent experience and opinions?

Any other tips or recommendations related to this ship specifically or NCL/GSC for someone who hasn't sailed in awhile?

We do have the drink package (like most it seems these days) and some of the reviews mentioned lines and waits for drinks so that's a bummer but perhaps better for my liver.  

Thanks everyone for any info you can provide. 🙂 

I am so naive, I actually thought the adult area would be free like on the Disney island. 

It would have been nice if they'd have an area with the standard amenities (just sans kids) and another paid area with the other perks.  Like a beach club within the adult section.  It would have been nice to have an option to go "adults only" some of the time. Disappointing news. 

On 8/4/2023 at 8:37 AM, Biker19 said:

 Using a site like cruiseplum, which has about a year of price tracking history, might be a better choice.

Thanks for mentioning this; never heard of it and it looks cool.  I don't seem to be getting an email (checked spam) when tried to verify my email.  Anyone else have problems with that?  I assume it needs to be verified to send emails when/if price drops.

3 hours ago, DCGuy64 said:

Yikes! Does that at least include airfare? Must be an extremely popular time of year to cruise at those prices. I will say that the characterization of the Sky as an "older" ship is a bit disingenuous. The ship was built in 2004, that's true. HOWEVER: it was completely refurbished in 2019, including the staterooms, bars, lounges, and restaurants. That's like saying your 1950's house that you completely gutted and renovated is "old." Yes, but..... 😉 Even so, I agree with OP that $239 pp for port taxes is ridiculous. We're booked on MSC for Jan '24 for a similar itinerary and paying the same amount in the Yacht Club for 4 days as OP is for 3 in a regular inside. And our port taxes are only $110 pp.

It's just early May which with kids in school thought might be better than summer.  No airfare lol.  I was trying to find a way to use up cruisenext certificates but even giving friends the perk part (1/2 value) it wasn't a good value. With 20pppd gratuities would be 1551 for 2 pax.  

Thanks for that tip on finding taxes and fees, it goes up by $2pp after log in but it's a good way to find it without logging in.  I guess I'm just surprised this part of cruising is so different from line to line.  RCCL same weekend on Freedom (bigger/newer ship although I might have thought "tax" type fees not related to that) going to Nassau (same) and to Coco Cay instead of GSC costs about 1/2.  

15 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I think once you sign up on NCL's web site you can sort of flip through all the sailings you're looking at and the different cabins you are looking at and get the exact amount for all of that.

Thanks, logged in and filled out what needed to ---  239.18 per person in case anyone interested.  It's loco.  3 night early May sailing in older ship in cheapest inside cabin they have on deck 6 and its $1431 out the door for 2pax.  Even with the drink package included I just can't justify it.  Would much rather to RCCL nicer ship to Coco Cay for less money and bring on 2 bottles of wine for free.  I think NCL is probably a better value on longer cruises.

I'm just realizing that you can't find it in a mock booking without entering all of the info.

14 hours ago, julig22 said:

Yes, they will return any cruise next certificates that don't meet the terms of the current promo if you reprice. Had that happen a few months ago, I just reapplied the certificate again a few weeks later when the "any cabin" promo came back the following week.

Thanks!  I assume would still need to be 4 months from sailing and if prices had gone back up you can apply the certificate but keep the lower price right?

11 minutes ago, LMaxwell said:

4 day on Freedom (or alternate Freedom class) is significantly cheaper than 3 day Allure cruises; same itinerary with a sea day thrown in.  You can't see and do everything on Allure in 3 days; to young kids I bet they notice no real differences in terms of accessible amenities for them. 

Yes, that seems like the best bet but the parents don't want to take a lot of time off so weekends will work better.

6 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Since you've sailed both classes and you know your kids, I think you're most equipped to answer this yourself. Watch a video or just check the deck plan to see what Allure is missing and determine if it's stuff your kids will miss. My general answer would be that kids will enjoy both classes but I would personally always go with Oasis class, amp'd or not.

 

My young nieces (8 & 12 at the time) had a great time on Allure last year and, having never been on anything but Oasis class, called Indy "the tiny ship" when my wife and I were on her last summer, lol.

Thanks.  I'm a bit overwhelmed by the Allure pricing on 3 night.  Cheapest OV balcony is 2,411 double occupancy.  I'm pretty sure I've sailed Oasis class for 7 nights for less than that. Wow'd is right.  My kids are grown now so I was just thinking generally; lots of kids under 10 in extended family.

Family availability dates will probably determine which ship go on. Allure takes over the Freedom routes mid summer.  

Has Allure had enough interior refresh updates such that it won't feel old and in need of the coming drydock?  Mainly missing the Amp'd?

What of the Amp'd stuff might we most miss if go on Allure?  Or maybe should appreciate a non Amp'd ship for particular reasons?

I've sailed both classes and like the Oasis class but wondering about families with young kids having enough room at pool areas in the summer.  Freedom this summer we were able to find shady spots and chairs together etc.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I'm finding pricing a little high on 3 night sailing and was just wondering about ncl policies.  Before final payment can adjust for price drops, right? 

After final payment, if a category higher than you are booked decreases to what you paid, can you upgrade?  

I assume you'd move to whatever the current perks are if upgrading or adjusting price but what about cruisenext certificates?  If booked when allowed to double up and then later want to adjust price or move to better cabin, will they say you have to rebank a cruisenext if doubling up promo isn't available?

4 hours ago, cynt said:

Ask them for a surf and turf, the filet mignon plus the grilled prawns. DELICIOUS!

Sounds great!  They don't mind sort of making up a dish that isn't on the menu?  

Also, do the pizza's count as an entree?  I think it might be nice to pick one and share among the 4 of us as an appetizer.

2 hours ago, BecciBoo said:

I love the Osso Buco, filet and the Pork Belly and will never miss the Ahi Tuna appetizer plate.  

Interesting, this thread has me drooling but I looked up the menu on freedom and don't see pork belly, ahi tuna or risotto.

I happen to be thinking of this the other day so since it came up..... I was wondering if the newer ships have "better" systems that can better handle TP?  I've remember hearing a lot about the older ships being absolutely fragile when it comes to plumbing systems.

Has the design/technology improved in this area like everything else?  

4 hours ago, sushi62 said:

Me and my friend were there the end of July.  We had a thunder/lightning storm and waited it out on a bed that we had.  Everyone was running to the ship.  It passed in 15-20 min and the beach was empty after. Everything stayed open and running. Some even came back.  I'd even wait it out under an umbrella.  Your on vacation...who cares if you get wet lol. The buffet areas are big and covered also. I had the best day on Coco Cay, even with the quick storm.  If you have a bed, it has a roof and canvas curtains you can clip together for some protection.  

Thanks, I think that will be our plan, with temperatures so hot we might like a little rain!  Does the bed get pretty wet with the rain coming thru the top slats?  We have a bed at Breezy Bay.

I know they kick you out of the water when there is lightening (rarely seems to rain without it).  That's probably where I'd prefer to ride it out, in the warm water already wet.

Trams still run back to the ship?  Bars and restaurants open?  

Anyone ride out a passing storm from their beach bed?  

I'm guessing it's pretty nice and empty after an afternoon storm so I'd rather ride it out instead of going back to the ship.  

13 minutes ago, Merion_Mom said:

You won't  be seated with others.

 

Anytime in the posted time.

 

I don't know that anyone knows what limits are imposed on the number of Keys sold on any given cruise.  

Thanks!  Now I can debate soup or shrimp. 🙂   

I sort of assume there are a lot of people given it can't be held in the Chops location, but I've heard they limit the number of Keys sold. Potentially dining with 100 others?

Any tips?  Best to get there right when opens or can you arrive anytime in the window posted?

We are a group of 4; I assume we won't be seated with others.

Thanks.

2 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

I think I've done 13 on royal since restart and gotten off from 7 am or a little after ..twice for sure by 715 am. Last dec walk off started 730. People were all gone by 720 or 725.

 

 

Thanks for all those details!

2 hours ago, firefly333 said:

 I've seen the key pax coming early and walk off with them or they go first and I'm right behind. I'm a early bird walking off. 

 

 

Thanks, good to know.  If by the time we finish breakfast the line is processing for walk-offs, is there any perk to having the Key?  Like you get to go to the front of the line or they just let you off first if queued up in time?  We do intend to walk luggage off so not sure if timing works out for the breakfast.

Is the breakfast "better" than early morning WJ buffet, or regular MDR departure day breakfast?  Can those with DP or D+ get drinks at the Key breakfast?  Thanks again.