JerseyGem

Did you have any trouble getting the warmers through security and did you pack them in checked luggage or did you carry them with you into the aircraft?

I put them in my checked suitcase. However, they shouldn't be a problem with TSA since they are not liquid. Each little pack has crystals inside that are activated when you open the outer envelope and shake them. I used warmers from HotHands (http://www.hothands.com). One pair per pack. They have foot warmers, toe warmers, etc.

I definitely recommend them for cold weather!

We did a Christmas Market cruise on the Rhine last year (late December). We had little snow, especially under foot. So tennis shoes would have been OK, as long as you had warm socks. However, I would bring a pair of boots, just in case. Plus an extra pair of tennis shoes in case the first gets wet (although remember that your cabin's hair dryer can dry out your shoes!).

I brought disposable (one use- 10 hours) hand warmers- the kind you activate by shaking. I've also seen foot warmers of the same type but have never tried them. Look in a camping or hunting store for them.

And maybe consider water-proofing your shoes? Just in case.

An Angled balcony is bigger than a regular balcony. If you only have two chairs, ask for a third (since you have three people). It will be tight, but possible.

If the kids like to splash around in the water, and the weather cooperates, I suggest a day or afternoon at Snorkel Park. It's located right in the complex (The Dockyard) where the ship is docked. It's walkable but there is a free tram that takes you around the dockyard. There is a small fee. Our 3 year old GD loved it! It's not one of the well known (and beautiful) beaches (like Horseshoe Bay), but it's convenient when you have kids along.

The previous poster mentioned the ferry to St George. Once there, you can then take a taxi to Tobacco Bay beach, but we found that none of the taxis held 6 people, so our 3 generation group had to split up, a minor inconvenience.

We just cruised the BA with an almost three year old and a 7 month old. Whether allowed or not, there were many young ones in the splash area with swim diapers (the first picture above). (The 3 year old is potty trained, and we didn't put the 6 month old in any pool.) No diapered kids were in the kids/adults pool (second picture).

The third picture is an inside area on deck 16 for 6 months to three years. Open 9 am to 9 PM. The toys rotate, so don't expect to see exactly as the picture. This area is with parent. There will also be one or two sessions per day with the staff (with parent) for 6 months to 3 years old in the main indoor kids area. Our granddaughter loved it the one time we could take her. Unfortunately, the times were inconvenient for us (lunch time and dinner time).

We also cruised on the Liberty of the Seas with the same Granddaughter when she was 18 months. They had a very small and shallow pool area for kids in diapers. Next May, granddaughters (and parents) are trying the Anthem for a 9 day.

Will you really need a ship's pool in October? If you leave from NYC or Bayonne, the first sea days could be too cool to even care about a kids' pool. Once you're in Bermuda, Snorkel Park (fee) is very close to where you dock (walk-able, although there is a tram). It's great for little ones who want to wade in and splash and feed the fish.

I'm not sure I'd even take the 14 month old off the ship in Nassau- not much for his age!

Both NCL and RCL have highchairs in the restaurants and limited kids' menus. The staff on both made kids feel welcome on the ships (as opposed to some passengers LOL!).

Pick either one and have fun!

Ship -Breakaway

Deck - 13

Stateroom # - 13858 and 13860

Stateroom Category – BA

Starboard or Port Side - starboard

Quiet Stateroom? – yes. We expected to hear noise from the connecting cabin, but with both inner doors fully shut, we heard nothing. I was pleasantly surprised and would not hesitate to book a connecting room in the future.

Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? -yes. These two staterooms connect. 13858 sleeps 3; 13860 sleeps 4. Both cabins use the sofa for the third person. This was the first time I saw it made into a bed and was surprised at how large and comfortable it was. Definitely OK for an adult (unless very tall or very wide)!

Balcony View - the straight downward view from both cabins is the lifeboats and the Waterfront .

Balcony Size? Normal for the BA (small!)

Was wind a problem? -no

Any specific problems with this cabin? The shower in 13858 didn't drain well- causing flooding if you took a long shower or turned up the water pressure. We asked for the drain to be cleaned, which helped a little. If you book this cabin, be proactive and ask for maintenance as soon as you see a problem starting.

Any other comments? - We asked to open the balcony divider. We were told that they might be able to do so once we were docked in Bermuda. Before then, we examined the divider itself and realized that if it was opened, it would block the balcony door for 13858. Since our plan had been to use 13858's balcony door to access both balconies while the little ones were sleeping in 13860, we gave up on opening the divider.

For those into bed positions: 13860 has the bed by the balcony and 13858 has the bed by the bathroom.

We just cruised to Bermuda on the Breakaway with our DD, DSIL and two granddaughters- 3 yrs and 7 months. We only needed the ship's keycard for the children to enter the secure area at the dock (and to enter the ship itself). All adults needed a photo-ID, which was thoroughly scrutinized and compared to our faces and to the ship's keycard every time.

On one occasion, we overheard a father with two teen boys having some issue with this policy while trying to enter the secure area. From what we heard (obviously incomplete), the Bermudian officer at the dock did not believe that the boys were under 16 yrs old. To me, the boys could have been older; they were tall and stocky- just like the father. In my opinion, if your child (boy or girl) could look older than 16 to a stranger, I suggest taking an ID. The OP, with the oldest 8, should not have this problem.

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We have had two angled balconies on the BA. On both cruises, we had a lounge chair plus at least one more regular chair and a small table. This past January, we had two regular chairs (and table) when we boarded. We went to guest services (second day) and asked for a lounge chair to replace one of the regular chairs. Within a short time, we returned to our cabin to discover that we had been given a lounge chair, but both regular chairs were still there. Yes, everything did fit, and we were able to get in and out of each chair!

Long underwear! Hand warmers! My goodness, DH didn't have anything like that when he was working in Moscow! Then again, we're from Chicago, and people in my family move north of Green Bay WI to retire. I do realize that on the water on a boat that is cruising it is likely to be colder than the temperature readings would indicate. I'm thinking that if we go up to the sun deck for the cruise through the Rhine Gorge we will want to bundle up.

If you're from Chicago, you'll be fine. But for those of us from further south, walking (slowly) around the towns for 2 or 3 hours without having a chance to go inside to warm up made me appreciate my long-johns! And you can always stay inside by a window as you cruise through the scenic areas, but up top gives the best views.

Haven't cruised yet, and this will not be a problem when I do--Christmas Markets! But I have traveled extensively in western Europe, including months at a time in Italy. And my conclusion: shorts, no; capris yes.

I agree with no shorts (except -maybe- for a pair to wear onboard on the sundeck while cruising).

Christmas Markets: You didn't ask, but here are my hints: Long underwear (bottoms and tops), silk glove liners and hand warmers (the kind that you shake to activate- great inside your mittens! One lasts all day)

We have upgraded to Premium Economy twice on Lufthansa and are doing it again next month. DH loves it because he has a slightly wider seat and more leg room (he's 6'1" and I'm 4"11"). I have one big advantage- a decent foot rest! However, if you plan on leaning against your significant partner to sleep - forget it- the arm rest is quite wide (and hard). Also, you can't prop your pillow against the window to go to sleep- the side of the plane is too far away (the pillow drops to the floor).

The food and service are better than in Economy, which does make for a more pleasant trip. Also, you should be given a small toiletries bag (disposable toothbrush, face wipes). Wine service is more attentive!

Someone already mentioned magnets for holding notes to the walls, but you can also bring children's magnetic activities (think letters and numbers but also animals, etc.). Granddaughter enjoyed playing with the animals on the walls. I don't know if all the ships have metal walls, but the Breakaway does.

And strong magnetic hooks/clasps will hold caps, scarves, etc.

Small children who are picky eaters: bring something that they like (snack foods, juice boxes, cereal). The selection on board may not be exactly the same as they're accustomed to eating. Introducing new foods is great, but it helps to have a back-up in the cabin if they need a quick snack before bed- one that reminds them of home.

Ship - NCL Breakaway

Deck - 10

Stateroom # - 10784

Stateroom Category – BB

Starboard or Port Side - Starboard

Quiet Stateroom? (With comments on problems) – Yes

Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? - No

Balcony View - great!

Balcony Size? Angled- so larger than most regular balconies on the BA. On boarding, we had two chairs and a small table. We asked (at guest services) to have one of the chairs replaced by a lounge chair (as on previous cruises). While we were out, a lounge chair was delivered- but the chairs remained. So we had two chairs, a lounge chair and the table- all with room to navigate around them.

Was wind a problem? - No

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? - N/A

Any specific problems with this cabin? - The water pressure was very weak, especially in the shower. Also, the shower fixture itself moaned when in use. Maintenance did check the shower and made a small improvement, but the water pressure was still not what we had experienced on previous BA cruises. We assume the shower fixture itself was faulty (neighboring cabins did not have this problem)

Any other comments? -We would book this cabin again (in spite of the water pressure issue). We love angled balconies. This one is convenient to the forward elevators and stairs.

Can I ask what cabin you had? We are booked for October, I kept hearing about angled balconies so found one & booked it. A little nervous, it's on deck 14 but we're not light sleepers so hopefully will be okay. But really curious if the balconies are that much bigger? There are 3 of us, really enjoy breakfast on the balcony but can always only fit 2 people so hoping this time we can fit the 3 of us. Do you think there is room enough or another chair? Are all angled balconies the same? I appreciate the replies ;)

You will definitely have room for three chairs (and the little table) on the angled balcony. Ask your cabin steward or guest services for another chair if you only have two when you board. (We had two chairs and a lounge chair). All angled balconies are the same (as far as I know). As for deck 14, we had very little noise in a cabin under the seating area of the garden cafe. We did hear music from Spice H2O when we were on the balcony but not in the cabin.

My review of a deck 14 cabin. These cabins are not bigger; however, an angled balcony cabin will have a bigger balcony than a non-angled cabin.

Ship - Breakaway

Deck - 14

Stateroom # - 14858

Stateroom Category – BX (Regular Balcony)

Starboard or Port Side – starboard

Quiet Stateroom? (With comments on problems) –Yes. We very rarely heard any noise from the Garden Cafe above or from Spice H2O. Slight "noise" on the balcony with an evening party at Spice H2O.

Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? – No

Balcony View (Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions was an issue.) – No obstructions, although the lifeboats do stick out a little for the straight down view. We did have a generous overhang (above) which was wonderful for keeping out the rain and sun. Sun worshipers may object to the overhang, but we loved it.

Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? – Normal for the Breakaway. Two chairs and a very small table. Perfectly adequate for two people.

Was wind a problem? – Not normally.

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? – n/a

Any specific problems with this cabin? – Only with the closet. About half of the hangers didn't work (the top of the hanger slipped all the way through the opening on the part attached to the closet rod). Bring your own hangers.

Any other comments? - The bed is by the balcony. If the bed had been by the closet, it would have been quite difficult to access the closet. For storage, don't overlook the two drawers under the sofa and the inside of the hassock (ottoman). Plus lots of storage in the bathroom. Cabin is conveniently located not too far from the aft stairwell.

I just looked at Le Bistro's menu provided in the above link. It looks like the menu we had two weeks ago on the BA. Note that the lamb is 3 lamb medallions (the center meat portion of the lamb chop); delicious and perfectly cooked, but appearing very small on the large platter- with 5 fava beans line up in a row.

I also ordered the jumbo shrimp at Le Bistro, but it was not allowed for the free Platinum dinner. I had the Dover sole instead- very good.

Over all, we had better meals at Cagney's than at Le Bistro (which used to be our favorite!).

I am also booked for the end of April and went with one of the angled balconies. I've heard too many stories about the size (or lack thereof) of BA balconies. I usually do my best to pick a floor sandwiched between two other cabin floors. Keeps the noise down.

 

I've always booked through NCL, can't complain, but not much help there.

 

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We've had angled balconies on the BA for our last few cruises. The extra space is definitely a plus. On our last cruise (2 weeks ago), we had a lounger, 2 chairs and the small table on the balcony- with space to move around amongst them.

We were in 14858 two years ago. We heard very little from the Garden Cafe (actually, virtually nothing- maybe a few dull,distant scrapes as chairs were being moved). As for the nightclub, in the evenings (when they were having a party there), we could hear some music on our balcony but not in the cabin.

The balcony is under an overhang. We loved this, as we are not sun-worshipers.

Many thanks to both of you. We leave in less than a month for our first Christmas Market cruise. I've printed out the information. Hopefully I can sample each region's specialties. Lynn

hello claire

 

could not really see your attachment but we are also sailing on the breakaway in feb 2018 on the 4th

 

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Hi Claire and Glennmartin. If my dates are correct (maybe?), I think the BA sails on Feb 2, 2018, not on the 4th. If you're booked on this cruise, come join the Roll Call:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2384272

Lots of time to plan activities for the cruise (and time to save money!), Lynn

Thank you for posting (keep it up, if possible!). We are doing this cruise in just a few weeks- our first with Vantage, although we've had many with GCT.

There have been a few posts about walking sticks. We hadn't planned on taking ours but will do so if recommended. Please let us know if any of the normal walking tours are very hilly.

Did you walk to Chalone sur Soane on your own or on a guided tour with someone from the ship? If on your own, did they give you a map or should we download one before we leave? I try to stay awake (and active) on my first day; it helps me adjust to the time change. We should be arriving on the ship right at lunch time (assuming no flight delays) and will need to find a restaurant (and wine!) asap. Then, we'll tour the town for awhile.

Thanks again, Lynn

They are all the same size with exception of the 1st and last cabin of the bump out. Those are larger. If you look at the deck plans look for the balcony cabins that show a triangular balcony. These are larger.

 

Honestly, the balconies on the Breakaway are the smallest I've ever seen on any ship. Not sure why they designed them that way.

The balconies are bigger, but the cabin itself is the same size as a regular balcony. Search for angled balconies- lots of posts to help you choose one. The angle doesn't look like much on the deck plans, but to us, it made a significant difference (and a lounger fits on the wider side). And since the regular balconies are so small, any little bit of additional space has a big impact on using the balcony.

Marksburg Castle is quite impressive with spectacular views of the Rhine below (well below!). It definitely meets your requirements for a medieval castle sitting on a hill overlooking the Rhine.

We had a guided tour (maybe one hour?); the interior rooms were very interesting, as was the history of the castle. I somehow recall that you must be on a guided tour to go inside, rather than just wandering around by yourselves.

The only negative to Marksburg Castle is that those with physical limitations (mostly walking issues) will not be able to fully appreciate it. The hill to enter is steep and uneven. Inside, there are very narrow and steep staircases; DH is a big, tall man and was uncomfortable squeezing up those stairs! But seeing the castle is certainly worth the physical challenges!

If you are to see only one castle, this is the one to see. Lynn

Hi everyone...we just booked the River Aria for Christmas Market cruise. Dec 16. We booked the pre and post packages as well...anyone else booked this itinerary? Also, has someone sailed this ship recently...it is our first river cruise.

We are Jerry and Rae Yingling from Tampa.

DH & I have cruised 6 times with GCT- all trips have been wonderful. However, we have not been on the River Aria yet. We're taking our first Christmas market cruise this coming December. If you don't find other cruisers on the site, you might have better luck on the Roll Call site. Either add a new post or add to the existing Christmas Market thread.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=7&f=685

So its connected to Vibe but not inside Vibe?

Yes, part of the bar is inside Vibe and part is outside Vibe. I haven't cruised the BA in almost one year, but at that time, there were nice soft chairs right by that bar- a very nice area to relax. The only downside is that the area could be all in the sun or all in the shade, depending on the direction of the ship (and time of day).