teacher_md

Going on the Jade in a week. Excited to see all of it's updates. The pictures look phenomenal!

 

Wanted to see what people thought about the following -

 

What is your favorite entree on NCL (including specialty restaurants)?

 

What is your favorite dessert on NCL (same!)?

 

I'm ready for some eatin'!

 

- AJ

Gurek is David's assistant and he is very helpful and personable.

 

One of the assistant waiters in the Haven told me "they never open the roof" when I asked her about it. Don't know why or when, but there were a couple broken panes of glass.

 

About the porter - is the advantage that you don't have to wait in the customs line?

 

- AJ

Bostonsoccerdad - let me know how your trip goes. Hope it's not as crowded! Thanks for reading.

 

Noday - David really worked hard to get us everything we wanted as far as reservations go. We were also fickle, constantly changing.

 

Js - I don't know if David will be there in August. I don't think there was an Adrian at the concierge desk.

 

Cruise cruise - Yes, Rolando was just excellent. Perhaps we didn't ask much from the butler and that is why we didn't get much.

 

Kchiumento - let me know how the Escape Haven is!

 

Diane123 - wow, you have the Haven and the Spa? That is luxury!

 

Yeah, pretty sure I won't be sailing on the big ships during spring break. Would love to do the Epic transatlantic!

 

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

We asked for a firm pillow. The concierge brought it quickly.

 

Remember to bring money for tips. Great service $$$$

 

If you like a particular snack of don't like something, tell your concierge. Here is a list of stuff he brought us: blt sandwiches, chocolate covered strawberries, trail mix/bar snacks, potato chips, canapés.

 

Just ask for stuff. Be bold. Enjoy!

 

- AJ

Riverbeachgirl,

 

I'm a first and second grade teacher so I can relate! The only difference is I get to go home. I guess that's a pretty big difference. Thanks for reading!

 

- AJ

 

 

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Thank you, luxurycruises.

 

Also should have added that we played mini golf on board. Breakaway has a nice 9 hole course. We didn't have to wait too long but it was swamped with kids. Kids walking all over the green you were playing on. Parents looking on and not really asking them to get off the course! I asked nicely and the kids got the message. The parents looked exhausted from dealing with their kids! At least the parents of these active kiddos :-)

 

 

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No, I don't think there was a Jelly Rose. David was the concierge and he did a good job. There was another concierge called Gurek who was also great.

Sinan was sooooo funny. He had us cracking up all week long. Great cruise director!

** Let me know if you have questions about the Breakaway, Haven or this itinerary!

 

Just back from a cruise on the Norwegian Breakaway from 3/27-4/3. Here is some basic background information on us – we are a couple in our late 30s/early 40s from Washington, DC. We have cruised on many other lines including Celebrity, Royal, Carnival, Princess, and Costa. Our preferred cruise lines are definitely NCL and Celebrity for very different reasons. NCL has always been the most fun. - great vibe, fun people. Celebrity has the elegant ships and the clearly better main dining room food. I am a teacher, so I have to cruise during Spring Break. We avoided paying the price for airfare and cruised out of New York. We stayed at Ink48, a hotel right by the cruise port. Highly recommend it! Originally, we booked a large balcony cabin – actually a cabin I stayed in once before to go to Bermuda. About a month out, I started reading about upsells to the Haven on Cruise Critic. The itinerary was kind of mediocre (Nassau, Private Island and Port Canaveral) so we figured the experience was going to be about the ship. We splurged and entered the Haven for the first time. Suite life, here we come. OK… with this investment it BETTER be good.

 

The ship was packed to the gills. Everyone came out for this one. We expected this and it factored into our decision to break the bank for the upgrade. There were just swarms of people in the atrium (which is much too small for a ship this size), on the pool deck (the actual pool area is very small on the Breakaway because of the added ropes course, mini-golf, sports, rock climbing, etc.) and throughout the ship. Kids everywhere. Kids clubs all packed. I have never, in all of my cruises, felt throngs of people like this, and we have to cruise during Spring Break often. I just think NCL packed them in as much as possible.

 

The weather sucked. It was cold sailing southbound from NY. Then in Port Canaveral it rained. We missed our Great Stirrup Caye stop because the waves made the tendering process unsafe. We got off the ship only once – in Nassau! We had stormy weather and even hail one night!

 

So it sounds like we didn’t have fun, right? Well, we were able to escape the hordes and indulge ourselves in the Haven. It’s as good as advertised. You are treated like royalty. The entire Haven complex is just beautifully designed and the service is top notch. We had a penthouse (16716) right off of the Haven courtyard area. The Haven restaurant is to die for! The entrees for lunch and dinner are spectacular. Lobster, surf & turf, scallops, best pork chop ever, delicious desserts. RICH french press coffee every morning with wonderful breakfasts (I loved the Huevos Rancheros). Being in the Haven reminded me of old school cruising. (Dream sequence begins - You enter the main dining room on your first night and the waiters take careful note of all of your preferences… you like lemonade with your meals… the maître d’ special orders crème brulee because it’s your preference… since we like only like sourdough bread that’s all we get…. coffee comes out automatically because that’s how we like it … OK dream over). The Haven harkens back to that experience.

 

Our stateroom attendant, Rolando, was brilliant. Friendly and kept our penthouse spotless. Our butler was OK… seemed like some of the other folks in the Haven had better butler service than we did. No unpacking luggage, fewer snacks delivered nightly, no explanation of the coffee machine. I expected a little more, but it’s not like he wasn’t good, but he wasn’t exceptional. (TIP: Bring money to tip the concierge and the butler. It isn't included. Actually, after you are treated like royalty for the week in the Haven you will want to tip lots of staff members). The toilet in our cabin was working sporadically for a day, but they managed to get it repaired.

 

 

Rock of Ages was Broadway quality. Raunchy as ever, brilliantly acted and FUN! Burn the Floor dancing was the best you will see on a cruise ship. Great show. Howl at the Moon was a riot. Even Second City, which we have had mixed results with in the past, was very good. Broadway performer Carla Stickler, star of Wicked, killed it with a spellbinding array of favorites in the Breakaway Theater.

 

We made fast friends with lots of folks. The passengers on board were just really cool and we would hang out with our new friends at the bars, at dinner, in the Haven. Drank excessively a few times. The Ultimate Beverage Package is a little tricky. At first you feel like you need to make the most of it and indulge a bit too much. Then, as the trip proceeds, you realize that it would be wise to temper the excesses. One worry that I had was that it would be hard to get a drink on board, given that so many folks had the UBP. Thankfully, this was not the case. I don’t think the drinks were as strong as on previous cruises in which we paid for each of our drinks. However, all told, the beverage service was good.

 

Let’s see, what else? Well, we had dinner at Teppanyaki. Excellent food, entertainment and experience. Don’t think we will ever skip that one. I used to say – “it’s a hibachi – we can do that on land.” Well, Teppanyaki is better than the typical hibachi. We also ate at Ocean Blue which lives up to the hype. Alaskan king crab legs, mussels, dover sole, red snapper… wow. We also went to La Cucina with some new friends, who had some dining restrictions, and I was a little underwhelmed, but the rest of the group seemed to like it. We dined on the Waterfront twice and loved the experience. Hung out at the Maltings bar on the Waterfront as well. The Waterfront is a major plus.

 

The cruise director and his staff were just “OK.” Not quite up to the level of Julie, Simon, or Sinan. We must say that Dan Dan had an absolutely spectacular voice – do not miss the last show for his “surprise.”

 

I was the coordinator of the Cruise Critic Meet & Greet and the NCL staff did a fabulous job. We had a large crowd so they placed us in the Spiegel Tent. They gave us a good spread, sent the senior officers to meet us. We had a great time… a success. Props to the special event staff for excellent organization and providing with some sweet giveaway prizes.

 

So would I sail on the Breakaway again? Sure, but not on Spring Break unless we are booked in the Haven. A Spring Break cruise on the Breakaway is just too much. There needs to be a place to escape the masses.

 

Entertainment: B+

Food (in the Haven and in Specialty Restaurants): A-

Service: A-

Accommodations: A+

I haven't sailed since June 2014, but it seemed like the MDR food was getting more and more mediocre. Actually, La Cucina on the BA on that cruise was just really bad. The first time I had La Cucina, years earlier, it was surprisingly good! Maybe just bad luck?

 

I don't want to comment on the newer stuff since I haven't experienced it. However the idea of charging a la carte on a cruise ship is a turn off. I get the upcharge...

 

I'm back on BA in 2 weeks and one thing I'm concerned about is being able to get a drink now that the entire world has the UBP, including myself. What is the point of have the UBP if you can't get drinks steadily? BUT - that is a worry - hopefully not a reality.

 

Good thread!

 

Love NCL for entertainment... the most fun cruise line.

-aj

Thanks for your help, everyone!

 

What's the procedure for renting a car in Port Canaveral.

 

Thanks,

AJ

We will be in Port Canaveral from 1pm to 9pm in about 3 weeks. I am interested in doing an airboat excursion. We would like to get off the ship, do the excursion and return - nothing fancy. Anyone have recommendations on how we should do it? Should be uber, cab it, or book the cruise line excursion? Which airboat company can you recommend?

 

Last time we visited the NASA space center and enjoyed it.

 

Thank you!

-aj

 

Airboat rides – There are several but most shore excursions go to Midway - http://www.airboatridesatmidway.com/ or Lone Cabbage - http://www.twisterairboatrides.com/ . To get away from the crowds, try Grasshopper -http://www.airboatecotours.com/ , Old Fashioned Airboat Rides - http://airboatrides.com or Switchgrass -http://switchgrassoutfitters.com

This is the first time I've gotten the UBP. Those bartenders better be making drinks quickly because I want to get my money's worth! Mimosas for breakfast, then gin between 11am-3pm, switch to wine in the afternoon and dinner. Then switch to the hard stuff after 9pm. Keep 'em coming!


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Take advantage of the Haven's dining room for breakfast and lunch. Maybe one dinner,,,, just for the experience,,, but the other restaurants are better for dinner.

 

 

 

Let your butler know if you have any special requests for afternoon snacks. We normally just let him bring us the snack-of-the-day. If you have any special bedding requests, etc. your butler will help you.

 

 

 

And,,,,, always take advantage of a white tablecloth breakfast in your suite. There will be cards to check-off breakfast items, but they will make and bring anything you write on the cards. We normally do this on port days where we get breakfast brought in before we head ashore.

 

 

 

The concierge is there to help you get what you need. Use them. If you go to the Cirque show, they will escort you in a back door and seat you before anyone else. They will get you to the front of the tender line at GSC. They will get you around the check-in line at the theater and offer you reserved seating (we normally look for our own seats once around the check-in line). Again, if the concierge knows you by face, they will pick you out of the crowd and get you in. Let them book shows and dinners (if you did not pre-book them). They don't have magic powers and can not get a seat at prime time if a restaurant is totally sold out. When you leave the ship, have the concierge get you to the front of the disembarkation line.

 

 

 

But,,,, don't forget,,, your butler and concierge are not part of the DSC pool. You should [must] tip them separately. Your room steward is part of the DSC pool and additional tip to them is optional (as it is on every other cruise).

 

 

Thanks, Eagle92. Looking forward to the hot tubs!

 

BirdTravels - thanks for the tips. We weren't planning on doing the Cirque show. Did it on Epic years ago and enjoyed it. It may be fun to have the preferential seating. We will take advantage of the early tender to GSC. We kind of require shade and the earlier we get there the better shot we'll have. Looking into the Signature Dining Plan 3 pack. We will let the concierge make the reservations. We will make sure to tip our butler and concierge for their great service! We have a penthouse - not sure how much room there is for dining in the room. We kind of splurged since it's Spring Break week for me and the ship is likely to be packed to the gills. I'm a teacher and love kids but we all need a break sometimes :-)

 

 

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We called the upsell office and decided to splurge on a Courtyard Haven Penthouse on our upcoming Breakaway cruise! We have never enjoyed the "suite" treatment so this is a big deal for us.

 

I have a few questions that maybe some of you can help me with:

 

- Is there drink service on the Haven sundeck?

- Is there shade on the Haven sundeck?

- Is there a hot tub on the sundeck? Seems like I saw one on the Getaway but not on the Breakaway and I know they are sister ships.

 

Any other tips on how to get the most of the experience?

 

Thanks!

- AJ

Thanks for the tips. We plan on bringing cash and tipping bartenders and servers who take good care of us. If you can check about the daily spa pass, that would be great. Thanks! - AJ

Paid it last time - must have been thinking about the Pearl pass years ago.

Second time on BA but first since the entire world (including us) has been getting beverage and dining packages. I have a few questions:

 

- is it a lot harder to get drink service now? I plan on bringing cash to help the process.

 

- we are going to get the signature dining plan for 3 meals and like to eat late (8-830). Party of 2, will we have trouble getting reservations?

 

- we are sailing out of NYC on March 27th. Not sure if getting Vibe would be worth it with 2 (very likely) chilly days. Thoughts? Not even sure we could get on board fast enough to snag them.

 

- do they sell daily spa passes? Looks like spa pass is up to 180 per person. Major increase from last time.

 

Thanks for any help!

 

- AJ

Thanks for the distinction on the difference between the shuttle and the tour. I think the couple joining me will want to do the tour because they like more organized tours. I'll see what I can do, though, because we have to keep it cheap.

 

What should we do all day long is Seward while we wait to board the train at 6pm? I got the Resurrection Bay tour from one of the cruise reviews I read in the notes. Is there another tour we could fit in where we could ditch our luggage for the day?

 

Thanks!

- AJ

Mapleleaves,

 

I looked at the page. So basically the Tundra Wilderness Tour is just narrated and on a fancier bus?

 

Denali looks amazing!

-aj

Thanks for the great ideas. I have a decent starting point. Then I can see if I can afford it :)

 

6/27 NCL Sun Oceanview - Glacier Bay/Hubbard Glacier

7/4 Arrive in Seward. Do Resurrection Bay Tour, Take Alaska railroad Goldstar service to Anchorage, stay overnight in hotel

7/5 Rent car in Anchorage. Start journey to Denali. Check into Healy.

7/6 Wildlife Tundra Tour in Denali

7/7 Return to Anchorage/Perhaps stop along the way and sightsee/activity, Spend night in Anchorage

7/8 Return flight home.

 

Another couple will be joining us - possibly 2.

 

How is this looking? Thanks Budget_Queen, mapleleaves and AK!

 

I have Alaska by Cruise Ship by Anne Vipond already. Will look into Milepost and Frommer's.

 

Have a great night,

AJ

Thank you, xlxo and budget queen!

 

We prefer Norwegian, RCL or Princess.

 

If we do a one-way cruise without the cruise tour (6/25 northbound) on the NCL Sun the prices are fantastic. The airfare is also semi-reasonable. Doing it on our own is daunting but there is no other way we can afford this.

 

So I'll need some help!

 

NCL comes into Seward. Can you rent a car in Seward? Maybe take the scenic train ride from Seward to Anchorage and then rent a car?

 

OK... so then we want to drive to Denali and stay somewhere. Where?

 

OK... so then we want to do a pretty serious wildlife tour (the 6-8 hour one). Can we book that on our own?

 

Then we can do something else in Alaska - is it the Prince William Sound cruise the can't miss?

 

Then we make our way back to the airport and head home. Hmmmm... maybe it's doable.

 

Thanks!

- AJ

Good morning, everyone!

 

I'm planning an Alaskan cruise for next summer. If anyone can give me some tips or info to help me, I'd appreciate it!

 

Must haves:

- full tundra tour in Denali

- domed train ride

- departing or arriving in Vancouver (want to spend a few days there)

- late June/early July departure - maybe 10-12 cruise/tour days plus Vancover

- price matters - our budget is limited :(

- would probably want to do a guided cruise tour, not on our own since this is our first time

- Glacier Bay!

 

We do have preferences on cruise line but, sadly, pricing matters most.

 

Thoughts?

 

I'm am experienced cruiser but never have done Alaska.

 

Thank you,

AJ

This thread is very helpful. We require shade as well. The fact that every pair of lounge chairs has an umbrella is fantastic! I heard that the umbrellas can blow over if it gets too windy. What are the shade options if the umbrellas can't be opened?

 

Thank you!

- AJ

Thanks for the feedback!

 

Not sure what I will do at GSC. Maybe I can try to get on an early tender and find a shaded area. The clam shell looks very enclosed. I'd prefer to be able to look around and enjoy the sights.

 

Also not sure about Vibe but I would really like to try it! Usually get a spa pass to avoid the crowds but I don't like the idea of being indoors all day. At least on Epic the spa is open to the aft.

 

I cover myself with 50, wear a hat and stay under an umbrella.

 

 

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