Breakaway, why such a boring cruise!?

[Verfai]

Hey all,

First time poster in the NCL board :D, Been looking to try something different than RCI next year.

 

You don’t have to agree or not on following :p, just some inside info into my head ;).

NCL EPIC...Now on the inside she looks really intriguing, however in MY opinion…The person that designed the outside or overall look of the ship should be exiled to the moon.

 

Now Breakaway is a different story, she actually looks like a ship and I am totally in love the way NCL took RCI Royal promenade idea and turned it around into the open deck waterfront, we also love spa visits, we are defiantly food & drink lovers and she is sparkling brand new…So Breakaway sounds and looks very appealing!

 

However, we are “young” (cough) people, whilst we don’t do a lot of excursions we do like getting off the ship and wondering around, to end up back at the pool, loads of drinking and eating, night life and waking up (slowly) every morning at new location...

When looking at the cruises Breakaway is going to do, it is SUCH a disappointment!

 

5 months of nonstop: NY->2 sea days->3 days Bermuda->sea day->NY…Really NCL!?

 

I have found a similar thread, but I am more interested on WHY NCL would take their newest most advanced, with new venues ship to do such a boring cruise, who actually wants to do this or what are their target passengers???

 

If you have booked this cruise, no offence intended but I am curious to what your plan is on this cruise. What to do 3 days in a row in Bermuda?

 

Now the tour she will be doing as of October 2013 looks better, but still not really my dream route.

 

Greets

[che5904]

I cruise because I love different ports so Bermuda at this time is not on my radar.

 

However, these are my guesses stictly based on all the reading I have done here.

 

She's out of N.Y. so from my understanding, on a short run there isn't a lot of options like there is going from ie. Miami.

 

If the world outside of CC is anything like the members of CC, Bermuda is a very loved port and the merts of Bermuda will be defended to the end.

 

She's a new ship, so the ship will be the big drawing card.

 

And my own thoughts: NCL probably loses a lot of money staying in Bermuda for 3 days that passengers will spend their dollars on shore. New ship, new things to do, shows to see may bring passengers back to the ship more often during the stay there to spend money on board.

[Verfai]

Ow I had not even thought about the money loss due to staying three days in Bermuda, we would indeed spend more money ashore on drinks and food…That is very strange for a cruise linger to do indeed!?

 

For three days Bermuda, I would personally prefer to pay for a land based stay… Why pay for a cruise, which the entire point is that the ship actually moves around, instead of staying in only one place, like you to said.

 

For me, if they really want the Bermuda option in there, at least switch between one week Bermuda, every other week the Florida cruise.

[che5904]

For three days Bermuda, I would personally prefer to pay for a land based stay… Why pay for a cruise, which the entire point is that the ship actually moves around, instead of staying in only one place, like you to said.

.

 

As I stated, I have never been to Bermuda. So I did ask that question of my fellow CC members a while back. I was told Bermuda is extremely expensive and therefore it is cheaper to cruise there than take a land based vacation there.

[Verfai]

As I stated, I have never been to Bermuda. So I did ask that question of my fellow CC members a while back. I was told Bermuda is extremely expensive and therefore it is cheaper to cruise there than take a land based vacation there.

 

Thats good to know, not my part of the world :D

[signora]

Speaking as a Bermuda lover, 3 days is not nearly enough to spend on this island. For us, the British flavor and the pink sand beaches captivate, among much else. Actually not having to negotiate a new island every day is quite nice, and there is so much to do that the three days pass by all too quickly. I would return in a heart beat, the only difficulty finding the time to go outside of midsummer when it can be very hot.

[Verfai]

Speaking as a Bermuda lover, 3 days is not nearly enough to spend on this island. For us, the British flavor and the pink sand beaches captivate, among much else. Actually not having to negotiate a new island every day is quite nice, and there is so much to do that the three days pass by all too quickly. I would return in a heart beat, the only difficulty finding the time to go outside of midsummer when it can be very hot.

 

Okay, enlighten or convince me :D how do you keep yourself busy in Bermuda three days, like my previous post states it’s far from my part of the world :D flights to NY are at great prices with Brussels Airlines :).

Also when does it start to get warmer?

[karen119]

Put me into the Bermuda fan club. I absolutely LOVE being docked for 3 days in Bermuda. No running back to the ship before it leaves each day. You are free to do whatever you like, regardless of how long it takes to do it.

 

Frankly, while there are many beautiful islands out there, I doubt there are any other islands more beautiful than Bermuda. And....there is so much to do there.

 

Sailing out of NYC, Bermuda is a very convenient stop. It's very expensive to fly and do a land-based trip there -- I'd much rather cruise there. I have done this cruise itinerary twice and still feel like there's so much more I need to see/do.

 

Maybe in 2014..... :rolleyes:

 

Just a thought -- perhaps the new Getaway ship will be best for your style of cruising.

[Demonyte]

Now Breakaway is a different story, she actually looks like a ship and I am totally in love the way NCL took RCI Royal promenade idea and turned it around into the open deck waterfront

 

As a Finn, I have to note that the "Royal Promenade" is based on an idea first built in 1990 and 1991 to two of the car ferries still making daily two night trips (one night in each direction) between Helsinki and Stockholm. :D

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promenade_deck#Centerline_promenade

 

But what comes to the original question, besides the already stated fact about the high costs in Bermuda, the main focus group to the Breakaway will be locals that want to enjoy the big ship. There have been a lot of different itineraries from New York but the Breakaway will be the biggest of the ships so far stationed there all year round.

[SuiteRose]

I'll join in defending this Itinerary. Like others said, if you price a Bermuda land vacation, you'll understand why people cruise there. Also, it is a great first cruise because it is very easy to get around with a bus/ferry pass and no rush to get back to the ship (until the last day)... if you've never sailed a Bermuda cruise, you just wouldn't understand.

 

Unlike many other cruise ports, there is no "fear" in getting off the ship and walking around. The people there are polite and the islands are beautiful. While I agree that a cruise there on the older smaller ships was nice when they moved from port to port, just a bit of research will be enough to get you around.

 

Also, NCL's "Freestyle" cruise is the perfect match. No need to be back on board at a certain time to eat.

 

The only problem is finding the perfect time to cruise... this time of year is certainly much cheaper but with the threat of hurricanes you are taking a chance when you book. I have been there in May and October and had great weather both times.

 

I am SO excited that the Breakaway will be sailing from NYC. I think the Bermuda trip is excellent... my disappointment is the Florida/Bahamas itineraries. Have done that three times and would really, really like to see it mixed up a bit... a call on a different Florida port? The only saving grace of that trip is the improved Great Stirrup Cay... at least one port to look forward to.

[Verfai]

As a Finn, I have to note that the "Royal Promenade" is based on an idea first built in 1990 and 1991 to two of the car ferries still making daily two night trips (one night in each direction) between Helsinki and Stockholm. :D

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promenade_deck#Centerline_promenade

 

 

What I meant was the combination of bars, shops, dining venues all centralized in one huge open space. On a RCI ship (voyager class and above) with the royal promenade, we were talking on numerous occasions how great it would be if some of the venues would go outside with a terrace…Well this is how I see the water front concept and I like it, would be even grander if they would actually combine the internal and external idea :D.

[Verfai]

I to love the idea to cruise from NY, have not been there yet and we like the new massive ships, it’s just that I still really am opposed to staying in one port for so long. If I would book Breakaway it will defiantly be the Florida cruise with the great stirrup visit :D.

[cruisebear84]

For several reasons, I have chosen the breakaway as my first ever cruise. It's more convenient going out of nyc year-round for one. Very excited to experience a new ship for another. I actually looked into other cruises that were port intensive and was turned off... off the ship at 8am and back by 5pm every day? What if I wanted to sleep in a bit or want to do more than one activity? I loved the idea of having 3 days to plan out and explore bermuda-- it's like a land vacation and your hotel is the ship! I figure I will be much less stressed than on the other ships because I'm definitely the type to try to fit 3 excursions in one port in one day. I was more worried about being stuck on the ship on sea days but there seems to be plenty to do on the breakaway!

 

As for what to do in bda, I have started some research. There are many beaches-- 3 stick out so I plan to go to one or two; three days in bda means i can take public transportation, which is apparently much cheaper than a taxi there and pretty easy too. The island is reportedly easy to navigate so we were thinking of a bike ride (pedal, not motor-- I learned you have to specify that!) around if it really is that simple. If I can find a cheaper place to book dolphin quest I will do that, or else I will book a snorkeling excursion. Shopping is apparently just as expensive as in the US so we may check out the local markets and only purchase quirky things (may be different for the OP). A cheap tour of the isles may be fun too. Just writing about it gets me excited-- I'm imagining it to be so relaxing to slowly explore the island :) :)

 

Anyway, I'm booked for the end of August next year--it was the cheapest I could get it in the summer before the school year starts. The weather is warmest april-september, but of course hurricane season is may-november so off peak would be one consideration. The water is a lot colder then, though, and I wanted to swim! Hope my thoughts helped!! :) :)

[camz]

I to love the idea to cruise from NY, have not been there yet and we like the new massive ships, it’s just that I still really am opposed to staying in one port for so long. If I would book Breakaway it will defiantly be the Florida cruise with the great stirrup visit :D.

 

You have to experience Bermuda to truly understand the draw to the island. I have been to Bermuda 4 times and the Florida cruise, Nassau/Great Stirrup twice. No contest there, Bermuda wins hands down. :D

[Verfai]

Well we’ve been on a RCI Freedom class 3 times and a Voyager class once, all of them have a massive amount of venues and on the cruises we have been on (all Med cruises so very port intensive) we have always been able to see some of the ports, or at least what we wanted to see and still enjoy ALL the ship and the massive amount of venues :D…What we would like to keep doing, because after all you do pay a massive amount for the cruise, spending most of the time off the ship is just not logic to us.

 

I have not been to Bermuda, my last visit to the States was 15 years ago to Orlando and Miami (land based), would love to do a cruise there and NCL has some nice cruises…However I am not convinced, as all you above are Bermuda lovers, would you or would you not recommend this cruise to an early 30s couple, that likes to cruise, make new friends, party, drink, eat and? Maybe you should try to explain what Bermuda has to offer :)

[vols_159]

Just a thought Dont you think NCL has crunched the numbers and all the data points to the best profit margin for this ship is the bremuda run? Plus NCL has a huge contract with Bremuda that makes up for loss of casino revenue from what ive read on here

[geneology]

I have been to Bermuda twice and would love to go back again. There is sooo much to do there and 3 days is not enough. Besides the beaches and all the water sport activities - there are museums to visit - caves to see - wonderful resaurants ( though to I have only been to the tourist ones - next time we will explore an upscale restaurant) Georgetown and all its history - shopping - even just browsing is fun - street fairs there are two I think - the artists works - the friendly people - the ease in getting around the island - lighthouses - beautiful views - horseback riding at dawn was a great time. I could go on and on. :D

 

Why the Breakaway to Bermuda? My guess and this is my opinion so do not jump all over me-- First it is a new ship which will draw people especially those who the ship is their destination. Second it holds more people thus bringing more tourists to the island for obvious reasons that helps the island's economy but there also must be something in it for NCL . Third, as already mentioned, Bermuda is a popular cruise. Once you have been there most people want to go back. Getting to and from NYC, for people world wide, I would think is easier than in other ports. Fourth, it is cheaper to cruise to Bermuda. Finally, again as stated before, destinations for 7 day cruises from NY are much more limited than FLA. Summertime is peak time to cruise especially to Bermuda which is an easy route from NYC.

 

I love sea days rather than port days but for the Bermuda cruise I would rather have 4 days in Bermuda and one less sea day!!:D

[BadKitteh]

I have been lurking on this thread as well. Have been considering a Bermuda cruise out of NYC with DH and we are late 20's so I don't want to be on a ship full of much much older folks and have the entertainment geared as such. Everyone keeps saying there is so much to do - okay...tell us what those things are. :)

[Verfai]

Just a thought Dont you think NCL has crunched the numbers and all the data points to the best profit margin for this ship is the bremuda run? Plus NCL has a huge contract with Bremuda that makes up for loss of casino revenue from what ive read on here

 

I have to be honest, I have not read a lot on these boards, I am getting there :D. Still I find it strange the way they play it out…I would really not ever plan the same cruise week in week out for five months in a row, a lot of cruise lines do this, but when handling with brand new, modern and massive ships (and Breakaway does get a lot of attention, even in the RCI board here), imo the cruise lines have a great luxury…Don’t get me wrong, I ask myself the same question with RCI Allure and Oasis, so much potential, yet confining them to the same routes over and over and over…I am not convinced it is the way to go, A LOT of people are crying “boring route” or “ been there done that”, that’s why I ask myself the question…Why exactly did NCL go for this :D of course they did the numbers I am just curious as to how this is the better option for them ;)

[rajones007]

I think you need to sit back and think about how a corporation the size of NCL and other cruiselines makes decisions. (Actually ANY large corporation.) They have a room full of people who wear expensive suits. In the corner are donuts and coffee and other nice goodies. Then they sit in their nice leather chairs around a long mahogany table and discuss the question at hand; How do we make money?

 

They pull out all their reports. All their surveys. All their data from years of doing business. All the numbers from previous cruises. Everything comes out on the table.

 

In the end, they decided on the Bermuda route because, wait for it, IT WILL MAKE MONEY! Ta-da. That's it. No other reason. Not a shocker, is it?

 

They don't do it for the good of their health, or just because they think the residents of NYC are going to like seeing their beautiful new ship at their pier. They chose the NYC to Bermuda itinerary because it will make them boatloads of money. They may have looked at the data that showed there is a tiny percentage of cruisers, like yourself, who aren't interested in this type of cruise. But you know what? The sheer number of cruisers who ARE interested just overwhelmed you and others like you.

 

You may not like it, but that's how corporate America works.

[Verfai]

I have been lurking on this thread as well. Have been considering a Bermuda cruise out of NYC with DH and we are late 20's so I don't want to be on a ship full of much much older folks and have the entertainment geared as such. Everyone keeps saying there is so much to do - okay...tell us what those things are. :)

 

Thanks for sharing my point :D

[DGP1111]

When looking at the cruises Breakaway is going to do, it is SUCH a disappointment!

 

5 months of nonstop: NY->2 sea days->3 days Bermuda->sea day->NY…Really NCL!?

 

I understand and respect your opionion on that, but . . .

 

Your view of disappointment on that itinerary was my view of "Hey, get me on that ship to Bermuda now". I loved the itinerary, and booked almost immediately.:)

 

.

[SuiteRose]

My suggestion for the 3 days would be to treat it like one of the older type Bermuda cruises and do spend one day in and around St. Georges (beach and tons of historic sites), another day in and around Hamilton (shopping, zoo and aquarium) and the third day near the dock yard (King's Wharf).(beaches - Horseshoe Bay and the rest of them up the coast) There is a snorkel park right where the boat docks and the naval dockyard and shopping malls all that you can walk to.. You still won't have time to see and do everything... also, since you are there overnight, you can enjoy some nightlife. We did a night Bermuda triangle tour in a glass bottom boat, it was a great time... (if you like a scarey adventure)... you can't do things like that if you leave a port at 5:00 pm. You can also come and go as you please. Even the ferry ride to St. Georges from King's Wharf is an excursion as you'll see so many of the beautiful homes along the coast. Now you have me dreaming of Bermuda!!

[Verfai]

I think you need to sit back and think about how a corporation the size of NCL and other cruiselines makes decisions. (Actually ANY large corporation.) They have a room full of people who wear expensive suits. In the corner are donuts and coffee and other nice goodies. Then they sit in their nice leather chairs around a long mahogany table and discuss the question at hand; How do we make money?

 

They pull out all their reports. All their surveys. All their data from years of doing business. All the numbers from previous cruises. Everything comes out on the table.

 

In the end, they decided on the Bermuda route because, wait for it, IT WILL MAKE MONEY! Ta-da. That's it. No other reason. Not a shocker, is it?

 

They don't do it for the good of their health, or just because they think the residents of NYC are going to like seeing their beautiful new ship at their pier. They chose the NYC to Bermuda itinerary because it will make them boatloads of money. They may have looked at the data that showed there is a tiny percentage of cruisers, like yourself, who aren't interested in this type of cruise. But you know what? The sheer number of cruisers who ARE interested just overwhelmed you and others like you.

 

You may not like it, but that's how corporate America works.

 

Agreed on that for 100% , but why this new massive, extremely modern ship, that’s what I am asking myself…I am attracted to massive ships, modern ships and a party atmosphere…This ship caters to that, yet the cruise route they decided to go with does not imo. The combination with both I don’t get.

 

I would switch another recent ship to NYC and get the new modern ship to-do the more mass market routes, I am very sure they did the number crunching, yet I want to understand what this cruise has to offer…We are interested (in the ship), yet the route holds us back to invest our saved up money for another liner.

 

You get the same stories on the RCI board, the people that want a more quite cruise, do not care for the Oasis class, to big, to modern, too much livelihood...What are the target pax? :D

[luddite]

It's gonna do that itinerary for several reasons.

They are reasonably certain they can fill it to capacity from that homeport. It's a big monstrosity with lots of cabins that need to be sold every week.

 

It's a big monstrosity that cannot dock at just any old port because....it's too big to dock at any old port.

 

The Castros aren't dead yet so it cannot go to Cuba from the US. Yet. It shouldn't be too long though.

 

On a positive note, it is big enough to let a four year old go nuts with a clip-art program to get it decorated.

Oops! They already did that. My mistake.