Photo Tour of the Breakaway - May 2013

[computerworks]

Photo Tour of the Breakaway - May 2013

 

We have just returned from the inaugural Bermuda voyage on the Breakaway.

I will post a Trip Report and Review on another thread, but I like to share my visual impressions of the ships I sail on separately.

 

This was a challenge! ...since there is oh-so-much to see and do onboard.

 

I will admit, I was skeptical of the size and features of this new ship, being a fan of the Sun and Spirit...and comfortable with a "big" ship like the Gem.

I shared with more than one fellow passenger that "this would be a ship that's going to have to work to get me to love it."

 

Well, it did take a few days to get oriented.. it was overwhelming at first.

After that...it was easy to get around, we never felt crowded.. and the features and attractions proved to be outstanding.

 

A different experience than a smaller ship...but, nonetheless, very special in its own way.

 

We are definitely a Breakaway fan now.

 

Take a walk around the ship...

[computerworks]

After scanning the thousands of pictures I took, and realizing that I'll never get this thread up if I don't find a logical way to present them...

I think the best bet is to just start at bottom and work our way up. I apologize if I omitted any area, but I'd be glad to add it later if nudged.

 

I'll try and post the best of what I found new, interesting and different.

 

The 678 Ocean Place concept works...and works well.

These three decks, with an open Atrium in the center, contain all the indoor entertainment and activities

 

 

 

Let's start on Deck 6...Café & Bar at the Atrium, Le Bistro French Restaurant,

Mixx Bar, Savor Restaurant, Taste Restaurant.

 

The Main 'Lobby' on Deck 6 has Guest Services, Shore Excursions and the Purser area, as well at the Latitudes rep's office.

 

 

I was delighted to see this desk, and stopped to pick up whatever they were offering...

 

...ended up they weren't giving, they were taking. ;)

 

 

 

Plus... a nice public area with a multideck big screen... Movies shown at times, ship activities simulcasted, and Wii time, among other things

. ..a very popular hangout.

[TravlGrl]

Nice pics! Keep 'em coming!

[computerworks]

The Atrium Cafe and Bar

 

 

 

The Cafe has a full assortment of pastries from Carlo's Bakery.

 

(Tip - "leave the gun, take the cannolis"... they were great.)

 

 

 

 

 

Wine Stations were here and in the Garden Cafe! great idea...an adult candy machine.

Swipe your card for a taste, a half-glass or a full-glass. Too easy. Does work with the Ultimate Beverage package (UBP) also.

 

[computerworks]

Just off the public area of the Atrium is the Library and Card/Meeting rooms. In the Library, the book shelves are interspersed with vintage Rockette costumes on display.

 

 

 

Very easy to miss this... the Rockettes display in this long corridor...

 

 

You can see the Atrium Cafe at the end of this long hall.

 

[computerworks]

Aft, on Deck 6 is Taste and Savor, the "twin" main dining rooms. These are just like the "inside" MDRs on other ships. The best place for lunch on departure day... and a relaxing sit-down breakfast or lunch during the cruise.

 

 

 

 

Part of what I felt was a conscious effort by the designers to neutralize the "big ship" feel... they cleverly broke both these dining rooms into little "sub-restaurants with dividing walls, so you never felt the capacity... very cool.

 

[computerworks]

Just between Taste and savor is this attractive bar, Mixx. Nice place to wait for dining companions...or just to grab a walking-around drink.

 

 

 

Headliners Comedy Club just down the hall...

 

 

 

And, forward on Deck 6 is the Spiegel Tent...where the Cirque show is held.

 

 

 

[computerworks]

When I read that there were only TWO elevator banks... I freaked!

 

Forward and Aft Elevators.

 

Well, didn't make a difference! The Forward is not so far forward, and the Aft, not so far aft. :p

 

Eight elevators, four on a side. One side goes up to Deck 15, the other to Deck 16. never had a long wait, never a long walk to an elevator. Another delightful design surprise.

 

The only casualty of this trip were the LCD panels in the elevators...quite a few did not survive the week. I am sure they are under warranty. :cool:

 

 

Elevators and hall art.

 

 

Simply beautiful hall art on each cabin deck.

 

[TSUmom]

Loving the pictures!!! Watching and waiting for more. thank you for taking the time for all of us!!

[computerworks]

Up one level, now, to Deck 7, the center deck of 678

 

Deck 7 has Bar 21, Bliss Ultra Lounge, O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, Shanghai's Noodle Bar and The Manhattan Room, as well as the Theater.

 

The Manhattan Room is the more Formal Main Dining room and a real stunner.

The centerpiece is a stage and hardwood dance floor and, yes, people were dancing at dinner, while a combo played nice music. It felt at times like we were at a wedding. :p

 

 

The upper level glass windows are from Cagney's and Moderno on either side. They are closed full windows.

 

 

Bliss Lounge

 

 

As tasteful as ever....

 

 

The Casino is in the center of Deck 7

 

I felt it best just to show the beautiful appointments I apparently helped pay for, and not relive my experience. Let's just say I would have been better off investing in Carlo's cupcakes.

 

[computerworks]

Now, up to deck 8, the Waterfront Deck... Cagney's Steakhouse, Dolce Gelato, La Cucina Italian Restaurant, Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar, Moderno, Ocean Blu and Raw Bar, Shaker's Cocktail Bar, among others.

 

Of all the restaurants, I found La Cuchina to be the prettiest one onboard...it was just so inviting, and we had a great meal there. You could eat outside, on the Waterfront, halfway outside in a semi-enclosed area, or all the way inside...

 

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

Cagney's and Moderno share a common entrance with a bar, then split apart.

 

Here is a picture from Cagney's looking across at Moderno.

 

 

On the Waterfront, just inside, is Carlo's Bakery.

 

 

[computerworks]

Some views of the Waterfront...some folks have posted that the space was not as attractive as the renderings. We found it to be adequate and a pleasant deck to walk.

 

 

 

 

 

Deck 8 has a Walk-around Forward area, just above the Manhattan Room.

 

 

Gelato booth along the Waterfront... ala carte.

 

[computerworks]

Ocean Blu Dining Area

 

 

and the Raw Bar...just outside. Next to it is Wasabi, the sushi bar.

 

 

 

The Duty Free Shops and Photo Gallery area is also on Deck 8

 

[computerworks]

Now, comes the fun part... we go topside to Deck 15

 

The Main Pool, with twin Waves Bars on either side. Outdoor smoking was permitted on the port side. (picture right side).

 

 

Loungers...and more loungers...

 

 

Opposite the Wave bars was the stage, where live music and DJ entertained.

 

 

...and Nickelodeon activities were held, as well.

 

 

Market Place between Main and Kids Pools...this corridor was packed during the mid-day, as it WAS the place for "2 for $20" t-shirts and other sale items!

 

[computerworks]

Through the Market Place, you came to the Kids Pool...

 

 

 

[camz]

WOW! This is great! Enjoying it very much. Keep it coming........... :)

[computerworks]

Aft on Deck 15 is the Garden Cafe. This was another worrisome area that was handled well by design. Fully duplicate stations on either side, plenty of indoor tables, plus a semi-enclosed table area on either side of the ship, inwards towards the pool.

 

 

 

 

Although we really miss a Great Outdoors-style area...you can't beat this view for a casual lunch.

 

[computerworks]

Forward on Deck 15 is the Spa and Fitness center.

 

Although I felt I was getting sufficient exercise by having to keep getting up and down from my table at the Garden Cafe, it is worth showing the magnificent array of equipment for those that enjoy this.

 

Fitness Center at the entrance to the Spa...

 

 

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

Further forward on Deck 15 is the Spa. I really enjoy the full Spa facilities when I sail, so I purchased a Spa pass for the week.

 

Beside the large thermal pool, this ship has all co-ed features (unlike many others in the fleet)... steam, sauna, and Salt Room... (which, for the life of me, I could not figure out what the heck the benefit was...)

 

Here is the Men's Changing Room

 

 

 

A new trick is the locker key, which is now a wristband with a chip, like an EZ-Pass.

 

 

[computerworks]

Up the steps to Deck 16.. and a chance to prove the point that, if you can't find a lounger...you're just not looking!

 

 

The Forward Sundeck on Deck 16 has some great views...as well as an array of clamshells.

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

While we are up here...let's take a peek at the Haven

 

 

The Haven Lounge Area

 

 

 

 

 

[vcinsanity1523]

This is awesome thank you! Cannot wait to go in July!

[roe2ship]

I'm LOVING the tour!! Your pictures are great and some are very new to me that I have not seen anyone post as of yet. I thought they only had the very small pool (the Spongebob theme one) for kids but now I see another.....so happy to see that.

 

I agree with you about LaCucina. In all the pictures that I have seen, this restaurant looks the most inviting.

 

I have a couple of questions, please. How many passengers were on your sailing?? Am I right that the Cafe at the atrium has no free sweets...only the pay for Carlos items? So his stuff is available in two different areas of the ship? Thanks!:)

[Aldeya]

Wonderful and detailed pictures! Thank you so much!