Is bigger better? Breakaway June 2-June 9

[Educators2]

Here's or reveiw of the Breakaway. If you have questions, I'll try to answer them.

 

Our June 2 cruise on the Breakaway was our first experience on a “ginormous” ship. We enjoyed ourselves immensely but wonder if bigger is better. Here are our impressions:

 

EMBARKATION

We arrived at the cruise terminal around 10:30 a.m., a bit early but, in the end, it worked out very well. Don’t worry about pier parking, there is lots of space. By 11:30 a.m., we were onboard and able to drop our carry-on luggage in our cabin. Before having lunch in Savor, the dining room that is open the first day at noon, we purchased tickets for Cirque Dreams and arranged for dinners at Le Bistro and Ocean Blue. More on that later.

 

OUR CABIN

Unbeknownst to us, our balcony cabin (10784) was on the curve of the ship, had a larger balcony and was mid-ship, too. The room, like the ship, was decorated in neutral colors. Already, there were stains on the beige areas of the carpet reminding me of our attempt to have an ivory carpet in our bedroom; as hard as you try, it doesn’t stay clean. There wasn’t much shelf space and we only had two carry-ons for the week. There is additional storage space under the television. Our Platinum Latitudes “perks package” was in the room and it was a delight to have all these goodies for the first time. Our iPad fit in the safe (not lying flat); a larger netbook or laptop would not fit in. Our bed was near the balcony and comfy, too.

 

FREESTYLE CRUISING ON A LARGER SHIP

With so many passengers, the concept of freestyle is quite different from other Norwegian ships with the exception of the Epic which is a tad larger. It is necessary to register for shows and reserve for dinner as well. On sea days, the specialty restaurants were filled up. If you reserved an early show that started at 7 p.m., you had to be in the theater by 6:50 or your seat went to a stand-by. That meant, for us, eating in the buffet the nights we reserved Burn the Floor and Rock of Ages. If you don’t mind eating at 8 or 9 p.m., this isn’t an issue.

 

ACTIVITIES

The Daily is filled with activities but some aren’t really activities: library open, Deal or No Deal cards for sale, spa “seminar,” etc. The gym was terrific and early in the morning, we had no wait for treadmills. The are many outdoor venues that appeal to families- the ropes course, a trampoline, mini golf, water-park, kids’ pool, but we didn’t have good weather on any of the sea days. So, whatever activities that were scheduled that had widespread appeal like meeting the Rockettes (excellent) or a Question & Answer session with the officers attracted huge crowds. I would have loved the cooking demo, held in the theater, but it was the same time as the Cruise Critic meeting and not repeated. There were no pastry demonstrations or food carvings. There was lots of trivia which I enjoyed and met lots of nice fellow cruisers and trivia buffs. There were zumba classes and dance lessons with the Rockettes, a nice touch. For families, the Nickelodeon staff was on-board. There wasn’t a noticeable presence of children, other than toddlers, since school is still in session in the Metropolitan area. I wish that NCL would have speakers on board; that would enhance our experience.

 

One perk of Platinum Latitudes is the Behind the Scenes Tour. When I went to sign up, I learned that it was the same time as Cruise Critics. I did want to meet the people who were on the roll call so I was quite disappointed. However, Shaun, the Cruise Consultant, was a life-saver. I asked him after the fact if they would do the tour again and he arranged for us to go on the regularly scheduled tour for guests. It was a highlight for us. We visited the dressing room of the Cirque Dreams Spiegel Tent (a venue with 360˚ viewing); the provisions area (meat locker), laundry (high tech) and environmental center. All the guides were so proud of their jobs and loved what they did. On Friday, we were taken to the bridge which was more modern than those on the Jewel and the Gem.

 

If you sign up for the Meet and Greet, you’ll meet fellow cruisers and some officers. It’s always fun. Thanks, Sheila, for arranging the meeting and thanks, Lee, for organizing the cabin crawl. We got to see several balcony cabins and the Penthouse Suite. We weren’t part of the slot pull. About 80 people showed up.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

The Cirque Dreams show, Jungle Fantasy, is spectacular and worth the price. Alas, I hear that standard seating will be eliminated in July. It is the one show that kids would like but at $39 a seat, it is very pricey. Maybe, there could be a children’s price but that is wishful thinking. The meal was fine and after some “pleading,” we substituted grilled shrimp for the fried coconut shrimp.

 

Slam Alan in the Jazz Club, Fat Cats, is superb. You don’t have to like jazz to love his show. He related so well to the audience and is a real gem. We went once to the Dueling Pianos. Fire & Ice were very good but again, we couldn’t get seats in the atrium. If you want to go to the game shows conducted by the cruise staff and held in the atrium at 8 p.m., get there early for a seat. I enjoyed What’s My Line (showing my age here).

 

If you like dance, you’ll love Burn the Floor. It is pretty sophisticated and enjoyable. The troupe also performs on several nights in the Manhattan Dining Room, which has music and dancing. We never ate there. As for Rock of Ages, I’m glad I didn’t buy tickets for the Broadway show. It wasn’t family friendly but the story and music weren’t “our cup of tea.” Not having an aisle seat, we were captive for more than an hour and a half. I think it’s admirable to attempt a Broadway show but I’ll take Oklahoma! Lots of fellow cruisers enjoyed the show. The comedian-magician was a C-. With that said, there are so many entertainment options that there’s always something to do at night.

 

UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE SHIP

The technology on-board is amazing. Your photos in the photo gallery are accessed via your room card-innovative and fun. You can access your folio (account) through the iConcierge app on your iPad or phone. Of course, you can do the same on your tv screen. Make sure to check your account regularly. Our free laundry was first charged $56 because they didn’t see Platinum on the bag. The laundry was done in a day and came back pressed and on hangers. Very nice. The mistake in accounting was straightened out in a day. Be aware that any on-board credit, labeled non-refundable on-board credit, cannot be used for the gratuities. For some reason, the gratuity charge is deducted from the on-board credits and then straightened out the last day. I think that should be adjusted and explained more clearly.

 

The Waterfront on the 8th floor is a fun concept. It’s a great idea to have the out-door seating, hot-dog stand, gelato (charge), etc. Too bad we didn’t have good weather.

 

The fireworks show is at 11:15 p.m. Too late for me and for young children who would love it. I heard it was great but so, so crowded.

 

DINING

We like the specialty restaurants. Had two free dinners at LeBistro (Moderno or La Cucina could be substituted) with wine. Terrific. Loved the lamb chops and crème brulee- a great meal at a fair price. I love cooking and food shows and had to try Ocean Blue. We had our complimentary champagne that we brought to the restaurant. The service was impeccable and the shrimp panzanella extraordinary. We both had the Dover sole which was good. The desserts were beautiful to look at and delicious. Contrary to many reports, tea and coffee were not extra. Loved it but don’t know if I’d pay $49 a person. We also tried Cagney’s for the first time, great food prepared to order. For breakfast, O’Sheehan’s cooked omelets to order. It was terrific and a good alternative to the buffet.

 

We really missed the Java café. Although Carlo’s Bakery had great cappuccino, I didn’t want to buy rich cake to have with it. The Java café had plain pound cake at no charge and coffee at no charge. That is a loss. Buddy Vilastro is very telegenic but somehow I didn’t feel a need to try the pastry when we have a premiere Italian bakery a short walk from our home.

 

LAST IMPRESSIONS

Debarkation was a cinch. We left 15 minutes after our color was called and was home by 10 a.m. We easily found a porter who took our luggage to our car, had no wait at customs. Perfect.

 

Contrary to what I’ve read, the ship did feel crowded, especially on sea days. Perhaps, it is because we had bad weather. I don’t think it’s worth extra for the same length cruise to opt for the Breakaway over the Gem. We’re glad we tried it, had a great time but don’t think that bigger is necessarily better.

[Highboy90]

Thank you for posting a review of your cruise aboard the Breakaway. All in all, sounds like a nice time with no major problems. Good to read.

 

I quickly learned to like NCL after sailing for the first time on the Jewel but do understand that things won't quite work the same on the Breakaway. Hence, plan more in advance for dinners, entertainment. As for crowds, I'd expect that when there is bad weather.

 

Can't wait to read more reviews, good or bad, as they are posted.

[1witchydiva]

Thank you so much for a great and honest review. I have only cruised on the Jewel so I do not know what to expect on the Breakaway. My DH has been expressing major concern about crowds on such a large ship. I will find out soon enough. :)

 

Thanks again.

[Educators2]

I forgot to mention wifi. Cheap wifi is available in Bermuda. Go to the gazebo in the Dockyard. There are several plans. We bought an hour for $3. At the Clocktower Mall, it is free with a $5 purchase.

[Highboy90]

I think this thread would have gotten more attention if the title was perhaps different. You wrote a nice review. Hopefully, people see it.

 

Just a thought. :)

[camz]

Thanks for posting your experience and thoughts. You were the first, that I have read, to comment on the the neutrual color concept and stains. When I first saw the Breakaway pictures my thoughts were stains were going to be a problem with that many passengers onboard and such a light color scheme. That's a shame because this could cause the ship to look shabby pretty quickly. :(

[AngAndBoys]

Thanks for review! I have a question about Ocean Blue. Did you find the portions too small? I've read this a couple of places now. We're going in August and don't want to spend the money if we're leaving hungry!

[Educators2]

I couldn't believe that anyone thought the portions were small. You are given a loaf of mascarpone bread (kind of like a soft onion bun). The appetizer was nice size, the portion of fish was large but there are no sides. You have a beautiful dessert, lemon meringue tart with ice cream or flourless chocolate cake and ice cream. Don't order the petit fours, they are complimentary and more like candies. I had them wrap the candies and ate them the next day. I went with the specialties of the chef and loved it. It's expensive but I used the on board credit so it didn't seem so expensive. Worth going once. At $35, it would have been a great price.

 

Le Bistro is a great deal at $20 a person.

[AngAndBoys]

I couldn't believe that anyone thought the portions were small. You are given a loaf of mascarpone bread (kind of like a soft onion bun). The appetizer was nice size, the portion of fish was large but there are no sides. You have a beautiful dessert, lemon meringue tart with ice cream or flourless chocolate cake and ice cream. Don't order the petit fours, they are complimentary and more like candies. I had them wrap the candies and ate them the next day. I went with the specialties of the chef and loved it. It's expensive but I used the on board credit so it didn't seem so expensive. Worth going once. At $35, it would have been a great price.

 

Le Bistro is a great deal at $20 a person.

 

Thanks! I guess it's another one of those individual opinion/experience kind of things! We'll probably try it and see.

[Studebaker59]

Thanks for an excellent review, and for mentioning my name.

 

Sheila

[Laszlo]

Thanks for the review. Nice to know you can drop your carry on's off in your cabin.

 

Can you tell me what time they opened the slides and rope course?

 

Thanks

[1witchydiva]

Thanks! I guess it's another one of those individual opinion/experience kind of things! We'll probably try it and see.

 

Hello. I have found so many things are individual. I think a lot depends on your own perceptions, experiences and what you are expecting. I have only cruised on ncl, so I can not even compare my experiences to other lines.

For some, the noise on the aft decks ( from h2o, )bothers them and find it unbearable. Other people don't find it that bad. Some have had bad experiences I'm the haven, some have not.

 

I am just booking the restaurants and shows I want and hope for the best.

 

I work too hard to be stressed on my vacation. :).

 

 

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[Educators2]

the times for the slides, bouncy and ropes are listed in the Daily. I think they were open in the morning at 11 for a short time and I do know they were open and 3 pm for a few hours. It all is weather permitting.

[nycmode]

You prob got the crowds b/c of bad weather?

The ship never really felt that crowded to me. Obvious exceptions are when ppl are streaming out of the theater into deck 7. The O'Sheehans/Casino area can get a bit dicey at times.

[puddles99]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! The Breakaway will be my first "megaship" experience and I admit to being a little apprehensive. Guess I have lots of research & planning to do.

[Fins2theleft]

Thanks for the review. I'm looking forward to the Breakaway in September.

[Laszlo]

the times for the slides, bouncy and ropes are listed in the Daily. I think they were open in the morning at 11 for a short time and I do know they were open and 3 pm for a few hours. It all is weather permitting.

 

Wow, only sounds like a few hours a day:(

[patter44]

Excellent review! Thank you for confirming that the Platinum Ship's Tour was held the same time as the Meet & Greet Meeting. I would think they would adjust this as many CC members are also Platinum. After following Breakaway for months I wouldn't want to miss this ship's tour. Hope Sean is still there in October.

 

When did you have to sign up for the Platinum tour? Also, when did you make your reservations (Platinum perk) at Le Bistro? Can you make them in advance?

 

I have to agree with you. I like the smaller ships and I'm not sure if bigger will be better. Too complicated and not really freestyle!

 

Thank you for your help.

[Educators2]

the Platinum perks package is in the stateroom when you arrive. On the Behind the Scenes coupon, they tell you when to sign up. For us, it was 4-8 pm on the first day. When you sign up, they tell you when the tour is.

 

I reserved for LeBistro the first day for later in the week. We had two coupons. The restaurants fill up on sea days. Figure out what works for you with the show times. In advance, you have to pay so that isn't an option. Ask to sit inside if you prefer a quieter ambience.

[patter44]

the Platinum perks package is in the stateroom when you arrive. On the Behind the Scenes coupon, they tell you when to sign up. For us, it was 4-8 pm on the first day. When you sign up, they tell you when the tour is.

 

I reserved for LeBistro the first day for later in the week. We had two coupons. The restaurants fill up on sea days. Figure out what works for you with the show times. In advance, you have to pay so that isn't an option. Ask to sit inside if you prefer a quieter ambience.

 

Thank you for all the good information. After following Everything Breakaway for all those months I really would like to do this tour - problem is that I'm the Meet & Greet organizer :eek:! Guess I'm going to have a very busy 1st day.