Breeze 8 day Southern 10/12 - 10/20

[Kristi Williamson]

A little background:

 

We are a family of six, but this trip only consisted of five because the oldest DS (19) is a sophomore in college on a full academic scholarship. No missing classes for him! However, the other five in the clan had a BLAST, with virtually no complaints. (only a few and I'll cover those!)

 

First me, then DH, DS (14), DD (13) and DD (10) drove down from SC and stayed overnight at the Sleep Inn just off 5th in Dania. Parking, Wi-Fi and free continental breakfast was included for a cost of 169.00. This hotel was just OK. If we'd been staying more than one night, we'd have decided to go somewhere else, but for one night we did just fine. We probably wouldn't stay here again, though.

 

We are platinum, so boarding was a BREEZE!! :D We arrived at 11:10 and were setting our carryons down in our room by 11:35am. We, literally, walked straight up in the VIP lounge, picked up our cards and boarded. Easy, peasy.

 

We were in cabins 9247 and 9251. The reason I'm throwing that out there is because this is the first inside connecting balconies we've ever had that also had connections on the OUTSIDE, too. The steward opened the balcony right up and we could connect inside and out. It was awesome! We liked this location and really enjoyed the close proximity to Lido. (Sorry, no pics on that as most on here know what the balcony cabins look like. These were exactly like whatever is in your head right now)

 

Here's the view of our first two sea days:

 

 

We were worried about the weather, but other than a two hour shower (say that fast five times!) on the second sea day, the weather on this trip was PERFECTION!!! More to come.

[kona_wahine]

Looking forward to the rest. This is the cruise I have my eye on for next time.

[JerseyshoreBruce]

Looking forward to your review....did this ship and itinerary in September and loved it....except Aruba, we hated it!.....loved the Breeze!

[Kristi Williamson]

Here's the itinerary for those that may not know:

 

Saturday: boarding

Sunday: Sea Day

Monday: Sea Day

Tuesday: St. Thomas

Wednesday: Antigua

Thursday: Tortola (heart this place!!)

Friday: Sea Day

Saturday: Nassau

Sunday: get off (boo)

 

Sunday and Monday sea days consisted of trivia, pool, Thrill theater, sun, food, sleep, food, sun, food, trivia, food, reading, Thrill theater, food and drinking. Love it and hate that I'm not doing any of those things right now.

 

We bought tickets for the week for three of us at 14.95 per person. We used them and saw every 20 minute flick. Out 10 year old LOVED them and laughed her head off. My DH and I liked them, too, and didn't regret a single minute we spent there. (Some of that may be due to our 10 year old belly laughing every time water sprayed her, though. Factor that in when you consider this review. :p) Sponge Bob won the day for all of us. Happy Feet was a close second, but the seal was super creepy. (you'll only understand that if you go watch, but seriously, the seal was creepyville)

 

I read a lot about the Breeze before we left and lots of it were about the food, so I'll sum up my food stuffs here before moving on:

 

The food was good in some places and mediocre in others. We never had a truly bad meal, but we didn't have any "WOW!" meals, either. As a side note: We also skipped the steak house this cruise, but we heard fabulous things about it. I'm still in the camp that I shouldn't have to pay more for excellent food on a cruise ship and I wish they'd upgrade to at least compare to days of old when I didn't have to pay almost 200.00 extra dollars for my family to have one GREAT meal. Either way, it didn't suck, so we were happy.

 

The BBQ was just OK to me. (it's only served on sea days on deck 5 for those that may not know) I'm southern and we have GREAT BBQ down here, so I'm a hard sell on BBQ. It was certainly edible. Surprisingly, the jalapeno cornbread was good.

 

Guy's Burgers: We loved them. We walked up, picked up our plate and went straight to the side bar every time we wanted one. There was never a wait, or even a truly long line. They pump 'em out of there and still managed to make good burgers. I always asked for one with extra cheese, so mine was always piping hot, too.

 

Sapphire Dining Room: We had anytime dining and we ate in there 4 nights. We had the same servers and they were GREAT! Godwyn and Toshi, if you're reading this, you are AWESOME! We asked for cheese plates with our bread the first night and never had to ask again. They were fast, efficient and funny. The food was just OK two nights, but the service was spot on.

 

The Blue Iguana: Good, fast, different. (that's all I've got)

 

We ate in Cucina del Capitano on embarkation day and it was YUMMY!! We wish we'd gone back, but just didn't make it. It's free for lunch, so make a stop if you remember it. To find it: Walk past the first buffet, walk past the second buffet and just after the 2nd one you'll see stairs on your right. Go up those and you're standing in the Italian restaurant. There's a minimal charge for dinner. (I think it's 12.95?) Farenheit (the steakhouse) is 35.00 per person.

 

Also note: On deck 5, just near the coffee and dessert sales, there's a little bar that has a yummy salad on sea days. It was much better than the salad bar in the Lido during lunch, so check it out if you're longing for a decent, healthy meal. (or not if you want ham, eggs and ranch...they've got all that and more)

 

We also bought a White Chocolate cake from the little coffee bar and they were out of this world! They were only 2.95 (I think) and we licked our fingers. We've had the cheesecake from there, too, and it kicks the dining room/Lido cheescake's butt. GOOD STUFF if you like sweets.

 

That's about all on the food. I'd grade it a B- overall.

[Kristi Williamson]

Looking forward to your review....did this ship and itinerary in September and loved it....except Aruba, we hated it!.....loved the Breeze!

 

 

We're thinking about doing that one next year. I hate to hear you didn't like Aruba. We've never been there or Curacao. Did you like it? What didn't you like about Aruba?

 

We didn't care for Antigua (shopping...we loved the zip line we did there last year, though).

[Kristi Williamson]

Leaving St. Thomas

 

 

 

 

Balcony reflection at sunset.

 

 

more reflections...I was kinda crazy about this view

 

 

 

Please note that the deck you see is Deck 5 from our Deck 9 balcony. Those chairs were virtually empty every single day at all times of the day, so if you don't need or want to be on Lido to sun and enjoy the ocean, then here's your place! When the kids weren't in the waterworks area, this is where we could be found if we wanted to be in the sun with some peace and quiet. LOVE IT!!! :D

[Kristi Williamson]

We did the Catamaran snorkel in St. Thomas through because we've been there many times and we just wanted something different, plus it didn't leave till 1:00 and we wanted to sleep late and not be rushed. It was good. Since we've also been to Belize and Roatan and snorkeled there, I have to warn you that this didn't compare to the views in those places. (not it's fault...Roatan and Belize have the 2nd largest reef in the world running along their borders, so it's not really fair to compare, I guess)

 

The plus side was that the water was super calm so we didn't get tossed around much. There was a shipwreck in St. Thomas that you could swim around and that provided some cute fish and neat things to see. The crew was great and the ship was very clean. I think the cost was 59.00 per person. I would probably spend more next time and do the day charter to Jost Van Dyke, but this is fun if you've never done it. The catamaran is great. We were able to jump off the side straight into the water, which we weren't allowed to do when we did this in St. Kitts. I have no idea what the difference was, but it was fun to take off the vest and equipment and just dive into the ocean. (first time for me)

 

I wish I had pics, but we left the camera in the room. :rolleyes:

 

Next up, shopping in Antigua. This was an experience and I'll add more after I go feed my kiddos and my DH their chicken and dumplings that's been sitting in the crock pot all day. (for some reason I always cook like a fiend for about 2 weeks after we cruise...I can't decide if it's to keep up the food extravaganza or I simply want some home cooked simple meals) Be back soon.

[Kristi Williamson]

We had a great time the last time we were in Antigua, but were a little bummed with this visit. The first time we chose to go zip lining and it was so much fun! The caveat there is that you don't get to see the people or the place, so this time we opted to shop. This was a mistake that we won't make again. The vendors/hair braiders/hawkers were like leeches here. Nassau looks like a vendor free port compared to Antigua.

 

I get it. It's how they make their living. However, when you see tourists tell the last 47 vendors/hair braiders "No, thanks", then please don't stop them less than 2 feet away from the last vendor/hair braider (stop them reads..."block our path and refuse to move until we answer you with another no") and ask again if we want a tour or our hair braided. It's rude and annoying. This was the worst I've ever seen.

 

The good side is that we were able to buy 2 t-shirts for our oldest, two little bobble head thingies for our girls and a bracelet for 30 bucks. It was a great deal and the lady we ended up buying from was sweeter than cake. I wanted to hug her and pay her. That's a sales woman, people. :D

 

Antigua:

 

 

The Breeze docked in Antigua

 

 

Sunset that night was so gorgeous that no picture can do it justice but here's the one I took:

 

[Kristi Williamson]

This is our second trip to Tortola and both times we've opted to visit the Baths at Virgin Gorda. We LOVE that place!!! Here's a few pics to get started:

 

 

Entrance to the boulders and the way to Devil's Bay

 

 

Gorgeous

 

 

See those itty bitty people and those awesome boulders you can walk through and climb all over?!

 

[Kristi Williamson]

More big boulders

 

 

 

 

You board a ferry at the dock in Tortola and then have about a 40 minute boat ride over to Virgin Gorda. The boat is air conditioned, so it's not a bad trip and the view is great, too. Once you dock in Virgin Gorda, there's about a 10 minute bus ride to the Baths. (this is NOT air conditioned, but it's never been a big deal to us. The views are beautiful the entire way)

 

Once there, you take a good walk down to the Baths. The beach there has restaurants, restrooms, vendors, etc... Once you decide to head to Devil's Bay, though, it's a different story. There are no restrooms over there, so make sure you go first if you need to. (sorry for that visual, but hope it helps someone out) Once you make it over, you have to either walk back through the Baths or take a path back to the cars to have a restroom. The path back is about an 11 minute walk...uphill. We LOVE the walk, as it's stunning, but it may not be for everyone.

 

Also, keep in mind that some parts of the Baths are TIGHT (I'm 5' 4" and weigh around 135 and have to almost get on my knees in some places...my hubby had to bunch up and kind of shuffle/slump through) and others require very steep steps that have been built to get to the next boulder. Please note that before booking this excursion. Otherwise, it's one of our favorite things we've EVER done!! This place is absolutely gorgeous and if you've never done it...DO IT. It's worth it.

 

[Kristi Williamson]

I thought I'd give a little more info on the ship before wrapping up with some final pics and thoughts:

 

We went to the Punchliner Comedy Club during family time and it was hilarious. We saw Dwight (somebody) and Tommy (somebody). I'm sorry but I can't remember their last names. :o Dwight almost made me pee my pants. He was FUNNY!!!

 

There was almost always empty seats available for family time, so if you don't want adult comedy, or like us you're with the kiddos, this is a great time. Please note that by the time the family comedy ended around 8:30 there was already a line that was almost out of sight for the adult comedy first showing. I heard the later ones were even worse. THEY. WERE. PACKED. For that many people, this venue isn't large enough. There was standing room only for all adult shows.

 

We enjoyed The Edge (juggler) and the Diva shows. We didn't see any others, so can't say how they were. Hasbro game show was OK, but I don't see any reason to have it 3 times per cruise.

 

For all the trivia buffs out there: The Breeze had more trivia than any ship we've ever been on. We really enjoy trivia, especially on port days in places like Nassau. We typically no longer debark there or Freeport, but we still want options for entertainment that's relaxing and cheap. Trivia went on almost every single day from 11:00am until 4:00pm pretty much non-stop. It was a blast. We won our 24 kt. gold, plastic ship on a stick. :D;)

 

We also enjoyed the new ropes course and our kids loved it. (well, our 10 year old asked if we could just get ice cream, but the older two loved it)

 

Speaking of ice cream, this is the first ship we've been on in a while that the ice cream was never empty or barely working. It was full and working every single time we wanted a cone. I know...it's picky, but it was nice for it to always be there.

 

The ropes course.

 

 

Me acting like I'm tough for strapping on a safety harness and walking around ropes 10 feet off the ground.

 

 

My girls.

 

[Kristi Williamson]

My boy. He RAN around this course on his third go round. He loved it.

 

 

Thumbs up, but can we get ice cream now?

 

[Kristi Williamson]

OK...time for the one complaint I had the entire trip and it's one I can't believe I actually have.

 

Camp Carnival ticked me off. We don't actually use the camps that much, but do run the kids there a few times during the week for "adult only" time. Our youngest has NEVER asked not to go until this trip. Thursday was Tortola and we were tired after dinner, so we ran her up to camp around 7. We came back at 8:15 to pick her up and catch the 8:30 movie with her on the big screen.

 

When we showed up we glanced at the little screens outside that show you what the kids are doing at that moment. All the kids were sitting around on the floor (or acting like monkeys in some cases because they should NOT have been doing what the counselors were doing in the first place) and our daughter was sitting in the middle of the group, on the ground, with her head laid on her arms. They were doing nothing, except those few kids who just couldn't sit any longer.

 

When our daughter was called, she ran up to the gate like she couldn't wait to escape. We asked her what they were doing and she said, "We were playing the "silent game".

 

WHAT?

 

The counselor knew immediately that we'd come at a bad time for her. She starts explaining that it's just quiet time before the games and fun start. She continues to say, "We're just getting them wired up so we can make sure they're good and tired when parents come" and that "We don't play this one much". Ummmm....my 10 year old speaks up and says, "I've only been here 3 other nights and we've played it every night".

 

I explained to her that the "silent game" wasn't a game and never had been. It was a way for adults to have quiet time or sometimes discipline. I was pissed to find out that they also take away the kids "free game time" if they don't sit quietly for 20 minutes. Again, WHAT?

 

This isn't school. This is a service that Carnival provides to entertain kids and make sure they enjoy themselves while they are on VACATION while the adults go have FUN. They should have been having fun, too, not "playing" the "silent game" because some counselors weren't ready to do whatever it was they should have been doing. If I was a parent who used that service often, I'd have come unglued. It's not their job to keep the kids quiet in there. It's their job to PLAY with them and make sure they are enjoying themselves. Period.

 

I didn't file a formal complaint and don't intend to, but please know if you take your kids on the Breeze to be aware of the "silent game" that is no game at all. I think it's very wrong for them to do that to children on their vacation when they are supposed to be having a great time and meeting friends and experiencing new things. We've NEVER had this happen in any camp, on any line, but it's not OK. The "silent game" the "quiet game" or whatever you want to call it has it's place and it's NOT on a cruise ship on a child's vacation where their parents have entrusted them to professionals who are there specifically to entertain them.

 

I'd hate that job, but I didn't pick it, either. They did and I darn well expect them to do something other than punish children for being children in the children's freakin' rooms. ...sorry, I'm still pissed about it, obviously...

 

Now, on to funner things and final thoughts. :confused::eek::mad:

[Kristi Williamson]

Final thoughts:

 

The Breeze has all the things we enjoyed on the Dream and then some. The Lanai is still awesome and the layout of the Breeze is great, in our opinion. We loved it!!

 

The ropes course and the Thrill theater are cute additions and we utilized both of them.

 

The food was decent, and the additions of Guy's Burgers was great for us, too.

 

The crew, as usual, was wonderful aside from the Camp Carnival crap. Our room steward, Eddy, was ROCKIN'. He was on it! One morning we ran up to grab breakfast and bring it back down to sit on the balcony and just hang before getting off the ship. By the time we returned with our plates both rooms were already clean. He was like magic or something.

 

Anytime dining was great, as always. We waited 3 minutes one time. We were five people and they still managed to get us in and seated in no time flat. Service there was wonderful, too.

 

This was our first platinum cruise and we'd like to throw in a shout out to FREE LAUNDRY!!! Since we were in two separate rooms, both my DH and I got 3 bags of laundry for free. I only had one load to wash when I got home. I'm pretty sure that angels sang. (could have just been my happy song in my head, but I don't think so!) Five people, one load to wash when I got home. :D:D:D

 

We played in the casino a few nights and it wasn't letting Carnival's cash leave, so we vacated the premises. One guy did win 10,000 bucks, though. Congrats to him!

 

Overall, I'd rate this cruise an "A". We really enjoyed ourselves and thought that Carnival did a great job. We give the new decor an A++++++. I much prefer the muted tones to the garish older ones. Big thumbs up on that!

 

One final pic: See that dot under the moon? That's another ship. I wish the pictures could do this justice, but that moon was so gorgeous hitting that water. Till next time...

 

[paradiselivin1]

Thanks for a great post. Although our ports of call will be different, the ship information was quite helpful. Glad we don't have kids to take to the "camp". Wow, I was a camp counselor in my college days and can't imagine doing that to young kids!

[riclop]

Thanks for the review but its not southern.

[JerseyshoreBruce]

Thanks for the review but its not southern.

i think its exotic eastern

[Lizzrd4483]

OK...time for the one complaint I had the entire trip and it's one I can't believe I actually have.

 

Camp Carnival ticked me off. We don't actually use the camps that much, but do run the kids there a few times during the week for "adult only" time. Our youngest has NEVER asked not to go until this trip. Thursday was Tortola and we were tired after dinner, so we ran her up to camp around 7. We came back at 8:15 to pick her up and catch the 8:30 movie with her on the big screen.

 

When we showed up we glanced at the little screens outside that show you what the kids are doing at that moment. All the kids were sitting around on the floor (or acting like monkeys in some cases because they should NOT have been doing what the counselors were doing in the first place) and our daughter was sitting in the middle of the group, on the ground, with her head laid on her arms. They were doing nothing, except those few kids who just couldn't sit any longer.

 

When our daughter was called, she ran up to the gate like she couldn't wait to escape. We asked her what they were doing and she said, "We were playing the "silent game".

 

WHAT?

 

The counselor knew immediately that we'd come at a bad time for her. She starts explaining that it's just quiet time before the games and fun start. She continues to say, "We're just getting them wired up so we can make sure they're good and tired when parents come" and that "We don't play this one much". Ummmm....my 10 year old speaks up and says, "I've only been here 3 other nights and we've played it every night".

 

I explained to her that the "silent game" wasn't a game and never had been. It was a way for adults to have quiet time or sometimes discipline. I was pissed to find out that they also take away the kids "free game time" if they don't sit quietly for 20 minutes. Again, WHAT?

 

This isn't school. This is a service that Carnival provides to entertain kids and make sure they enjoy themselves while they are on VACATION while the adults go have FUN. They should have been having fun, too, not "playing" the "silent game" because some counselors weren't ready to do whatever it was they should have been doing. If I was a parent who used that service often, I'd have come unglued. It's not their job to keep the kids quiet in there. It's their job to PLAY with them and make sure they are enjoying themselves. Period.

 

I didn't file a formal complaint and don't intend to, but please know if you take your kids on the Breeze to be aware of the "silent game" that is no game at all. I think it's very wrong for them to do that to children on their vacation when they are supposed to be having a great time and meeting friends and experiencing new things. We've NEVER had this happen in any camp, on any line, but it's not OK. The "silent game" the "quiet game" or whatever you want to call it has it's place and it's NOT on a cruise ship on a child's vacation where their parents have entrusted them to professionals who are there specifically to entertain them.

 

I'd hate that job, but I didn't pick it, either. They did and I darn well expect them to do something other than punish children for being children in the children's freakin' rooms. ...sorry, I'm still pissed about it, obviously...

 

Now, on to funner things and final thoughts. :confused::eek::mad:

 

We were just on the Breeze at the end of September and out son is 12 and was in Circle C. He told us multiple times "they don't really care what we do" and every time I walked in she was sitting on the couch ignoring the kids and twirling her hair.. I chalked it up to it being the older group and kids being too cool for regularly scheduled activites

[anamarieus]

Looking forward to your review....did this ship and itinerary in September and loved it....except Aruba, we hated it!.....loved the Breeze!

 

hated Aruba? wow.

I for one cannot wait to go to Eagle Beach and see the Divi Divi Trees!

 

[JerseyshoreBruce]

We're thinking about doing that one next year. I hate to hear you didn't like Aruba. We've never been there or Curacao. Did you like it? What didn't you like about Aruba?

 

We didn't care for Antigua (shopping...we loved the zip line we did there last year, though).

 

The water was cloudy....people were not as friendly in Aruba.....Curacao was great...we had such a goodtime there.

[JerseyshoreBruce]

hated Aruba? wow.

I for one cannot wait to go to Eagle Beach and see the Divi Divi Trees!

 

 

I think that was our mistake....not going to Eagle Beach....we went past Eagle Beach on our bus and it looked beautiful

[silvercrikhix]

Thank you for posting your experience and thoughts on your Breeze cruise :D

[JerseyshoreBruce]

OK...time for the one complaint I had the entire trip and it's one I can't believe I actually have.

 

Camp Carnival ticked me off. We don't actually use the camps that much, but do run the kids there a few times during the week for "adult only" time. Our youngest has NEVER asked not to go until this trip. Thursday was Tortola and we were tired after dinner, so we ran her up to camp around 7. We came back at 8:15 to pick her up and catch the 8:30 movie with her on the big screen.

 

When we showed up we glanced at the little screens outside that show you what the kids are doing at that moment. All the kids were sitting around on the floor (or acting like monkeys in some cases because they should NOT have been doing what the counselors were doing in the first place) and our daughter was sitting in the middle of the group, on the ground, with her head laid on her arms. They were doing nothing, except those few kids who just couldn't sit any longer.

 

When our daughter was called, she ran up to the gate like she couldn't wait to escape. We asked her what they were doing and she said, "We were playing the "silent game".

 

WHAT?

 

The counselor knew immediately that we'd come at a bad time for her. She starts explaining that it's just quiet time before the games and fun start. She continues to say, "We're just getting them wired up so we can make sure they're good and tired when parents come" and that "We don't play this one much". Ummmm....my 10 year old speaks up and says, "I've only been here 3 other nights and we've played it every night".

 

I explained to her that the "silent game" wasn't a game and never had been. It was a way for adults to have quiet time or sometimes discipline. I was pissed to find out that they also take away the kids "free game time" if they don't sit quietly for 20 minutes. Again, WHAT?

 

This isn't school. This is a service that Carnival provides to entertain kids and make sure they enjoy themselves while they are on VACATION while the adults go have FUN. They should have been having fun, too, not "playing" the "silent game" because some counselors weren't ready to do whatever it was they should have been doing. If I was a parent who used that service often, I'd have come unglued. It's not their job to keep the kids quiet in there. It's their job to PLAY with them and make sure they are enjoying themselves. Period.

 

I didn't file a formal complaint and don't intend to, but please know if you take your kids on the Breeze to be aware of the "silent game" that is no game at all. I think it's very wrong for them to do that to children on their vacation when they are supposed to be having a great time and meeting friends and experiencing new things. We've NEVER had this happen in any camp, on any line, but it's not OK. The "silent game" the "quiet game" or whatever you want to call it has it's place and it's NOT on a cruise ship on a child's vacation where their parents have entrusted them to professionals who are there specifically to entertain them.

 

I'd hate that job, but I didn't pick it, either. They did and I darn well expect them to do something other than punish children for being children in the children's freakin' rooms. ...sorry, I'm still pissed about it, obviously...

 

Now, on to funner things and final thoughts. :confused::eek::mad:

 

I have to say thats just wrong....im so sorry to hear this happened on their vacation :(

[Kristi Williamson]

hated Aruba? wow.

I for one cannot wait to go to Eagle Beach and see the Divi Divi Trees!

 

 

 

That is GORGEOUS! We're looking into this itinerary already and I'm loving what I'm hearing about Aruba and Curacao.

[Kristi Williamson]

Thanks for the review but its not southern.

 

 

You're correct. Technically, it's "exotic Eastern" (that touches the Southern tip). :D:p:rolleyes: