Breakaway Short Review - 12/1 cruise

[khell51]

Just got off the ship today and there was a total of 8 of us and we had a blast.

 

The staff on the ship could not be anymore accommodating, we did not run into one crew member who was not overly nice and helpful.

 

The entertainment on the ship is top notch. Cirque is one of the best shows I have ever seen anywhere, unreal that you can see a show that good on a cruise ship. Rock of Ages was the full broadway show. Michael Finney (Comedian/Magician) very entertaining. Fire and Ice were there for one show and did not disappoint. They then brought in a house band named Impac and they were great also. The blues club was great, those guys are super talented.

 

We did not have one meal that we did not enjoy (Cagney's, Moderno, Lucina, Teppanyaki, Manhattan Room, Savor, O'Sheehans)

 

I thought the ship was great. Water slides and the plank were lots of fun.

 

We were in 13880, aft balcony and I was very happy with the room.

 

Also did not hurt that we had the best weather that you could have on this cruise, the only day that you really couldn't do much outside was yesterday.

 

If you are booked on the Breakaway or are thinking of going I would say book it and you will not be disappointed. Some people just look for things to complain about.

[waterbabies4]

thank you for taking the time to write!

We are heading to NYC on Wednesday and on BA this coming sailing. Cant wait. I agree, you cant please all the people all the time. My family and I are of the mind.... we are on a ship, sailing to a gorgeous place together, food, drinks, fun...what cant be that bad? Really!!

[Keith1010]

Thank you for writing and posting your review.

 

Keith

[*Luv2Cruz*]

Short and sweet; thanks!:cool: Can't wait!:eek:

[limeyalchemist]

Did you make it to Great Stirrup Cay on Wednesday? If so, how was it?

[snorklinbarb]

Is Impac the replacement for Fire & Ice (I understand they are going on vacation this month)? How many in the band and what kind of music?

 

We'll be going next month.

 

Would love to hear a little detail about your specialty restaurant experiences. Did you book one embarkation night and receive the complimentary wine? We're thinking of booking the Cirque show so it's good to know you enjoyed it (did it on Epic). What did you think of the food there? Did you have a good view?

 

Thanks for your comments!

[timmo44]

We also just got back off that cruise. What about the Kennedy rocket launch on Tuesday evening at 17.44? That was an amazing bonus as we got to watch it from our balcony. 90 seconds or so after the bright takeoff and almighty boom hit the ship as the sound caught up. Awe inspiring.

 

 

 

Interestingly not a word of it was mentioned by NCL on the daily or over the PA even though half the crew stood out on the front of the ship watching it go up. We were looking up the price of Kennedy Space Centre tickets (if we just turned up there) on their website and this counter came up with 'time to next launch' of about 2.5 hours. All the cars going past pulled off the freeway to watch it too. Perfect clear weather too.

 

As for the Breakaway, Cirque was indeed great and we thought the food was pretty good there too - I've read a few complaints but we thought it was good.

 

Rock of Ages was part ruined because people kept wandering in continually even up to an hour in to the show. We sat at the back and they had no door staff stopping people walking in which they frequently did. Also they could easily take out the swearing from the show - unnecessary and while it didn't bother us in the slightest, there was no need for it in the show.

 

Cagneys food was great but took an age to get to the table. And what is that huge bar in between Cagneys and Moderno about - nobody uses it and it takes up half the shared restaurant space?

 

The Casino and O'Sheehans stunk of stale cigarette smoke at all time - miles worse than the Epic ever has been. So we steered clear of that wherever we could. Also the Haven indoor area was a fraction of the size of that on the Epic - nice to see Concierge Adrian on there though - a true professional.

 

What makes the Breakaway though is the Waterfront. If you had that on the Epic it would be the ultimate cruise ship. You mentioned the amazing hot weather last week. Well we spent a lot of time eating, walking and mainly drinking out there every evening. Shakers outside bar made us most cocktails and wines off the menu - such a great idea and an opportunity to look out to see or just walk round as it was about half a lap of the whole ship.

 

We had a great week.

[antsnanny]

Just got off the ship today and there was a total of 8 of us and we had a blast.

 

The staff on the ship could not be anymore accommodating, we did not run into one crew member who was not overly nice and helpful.

 

The entertainment on the ship is top notch. Cirque is one of the best shows I have ever seen anywhere, unreal that you can see a show that good on a cruise ship. Rock of Ages was the full broadway show. Michael Finney (Comedian/Magician) very entertaining. Fire and Ice were there for one show and did not disappoint. They then brought in a house band named Impac and they were great also. The blues club was great, those guys are super talented.

 

We did not have one meal that we did not enjoy (Cagney's, Moderno, Lucina, Teppanyaki, Manhattan Room, Savor, O'Sheehans)

 

I thought the ship was great. Water slides and the plank were lots of fun.

 

We were in 13880, aft balcony and I was very happy with the room.

 

Also did not hurt that we had the best weather that you could have on this cruise, the only day that you really couldn't do much outside was yesterday.

 

If you are booked on the Breakaway or are thinking of going I would say book it and you will not be disappointed. Some people just look for things to complain about.

Agree with everything you said and more. I loved the ship. Booking again soon.

[meatball_nyc]

Loved your review! Thanks for taking the time to post it.

 

6 months to go and it's our turn to sail on her!!

 

 

 

~robin and brian

(summertime jersey shore beach bums)

 

Norwegian Breakaway 2014

Carnival Miracle 2010

Carnival Legend 2006

[Tyskie]

 

 

 

Interestingly not a word of it was mentioned by NCL on the daily or over the PA even though half the crew stood out on the front of the ship watching it go up. We were looking up the price of Kennedy Space Centre tickets (if we just turned up there) on their website and this counter came up with 'time to next launch' of about 2.5 hours. All the cars going past pulled off the freeway to watch it too. Perfect clear weather too.

 

 

 

 

We had a great week.

 

We were on the same cruise.................Yes, there was mention of the launch by the Capt. and then I think again by the CD. I know I heard it twice. We were able to view from our port balcony. It was awesome to see and got some great pictures.:)

[jdvmd]

Glad you had a great time! Thanks for sharing!

[Charles4515]

We also just got back off that cruise. What about the Kennedy rocket launch on Tuesday evening at 17.44? That was an amazing bonus as we got to watch it from our balcony. 90 seconds or so after the bright takeoff and almighty boom hit the ship as the sound caught up. Awe inspiring.

 

 

 

Interestingly not a word of it was mentioned by NCL on the daily or over the PA even though half the crew stood out on the front of the ship watching it go up. We were looking up the price of Kennedy Space Centre tickets (if we just turned up there) on their website and this counter came up with 'time to next launch' of about 2.5 hours. All the cars going past pulled off the freeway to watch it too. Perfect clear weather too.

 

As for the Breakaway, Cirque was indeed great and we thought the food was pretty good there too - I've read a few complaints but we thought it was good.

 

Rock of Ages was part ruined because people kept wandering in continually even up to an hour in to the show. We sat at the back and they had no door staff stopping people walking in which they frequently did. Also they could easily take out the swearing from the show - unnecessary and while it didn't bother us in the slightest, there was no need for it in the show.

 

Cagneys food was great but took an age to get to the table. And what is that huge bar in between Cagneys and Moderno about - nobody uses it and it takes up half the shared restaurant space?

 

The Casino and O'Sheehans stunk of stale cigarette smoke at all time - miles worse than the Epic ever has been. So we steered clear of that wherever we could. Also the Haven indoor area was a fraction of the size of that on the Epic - nice to see Concierge Adrian on there though - a true professional.

 

What makes the Breakaway though is the Waterfront. If you had that on the Epic it would be the ultimate cruise ship. You mentioned the amazing hot weather last week. Well we spent a lot of time eating, walking and mainly drinking out there every evening. Shakers outside bar made us most cocktails and wines off the menu - such a great idea and an opportunity to look out to see or just walk round as it was about half a lap of the whole ship.

 

We had a great week.

 

I was on the sailing and was very disappointed in the ship. Everywhere it was crowded. You could smell the smoke from the casino in many public areas. The service was generally bad. Screaming children at Cagneys and one night at Maltings.

 

The weather was great and Great Stirrup cay has been vastly improved from when i was there years ago. Long lines though for the food served there which was nothing to write home about.

 

Rock of Ages, there was something wrong with the sound at the performence I went to and could not make out anything. The improv a the Comedy Club performance I went to was lame.

 

By luck I had booked the NASA Close Up tour and was at the Kennedy Space Center for the launch. We had no idea when we booked it. It was awesome being onsite for the launch.

Edited December 10, 2013 by Charles4515

[khell51]

Did you make it to Great Stirrup Cay on Wednesday? If so, how was it?

 

We did make it to Great Stirrup Cay. I did not get off the boat so I could not tell you much besides the weather being absolutely beautiful (Captain said it was the best day of the season for them by far). My family members that did get off enjoyed themselves.

[khell51]

Is Impac the replacement for Fire & Ice (I understand they are going on vacation this month)? How many in the band and what kind of music?

 

We'll be going next month.

 

Would love to hear a little detail about your specialty restaurant experiences. Did you book one embarkation night and receive the complimentary wine? We're thinking of booking the Cirque show so it's good to know you enjoyed it (did it on Epic). What did you think of the food there? Did you have a good view?

 

Thanks for your comments!

 

Impac is the replacement for Fire and Ice, There are 4 guys in the band and they play a wide variety of music. They were very talented.

 

We ate in Cagney's the first night and since there were 8 of us they gave us 4 bottles of wine and the real great part was since we only drank one bottle the first night they gave us vouchers to use the other 3 during the week.

 

I thought the food at Cirque was really good, would like it better if you could eat before the show or if they took a brief intermission because there is so much going on you really don't want to look down at your plate and miss something. We had great seats but the venue was only half full.

[gizmo911]

I will be on Breakaway in March and was wondering about the private island. I am unable to sit directly out in the sun and was wondering if there are some locations that are shaded. I did this itinerary a year ago and there was very limited shade , wondering if there has been improvement?

[dolphin lady]

I was also on this cruise with my husband.Here is some of the Pros & Cons we found about the trip.

 

Purchased a weekly pass to the Thermal Spa.We enjoyed it, but have found the Spa to be a bit on the expensive side and have found them better on some of their other ships.

 

H20 was a nice adult area to go without the crowds and the screaming children.Liked the fact we could order a pizza and have it delivered there.

 

Enjoyed Rock of Ages (couldn't understand why parents would bring young children), Burn the Floor & Howl at the Moon (dueling pianos) were all very good. We didn't care for IMAC.The singing was lousy.

 

Did the Martini tasting.Best bargin on the ship.Very crowded and rushed.They had a activity planned right after that at the Bar,so not enough time to enjoy the tasting.

 

The paid restaurant we ate at were LeBristo & Moderno and found the food and service outstanding.Main dining rooms we did were Taste & Savor and also found the food good, but service slow.O'Sheehans was alright and liked this restaurant for breakfast.

 

We did not get of the ship as we have been to those ports before.

 

Overal we had a wonderful time.However,we found the ship too crowded and very noisy and were dissapointed with the amount of children on the ship.We thought booking that week we wouldn't have to deal with that but NCL had a premotion of kids free, so lot's of them.

 

We will stick with the smaller ships,but glad we gave it a try

[ruchaos]

Hello

 

Also just off this cruise and I agree with the original posters' review. Our 12th cruise, 3rd on NCL - loved the ship I thought the design was genius. Lots of intimate places. H20 and the waterfront were great. There were so many different options and spaces on the ship it was hard to partake in all. I loved Rock of Ages! Did not do Cirque. Slam Allen was excellent and entertaining. Thought Impac was good. We tried all three main restaurants and enjoyed them all - the service was excellent. We ate around 8:30 at night. I find eating a little off standard meal times decreases wait time to almost non-existant. For example we saw a bunch of people lining up for Manhattan room at 5:30 waiting for it to open. We made reservations for 8:45 and got in no wait. Besides at 5:30 I'm still full from lunch at the Buffet which too we thought was great. Lots of different choices. It has many stations on both sides of the ship so you just walk around if you feel its too crowded in one area. We used Mixx bar between taste and savor for our short wait to have a cocktail the night we didn't make reservations and it was great.

 

Got to go to GSC much improved since 2004 and yes our weather was perfect and lots of people got off the ship but if you want to avoid crowds just go to the second beach. It was a really great day. It was a really great cruise and I also recommend the ultimate beverage package!

[dizizit]

Was there a Santa on this cruise? Any Christmas activities for children?

[khell51]

Was there a Santa on this cruise? Any Christmas activities for children?

 

Ship was decorated for Christmas (About 100 people from an outside company got on the boat when we were docked in Port Canaveral and decorated the whole ship while we were in port, it was pretty cool to watch them do it so fast). Not much else going on but we were still 3 weeks away from Christmas when we were on the boat.

[Ninenout2002]

My Fiance and I were also on this cruise - our first cruise - and could not have been more pleased! Yes, the ship was full but we didn't find it to be too bad except for those "Black Friday" sales!! We ate at the Buffet, Taste, Savor, Teppanyaki, and O'Sheehans. Rock of Ages was great but I also don't understand why people bring small children to this show - it's not as if there aren't warnings in the Freestyle, on TV and before the show starts!! Cirque was AMAZING, the food was "eh" in our opinion. It is hard to eat and watch the show at the same time. GSC was beautiful - if you walk past the first beach and keep going, you pass several little beaches and other places where food was served. We spent the day in a quiet lagoon at the end of the island, short walk to food and drinks and it was peaceful! I'm a non smoker and the casino wasn't bad unless you were seated next to someone smoking. Didn't encounter screaming kids except by the pool and that's to be expected while playing in the water. We did encounter some very rude guests, one who crushed my toes (enough to draw blood on one) in the elevator and then thought it would be smart to make jokes about it instead of apologizing, some who just wouldn't move into the elevator to make room for those coming in or off...we just chose not to let some people's "me, me, me" attitude ruin our trip. Our neighbors and all the staff were great. Did notice that there was always a long line at Guest Services. We look forward to planning our next cruise! :D

[KirkNC]

Always great to hear about an A+ cruise!

[sailingnut]

I went on the "Breakaway" in October and just loved her~~cannot say enough~~cannot wait to go back! I am so glad most of you enjoyed her!:)

[mom8386]

Thanks for all of the reviews. Getting so excited for my cruise in March. I had heard that there would be a couple of Rockettes on the first cruise of each month. Was this true of your cruise? Does anyone have Dailies they can post of this cruise? I would greatly appreciate it!

[ibcnusoon]

We enjoyed our cruise on the Breakaway. Luckily it was a new ship and lots of areas to explore because we missed GSC and it was a little stir crazy for some of us to be on the ship 5 days and only 2 port days. We found out on this cruise that we are NOT sea day enjoyers!

 

With that said, I'd book the Breakaway if I were interested in Bermuda or the longer cruises that go to the Southern Caribbean but we won't be booking the Breakaway for the Florida/Bahamas cruises because of the cold weather and the chance in missing GSC.

[snorklinbarb]

Impac is the replacement for Fire and Ice, There are 4 guys in the band and they play a wide variety of music. They were very talented.

 

We ate in Cagney's the first night and since there were 8 of us they gave us 4 bottles of wine and the real great part was since we only drank one bottle the first night they gave us vouchers to use the other 3 during the week.

 

I thought the food at Cirque was really good, would like it better if you could eat before the show or if they took a brief intermission because there is so much going on you really don't want to look down at your plate and miss something. We had great seats but the venue was only half full.

 

Did a YouTube search and found a band called IMPAC (in the videos there are 5 guys) and they featured a good medley from reggae to swing to 50's to soul, etc. Looked very versatile. This is a band from St. Vincent.

Is this the same band you're talking about? Hope so.:)

 

Is there also a Caribbean pool band on Breakaway or does IMPAC fill that slot?

 

Thanks! Won't be long now.:D