Just off the Breakaway (June 8, 2014). Long review and ASK ME ANYTHING!

[1620rock]

Great review and love the tip to use the garage with valet drop off. We are still debating between this cruise or the Dawn out of Boston but know we would like to get a weekly spa pass. What was the cost for the week and what were the amenities included in the pass?

[peg013]

What is supposed to happen is that you get lined up in chairs prior to security opening. When they seat you in the chairs, it's in the order you arrive.

 

And then when security opens, they escort you in the same order you were seated to security. Where you then go through security in the order you arrived.

 

From there you immediately go to the check in counter- more or less in the same order you arrived- I'll say +/- 2-3 people depending on how fast of a walker you are.

 

When you arrive at the counter you are SUPPOSED to receive a boarding group number that is assigned numerically based upon your arrival. I don't know how many folks are in a boarding group, but for the sake of argument let's say 50. So the first 50 people should theoretically receive boarding group #1.

 

Then when general embarkation starts, everyone who has a #1 boarding group will be the first passengers to be let through the "normal" entrance. Haven/Suite guests, Casino at Sea guests, and VIP's (wedding parties, travel agents, etc) are escorted on ahead of general boarding.

 

So theoretically getting there early SHOULD secure you a spot among the first handfuls of people getting on the ship.

 

Clearly didn't happen the week I sailed.

 

Either #1-3 or #1-5 are reserved for Platinum/gold? guests so the general public will start with no lower than #5. (I think 1-3 is Platinum and #5 is Gold but I could have the breakdown wrong.) But they should give the remaining numbers out in the order you arrive. (I am platinum and still received #3 when arriving later than 11am, which is really late for us.)

[TravelDiva88]

Great review and love the tip to use the garage with valet drop off. We are still debating between this cruise or the Dawn out of Boston but know we would like to get a weekly spa pass. What was the cost for the week and what were the amenities included in the pass?

 

The cost on the Breakaway was $199 per person per week. It includes access to the thermal suite which has the hydrotherapy pool, a hot tub, the heated tile loungers, two saunas, a steam room, a salt room, and the rainfall showers. There are also non-heated lounge chairs that you can relax in as well.

 

From a touring Bermuda standpoint, I'd choose the Breakaway hands down. The Dawn arrives in Bermuda on Sundays when many businesses are closed and the public transportation schedule is a bit more limited than on the weekdays.

Edited June 17, 2014 by TravelDiva88

[Looness33]

Was it warm enough to swim in Bermuda in early June?

 

Perfect weather for swimming in early June. The water was so refreshing.

[cv322]

Thanks for your review! For what it's worth, I leave from NY all the time (28 out of 33 times so far)...and I'm also gold with NCL...and I think they sent you to the wrong check in area.

 

Immediately after security there's a check-in on the right side of the terminal. However, if you keep walking straight, toward the end of the terminal...there's a check-in for gold & higher on the left side of the terminal. I think you checked in with the first group maybe. I had zone 2 when I checked in for the Breakaway in May...

[aces389]

Was the casino open while docked in Bermuda?

 

Thanks,

[ilovewdw]

Thank you so much for your review! I'm so sorry you had issues with embarkation. You should have had a MUCH lower boarding number! It would annoy me to no end if I was among the first in the waiting area and received Boarding # 23!!!!!

 

I loved the Entertainment on the Breakaway! We, too, went to Howl at the Moon almost every night! The last night, many of the Rock of Ages performers along with some Second City cast were there the whole night and played Piano, drums, guitar, sang with us...my friend and I spent an hour talking to one of the leads of Rock of Ages. Such a Blast!!!

Edited June 19, 2014 by ilovewdw

[Lau92080]

Can you tell me about the spa pass? Where can I get it? What does it include?

Thank you for this review, it's great!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[cv322]

Was the casino open while docked in Bermuda?

 

Thanks,

 

Yes it was :D...my sailing (5/4/14) was the first Bermuda cruise of the season, & the first time ever that cruise ships could open the casino while in port in Bermuda...and it was open each evening beginning at 9PM until 5AM.;)

[TravelDiva88]

Thank you so much for your review! I'm so sorry you had issues with embarkation. You should have had a MUCH lower boarding number! It would annoy me to no end if I was among the first in the waiting area and received Boarding # 23!!!!!

 

I loved the Entertainment on the Breakaway! We, too, went to Howl at the Moon almost every night! The last night, many of the Rock of Ages performers along with some Second City cast were there the whole night and played Piano, drums, guitar, sang with us...my friend and I spent an hour talking to one of the leads of Rock of Ages. Such a Blast!!!

 

I was there as well! I know a lot of staff are about to sign off for shore leave and I think it's great that they were able to get together for a night of fun together before they all start taking leave!

 

I'm quite biased as a dear friend of mine is currently a Second City cast member on the Gem, but I will say the Second City cast is one of the best I've seen on land or at sea. Carley and Norm in particular are SO talented (and boy does Norm have a great voice!)

 

Can you tell me about the spa pass? Where can I get it? What does it include?

Thank you for this review, it's great!

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

You can purchase it at a table in the terminal, or at the spa. It's $199 and includes access to the thermal suite. The thermal suite has a large pool that is warmer than your average pool (it's a hydrotherapy pool). The pool itself has an area at the back that has a lounger of sorts you can recline on with jets, as well as a whirlpool area, and a glorious sculpture that dumps water on you- said sculpture beats the crap out of you, but I'll be darned if it didn't work all the knots out of my neck!

 

There are also 2 dry saunas, a steam room, the salt room, rainfall showers, and the heated tile loungers. Those loungers are heavenly. I have some chronic pain issues (I have high joint laxity which means existing usually results in a sprain every few weeks).

 

I didn't get any spa pictures myself, but I'll happily find some from google images :)

 

Here you can see the heated tile loungers, the hydrotherapy pool (and hot tub) along with the sculpture that beats the crap out of you!

 

SOURCE

 

And here is the salt room

 

 

ETA: As you can see there are also regular non-heated loungers. It's a great place to enjoy a book on a windy/rainy/cold sea day as well.

Edited June 20, 2014 by TravelDiva88

[TravelDiva88]

Curious about this one....going on BA in January on the 12 night to the Caribbean and figure we may be looking for things to do. Is it the same menu as they give you for Cirque Dreams? I'd really appreciate knowing what they gave you to eat....and were the wines decent? Thanks.

 

We've had a few crises at home (skunked dog followed by sewer backup) and I haven't had a chance to scan and upload. I'll post the text from the menu in lieu of the uploads

 

Menu

 

Peking Duck Salad- Arugula, Boston, Green Asparagus, Fennel Walnut Oil Vinaigrette

 

Sirloin Manhattan Steak & Breaded Cajun Shrimp. Leek & Garlic Mash, Broccoli, Mushroom Sauce

 

Mocaccino Cheesecake with Banana & Dulce De Leche Sauce

 

 

Wines

1) Estancia Pinot Grigio, Monterey, California

2) Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

3) Penfolds Chardonnay, Barossa Valley, Australia

4) Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Noir, Napa Valley, California

5) North and South- NCL Proprietary Blend

6) Villa Sandi Prosecco Brut, Veneto, Italy

[barcelo]

We've had a few crises at home (skunked dog followed by sewer backup) and I haven't had a chance to scan and upload. I'll post the text from the menu in lieu of the uploads

 

Menu

 

Peking Duck Salad- Arugula, Boston, Green Asparagus, Fennel Walnut Oil Vinaigrette

 

Sirloin Manhattan Steak & Breaded Cajun Shrimp. Leek & Garlic Mash, Broccoli, Mushroom Sauce

 

Mocaccino Cheesecake with Banana & Dulce De Leche Sauce

 

 

Wines

1) Estancia Pinot Grigio, Monterey, California

2) Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

3) Penfolds Chardonnay, Barossa Valley, Australia

4) Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Noir, Napa Valley, California

5) North and South- NCL Proprietary Blend

6) Villa Sandi Prosecco Brut, Veneto, Italy

realy like your post , very helpful , I have a question we will be going to the cirque show I saw that the steak commes with shrimp ,since I am alergic do you think they will be able to consider this issue or I should just cancel and not go .I do not no if they are werry good with food alergies (on Princess they gave me a carde that I showed them.)

[TravelDiva88]

realy like your post , very helpful , I have a question we will be going to the cirque show I saw that the steak commes with shrimp ,since I am alergic do you think they will be able to consider this issue or I should just cancel and not go .I do not no if they are werry good with food alergies (on Princess they gave me a carde that I showed them.)

 

At the beginning of the wine luncheon they asked everyone at the table if they had food allergies, and I know they can be accommodated.

 

Before your cruise, I'd encourage you to contact the NCL access desk (866.584.9756) or email (accessdesk@ncl.com) and let them know about your food allergies.

[barcelo]

thanks just sent a message :)

[Susie51]

Thank you for your well organized review.

[bragstarr]

Thanks for the wine luncheon lunch menu. Actually it looks intriguing. Nice wines, too. Wonder if they'd just give me three tastings of prosecco instead of the reds! Was the Cajun shrimp very spicy???

 

Sorry about the skunked doggie...yuck! We had our own sewer backup last month. Yuck again.

[Kenlorz]

We've had a few crises at home (skunked dog followed by sewer backup) and I haven't had a chance to scan and upload. I'll post the text from the menu in lieu of the uploads

 

Menu

 

Peking Duck Salad- Arugula, Boston, Green Asparagus, Fennel Walnut Oil Vinaigrette

 

Sirloin Manhattan Steak & Breaded Cajun Shrimp. Leek & Garlic Mash, Broccoli, Mushroom Sauce

 

Mocaccino Cheesecake with Banana & Dulce De Leche Sauce

 

 

Wines

1) Estancia Pinot Grigio, Monterey, California

2) Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

3) Penfolds Chardonnay, Barossa Valley, Australia

4) Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Noir, Napa Valley, California

5) North and South- NCL Proprietary Blend

6) Villa Sandi Prosecco Brut, Veneto, Italy

 

Were these small tastings? Or half or full glasses? Six full glasses and I would be SNOCKERED :p:eek:

[ilovelucy]

Curious about this one....going on BA in January on the 12 night to the Caribbean and figure we may be looking for things to do. Is it the same menu as they give you for Cirque Dreams? I'd really appreciate knowing what they gave you to eat....and were the wines decent? Thanks.

 

 

My husband and I are going out of NY in Jan. Are you on the Jan 4th cruise or the one after?

[bragstarr]

My husband and I are going out of NY in Jan. Are you on the Jan 4th cruise or the one after?

 

January 4. We have a whole roll call going which I am keeping if you will be with us....let me know if you are and I will post the link!

[ilovelucy]

Thanks for the wine luncheon lunch menu. Actually it looks intriguing. Nice wines, too. Wonder if they'd just give me three tastings of prosecco instead of the reds! Was the Cajun shrimp very spicy???

 

Sorry about the skunked doggie...yuck! We had our own sewer backup last month. Yuck again.

 

I have gone back a couple of times and I can not find the attachment with the lunch menu. Could you please post it for me. Thanks so much

[ilovelucy]

Yes we are on the same cruise. Please do post the listing. Thanks

[bragstarr]

Yes we are on the same cruise. Please do post the listing. Thanks

 

We're on page 11, but this is page 1 so you can start from the beginning and read it through if you like. Welcome!

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1786587

 

There is no posting of the actual menu......the OP just posted the meal and the wine courses!

 

Menu

 

Peking Duck Salad- Arugula, Boston, Green Asparagus, Fennel Walnut Oil Vinaigrette

 

Sirloin Manhattan Steak & Breaded Cajun Shrimp. Leek & Garlic Mash, Broccoli, Mushroom Sauce

 

Mocaccino Cheesecake with Banana & Dulce De Leche Sauce

 

 

Wines

1) Estancia Pinot Grigio, Monterey, California

2) Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

3) Penfolds Chardonnay, Barossa Valley, Australia

4) Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Noir, Napa Valley, California

5) North and South- NCL Proprietary Blend

6) Villa Sandi Prosecco Brut, Veneto, Italy

[seaserious]

I used this service for a "cruise to nowhere" for 3 days and it was great, I would recommend. Another thing to keep in mind is that some garages charge by the "day" and this one charges by the "night," so you end up saving money. For example, our cruise was Friday-Sunday. Charging by the day would have been 3 days; charging by the night was just two nights.

 

do you pay upfront or when you return?

[Lau92080]

Is that 199 per person, or for a family?

Is there an option for a less expensive spa pass?

We are gonna be on the ship for 2 weeks maybe there will be some kind of deal lol

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[rvsullivan]

Is that 199 per person, or for a family?

Is there an option for a less expensive spa pass?

We are gonna be on the ship for 2 weeks maybe there will be some kind of deal lol

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

 

It's per person. If your doing a b2b it will be $199 each week.