The 'good' the 'bad' and the 'ugly' about the Breeze

[Shipbound]

We spent 2 New Years on the Breeze & even though the ship was packed to capacity both times, we LOVED it. We never once had to wait on lines for food at the buffet. We had a lido balcony both times & would never get a room anywhere else.

 

Are there chair hogs?? Yes of course, they are on EVERY ship & Carnival doesn't follow through with their policy so that's a Carnival issue not a Breeze issue.

 

After just getting off the Sunshine a few days ago, the Breeze is heaven & until the Vista comes out, no ship will compare to the Breeze. At least for us!

 

That is good to know about the crowds because I've heard that the Breeze is really crowded and there a long lines every where . I plan to go on the Breeze in April of 2016.

 

Gary

[WAHMto5]

We can't wait to try the Breeze. We booked two 8-day cruises (different itineraries) for this year and can't wait!!

[nissach]

We can't wait to try the Breeze. We booked two 8-day cruises (different itineraries) for this year and can't wait!!

 

I can't wait either. We are very excited about sailing the Breeze at NYE. And on this cruise we will have friends join us which will be new for us, we usually sail alone :(. I would have loved the 8 day, but for the week we booked it was only the 6 day. Oh well, just have to spend an extra day or two in Miami. :)

[SNJCruisers]

Oh well, just have to spend an extra day or two in Miami. :)

If you're serious about the extra days, I would look into getting a hotel ASAP. Rates around Christmas and into January go through the roof and people that usually stay there during the fall have sticker shock when they see the price differentiation with hotel rates. Edit.....since you're flying in from Winnipeg, you have to come in at least 1 day prior anyway because of possible weather issues traveling. Edited January 11, 2015 by SNJCruisers

[DancerOT]

What caused you to lose your "fan" status with the line? I'm still loyal as it was our first line and we've never been disappointed; but we are curious about other lines (right now...Celebrity). As for the BREEZE...it's the cement to the deal as far as our love of Carnival. We love it.

If you have any questions about Celebrity vs. Carnival, please don't hesitate to ask me. In terms of my comparisons below - I am early 30's, single, female who mostly travels with either a female friend or family & friends. Those are my two favorite lines and while some people can't figure that out (mostly due to preconceived notions), it is totally true! They both offer a similar, but different product. I think Carnival does a better job with food around the pool (ie. Blue Iguana) whereas Celebrity's dinner in the main dining room is better. I thought Carnival's steakhouse was just okay, but Celebrity's Qsine was amazing (I haven't eaten at their steakhouse). In terms of the "party", it depends on when you sail for both lines. My "craziest" cruises have actually been on Celebrity which one of my friends still can't figure out and one of my tamest has been on Carnival. If you are looking for a big scene in the nightclub - breaks are the best time to go on both lines. I think the piano bar on Carnival is a huge plus to them - love it! Although, it does depend on who is there. At this point, I think the production shows are better on Celebrity, but the comedians on Carnival are great. The drink package is far superior on Celebrity as it is truly unlimited and includes bottled waters, coffees, fresh squeezed juices, etc. Additionally, both people in the cabin don't need to get it. So for instance, a couple years ago I went on Summit with my mom - one of us got the premium alcohol package and the other got the premium non-alcohol package (which, if you aren't a big drinker is fabulous!). On my parent's Baltic cruise this past summer, only one of them got a package as the other didn't feel it was worth it.

 

At this point, I look at price and itinerary more than the line itself. I have similar status with both lines, although closer to the next level on Celebrity than Carnival.

 

In regards to the Breeze - loved this ship!! It is a beautiful ship and well laid out. A friend of mine who I went on it with last year and I are looking at booking her again for the summer for an 8 day cruise. We really felt like we didn't have enough time on our 6 day cruise to do everything we wanted. The biggest downfall of this ship was that our piano bar guy was kinda lame (but as I noted above, that can be hit or miss), but the comedians on our sailing were great. The nightclub was typically full til around 3:30-4 and then everyone often ventured upstairs for pizza. I didn't really notice any major chair hogs, but that is probably because we went to the top deck, grabbed two chairs, and laid there all day until we were ready to leave for the day. I still don't know how they did it, but the table we were sat at for dining was hilarious and the most interesting group of 6 women you could ever put together. There were two downfalls of Breeze in my opinion - (1) Can I please have more than one onion ring at Guys? Seriously, I would like several!!! (but that is on all Carnival ships) and (2) we did not have enough time to see and do everything we wanted to - never made it to the ropes course or to some of the free eating venues we wanted to try.

[okgirl]

I can't wait to be back on the Breeze in just 13 days.

 

My favorite things about that ship are:

 

Red Frog Pub with Pub Grub

Bonsai Sushi, but I don't like the high table and chairs

The Taste bar for a quick hot breakfast plus full continental fare. And also the turkey wraps and custom salads for lunch.

 

I love early morning walks around the exterior promenade, and sitting out in the shade on the Lanai.

 

There really isn't anything I don't like about the Breeze.

 

I also love that they offer Luggage Express, but I don't like Carnivals new "silent" debarkation. There are still just too many people who are new to cruising and I think it's confusing to them about where to go and how to smoothly debark the ship and get through customs.

[nissach]

If you're serious about the extra days, I would look into getting a hotel ASAP. Rates around Christmas and into January go through the roof and people that usually stay there during the fall have sticker shock when they see the price differentiation with hotel rates. Edit.....since you're flying in from Winnipeg, you have to come in at least 1 day prior anyway because of possible weather issues traveling.

 

Thanks for the tip on hotels. Yes we will be flying in a day early, as always.

[nissach]

If you have any questions about Celebrity vs. Carnival, please don't hesitate to ask me. In terms of my comparisons below - I am early 30's, single, female who mostly travels with either a female friend or family & friends. Those are my two favorite lines and while some people can't figure that out (mostly due to preconceived notions), it is totally true! They both offer a similar, but different product. I think Carnival does a better job with food around the pool (ie. Blue Iguana) whereas Celebrity's dinner in the main dining room is better. I thought Carnival's steakhouse was just okay, but Celebrity's Qsine was amazing (I haven't eaten at their steakhouse). In terms of the "party", it depends on when you sail for both lines. My "craziest" cruises have actually been on Celebrity which one of my friends still can't figure out and one of my tamest has been on Carnival. If you are looking for a big scene in the nightclub - breaks are the best time to go on both lines. I think the piano bar on Carnival is a huge plus to them - love it! Although, it does depend on who is there. At this point, I think the production shows are better on Celebrity, but the comedians on Carnival are great. The drink package is far superior on Celebrity as it is truly unlimited and includes bottled waters, coffees, fresh squeezed juices, etc. Additionally, both people in the cabin don't need to get it. So for instance, a couple years ago I went on Summit with my mom - one of us got the premium alcohol package and the other got the premium non-alcohol package (which, if you aren't a big drinker is fabulous!). On my parent's Baltic cruise this past summer, only one of them got a package as the other didn't feel it was worth it.

 

At this point, I look at price and itinerary more than the line itself. I have similar status with both lines, although closer to the next level on Celebrity than Carnival.

 

In regards to the Breeze - loved this ship!! It is a beautiful ship and well laid out. A friend of mine who I went on it with last year and I are looking at booking her again for the summer for an 8 day cruise. We really felt like we didn't have enough time on our 6 day cruise to do everything we wanted. The biggest downfall of this ship was that our piano bar guy was kinda lame (but as I noted above, that can be hit or miss), but the comedians on our sailing were great. The nightclub was typically full til around 3:30-4 and then everyone often ventured upstairs for pizza. I didn't really notice any major chair hogs, but that is probably because we went to the top deck, grabbed two chairs, and laid there all day until we were ready to leave for the day. I still don't know how they did it, but the table we were sat at for dining was hilarious and the most interesting group of 6 women you could ever put together. There were two downfalls of Breeze in my opinion - (1) Can I please have more than one onion ring at Guys? Seriously, I would like several!!! (but that is on all Carnival ships) and (2) we did not have enough time to see and do everything we wanted to - never made it to the ropes course or to some of the free eating venues we wanted to try.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

I have looked at Celebrity and wondered about the age of the average passenger and what the atmosphere might be like. Your feedback makes me feel like Celebrity might be good fit for us.

[SNJCruisers]

Thanks for the feedback.

I have looked at Celebrity and wondered about the age of the average passenger and what the atmosphere might be like. Your feedback makes me feel like Celebrity might be good fit for us.

Dancer's review is spot on. Celebrity is a fantastic cruise line. Out of the 25 cruises I have been on, our cruise on the Silhouette has been my favorite and I know our Equinox cruise in November will exceed it. The only thing that Carnival does better than Celebrity is the comedy clubs, all other aspects of the cruise experience is handled better on Celebrity.

[nissach]

Dancer's review is spot on. Celebrity is a fantastic cruise line. Out of the 25 cruises I have been on, our cruise on the Silhouette has been my favorite and I know our Equinox cruise in November will exceed it. The only thing that Carnival does better than Celebrity is the comedy clubs, all other aspects of the cruise experience is handled better on Celebrity.

 

Thanks for your feedback. I can see from your signature you have done many Carnival cruises and a handful of Celebrity. Your opinion is welcomed. I will definitely consider Celebrity in the future.

[DancerOT]

Thanks for the feedback.

I have looked at Celebrity and wondered about the age of the average passenger and what the atmosphere might be like. Your feedback makes me feel like Celebrity might be good fit for us.

I think the average age of passengers on Celebrity can vary depending on when the cruise is occurring. But this happens on just about any line.

 

You will love the Breeze! She is a really fun ship that I definitely look forward to going on again. That being said, I can't wait until my April cruise on Summit.

[cruising maniac]

DH and I cruise every Thanksgiving and have for 20 years. Thanksgiving of 2013, we were on the Dream. Thanksgiving of 2014, we sailed the very new Celebrity Reflection. Beautiful ship. Excellent service and fantastic layout. I would say the very same thing about the Dream. The big difference between the two is not the age difference. It is the number of kids. 1500 on Carnival compared to 400 on Celebrity. For the most part, the kids were very well behaved and seemed to be having a fantastic time. I love kids - but dh and I would prefer to cruise without so many little people. This Thanksiving we are cruising on the Breeze because of itinerary- Aruba and Curacao are new ports for us. So, once again, we will be sailing with the little people. :D

[nissach]

DH and I cruise every Thanksgiving and have for 20 years. Thanksgiving of 2013, we were on the Dream. Thanksgiving of 2014, we sailed the very new Celebrity Reflection. Beautiful ship. Excellent service and fantastic layout. I would say the very same thing about the Dream. The big difference between the two is not the age difference. It is the number of kids. 1500 on Carnival compared to 400 on Celebrity. For the most part, the kids were very well behaved and seemed to be having a fantastic time. I love kids - but dh and I would prefer to cruise without so many little people. This Thanksiving we are cruising on the Breeze because of itinerary- Aruba and Curacao are new ports for us. So, once again, we will be sailing with the little people. :D

 

We to would prefer to sail with less 'little people', but because we cruise over the holidays(Christmas & NYE) it is hard to avoid:(.

We have been to Curacao (also Bonair, but not Aruba) and loved it. I think all of the ABC islands are worth a visit.

In Curacao we booked an excursion to swim with the dolphins. It was amazing and pricey(I think $199 each).

Only 6 people; two dolphins, and one trainer. We had lots of time(60 to 90 minutes at least) to actually swim next to the dolphins and even were able to direct them to do tricks.

I would recommend everyone do this at least once in their lifetime.

Enjoy your cruise!

[countrygirlcruiser1234]

The only downfalls we saw on the Breeze was

#1. Lido Market Place floor is VERY VERY slippery! Wet or dry does not matter...my husband almost fell quite a few times in tennis shoes.

#2. The chair hogs...however if you bring it to the attention of the deck attendant he will put a sticker on it and remove it.

#3. Non smokers trying to clog up the smoking side of deck 11 and then complaining about the smoke. Hello...you sat in the smoking section, what do you expect.

 

Other than that the Breeze is my favorite ship! I Love it and am hoping to cruise on her again in May!

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

I find it interesting that some cruisers judge a ship or a cruise line by the actions of their fellow passengers and the fact that the personnel don't "police" the actions of individuals who are all about the "me" generation.

 

If I want to smoke I'll go to the smoking sections and don't worry about offending peeps who don't smoke. If chairs only have towels and no personal stuff, sorry I just move it...can't imagine anyone hopping into the pool without leaving behind a ton of daily paraphernalia. If I want a certain food I time my meals so that I'll be there at opening, If I have a shore excursion I know by experience that if you have pre-paid the tour operators will wait for you at the port and so just wait for the initial crush to be over. I book flights so that I can be the very last one off the ship at debarkation...nothing is more serene than an empty ship and getting off to find our luggage sitting like lone wolves waiting for us. I wouldn't waste my time on entertainment venues...they are the last thing I cruise for.

 

If I want the pool to myself...I just skip a port...it's fun to have all the resources like serenity and hot tubs available and I'm always rewarded at lunch by getting to meet and talk with the ship's crew. Have met many of the captain's staff that way.

 

The Breeze, like Magic and Dream, have great spots for relaxing. Deck 5 is awesome and I love having soup and salads for lunch and they make a mean sandwich. I like sitting at the atrium after dinner and people watching...especially the rambunctious kids who think it is a thrill to ride up and down the glass elevators (and no I don't worry about where there parents are). I wear ribbed sole sandals so I don't slip on decks that may have residual water like Lido and the buffet area. And I like the fact that Breeze has really nice balcony cabins and the rooms with rooms above and below are always quiet. (yeh for deck seven mid ship).

 

You'll have a nice time on the Breeze if you just remember that peeps are peeps and there are tons of nice ones who enjoy striking up a conversation.

[spikester]

I love love love the Breeze. I have been on it 3X and have booked myself for the 4th time in Dec.

 

I love the promenade that goes all the way around the outside on the 5th floor. The Red Frog pub, is awesome, the 1st time on the Breeze I sat outside a lot, but it is on the smoking side of the ship. It mostly wasn't too bad, but if there were a lot of people with cigars, I don't enjoy that, so moved on. Although I do think sometimes the staff seems to be trying too hard to be all "caribbean", I can't explain better than that. They have live soloist/guitar players each night too.

 

I love the Ocean Plaza, they have a band in there most nights, the one in Aug was the best ever, I was so sad that they have mostly left the ships. (#groove6)

The piano bar was a blast, but we had Ben, and he won't be there in Dec this year.

 

I thought the steak house was good, it doesn't stand out as super memorable though, but some of them all seem to run together.

 

I did go to the Cucina, and while the food was fabulous, i thought the service was a little slow, and the restaurant wasn't full. I am not used to having to flag down a server to get assistance, they are usually so attentive.

 

I found there to be some bottlenecks in the crowd near the comedy club, piano bar and the steakhouse, especially when dinner was getting out.

 

I don't like sushi, so didn't go to Bonsai.

 

The casino bar had a lot of people smoking on the smoking end, so it seemed that the bartenders spent a lot of their time down at that end. Also, I found the service wasn't super great at that bar when I was on in May, but it was better in Aug even though it was mostly the same bar tenders.

 

The EA sports bar, was mostly empty, but the bar tender was super nice and friendly.

 

The buffet food was pretty good. I am a huge fan of the Tandoor, i wish it was on all the ships. I didn't have an issue with huge crowds. Jimmy's bbq was ok, i got there early, so there wasn't a huge line. I don't think it was worth waiting 1/2 an hour for.

 

I love the new pizza.

 

Anyway, I love the Breeze and highly recommend it. My other current favorite is the Freedom, they have a really great hotel manager, and the ship seemed very well run, with happy people on it. But of course by Dec there will be a lot of turnover in staff.

 

If you have any other questions please ask.

[jp12687]

The Good- Cucina Del Capitan. Best service. best food on the ship. went multiple times.

 

The Bad-- The steak house service and food were horrible

 

The Ugly-- A lot of crew members seemed cranky and only half-assing when i was on board. could have been the end of a cruise for them but it seemed service levels were low.

[kimscruisin]

I loved The Breeze, my favorite Carnival ship. Beautiful and great service. The only thing lacking is the entertainment, and that's because if you've seen one Carnival show, seems like you've seen the rest of them. Enjoy your cruise, in my opinion, you will love the ship!

[nissach]

I loved The Breeze, my favorite Carnival ship. Beautiful and great service. The only thing lacking is the entertainment, and that's because if you've seen one Carnival show, seems like you've seen the rest of them. Enjoy your cruise, in my opinion, you will love the ship!

 

I am excited for our upcoming Breeze cruise. I agree entertainment is never that great on Carnival.

[tug99boat]

Just got off the Breeze today and I have to say this is my favorite Carnival ship.

 

Good: Decor matches the name, light and breezy, none of that garish Las Vegas style the rest of the Carnival ships have. The fake trees in the Marketplace are a really cute touch!

Guy's Burgers - Good flavor, nice soft squishy bun, plenty of condiments, and yes Virginia, you get more than six fries. I could have eaten these every day!

Blue Iguana Cantina - Burritos were pretty tasty, both the breakfast and the lunch burritos. They're not Chipotle, but that's a plus in and of itself. The staff making these were some of the nicest and friendliest I have ever met.

Limelight Lounge/Punchliner - What else can I say but "Good times, good times". Preferred the adult shows to the all ages shows, but the all ages shows weren't bad.

Sapphire Dining Room - Was very glad they didn't roll out the "American Table" menu to the Breeze. While the variety wasn't what it used to be, several favorite were still there, including the Strawberry Bisque and the Mango Cream soup. Did anytime dining and the staff were as attentive as they could be. Personally I think Carnival is stretching the staff a bit thin.

Tandoor - Yum.

Dive-in Movies - These were a lot of fun. I really liked these!

Bad : Chair hogs. However, for the first time ever, I did see Carnival staff placing time stickers on chairs that had been vacant for more than the allotted 40 minutes. The bad part of this is that Carnival seemed content to let the passengers enforce the 40 minute rule rather than have the staff come back and remove the items and free up the chairs.

Photographers. Enough with impromptu photos at dinner, or getting off the ship or whatever. If I want a photo I will seek you out.

Fahrenheit 555 - While it wasn't really bad, for the extra $35/pp I didn't feel anything I ate in here made me say "OMG, I HAVE to come back here!". Don't get me wrong, the staff was very attentive and the food was good. It just didn't blow me away.

Ugly : Passengers. Especially the chair hogs on the aft Lido deck that almost got into fisticuffs over who claimed a chair first. It was almost to the point of having to pee on your chair to mark you territory or someone would take it. It really stuck in my craw the way that some people would come down at 0600, place a book, 3-4 towels and a banana on a group of 8 chairs and then not return to these chairs until 0830 or 0900.

Passengers II - How hard is it for people to listen and follow instructions? Or wait their turn in line to debark? The CD had to make numerous announcement to get people off Deck 3 prior to debarkation, and then make several more announcements telling people they needed to wait for their deck to be called before they would be allowed off the ship.

 

I'm probably missing some stuff, so if I think of it, I'll add more!

Thanks for the review. Although I'd have to say the idiots who can't follow directions and the privileged people who think they don't have to follow the rules are everywhere, not just the breeze. Lol

[tug99boat]

Favorite Carnival cruise out of 17 taken so far. Cucina del Capitano for both lunch and dinner, Red Frog Pub, Piano Bar and adult comedy were the highlights of our 6 day cruise. Also liked the subtle caribbean hues instead of the neon nonsense on the rest of the fleet.

Thanks for the info. Sail on breeze Aug 29.