First Cruise Questions- Breakaway

[MFJones95]

Hi All,

 

I'm new to the forums and have a bunch of questions about a cruise I am currently planning. I am surprising my wife for her 30th birthday with a cruise. It is both our first time cruising and We are trying to travel as much as possible before having kids. A cruise isn't really on our bucket list of places to go or do but it seems like a good idea for this type of occasion. I was wondering if I can get some seasoned professional's opinions and feedback.

 

1) The ship I am looking at is the Breakaway out of NYC to Bermuda, 7 days in August of 2015. I priced a balcony cabin at $3616 which includes the drink package. It seems a bit pricey. I have never cruised but is this accurate?

 

2) I am considering a balcony because of the space and balcony option. An inside cabin, which doesn't include the drink package, is about $600 cheaper, seems very small and I feel we may get claustrophobic. Is it worth it to get the balcony? I feel if we do, we'll be more prone to go back to the cabin for some quiet time. What are your thoughts?

 

3) how is this ship for a couple like us? Is it crowded? Lots of kids? Any adult sections of the ship? Any places to go for peace and quiet? I may have a couple of friends joining as well which would make the experience better. However, if they don't, I want to make sure we'll still have a great time by ourselves. Also, how is this ship compared to the Gem which also sails from NYC FOR 7 days to FL and the Bahamas. Should I consider that ship instead?

 

4) lastly, is it worth going on a cruise for her 30th or should we wait on that for. trip in the future and go to an all inclusive resort which is probably more cost effective. I am worried about fees and having to pay for things on the ship that I wouldn't normally pay for at a resort. We have both been to all inclusive a before and loved it. The other option is to go to a place on our bucket list since time is running out before we plan on having kids but it's Italy and California, which I do t think would be fun if a group of us did end up going. Or maybe not as fun as a resort or cruise.

 

Anyway, any advise or thought sis appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Guindalf]

Hi All,

 

I'm new to the forums and have a bunch of questions about a cruise I am currently planning. I am surprising my wife for her 30th birthday with a cruise. It is both our first time cruising and We are trying to travel as much as possible before having kids. A cruise isn't really on our bucket list of places to go or do but it seems like a good idea for this type of occasion. I was wondering if I can get some seasoned professional's opinions and feedback.

 

1) The ship I am looking at is the Breakaway out of NYC to Bermuda, 7 days in August of 2015. I priced a balcony cabin at $3616 which includes the drink package. It seems a bit pricey. I have never cruised but is this accurate?

 

This is one of NCL's newest ships and it is certainly a good choice. The Bermuda route is usually two days at sea, best part of three days in Bermuda and then another two days coming back. Depending on when you go, it's not always the smoothest trip as you're out in the Atlantic, but with the most modern stabilizers, it shouldn't be too bad.

 

2) I am considering a balcony because of the space and balcony option. An inside cabin, which doesn't include the drink package, is about $600 cheaper, seems very small and I feel we may get claustrophobic. Is it worth it to get the balcony? I feel if we do, we'll be more prone to go back to the cabin for some quiet time. What are your thoughts?

 

I would definitely suggest at least an oceanview and, with the perks, obviously the balcony is better. Compared to a cruise that takes in three or four different ports, there's not a lot to see, but the light and the joy of morning coffee on the balcony, or watching the sun set is awesome.

 

3) how is this ship for a couple like us? Is it crowded? Lots of kids? Any adult sections of the ship? Any places to go for peace and quiet? I may have a couple of friends joining as well which would make the experience better. However, if they don't, I want to make sure we'll still have a great time by ourselves. Also, how is this ship compared to the Gem which also sails from NYC FOR 7 days to FL and the Bahamas. Should I consider that ship instead?

 

You can always find quiet spots to sit and read or whatever. The ship will seem crowded when you first embark, but within a few hours or so, people will spread out through it and it will settle down. Of course, certain activities tend to draw more people and it can and will be crowded (after a theater show, for example), but again, it will settle down.

 

4) lastly, is it worth going on a cruise for her 30th or should we wait on that for. trip in the future and go to an all inclusive resort which is probably more cost effective. I am worried about fees and having to pay for things on the ship that I wouldn't normally pay for at a resort. We have both been to all inclusive a before and loved it. The other option is to go to a place on our bucket list since time is running out before we plan on having kids but it's Italy and California, which I do t think would be fun if a group of us did end up going. Or maybe not as fun as a resort or cruise.

 

There is no need to spend extra if you don't want to. Normally, we'd get the soda package ($6.50/day each) and just get a very occasional cocktail, but other than (optional) excursions, gratuities (currently $12pp/day, added to your shipboard account or prepaid), souvenirs, etc., you are not forced to spend anything else (enthusiastically encouraged,, yes, but not compulsory!).

 

Anyway, any advise or thought sis appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

For a first experience, I would probably recommend the Caribbean over Bermuda for a first cruise. The thrill of arriving at a new port is unbeatable. Having said that, we loved Bermuda too.

 

As for price, go for what you can afford. If you can manage to stretch to a Haven suite, I hear the experience is unreal. We're sailing on the Dawn this coming Sunday and have a suite for the first time (our 12th cruise in all) and looking forward to the pampering!

 

Have fun and Bon Voyage!

[flipper32]

My wife and I used to always go to all inclusive butbhave taken the breakaway several times because of the ease of getting their from NJ. We no gravitate more toward crusing than all inclusive because of the entertainment and the increase in the prices at most all inclusives.

Currently NCL's freestyle promo included the drink package so you don't need to pay extra.

I have only been on then Breakaway when school was in so it has never been an issue. We typically get To the ship early to get Vibe passes which is a quiet adults only area with much more comfortable lounge areas.

We have been on the Dawn which is similar to the Gem and we prefer the mega ships because of the layout and the amount of things to do. I think the fact that virtually everything is on 678 is a very smart design.

[mjkacmom]

I'm assuming that you live within driving distance, if you are asking about both the Breakaway and the Gem. If you don't have children yet, I suggest not sailing in August. NJ and NY schools are still out for summer vacation, the cruise will have over 1000 kids on board, and the prices will be high. As a mom of 5, I look forward to the day when they're all grown, so DH and I can take a last minute cruise out of NYC for a steal (I hate to think of them gone, so I need to find a plus).

 

Cruising can be a very inexpensive vacation!

[violettewaits]

Hello there!

 

So I know exactly where you are coming from because the husband and I took our first cruise ever LAST January, for our honeymoon. Just as a last-minute thing. We never really gave much thought to cruising before. We are both currently 31, and we are also trying to travel as much as possible before considering babies.

 

We did the 10-day Eastern Caribbean on the Gem and, as you can see by my sig, pretty much fell in love.

 

 

1) The ship I am looking at is the Breakaway out of NYC to Bermuda, 7 days in August of 2015. I priced a balcony cabin at $3616 which includes the drink package. It seems a bit pricey. I have never cruised but is this accurate?

 

Is this the price for both of you? And after taxes and port fees? It sounds accurate to me, but it really depends on the time you sail, etc. Like another poster mentioned, I would also 100% recommend doing Caribbean destinations for a first cruise since you get to explore more new places. For our first Gem cruise in a mini-suite (January '14), I paid a total of $3300 and then another $700 for onboard stuff like shore excursions, alcohol, specialty dining, and gift shop stuff (liquor. heh). You will eliminate a lot of that with getting the beverage package. It's SUCH a steal.

 

 

2) I am considering a balcony because of the space and balcony option. An inside cabin, which doesn't include the drink package, is about $600 cheaper, seems very small and I feel we may get claustrophobic. Is it worth it to get the balcony? I feel if we do, we'll be more prone to go back to the cabin for some quiet time. What are your thoughts?

 

I think balcony cabin is 100% your best bet. Just to stand/sit out there and have a drink or coffee together as the boat is pulling in our out is such an experience. Totally worth it. And totally helpful in NOT feeling like you're in each other's hair all the time.

 

3) how is this ship for a couple like us? Is it crowded? Lots of kids? Any adult sections of the ship? Any places to go for peace and quiet? I may have a couple of friends joining as well which would make the experience better. However, if they don't, I want to make sure we'll still have a great time by ourselves. Also, how is this ship compared to the Gem which also sails from NYC FOR 7 days to FL and the Bahamas. Should I consider that ship instead?

 

I loved LOVED them Gem. She was a great introduction to cruising. I won't be on the Breakaway until this weekend for the first time, but I thought the Gem was perfectly sized. We were on a sold out sailing, yet it never felt packed. Nightlife was decent and lots of little nooks and crannies to sit and relax.

 

4) lastly, is it worth going on a cruise for her 30th or should we wait on that for. trip in the future and go to an all inclusive resort which is probably more cost effective. I am worried about fees and having to pay for things on the ship that I wouldn't normally pay for at a resort. We have both been to all inclusive a before and loved it. The other option is to go to a place on our bucket list since time is running out before we plan on having kids but it's Italy and California, which I do t think would be fun if a group of us did end up going. Or maybe not as fun as a resort or cruise.

 

I know where you are coming from since the husband and I were planning a trip to England prior to our fascination. I think it's worth it for the experience. Cruising is not so much all about destination, but also the boat itself and what they provide...which I fell in love with. There is something so wonderfully relaxing sitting and staring out into the sea, knowing tomorrow you'll be somewhere beautiful, yet having SO many activities to do now and here.

[jackparts]

I would check around for pricing. $3600 for two, really seems EXPENSIVE. Mini suites are less than that. Don't be afraid to try multiple sources, travel agents, personal cruise planners from NCL etc.

[Kenlorz]

I'm new to the forums and have a bunch of questions about a cruise I am currently planning. I am surprising my wife for her 30th birthday with a cruise. It is both our first time cruising and We are trying to travel as much as possible before having kids. A cruise isn't really on our bucket list of places to go or do but it seems like a good idea for this type of occasion. I was wondering if I can get some seasoned professional's opinions and feedback.

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic! You've come to the right place to get advice, suggestions and opinions!

 

1) The ship I am looking at is the Breakaway out of NYC to Bermuda, 7 days in August of 2015. I priced a balcony cabin at $3616 which includes the drink package. It seems a bit pricey. I have never cruised but is this accurate?

 

That seems a bit pricey, but it may be due to the time of year you are sailing. You have chosen to cruise during school break, so a much higher demand... and demand = cost. In contrast, we are cruising on BA in May and have a spa balcony for $2899 (but do not have the free beverage package, so that alone is HUGE incentive worth over $750).

 

2) I am considering a balcony because of the space and balcony option. An inside cabin, which doesn't include the drink package, is about $600 cheaper, seems very small and I feel we may get claustrophobic. Is it worth it to get the balcony? I feel if we do, we'll be more prone to go back to the cabin for some quiet time. What are your thoughts?

 

GO WITH A BALCONY!!! You won't regret it! Note, however, that most of the balconies on BA are quite small (they just fit 2 chairs), but even being tiny nothing beats sitting out on your balcony watching the sun set, feeling the wind in your hair, enjoying a glass of wine, having breakfast in your bathrobe,etc.

 

3) how is this ship for a couple like us? Is it crowded? Lots of kids? Any adult sections of the ship? Any places to go for peace and quiet? I may have a couple of friends joining as well which would make the experience better. However, if they don't, I want to make sure we'll still have a great time by ourselves. Also, how is this ship compared to the Gem which also sails from NYC FOR 7 days to FL and the Bahamas. Should I consider that ship instead?

 

How crowded the ship feels is often indicative of the time of year you choose to cruise. Again, you have chosen a prime family vacation time, so you will most likely experience more kids than if you were to choose another time of year. Perhaps consider moving into mid-September or mid-May if a lot of kids would bother you. BUT, even if you are set on cruising in August, the good news is you can be intentional about finding quieter places. Spice H20 is a free adults only area at the aft of the ship that has 2 hot tubs and a water feature (no pool) or you can pay to enter VIBE, which is an exclusive adults only club that only allows approximately 80 people to purchase passes for the week (that area has a bar, 2 hot tubs and nicer loungers).

 

Another way to minimize the kids factor is to book a SPA balcony. This is just an ordinary sized cabin with balcony, but it gives you full access to the Thermal Suite of the spa all week (an adults only area with heated tile loungers, a hot tub, a thalassotherapy pool, a salt room, sauna and steam room). Spa balconies are not too costly and the Thermal Suite addition would cost you $400 for the week for the two of you otherwise. Regardless of how you choose to avoid people, certain times (like when a show lets out or prime dining times in the buffet) will always be a bit crowded either way. Just be expect that and you won't be disappointed.

 

As for Bermuda verses another region, I am going to go against the masses here and say choose Bermuda for a first cruise. Why? Because if you aren't sure how you will like cruising yet, being docked for 3 days in an incredibly gorgeous island where you can come and go at will gives you the chance to combine a land vacation with a cruise vacation and more time for exploring.

4) lastly, is it worth going on a cruise for her 30th or should we wait on that for. trip in the future and go to an all inclusive resort which is probably more cost effective. I am worried about fees and having to pay for things on the ship that I wouldn't normally pay for at a resort. We have both been to all inclusive a before and loved it. The other option is to go to a place on our bucket list since time is running out before we plan on having kids but it's Italy and California, which I do t think would be fun if a group of us did end up going. Or maybe not as fun as a resort or cruise.

 

This is a personal choice that only you can truly answer. Cruising is a wonderful choice for a vacation. If you decide to cruise, then I would highly recommend reading up as much as you can on your ship of choice and making lists of what there is to do, what shows you want to see and where you want to eat. BA offers STELLAR entertainment options, so you won't be bored. Rock of Ages broadway show, a Cirque dinner show, Burn the Floor dance show, dueling pianos, comedy shows and live musicians are some of your choices (all included in your fare except for the Cirque dinner show). There is also TONS of other activities that won't cost you extra. You have the rock climbing wall, the ropes course, the 5 water slides, etc. Then, if you WANT to do more, budget accordingly and decide which pay activities you want to include (the spa for instance or VIBE or specialty restaurants).

 

Let us know what you decided :)

[Cruiser418]

Hi All,

 

I'm new to the forums and have a bunch of questions about a cruise I am currently planning. I am surprising my wife for her 30th birthday with a cruise. It is both our first time cruising and We are trying to travel as much as possible before having kids. A cruise isn't really on our bucket list of places to go or do but it seems like a good idea for this type of occasion. I was wondering if I can get some seasoned professional's opinions and feedback.

 

1) The ship I am looking at is the Breakaway out of NYC to Bermuda, 7 days in August of 2015. I priced a balcony cabin at $3616 which includes the drink package. It seems a bit pricey. I have never cruised but is this accurate?

 

I just booked this cruise this morning for August 9th. The price is correct and it is a great deal when you add in the beverage package. It's a little on the higher side because of two factors...it's August (school vacation) and it's out of NY. Cruises from FL tend to be significantly cheaper, but then you have to fly there.

 

2) I am considering a balcony because of the space and balcony option. An inside cabin, which doesn't include the drink package, is about $600 cheaper, seems very small and I feel we may get claustrophobic. Is it worth it to get the balcony? I feel if we do, we'll be more prone to go back to the cabin for some quiet time. What are your thoughts?

 

An inside cabin is VERY suffocating, in my opinion. It's smaller than all of the other rooms, and there is no view of the outside. You're not in the room all that much if you take full advantage of the boat, but I fully recommend a balcony if you can afford it. Plus, as someone else stated, the added beverage package more than makes up for the difference in price.

 

3) how is this ship for a couple like us? Is it crowded? Lots of kids? Any adult sections of the ship? Any places to go for peace and quiet? I may have a couple of friends joining as well which would make the experience better. However, if they don't, I want to make sure we'll still have a great time by ourselves. Also, how is this ship compared to the Gem which also sails from NYC FOR 7 days to FL and the Bahamas. Should I consider that ship instead?

 

I've never been on the Norwegian Breakaway, but I have been on lots of ships similar to it. There are always places to go and find quiet, but there will probably be a significant amount of children since it's the summer, and it will probably sail close to full if I had to guess. You'll have a wonderful time if you take advantage of all the ship has to offer...shows, trivia games, pool, casino, etc. Piece of advice: whatever cabin you book, look at the deck plans. Make sure there are cabins right above you and cabins right below you. You do not want a cabin that is directly above or below a public space...those can get noisy.

 

4) lastly, is it worth going on a cruise for her 30th or should we wait on that for. trip in the future and go to an all inclusive resort which is probably more cost effective. I am worried about fees and having to pay for things on the ship that I wouldn't normally pay for at a resort. We have both been to all inclusive a before and loved it. The other option is to go to a place on our bucket list since time is running out before we plan on having kids but it's Italy and California, which I do t think would be fun if a group of us did end up going. Or maybe not as fun as a resort or cruise.

 

In my opinion, ABSOLUTELY worth it. I adore cruising and I introduced my husband to it. He was a little reluctant, but after the first one he was hooked!!

 

Anyway, any advise or thought sis appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Good luck with everything!!! Perhaps I'll see you on the ship! :)

[Vacationlover2]

Can you sail in September? The prices decrease significantly.

[cantthinkofanythingfun]

My first cruise I was in my very early 30's and I hated it. The thing that I hated most was that you really didn't have enough time to enjoy each stop. Now, ten years later, I love it. I've been to most of the islands, and at some stops (Port Canaveral, Nassau, Freeport) I don't get off the ship. I think the cruise to Bermuda is perfect. You get to experience a good portion of the ship and the destination. The Breakaway is a blast, and I really think it's target audience is people in their 30's and 40's. As others have mentioned though, you will have a lot of kids on that sailing. It's kind of one of the last weeks to get away before school starts. There was a time when that would have bothered me, but now that I have one, not so much.

 

With the drink package, it is basically all-inclusive. If you want to make it truly all-inclusive spend the $120 each and get the dining package. You can eat wherever you want then.

[Abear2]

I have been on both, the Breakaway and the Gem! Both very nice ships, but Breakaway and Getaway are in a class of it's own! I loved those two ships! I went to Bermuda last year on the Breakaway and I have it booked again this July! :) You will be docked in Bermuda for three days, so you will have plenty of time to feel like you are on a land vacation, as well as a cruise! ;):p I would say definitely book a balcony! I personally tried an inside once and thought I would go crazy in that dark cabin! If that price is for the both of you, then that would be correct for this time of the year! I think y'all will have a blast on this ship! The cake Boss has a little pastry shop on here and I am in love with the Lobster Tail, which by the way is a pastry! :)

[MFJones95]

Thank you all for such great advice! I definitely came to the right place. It's really come down to one factor o me after reading and researching....the destination. Do I want Bermuda for 3 days or 3 different stops for 5 hours each? I think I'll aim for Bermuda but research a price in September and see where that gets me. Thank you all!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[CarolinaMamma]

I would definitely look at some fall dates. I just booked the Breakaway to Bermuda for Oct4-11 (our 20th wedding anniversary) for about $2500 for an aft cabin with a huge balcony. The prices for balconies and mini-suites on that sailing currently range from about $2,100 to $2,700. After you have kids, you will be trapped in high season pricing, but for now, try to go while school is in session. You will have a quieter cruise and save a bundle.

 

I would say in general that balconies are totally worth it. So nice to have fresh air. Do your research though. It looks like the balconies on BA are tiny. There are mini suites and balcony cabins on decks 8 and 9 at the front of the ship, but those balconies don't seem to have much privacy because the balconies above can look down on them. I have sailed in an aft balcony before and it is just fabulous for watching the sail away, and not as windy as side balconies. On some other threads here, I found that the aft balconies, from largest to smallest, are deck 9, 12, 11, 10, and the ones on decks 13 and 14 are much smaller, but still larger than the side balconies, and possibly noisy from Spice H2O above.

 

I have purchased beverage packages before and love the feeling of not thinking "ka-ching" every time I get a drink. It's very liberating. I don't drink enough to make the top tier beverage package worthwhile though, especially on port days. Think about what you are likely to consume. Wine on cruise ships is generally not good. I tend to like lattes and martinis, and NCL does not have a mid-level beverage package that covers all that, so I may just go a la carte in beverages.

 

I chose the ultimate dining package for our cruise instead of the beverage package. On our last NCL cruise, I researched dailies and made dinner reservations in advance accordingly. I liked not having to wait, and the food in the specialty restaurants is much better than the MDR.

 

When thinking about the "extra" costs, remember the gratuities. You can pre-pay these before your trip to make your final bill lower. To me, that feels better, psychologically. I like to tip some staff members extra on top of the pre-paid gratuities.

 

Bermuda is a relatively inexpensive port compared to some I have been to. It looks like you can take a public bus to get to a lot of beaches. And if you time your excursions right, you can still eat a lot of meals on the ship while you are in port. Consider that. Some ports are more expensive than others.

 

Hoe this helps. Enjoy your cruise!

[GoofyCrew]

The other option is to go to a place on our bucket list since time is running out before we plan on having kids but it's Italy and California, which I do t think would be fun if a group of us did end up going. Or maybe not as fun as a resort or cruise.

 

I would say to hit your bucket list first! Children are wonderful, and they ARE portable and can travel, but some trips are more ideal for children than others.

 

Just off of our first cruise earlier this week. We cruised with our children - ages 7 and 11 - and it was great. Something for everyone, including a good balance of activities and downtime. There is plenty of time for cruising in your future!

 

We did several land 'bucket list' trips in the many years prior to this cruise, both with and without children. As a parent, I can say that a trip to Italy will be much easier (and yes, I'll go ahead and say it, more enjoyable) without small children. We have zero regrets for taking couples vacations when we could so that now we can vacation as a family.

 

We didn't use the children's club on our cruise but, keep in mind, if you want to sail in the future with children, that is always an option if you want couple's time. That is not so much an option when traveling in Europe, unless you travel with family or a nanny.

 

Not at all trying to discourage you from cruising now, but I am glad we did trips in the order that we did. :)

[Winston Wolf]

Hi All,

 

I'm new to the forums and have a bunch of questions about a cruise I am currently planning. I am surprising my wife for her 30th birthday with a cruise. It is both our first time cruising and We are trying to travel as much as possible before having kids. A cruise isn't really on our bucket list of places to go or do but it seems like a good idea for this type of occasion. I was wondering if I can get some seasoned professional's opinions and feedback.

 

1) The ship I am looking at is the Breakaway out of NYC to Bermuda, 7 days in August of 2015. I priced a balcony cabin at $3616 which includes the drink package. It seems a bit pricey. I have never cruised but is this accurate?

 

2) I am considering a balcony because of the space and balcony option. An inside cabin, which doesn't include the drink package, is about $600 cheaper, seems very small and I feel we may get claustrophobic. Is it worth it to get the balcony? I feel if we do, we'll be more prone to go back to the cabin for some quiet time. What are your thoughts?

 

3) how is this ship for a couple like us? Is it crowded? Lots of kids? Any adult sections of the ship? Any places to go for peace and quiet? I may have a couple of friends joining as well which would make the experience better. However, if they don't, I want to make sure we'll still have a great time by ourselves. Also, how is this ship compared to the Gem which also sails from NYC FOR 7 days to FL and the Bahamas. Should I consider that ship instead?

 

4) lastly, is it worth going on a cruise for her 30th or should we wait on that for. trip in the future and go to an all inclusive resort which is probably more cost effective. I am worried about fees and having to pay for things on the ship that I wouldn't normally pay for at a resort. We have both been to all inclusive a before and loved it. The other option is to go to a place on our bucket list since time is running out before we plan on having kids but it's Italy and California, which I do t think would be fun if a group of us did end up going. Or maybe not as fun as a resort or cruise.

 

Anyway, any advise or thought sis appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to CC. I joined a couple years ago as I prepared for my first cruise...Breakway to Bermuda, so I have an idea what you're going through!

 

First of all, Cruising isn't for everyone. I wasn't sure if it was for me. We contemplated it for our Honeymoon, but went to an All-Inclusive resort instead.

 

For our 10 year anniversay we tried out cruising and loved it. This is something I plan to do over and over again as we explore different parts of the world.

 

The question of Bermuda vs. Carribean comes up a lot. August is a great time to visit Bermuda. Weather is perfect and the water will be warm. August in the Carribean is HOT! At least too hot for us. We'd prefer a Carribean trip to escape the winter, not when we already have warm weather. Personal preference.

 

Also, it depends on what you're looking for. I think the Bermuda cruise is more relaxing. One port for 2.5 days, and you come and go as you please. There is plenty to see and do on Bermuda for that length of time.

 

You asked about adult areas...there is a large area in the back of the ship called Spice H2O which is adult only in the day time. At night it's all ages and thats where they hold the parties. There is also Vibe which is an extra cost ($79pp), but was the best money we spent on the entire trip.

 

Your cost seems a bit high, but you're booking in high season and not that far out (7 mos). We paid about the same for a Large Balcony Mini-Suite (M6) in May of last year...but we also booked 10 months in advance and weren't in peak season. As somone else said, if you have the flexibility to wait until after Labor day, prices get better. You could also cancel your existing booking then book later after the final payment date. Typically we've seen Breakaway prices drop sharply on most cabin classes. There's a chance they could go up, but typically the discount to fill this ship. The downside is that you may not get a cabin class or location that you like.

 

Also, unless you can drive or train into NY, consider the cost of flights, and NYC hotels the night before. If you fly, always arrive a day early. The ship will leave with or without you. Consider travel insurance in case that happens.

 

Only you can answer question #4. A nice trip to CA Wine country can be awesome too. Depends on what you want to do.

 

Good luck!

 

Here's a link to my Breakaway Review. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2054272

 

Also, is your username related to "Horrible Bosses". If so...awesome.

Edited January 16, 2015 by Winston Wolf

[Mrs. H.]

I've been on a few cruises in the Summer and was lucky not to have seen any children. :)

 

I feel that the price you were quoted was rather high, but that must be because it's August. :eek:

If you can wait a month or so the price will be much lower.

Make sure to price around many sites. ;)

Like CarolinaMama said, the price for our Oct. 4th cruise is

better priced. I got a wonderful price for B9 cabin which was less than BA!

 

I suggest when going on your first cruise to NOT book an inside.

One never knows if they are claustrophobic until they get in one of these.

Also, maybe a smaller ship? I prefer small ships. Trying out the Breakaway since my choices were limited here in NY.

 

I prefer the New England cruise in Sept or Oct. Very pretty and many ports.

Otherwise Bermuda is a perfect place to visit.

 

Really not a fan of Bahama cruise. All you get is a private island, Florida and the Bahamas. Not an exciting cruise at all.

 

I would fly to California. Maybe a road trip.

Start with San Diego and drive up to LA or SF. Many places to stay along

the way. Calif is so beautiful.

This way the wife can help with booking the cruise.

 

Good luck.

[SuiteTraveler]

I think that you would have a better first experience mainly because of so many more ports if you did Breakaway's sister ship, the Getaway out of Miami.

 

You should definitely get a balcony cabin. If possible, choose a spa balcony because the spas on these ships are fantastic! Otherwise you could possibly buy spa passes. I would also get the Ultimate Dining packager as well as the drinks package.

 

 

Let me suggest something, the NCL Epic is a fabulous ship as well - it's similar to Breakaway, only a bit different with an unusual split ultra modern bathroom design. Epic will be cruising in the Mediterranean next August! Now that would be one heck of an amazing 30th birthday present that your wife would never forget! Look at the itinerary:

08/02 Barcelona, Spain

(Depart 06:00 PM)

08/03 day at sea

08/04 Naples/Pompeii, Italy

(07:00 AM - 07:00 PM)

08/05 Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

(06:00 AM - 07:00 PM)

08/06 Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy

(07:00 AM - 07:00 PM)

08/07 Cannes, France

(08:00 AM - 06:00 PM)

08/08 Palma Majorca, Spain

(01:00 PM - 08:00 PM)

08/09 Barcelona, Spain

(Arrive 05:00 AM)

 

How about that for a special cruise for a special birthday?

 

Also consider getting a spa cabin - the spa on this ship is fantastic and if you get a spa cabin, you get access to the water circuit and dry and steam saunas. Great after a day of touring! Also consider getting the Ultimate dining package as the different restaurants on Epic are GREAT! It is fun to get to eat wherever you want when you want.

 

So, the cruise of a lifetime! Except, I think once you do this you will want to go back again and again - we have!

[MFJones95]

As tempting as the above itinerary looks, I went ahead and booked the breakaway for August. Europe will have to wait until next year when we can plan it together.

 

I took some of the advice and priced September. It's significantly cheaper but my wife won't be able to take off. The only time she can go is summer. Plus, we'll be away for her actual birthday which will be a nice surprise for her.

 

I'm excited and can't wait. I'll be all over these boards for the next 8 months researching and looking out for tips.

 

Thanks for all the advice and feedback. Much appreciated.

 

 

 

 

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[Winston Wolf]

Breakaway is a great choice. Enjoy!

 

 

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[smooth_sailin]

Can you sail in September? The prices decrease significantly.

 

MUCH less expensive in September. We're booked on the Breakaway on 9/20/15 in a B1 aft cabin (overlooks the stern). These cabins have a huge balcony, large enough for loungers I understand, and we're paying $1059 pp including the free drink package and prepaid gratuities. That cabin level is now $1089 but it's still a steal.

 

The only consideration in choosing an aft cabin is deck location (make sure you're not right under the buffet or other public area) and mobility - from the stern of the ship it will be a LONG walk anywhere, so wear comfy shoes and enjoy all that exercise!

[goofy4mickey]

based only on ports I would pick Bermuda hands down.

[plus521]

for our first couple cruises we always got an inside...Cheaper and really how much time would you spend in your room? Well, the last cruise, we decided to surprise our kids and got a balcony...Now we are spoiled and will never go back to an inside!! It was so nice to sit and enjoy the sound of the waves or the sun, read a book while my husband napped...It really is worth it if your not trying to save money (like in our early years :)