rethinking our Breakaway cruise

[megann831]

We were excited to book a Breakaway cruise because we got a great deal, kids sail free and free beverage, but I'm considering canceling. Since booking I've found out the kids are only allowed in 1 pool, which does not have any lounge chairs near it. I've also found out the rooms are pretty small. The last cruise we did with kids, the 1st one we did with kids, was an ocean suit on Carnival Pride. I thought the min-suite would be similar, doesn't seem like there is much space at all. We like doing a cruise that goes to Port Canaveral because we don't want to commit to a Disney trip yet. We had 11 hours when we went with Carnvial, which felt nice, this trip is 9 and I'm wondering if it's worth it. Our in-laws (6 of them) have decided to tag along. I'm not thrilled about that, and I'm also wondering how much trouble we'll have getting a table for 10 people at dinner. They tend to stick together so I'm not sure how often we'll be able to do dinner alone. Last cruise the kids had just turned 2 and 4, this year they'd be 3 1/2 and 5 1/2, I thought they'd do better at the kids club, but now I find out it's not open during dinner, which is when I'd probably want to use it the most. I also found out they don't give pagers out for the kids club. My daughter has a food allergy, so it's possible we may be able to get around this, but I'm not comfortable leaving my kids and them having no way to get in touch with me. I was also looking forward to a cheap, easy beach day at their private island, I'm not sure how common this is but I found out they don't always make it there.

Should we forget this cruise and just go to Disney for the week? We're from NJ and I don't fly, so I really liked that this left out of NY.

Edited March 19, 2015 by megann831

[DreamingBig1]

The water slide area on Breakaway has to be bigger than a Carnival ship, maybe even Carnivals dream class ships.

 

However if you like Carnivals product, maybe you should stay with them. Go with what makes you happy.

 

It seems like Carnival works better for your family.

 

 

Bouncing off cell phone towers, straight to your electronic device for your viewing pleasure. -Tapatalk

[megann831]

Possibly, I'm not sure right now. We did alot of cruising prior to kids. We always preferred NCL to Carnival. We had only done balcony staterooms, which were fine for a couple. We're new to family cruising. I'm not sure if we'd prefer Carnival, but I am having second thoughts about this cruise.

[hpecorari]

We were excited to book a Breakaway cruise because we got a great deal, kids sail free and free beverage, but I'm considering canceling. Since booking I've found out the kids are only allowed in 1 pool, which does not have any lounge chairs near it. I've also found out the rooms are pretty small. The last cruise we did with kids, the 1st one we did with kids, was an ocean suit on Carnival Pride. I thought the min-suite would be similar, doesn't seem like there is much space at all. We like doing a cruise that goes to Port Canaveral because we don't want to commit to a Disney trip yet. We had 11 hours when we went with Carnvial, which felt nice, this trip is 9 and I'm wondering if it's worth it. Our in-laws (6 of them) have decided to tag along. I'm not thrilled about that, and I'm also wondering how much trouble we'll have getting a table for 10 people at dinner. They tend to stick together so I'm not sure how often we'll be able to do dinner alone. Last cruise the kids had just turned 2 and 4, this year they'd be 3 1/2 and 5 1/2, I thought they'd do better at the kids club, but now I find out it's not open during dinner, which is when I'd probably want to use it the most. I also found out they don't give pagers out for the kids club. My daughter has a food allergy, so it's possible we may be able to get around this, but I'm not comfortable leaving my kids and them having no way to get in touch with me. I was also looking forward to a cheap, easy beach day at their private island, I'm not sure how common this is but I found out they don't always make it there.

Should we forget this cruise and just go to Disney for the week? We're from NJ and I don't fly, so I really liked that this left out of NY.

 

Only you can make the decision as to what works best for your family. However, in the future, may I suggest that you do some research on whichever line you're thinking of cruising on before you book. All your concerns about the Breakaway are here on Cruise Critic had you searched.

 

Have a great time whichever cruise line you choose.

 

Harriet

[Sunshine2U]

We are Disney cruisers who are trying out NCL - and we expect to love it. I cannot verify all you have said about children on Epic. And I don't know what the consequences will be of bailing out on your in-laws lol.

 

I do know about DCL and children and yours are about the perfect age to experience the magic that is everything Disney. Have you looked at Disney cruises? With no casinos, there is extra space for children and the kids clubs are huge. The counselors will take time to know them, and there is time when you can go into the clubs for open play.

 

The cabins feature the split bath which is really convenient for families. We were not hampered by set-time dining and if was inconvenient we knew they have table service in the buffet at night. Castaway Cay, the private island is awesome.

 

It looks like Epic has a broader range of appeal to adults. We decided when our children were young that we wanted the Disney experience. Now we're excited to try out other lines, starting with the Escape next year!

 

I would say your children are a bit on the young side for you to be able to make the most out of a trip to WDW. The cruise would be a better option for you. IMO.

 

 

ADDED: The Mickey pool on DCL stays crowded with the younger set and while there are plenty of loungers, they are hard to come by. There are so many things to see and do that you don't need to make the pool a priority. We let the kids swim in the morning or on port days.

Edited March 19, 2015 by Sunshine2U

[conandrob240]

I think kids your ages will like it. There is a small themed Nick pool and splash area and then a larger pool next to it kids can use. Yes, it is an absolutely terrible set up where you can't sit in a lounge chair near epthat pool. When the kids are in there, you have to be in the pool or sitting along the ledge. But, with kids that little, you'd be doing that anyway. To me, the bigger problem is older kids who are good swimmers and don't need you right on the ledge but you want to sit close-impossible. The set up,is completely different from DCL's pools. The BA pool is set in between the slides and kiddie area so you literally cannot sit anywhere near the pool. You'd have to sit back under an overhang with no line of sight to the pool ( set low). It is the absolute dumbest pool set up I have ever seen. Epic's is much better and DCL's blows it away.

 

The kids club is sometimes open for dinner- for a $6 per kid charge. Even if it's nit, it opens at 6:30 or 7pm so you still easily do an adults only dinner. No, true, no pagers. We didn't find it a huge issue- you just tell them where you'll be and we'd check with the kids each night after an hour or so and they'd just run by the gate and give us the thumbs up ( as in we want to stay). Our daughter ( almost 8) said she liked the BA club much better than the one on DCL Dream or Magic. She got very involved in all the activities unlike on DCL where she'd often be watching TV or playing by herself on the computers when we checked on her.

 

We missed GSC on our cruise and as I read more, it does indeed seem BA misses GSC at least 1/3 of the time.

Edited March 19, 2015 by conandrob240

[megann831]

I think some people are taking my post a little personally. I am in no way against NCL. I was excited when I found out about the offer at a time I can actually go so I jumped at it. It's just after reading the reviews I'm not sure it's really worth it. It's missing GSC that I'm really questioning and the lay out of the pool area. Is the splash area big enough and fun enough for adventurous 3 and 5 year olds?

[cliffd64]

Perhaps the Breakaway is not the ship for you, pool wise... There IS another ship out of NYC, the Gem, that would be more to your liking as far as the pool set up. On the Gem, there is a general purpose pool, and an adults only pool, and BOTH have deck chair seating around them. There is also a little toddlers pool area for smaller children. Maybe you could switch to the Gem?

[Medtech2]

We were excited to book a Breakaway cruise because we got a great deal, kids sail free and free beverage, but I'm considering canceling. Since booking I've found out the kids are only allowed in 1 pool, which does not have any lounge chairs near it. I've also found out the rooms are pretty small. The last cruise we did with kids, the 1st one we did with kids, was an ocean suit on Carnival Pride. I thought the min-suite would be similar, doesn't seem like there is much space at all. We like doing a cruise that goes to Port Canaveral because we don't want to commit to a Disney trip yet. We had 11 hours when we went with Carnvial, which felt nice, this trip is 9 and I'm wondering if it's worth it. Our in-laws (6 of them) have decided to tag along. I'm not thrilled about that, and I'm also wondering how much trouble we'll have getting a table for 10 people at dinner. They tend to stick together so I'm not sure how often we'll be able to do dinner alone. Last cruise the kids had just turned 2 and 4, this year they'd be 3 1/2 and 5 1/2, I thought they'd do better at the kids club, but now I find out it's not open during dinner, which is when I'd probably want to use it the most. I also found out they don't give pagers out for the kids club. My daughter has a food allergy, so it's possible we may be able to get around this, but I'm not comfortable leaving my kids and them having no way to get in touch with me. I was also looking forward to a cheap, easy beach day at their private island, I'm not sure how common this is but I found out they don't always make it there.

Should we forget this cruise and just go to Disney for the week? We're from NJ and I don't fly, so I really liked that this left out of NY.

You've listed so many negatives...

 

Since you don't fly have you thought about taking a train?

 

If you can swing it at their ages I would book a Disney vacation. They have properties in all price ranges and you use their transportation. You can take your time seeing the parks and head back to your room for naps.

 

There are so many timeshare rentals also so if you do drive you can spend some relaxing time at the timeshare and use it's facilities. Many of those have their own waterparks.

 

One last thing to consider--if you back out now but the relatives booked because you were going what will happen relationshipwise if you bale?

[luvtheships]

Go to Disney for a week!!!! We alternate trips between Disney. Cape cod. Cruises. And Europe.

 

Our kids are older now but Disney always is a given

 

The BA is great btw and I'm just off it but you are right it will be difficult for younger kids. My college kids loved it and I'm thinking about Bermuda with my 14 and 24 yo later this year

 

Oh and really dump the in laws. Lol. As a mom who has been parenting for years and years I have found that when other adults are involved in family activities that the kids tend to get ignored

 

The reason we travel so much is because it is great to see our immediate under our roof family so close together with no other distractions.

 

 

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[RuthlessBoss]

Just cancel the cruise now. You've located every aspect of things to bug you and if you sail, you'll double check yourself on these things.

[rogue 35]

I think some people are taking my post a little personally. I am in no way against NCL. I was excited when I found out about the offer at a time I can actually go so I jumped at it. It's just after reading the reviews I'm not sure it's really worth it. It's missing GSC that I'm really questioning and the lay out of the pool area. Is the splash area big enough and fun enough for adventurous 3 and 5 year olds?

 

 

 

I was on Breakaway in November and we missed GSC, it was disappointing but certainly not a vacation breaker. We got into Nassau early, mid afternoon or so of our GSC day.

 

The kids pool area is set up strangely, as other have said. I have two 10 Year olds and a 5 Year old, so as long as they stayed together I didn't feel the need to hover too much, but there were plenty of parents sitting around the splash area and the kid's pool, so you should be fine.

 

All 3 of my kids had fun in the splash area and the pool. Don't forget there is also water slides, I believe the blue one was the "family" slide and the little ones could go on it. Also, don't forget here are several non-water activities for kids as well, the bungee bounce, the spider climb, the mini-ropes course, etc.

[Laszlo]

6 Inlaw's? Run for the hills

[Cruisegirl6]

I been on 53 cruises so far and the Breakaway was our least liked ship, too many negatives, always felt crowded, pools were way too small, and the list just keeps going on and on.

I am booked next year on the Getaway only because we have family that are going on her and we don't get to see often as they live 1600 miles away from us, just want to be together so we are going and the fact the Getaway won't be my only cruise next year so I can deal with it. I am getting the complimentary beverage package which is probably another incentive why I decided to go.

 

Your children are very young, I think too young to understand the Disney themes in the Disney cruises...I feel two more years down the road be better ages for your children that will enable them to thoroughly enjoy the Disney concept. Disney cruises are three times the cost of a Carnival/NCL cruise...you will have an abundant of very young kids on there, many many strollers and such...for me I never have done a Disney cruise only because I don't want to see disney characters 24/7 on my cruise but my girlfriend always takes Disney she said the last one she took last year they been cutting back as all cruise lines have and she said her next will be a RC cruise.

 

Honestly, Disney rooms are larger yes, but they are MORE costly, I truly feel two more years is more perfect to take a Disney cruise considering the ages of your children now being very young. When they get older they enjoy the Disney ship theme better.

 

I am not familiar with the children's program on NCL but I can honestly say personally my opinion of the children's program back in the day when my kids were very young it just wasn't on the list, didn't feel they had a decent program for the kids....again my opinion. I cruised Carnival many many times with my kids and RC those are the two cruise lines I suggest staying with when you have young children. Your children are young, they don't need the rock climbing, flow rider, etc....they just need a nice children's area and top supervision...I personally feel Carnival is the cruise for you.

 

You also are hesitant about going with the group of people....your going to have to consider the fact that WILL add stress on your trip, trying to accommodate everybody in agreeing to doing things, when to eat dinner, which restaurant etc. It be a lot less stressful if you go on your own like it sounds like you prefer.

 

Definitely take the children, they grow up too fast, create your memories together. I always taken my children always and never had one regret, your a family thats what families are suppose to do. As far as changing your ship/cruise line and your family....you do what you want to do, its your vacation.

 

When are you planning on going?

[aquarianne11]

We were on Breakaway last summer and had a great time. We also go to Disney World a lot, twice last year and another trip this Dec. I feel that I like cruising better since it is more relaxing for all of us. Disney World is kind of stressful for me, we love it but I feel like I need to plan so many things and so many lines when you get there!

 

The kids pool area on the Breakaway had a strange set up but we never had a problem. The SpongeBob themed splash area was great for smaller kids.

 

There are several non-water activities for kids the bounce thingy was fun and my DD did it several times. The spider climb and the mini-ropes course, mini golf, shuffleboards are also there. They also have Nickelodeon activities that DD loves. We had so many things to do!

 

What we like the best about the Breakaway is that we did not have to fly. We live in NJ so we were on vacation after 1 hour drive! :)

 

 

[megann831]

to be honest I was hoping people would talk me into this cruise, but it seems like most of my concerns are valid. Thanks for showing me the other kid activities, my kids love trampolines! We were originally going to do Disney next summer when the kids would be 4 and 6, then we saw this cruise and decided to do that instead. We could always go when they're 5 and 7, that should still be good ages. My MIL, FIL, BIL, SIL, and their 2 kids are also coming. I thought traveling with extended family is pretty common on cruises, it's the 1st time we'll be doing this.

[jusstice]

I love the BA. I think for the ages of your kids, the splash pool will be perfect for them. As has been mentioned, you will want to be around them anyway and the Nick theme is really fun. There are other things for them to do.

 

The kid's club was very well run. My son was older, but whenever I was there they all seemed to be having a blast.

 

As for rooms sizes, this is something about the BA that is well known. If you are concerned about the room, I would try and get the family inside. It is an amazing room with tons of space. My cousins had that room, and we preferred it over our balcony room.

 

I think the biggest concern should be the in-laws. That is not going to be relaxing trying to meet the needs of 8 different people, of various ages and likes. It will be an issue trying to eat together in the dining areas, so you will have to plan ahead, and expect to wait. Not everyone will be happy when you travel in groups.

[baflagg]

We were on the breakaway a couple of years ago when my daughter was 6 and we loved it. She had a great time in the kids club at night and made lots of friends. The Nickelodeon themed events were fun.

 

If I'm not in the water with her when she's in the pool I'm always sitting along the edge so it didn't bother me that there were no lounge chairs there. Sometimes she'd want to go to the kids club in the afternoon for a couple of hours so it gave my husband and I a chance to sit around the pool on the adults side. One day the kids pool was closed, I forget why but they allowed the kids to go in the adults pool.

 

As others mentioned there are other activities, slides, trampoline, etc.

 

Another thing we loved was at night going to O'Sheehans, meeting up with the families we had become friendly with. The kids would all hang out and play air hockey, video games, etc. I forget what the lounge area down below is called but they have different things going on in this area, people singing, movies playing etc. The kids loved sitting on the upper level at O'Sheehans watching movies on the big screen below.

 

We did the Disney cruise when it went out of NY a few years back, it was great but yes very expensive and honestly after the first couple of days my daughter was done seeing the different characters and didn't really care they were there, except of course pirate night with captain jack sparrow :-). I also did not like the assigned dining times. That is one thing I love about NCL is the any time dining.

 

My husband and I are going on the Breakaway in May just the two of us for an anniversary cruise but then are going on the Dawn in July with our daughter. I'd love to go on the Breakaway again but we're trying the Dawn just for a switch. We live in Western MA so getting to the pier in NY, Boston or NJ is really pretty easy.

 

Disney is always a great option and I love Disney, we went last summer but that's not a trip I can take to often. Disney is not a relaxing vacation at all, a couple of hours at the pool here and there but other than that I feel like we are constantly on the move whether it's to catch a bus, a show, a fast pass or a dinner reservations.

 

I kind of feel like if you have so many negative concerns pre-cruise then once you get on the ship you may be constantly worrying about those things rather than relaxing and having a good time. If you could put the negative things aside I think you would have a great time.

 

Yeah maybe the room might be a little smaller and you'll have other family with you but I think you should go and just plan on having fun.

 

I also loved the Waterfront area at night. Sitting and enjoying a drinking watching the sunset and seeing the dolphins. That's a nice area to relax.

 

We had also looked into RCC going out of NJ this summer but the prices were much higher compared to NCL.

 

Whatever you choose to do I hope you have a great time.

[Vacationlover2]

I think you will love it. In my opinion, your youngest is a little on the early side for Disney. When I took my 3 year old there, she was scared because most of the rides are so dark inside. That was no fun, lol.

 

The kids will have so much fun playing with their cousins. How old are they? You could also set it up where one of the couples watches the other's kids and vice versa so you can each have some couple time in the adults only area.

 

The kids clubs on cruise lines are overall fantastic. My kids actually enjoyed Royal Caribbean's kids club to Disney's if you can believe that.

 

We have not been on Norwegian yet but have 5 cruises planned on them all because of these awesome promotions. Our first is in 18 days. I can't wait. We are on Gem. We will be on Breakaway in September. When is your cruise?

[luvtheships]

to be honest I was hoping people would talk me into this cruise, but it seems like most of my concerns are valid. Thanks for showing me the other kid activities, my kids love trampolines! We were originally going to do Disney next summer when the kids would be 4 and 6, then we saw this cruise and decided to do that instead. We could always go when they're 5 and 7, that should still be good ages. My MIL, FIL, BIL, SIL, and their 2 kids are also coming. I thought traveling with extended family is pretty common on cruises, it's the 1st time we'll be doing this.

 

Disney will still be good when they are in college!!!! Trust me on this the place only gets better the older they get!!!

 

 

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[NLH Arizona]

I think some people are taking my post a little personally. I am in no way against NCL. I was excited when I found out about the offer at a time I can actually go so I jumped at it. It's just after reading the reviews I'm not sure it's really worth it. It's missing GSC that I'm really questioning and the lay out of the pool area. Is the splash area big enough and fun enough for adventurous 3 and 5 year olds?

I always cancel a vacation if I am apprehensive about a part of it, because you wouldn't want to have to worry about these things while on the cruise.

[Lingalizzi]

to be honest I was hoping people would talk me into this cruise, but it seems like most of my concerns are valid. Thanks for showing me the other kid activities, my kids love trampolines! We were originally going to do Disney next summer when the kids would be 4 and 6, then we saw this cruise and decided to do that instead. We could always go when they're 5 and 7, that should still be good ages. My MIL, FIL, BIL, SIL, and their 2 kids are also coming. I thought traveling with extended family is pretty common on cruises, it's the 1st time we'll be doing this.

 

We are booked on the Breakaway for the April 12 sailing. I was hesitant to book because of the timing (kids vacation is week before) but we are taking my MIL and it was just more reasonable to do this week. Our 7 year old is turing 8 halfway through this sailing. So - any vacation is going to be as good as you make it, or as miserable as you allow it to be. I think you should go and enjoy it and spend as much quality time with your family as possible and when you need to get some space away from them, use the kids as an excuse and say they need some down time. Hide somewhere and relish in the peace with your immediate family.

 

Make all your reservations on day 1 so that you can all sit together and have a table ready. Let the kids bring an ipad, or coloring book, toys to dinner so they can play while the adults dine. You have other kids going so they can keep each other company.

 

The kids club should be great - my research shows that their activities are much cooler than Carnival. Oh I should mention that we've only cruised once before and it was Carnival, we took advantage of the kids club there and eventually there were days my son just wanted to chill in the room on his ipad. This ship has much more in terms of kids "stuff" to do - with the ropes, trampoline, rock climbing wall, mini golf, slide thing, etc.

 

You're already booked - you are locked in due to the rest of the family. Enjoy your UBP, the food is supposed to be great, the ship is still super new and hopefully your weather will be great. Make sure you get a Lobster Tail pastry at Carlos and just enjoy the breeze.

 

You will have a great time - just start looking at all the amazing things you will see and get to do and all the laughs your family will have.

 

Hope this helps!!!!

 

Chris

[jusstice]

I forgot to mention about the shore trips. If I were you, I would save the hassle and money of going to Disney for 8 hours. The kids are on the young side to appreciate it. Either got to the beach in FL or stay on board and enjoy the less crowded ship.

 

If you get to the private island, great. If not, don't sweat it.

 

I would take the money you would spend on Disney and take the kids to Atlantis. Although young for the water slides, the rest of the place is amazing with the lazy river and things to see and do.

[Budget Queen]

You have so many negative statements, and it doesn't look like you travel that often? I don't think this is a good choice for you. Your kids ages are a problem with the water activities on the Breakaway (yes I have been on this ship). Many of the positive posts are haven't gone with your ages.

 

Not to sound harsh, but, it's up to YOU, about your inlaws. There is NO way, I subject myself to anything I do not want to do. I have traveled with extended family and long before I went, I made it very clear that I would "see" them on the ship. I indicated I would not be doing many "group" activities, and went my own way. I ate when and where I wanted. When I saw them, it was pleasant, with great reports of how much they enjoyed a b and c. Great- then I said, I'd see them "later". We did have some meals together, but a ship is plenty big enough where, you can do your own thing- IF you choose to.

 

Overall, from your comments, Disney sounds like your preference. I do what I want now, and don't put what I want to do, way off in the future. :) Everyone is different, search yourself for what your preferences really are.

[rogue 35]

Megann, did you make a decision yet? I didn't realize we are booked (maybe were, in your case) on the same sailing.