A brief Breakaway (Haven) review

[travelmatron]

As a very big ship there are a lot of really special entertainment and dining options on the Breakaway that would be impossible on a small ship. We truly enjoyed the evening shows and specialty restaurants. The public areas are crowded, and the smell of smoke from the casino spreads to other decks and venues. It's a trade off. We made that trade off by choosing the cruise within a cruise concept of the Haven. Since the ship is so big the Haven includes its own pools, whirlpools, sun deck, lounge, dining room, and bar. The staff was excellent, the service outstanding, and the fellow Haven guests were friendly and outgoing. We enjoyed every part of the Haven except our cabin, and we'd simply choose a larger cabin the next time.

 

We stayed in a Courtyard Penthouse. Even though we had seen pictures and diagrams before we cruised we weren't fully prepared for how small this suite really is. It's more like a mini-suite with a very tiny balcony. We were disappointed. The bed was just fine, but it was truly the only comfortable part of the cabin. I know, first world problem. Fortunately, for us, the rest of the Haven was wonderful.

 

We found Bermuda to be beautiful, colorful, and exceptionally clean. We knew we were rushing the season be going in May instead of during the summer, but hoped for the best. Sometimes wishes aren't realized, and we had three days of cool, overcast, and rainy weather. I think if we lived on the East Coast we'd be interested in returning to see it at a better time, and we do understand why so many people love it so much. From the Pacific Northwest, for us, Hawaii is much closer, also beautiful, and a much less expensive trip.

 

Because we were traveling cross country we spent a couple of days in New York before and after the cruise and just "played tourists". It was great! We stayed at the Ink48 Hotel which is a very short (under 5 minutes) walk to the pier. It has an amazing roof top bar with outstanding views of the harbor and sky line. The line to get into the bar forms quickly going out of the lobby and onto the sidewalk. Hotel guests are given a priority admission, otherwise come early. The hotel is fairly small and much more interesting than most chains. The staff went out of their way to be accommodating. We would happily stay there again.

[maryrnp]

I am disappointed to hear that the courtyard penthouse haven was small. We are sailing next week in one. We were upgraded from the Haven spa suite.

[DMH15]

Everything is relative. The penthouse is bigger than a mini, balcony, inside and ocean view. The Owners suite is bigger than a penthouse.

 

Cruise ship cabins really are shockingly small compared to hotel rooms.

 

I have enjoyed all of the cabin crawls I have participated in.

[travelmatron]

I am disappointed to hear that the courtyard penthouse haven was small. We are sailing next week in one. We were upgraded from the Haven spa suite.

The suite is small, but the Haven location is wonderful. While we were disappointed in the cabin, perhaps we enjoyed the Haven more because we spent more time socializing outside the cabin. Remember, YMMV...and we still enjoyed the cruise

[maryrnp]

Ok. Good to hear. Do you know how many outlets they have in these courtyard penthouse suites?

[travelmatron]

I really don't remember about the outlets since we didn't bring much with us. So just guessing I'd say to bring supplies. I'd also bring a hair dryer. The one that is supplied isn't very powerful, and I hated that I had to sit down (short cord) in the room near the entrance door to use it, as opposed to being in the bathroom.