Review of Carnival Breeze, Western, July 12-18, 2015

[CruzCrazy]

SHIP/ITINERARY: CARNIVAL BREEZE, July 12, 2015 (6-DAY WESTERN CARIBBEAN). Ports included Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel).

 

TRAVELERS: DH and me (We are a middle-aged couple who like to have fun).

CELEBRATIONS: DH’s birthday.

 

PREVIOUS CRUISES: 11 on Carnival (first time on Breeze), 1 on Royal Caribbean (Oasis of the Seas).

 

PRE-CRUISE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: Flight from Roanoke, Virginia to Miami via a connection in Charlotte on US Air/American 2 days prior to the cruise. Upgraded to first class on the 2nd leg of the flight, Charlotte to Miami.

 

PRE-CRUISE HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: Epic Hotel, downtown Miami, for 2 nights. I won’t go into a lot of detail here, but this is a very nice, modern hotel in downtown on the river. It has a nice pool area on the 16th floor, with a bar and grill there as well. There is a popular restaurant on the ground floor (Zuma) and a jazz lounge on the ground floor as well. We probably won’t stay here again, as it was a bit pricey, but it was nice for a change, and we were celebrating a special birthday for DH. It’s right across the street from the JW Marriott Marquis.

 

TIME OF ARRIVAL AT PORT OF MIAMI: 10 a.m.

 

TIME SPENT IN SECURITY/CHECK-IN LINES: 10 minutes max.

 

WAITING ZONE/AREA: Captain’s Lounge for priority boarding/Platinum and Diamond VIFP members.

 

EMBARKATION/TIME OF BOARDING: 12:35 p.m. (apparent delayed or lengthy debarkation of the cruise prior to ours. From our vantage point in the Captain’s Lounge, we could see people leaving the ship, and this went on past noon). When they finally called Platinum for boarding, they led us out to the escalator. About 10 people went up the escalator, and then the escalator broke. They insisted that you couldn’t walk up the stationary escalator (for safety reasons) and called for everyone who hadn’t made it to the top to turn around and take the elevators. Mild chaos ensued, since no one was sure where exactly the elevators were located, and it took a while for those crowded in line behind us to get the message. After taking the elevator, we finally made it to the roped off “cattle line” to ding onto the ship. We never saw an embarkation photo setup. This was the slowest and most disorganized embarkation we’ve ever had.

 

CRUISE DIRECTOR: Eversen (“Dr. E”) Bevelle (Matt Mitcham was on vacation). He was full of energy, as advertised. We enjoyed him. I’m thinking if you did a back-to-back that his expressions (or catch-phrases) might get old after a while. He can sing, and he can dance for sure.

 

 

To be continued...hope you'll follow along.

[jaxkai]

i suscribed :) we are doing this same cruise in oct but with the grandkids and sil, daughter and i did a different breeze last year. i love this ship and cant wait to hear your feelings.

[tradewinds traveler]

Can 't wait to hear more!

[cruisexlife]

Really looking forward to this review! :D

[CruzCrazy]

Thanks to all who are following!

 

I hear Dr. E has moved on to the Magic now, and Matt is back on the Breeze until he moves to the Vista.

 

CABIN: 10206, lido deck forward (category 4J) with “secret balcony” just outside the window. The “secret door” was next to our cabin in the hallway. I noticed that there was a crew-only door between the hallway door and the door that opens to the outside. This had something to do with chemicals, but we only heard noise from there once the whole time, so not a major concern. We had previously had a 6K Deluxe Scenic Ocean View on the Glory and decided the location was good--a few ships (Glory, Freedom, Conquest, Sunshine, and Valor) had the “secret balcony” enclosed, thereby enlarging those cabins on the lido deck, converting them to special/limited categories of 6J and 6K. These particular cabins have floor-to-ceiling panoramic views, dubbed Scenic Ocean View (6J) and Deluxe Scenic Ocean View (6K). Unfortunately, the Breeze doesn’t have these huge cabins. There was nothing wrong with our Breeze cabin 10206 (and it is NOT a modified cabin), but I don’t think we’d pick it again, even at the great price that we got this time. In the 6K on the Glory, we never felt we were missing out by not having a balcony (even though we usually book a balcony and were worried about not having one) simply because of the huge size of the cabin and the expansive views that look out over the bow of the ship, but several times during this Breeze cruise I found myself wishing we had a balcony. That being said, if you’re looking to stretch the budget, I personally would much prefer one of these 4J’s on lido deck as opposed to an ocean-view cabin on deck 1 or deck 2. We are planning to book the Breeze again before it is moved to Texas, and we plan to book a balcony on lido deck.

 

Cabin 10206:

 

 

 

 

View out the window to the "secret deck" and beyond:

 

 

 

 

TIME CABIN WAS READY: Upon embarkation (Platinum perk)

 

TIME OF ARRIVAL OF LUGGAGE TO CABIN: Approximately 1:30 p.m.

 

ITEMS DELIVERED FROM PRE-CRUISE ORDERS: Birthday cake (6-inch chocolate) from Cherry on Top on 1st day (on time and as ordered). Caution: These cakes need to be refrigerated. Two 12-packs of bottled water (already in cabin upon arrival).

 

 

I'm going to continue on with a little more tonight...

Edited August 12, 2015 by CruzCrazy

[CocoCandy]

Great review so far! Looking forward to reading more.

 

I am going on the same itinerary on the 23rd of this month and am super excited. It will be my 1st time on Breeze :)

 

We are staying on the Lido deck as well in a cabin close to the elevators and stairs. When we were on the Glory in April, we got a Lido cabin for the first time and got spoiled for any future cruises because of the convenient location!

[CruzCrazy]

MUSTER DRILL STATION: Ovation (main theater) lounge, deck 3 forward.

 

TIME SPENT IN MUSTER DRILL: Not sure exactly, but it felt like forever and was so disorganized. If I had to guess, I'd say maybe 35 minutes or so. The majority of the time was spent in having anyone with children under 12 who had not previously received their wristbands to raise their hands, and then wrist bands were distributed to them (multiple) while everyone else just sat and waited. The cruise director gave the safety instructions, and we did not have to bring or wear the life vests. I realize it is extremely important to ensure all children have their wristbands, but this could have been handled more efficiently. Why not have anyone with children who needed wristbands stay afterwards to receive them? Anyway, far superior to having to stand outside in the heat with others crowding around you on all sides. I guess one step at a time for Carnival, LOL.

 

After finally being released from the safety drill, we went back up to lido deck for the sail-away party. I love what the big screen says:

 

 

The cruise has officially started! Now where’s my drink??!! ;)

 

Oh, here it is!

 

 

With that, I’ll leave you until tomorrow.

[pusywillow]

I'll be on the Breeze in March so I'll be interested on your take of the ship.

[anewmac]

Cant wait to read more.

 

I agree the Muster takes forever, I think they should put your wrist bands on the kids when you check in. Then if anyone doesnt have one at muster they have less to put on. Plus I think it would be taken more seriously if it was outside by the actual lifeboats. In lines. We did that on a RCCL and DIsney and I felt much more safe and read for the titanic to crash than on Carni LOL.

[dchoney]

SHIP/ITINERARY: CARNIVAL BREEZE, July 12, 2015 (6-DAY WESTERN CARIBBEAN). Ports included Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel).

 

TRAVELERS: DH and me (We are a middle-aged couple who like to have fun).

CELEBRATIONS: DH’s birthday.

 

WAITING ZONE/AREA: Captain’s Lounge for priority boarding/Platinum and Diamond VIFP members.

 

EMBARKATION/TIME OF BOARDING: 12:35 p.m. (apparent delayed or lengthy debarkation of the cruise prior to ours. From our vantage point in the Captain’s Lounge, we could see people leaving the ship, and this went on past noon). When they finally called Platinum for boarding, they led us out to the escalator. About 10 people went up the escalator, and then the escalator broke. They insisted that you couldn’t walk up the stationary escalator (for safety reasons) and called for everyone who hadn’t made it to the top to turn around and take the elevators. Mild chaos ensued, since no one was sure where exactly the elevators were located, and it took a while for those crowded in line behind us to get the message. After taking the elevator, we finally made it to the roped off “cattle line” to ding onto the ship. We never saw an embarkation photo setup. This was the slowest and most disorganized embarkation we’ve ever had.

 

We were on this cruise as well. We had the best time! We were apart of the small group that walked up the elevator when it stopped out of the blue as we were all being escorted on the ship. It was pretty scary and dangerous because it was unexpected and happened so quickly. We were wondering where the rest of the group went because they wouldn't let everyone just walk up. I guess safety first...but we didn't look back and just kept walking with the others.

 

We really enjoyed every aspect except the long lines to get into the over crowded comedy club. We managed to get in every time but had to strategize and have one go out and get in line right before the show ended. Needs to be at a bigger venue. However, the shows were great.

 

We were in Suite 7333 which was a great cabin. Generally quiet and really enjoyed being able to sit out on the balcony. Every now and then there was a sewage-like odor in the hallway which wasn't very pleasing but never in the cabin. The food was good and there was enough variety for everyone.

 

Purchased the Cheers package which was also a plus. Was able to enough a number of drinks for the first time. Never really made it to the 15 max each day but found it worth while. For the six days it came to $689 I believe.

 

Also, we were the first in the Red Frog Pub! That was fun having my fiancé run thru the ship to make sure we got there first. We had a Suite and F2F so were able to get on with the first group. When we got there a couple was sitting in the Pub but didn't qualify because they were on a B2B and were just walked off and then back on the ship! Lucky for us since I forced him to walk briskly (run) to make it. started the cruise off on a great note!

[MsCruza]

What does being first in the Red Frog Pub get u pls?

 

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[riclop]

Thanks for starting your review.

[CruzCrazy]

We were on this cruise as well. We had the best time! We were apart of the small group that walked up the elevator when it stopped out of the blue as we were all being escorted on the ship. It was pretty scary and dangerous because it was unexpected and happened so quickly. We were wondering where the rest of the group went because they wouldn't let everyone just walk up. I guess safety first...but we didn't look back and just kept walking with the others.

 

We really enjoyed every aspect except the long lines to get into the over crowded comedy club. We managed to get in every time but had to strategize and have one go out and get in line right before the show ended. Needs to be at a bigger venue. However, the shows were great.

 

We were in Suite 7333 which was a great cabin. Generally quiet and really enjoyed being able to sit out on the balcony. Every now and then there was a sewage-like odor in the hallway which wasn't very pleasing but never in the cabin. The food was good and there was enough variety for everyone.

 

Purchased the Cheers package which was also a plus. Was able to enough a number of drinks for the first time. Never really made it to the 15 max each day but found it worth while. For the six days it came to $689 I believe.

 

Also, we were the first in the Red Frog Pub! That was fun having my fiancé run thru the ship to make sure we got there first. We had a Suite and F2F so were able to get on with the first group. When we got there a couple was sitting in the Pub but didn't qualify because they were on a B2B and were just walked off and then back on the ship! Lucky for us since I forced him to walk briskly (run) to make it. started the cruise off on a great note!

 

We must have been right behind you at the escalator! We were actually just about ready to step on it when the thing stopped, and we tried to just walk up, but the rep started waving her arms and telling us to stop...we actually were going to try to be 1st in the pub, but we knew our chances were dead in the water after that happened. Congrats to you guys! Glad you had a good time. I think we were on the roll call together, too...we didn't make it to the M&G, so sorry we missed you.

[CruzCrazy]

What does being first in the Red Frog Pub get u pls?

 

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

 

You get a free drink and your photo on John Heald's FB page.

[MsCruza]

You get a free drink and your photo on John Heald's FB page.

Thx... Cool!

 

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[Taylor95]

CABIN: 10206, lido deck forward (category 4J) with “secret balcony” just outside the window. The “secret door” was next to our cabin in the hallway. I noticed that there was a crew-only door between the hallway door and the door that opens to the outside. This had something to do with chemicals, but we only heard noise from there once the whole time, so not a major concern. We had previously had a 6K Deluxe Scenic Ocean View on the Glory and decided the location was good--a few ships (Glory, Freedom, Conquest, Sunshine, and Valor) had the “secret balcony” enclosed, thereby enlarging those cabins on the lido deck, converting them to special/limited categories of 6J and 6K. These particular cabins have floor-to-ceiling panoramic views, dubbed Scenic Ocean View (6J) and Deluxe Scenic Ocean View (6K). Unfortunately, the Breeze doesn’t have these huge cabins. There was nothing wrong with our Breeze cabin 10206 (and it is NOT a modified cabin), but I don’t think we’d pick it again, even at the great price that we got this time. In the 6K on the Glory, we never felt we were missing out by not having a balcony (even though we usually book a balcony and were worried about not having one) simply because of the huge size of the cabin and the expansive views that look out over the bow of the ship, but several times during this Breeze cruise I found myself wishing we had a balcony. That being said, if you’re looking to stretch the budget, I personally would much prefer one of these 4J’s on lido deck as opposed to an ocean-view cabin on deck 1 or deck 2. We are planning to book the Breeze again before it is moved to Texas, and we plan to book a balcony on lido deck.

 

...

 

 

Thanks for the info on the 4J cabin. We have 9201 booked on the Glory this October and 4J booked for May because 9201 wasn't available. Even though I haven't sailed in either yet, I knew the 4J wouldn't really compare. The 4J was definitely more budget friendly for our May cruise since we are paying for two cabins, but I will keep checking for price drops on balconies. Anxious for your review on the ports - we haven't been to any of them yet.

[bsdmhutch]

Looking forward to your review.

 

We'll be on her in less than 4 weeks with this same itinerary.

[CruzCrazy]

Thanks for the info on the 4J cabin. We have 9201 booked on the Glory this October and 4J booked for May because 9201 wasn't available. Even though I haven't sailed in either yet, I knew the 4J wouldn't really compare. The 4J was definitely more budget friendly for our May cruise since we are paying for two cabins, but I will keep checking for price drops on balconies. Anxious for your review on the ports - we haven't been to any of them yet.

 

Just to whet your appetite, here's a photo from our cruise in Dec. 2013, cabin 9201 on the Glory:

 

 

That cabin was fantastic! As you can see, it's much larger than the 4J, and the view blows almost anything else out of the water. I hope we're lucky enough to get it again (if we ever sail on one of those ships again).

[Taylor95]

Just to whet your appetite, here's a photo from our cruise in Dec. 2013, cabin 9201 on the Glory:

 

 

 

 

 

 

That cabin was fantastic! As you can see, it's much larger than the 4J, and the view blows almost anything else out of the water. I hope we're lucky enough to get it again (if we ever sail on one of those ships again).

 

 

I'm so excited to have this room! I told my DH that I booked an oceanview cabin (which is true)...he has no idea this type of cabin even exists. It will be a great surprise for him if I can keep it a secret!

[Hawaiifrank]

We have this exact cabin booked for our b2b on the Breeze starting Nov 27, 2016. That date was going to be the beginning of the repositioning cruise from Miami to Galveston.

 

When our repo cruise was canceled, I went online the same day to book this cabin. Since the previous cruise was canceled, the ship was wide open and I had my choice of cabins.

Edited August 12, 2015 by Hawaiifrank

[dchoney]

We must have been right behind you at the escalator! We were actually just about ready to step on it when the thing stopped, and we tried to just walk up, but the rep started waving her arms and telling us to stop...we actually were going to try to be 1st in the pub, but we knew our chances were dead in the water after that happened. Congrats to you guys! Glad you had a good time. I think we were on the roll call together, too...we didn't make it to the M&G, so sorry we missed you.

 

Yeah, we were mid-way up when it stopped. Would have loved to meet you but I didn't make it to the M&G either. There was just so much to do and so much fun to be had! I love it soooo much that I'm doing it again! I'm on the August 23rd Breeze! I can't wait as we are almost in single digits!

[dchoney]

We must have been right behind you at the escalator! We were actually just about ready to step on it when the thing stopped, and we tried to just walk up, but the rep started waving her arms and telling us to stop...we actually were going to try to be 1st in the pub, but we knew our chances were dead in the water after that happened. Congrats to you guys! Glad you had a good time. I think we were on the roll call together, too...we didn't make it to the M&G, so sorry we missed you.

 

Just to whet your appetite, here's a photo from our cruise in Dec. 2013, cabin 9201 on the Glory:

 

 

That cabin was fantastic! As you can see, it's much larger than the 4J, and the view blows almost anything else out of the water. I hope we're lucky enough to get it again (if we ever sail on one of those ships again).

 

We had this cabin when we sailed on the Glory out of Puerto Rico! Best Cabin ever! I would book it again over a suite because the view was just awesome. Enjoy!!!

[CruzCrazy]

Yeah, we were mid-way up when it stopped. Would have loved to meet you but I didn't make it to the M&G either. There was just so much to do and so much fun to be had! I love it soooo much that I'm doing it again! I'm on the August 23rd Breeze! I can't wait as we are almost in single digits!

 

OMG, I'm jealous! Hope you have a great time (again)! We are also sailing the Breeze again, but not until February of next year.

[nybumpkin]

We disembarked Breeze the day you boarded. Loved her. Looking forward to the rest of your review!

[CruzCrazy]

It was a hectic day at work, and then I had to mow the back lawn, but I'm now ready to continue on with the review.

 

DINING ROOM ASSIGNMENT: Sapphire Dining room, Deck 3 (Anytime dining)

 

MAX TIME SPENT IN LINE WAITING FOR A TABLE FOR 2 WITH ANYTIME DINING: Less than 1 minute.

 

BEVERAGE PACKAGES PURCHASED: “Bottomless Bubbles” by DH. No “Cheers.” They do hand you a slip with a $0 charge to sign with each soda when you buy the soda package. You can add an extra tip on the ticket if desired. DH did this a few times but not every time (there is a gratuity already included in the price of the package).

 

SHOWS ATTENDED: Motor City and Divas in the main theater. Two comedy shows (held in Limelight Theater, deck 5 aft).

 

BEST THING ABOUT THE CRUISE: Hmmm, it’s hard to put my finger on the “best thing.” Maybe the overall quality of the food, especially in the dining room. We had had American Table/American Feast soon after its roll-out in December 2013 on the Glory, and we didn’t like it at all, so we were pleasantly surprised at how much better it was on the Breeze. We are not foodies by any means, but we both thought everything we ordered was very good. I will go into more detail later about food.

 

BIGGEST REGRET: Not getting a balcony cabin, since we almost always do and I’m used to having access to fresh air (except once when we had that fabulous 6K Deluxe Scenic Ocean View on the Glory, as mentioned above). That being said, we did have the “secret balcony” on deck 10 in very close proximity, and I got some decent photos.

 

 

 

There were also a bunch of lounge chairs stacked up just to the left of our window, but upon closer inspection they were tied down with heavy rope, and we decided not to disturb them. It would have been nice, but then we didn’t want to be responsible for a projectile chair when the wind got up. It is very breezy out there when the ship is moving.

 

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: The rampant disorganization encountered all around, including embarkation, muster station drill, guest services, the photo gallery, luggage express registration and processing, and debarkation. Regarding luggage express, guest services had to print our boarding passes 4 times before getting them right, and we had to resort to standing in line on the last evening to finally get them printed correctly. The first go-round, they printed 4 for me and none for DH (we had a connecting flight). I called, and they said they’d print them again and send them up. When the 2nd batch arrived, they were exactly the same as the first, 4 for me and none for DH. Then we go down and stand in line, where the guest services rep was almost belligerent and tried to blame it on the airline, and then he came out with a 3rd set of boarding passes that were 2 for DH and 2 for me, but upon closer inspection both of mine were for the connecting flight and none for the flight originating in Miami. Really? I guess he just threw the wrong one away or whatever, but come on. He finally came back with what should have been done easily and correctly the first time, hours before. We asked to speak to a supervisor, but none was available (by this time it was around 10:30 p.m.). The rep took down our names and cabin number and said he would have someone contact us the next morning, but we knew that wasn’t going to happen—and it didn’t.

 

BEST SERVICE MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT OR USE: Luggage Express is a great service (okay, we had a problem with getting the boarding passes printed, as I have just ranted about, but this was the first time we’ve ever had any problem, and we would still recommend the service). The cruise line doesn’t advertise it very well, and we never even got a form in our Fun Times during this trip (which is how it has been done in the past), so we had to actually go ask for the registration forms. There is a deadline, so if you’re interested and don’t see the registration forms in your cabin, go to guest services and ask. For anyone who doesn’t know what Luggage Express is, it’s a service that they contract out to pick up your luggage and take it to the airport and check it with the airline. Your bags show up at your final airport destination. The cruise line prints your boarding passes. With all of this done, you can just head to the airport with your carry-ons and go straight to the security lines—no stopping to look for your luggage at the luggage claim in the terminal upon debarkation and no schlepping your big bags through customs and then to a taxi and then to the (usually) long line at the airport to have them checked. The service is $20 per person (one form required for each person), and you are charged by the airline for whatever their customary baggage fees are. The $20 fee (plus any airline fee) is charged to your S&S card. If you are exempt from checked luggage fees by your airline, there is a place on the Luggage Express form to indicate that, which is verified with the airline when the cruise line reps check you in. I presume they do this just like you would, online and 24 hours prior to your flight. There are restrictions about flight times (if debarkation is in Miami and you are flying out of MIA, the flight has to be after 11:30 a.m. and on the same day). If you are flying out of FLL, the flight has to be after 2 p.m. since it will take them longer to get your bags to FLL from the Port of Miami. Most of the major airlines participate. We’ve used it out of Port Everglades, too, and we’ve used it on Oasis of the Seas (they have a little different term for it, calling it Luggage Valet, but it’s the same thing).

 

CROWDS: The only time we experienced any difficulty was during the evenings on promenade while the photo stations were set up (as usual). There just isn’t enough room for all the people trying to come and go. Marketplace on lido was probably a nightmare on embarkation day, but we were on board early and had finished eating before most of the crowd arrived.

 

SOMETHING I DID OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE: I stood under the “Big Bucket” in the Splash Zone/waterworks area. There is video, but it will never be made public, LOL.

 

 

Well, that's probably about all I have time for tonight. Hope you're still with me ;) More tomorrow...