Breakaway question

[VikingD]

I have cruised 3 times before with my wife and two daughters 11 and 10. The first on Disney and the last two on RC and have really enjoyed each cruise. The most important thing for my wife and I is a family friendly cruise with many things for our kids to do. We are looking at the Breakaway for our next cruise as it looks like there is a lot for our kids to do. But not knowing much about NCL I was wondering if I could get some answers to a couple of questions.

 

1. Are their nighttime shows and entertainment that are family friendly?

 

2. I like the idea of my time dining and being able to eat dinner at what ever time you want but is it common that you have to wait for a table when you get to the restaurant?

[Sauer-kraut]

I have cruised 3 times before with my wife and two daughters 11 and 10. The first on Disney and the last two on RC and have really enjoyed each cruise. The most important thing for my wife and I is a family friendly cruise with many things for our kids to do. We are looking at the Breakaway for our next cruise as it looks like there is a lot for our kids to do. But not knowing much about NCL I was wondering if I could get some answers to a couple of questions.

 

1. Are their nighttime shows and entertainment that are family friendly?

All shows before 11 pm are basically family friendly. HOWEVER there are PG-16 shows on some ships, "Pricsilla Queen of the Desert, and another one that escapes me at the moment.

 

2. I like the idea of my time dining and being able to eat dinner at what ever time you want but is it common that you have to wait for a table when you get to the restaurant?

It all depends on when you eat, if it is a popular time you might have to wait, just like you would at any land based restaurant. It really isn't a big deal.

 

You will also find family activities outside of the kids clubs, if you do a search you can find some schedules for the clubs here on the board.

[spidybabe]

Rock of Ages on the BA is NOT child friendly. Great show tho. Saw it 4 times, and loved it every time. The other entertainers are very clear about when their show will change to adults only.

If there is a wait for dinner, it is not long. 5 , 10 min max. There are 2 MDR right across from each other, so usually no wait there. When there is a music and dancing in the 3rd MDR , that is when you may find the small wait.

Enjoy, it's a great ship

Safe sailing

[SuiteTraveler]

I've been on Epic, Getaway and Breakaway. Of these, I liked Getaway best. JMO, but Breakaway was far too full of cigarette smoke from the casino. In regards to dining, if you are going to specialty restaurants, you need to to make advance reservations via the NCL website for Le Bistro and Cagneys as these get sold out on the first day of the cruise. Teppanyaki also tends to sell out. Manhattan Room (on BA) you need advance reservations. Ocean Blue has a new seafood menu that is really great! You probably won't need advance reservations for Moderno or La Cucina. IF you are in The Haven, you won't need advance reservations for The Haven restaurant - which has a new menu that is really great as well! For some reason the Getaway was not as plagued by smoking as the Breakaway was last month. The Broadway show on Getaway is Legally Blonde, I believe, which is child friendly as is Burn the Floor (on both ships). Rock of Ages is NOT family friendly - overly sexualized and lots of foul language.

 

I think your daughters will enjoy the kids clubs, the water slides, the water park on the ship, bowling, the arcade and the buffet - which is very comprehensive. There is also the ropes course, rock climbing wall and mini golf. For you and your wife, I suggest getting a spa cabin or spa passes as the spa on these ships is the best at sea. My husband was uncertain about going until I finally talked him into it halfway through our cruise. After he found out about the thermal suite and that plenty of men were in there as well as women, I couldn't keep him out of the spa!

[BirdTravels]

I have cruised 3 times before with my wife and two daughters 11 and 10. The first on Disney and the last two on RC and have really enjoyed each cruise. The most important thing for my wife and I is a family friendly cruise with many things for our kids to do. We are looking at the Breakaway for our next cruise as it looks like there is a lot for our kids to do. But not knowing much about NCL I was wondering if I could get some answers to a couple of questions.

 

1. Are their nighttime shows and entertainment that are family friendly?

The early comedy shows in Headliners are intended to be family friendly. The Cirque Jungles dinner show (extra cost) is great fun for all ages. There are theme dance parties up in the Spice H20 which are also great fun for all ages. Kids dance to the music along with big kids. Lots of other entertainment all over the ship at night,,, will just depends if it will keep your kid's interest. They may be more interested in participating in the youth programs and hang with the other kids while mom and dad enjoy a night out.

 

2. I like the idea of my time dining and being able to eat dinner at what ever time you want but is it common that you have to wait for a table when you get to the restaurant?

There are three main dining rooms. Manhattan room is the larges. Taste and Savor are right down the hall. There may be a short wait during prime time dining, and all three restaurants serve basically the same food. If you really want to ensure you avoid a long wait, you can book a table,,,, but it is not really necessary. If you decide to go to any of the Specialty restaurants, reservations are mandatory (book on line 90 days before your cruise or immediately after you board). Teppanyaki is always a great hit with the kids!

 

Enjoy your cruise. We have been on the BA, GA, and Escape (all sister ships) 2 times each and on the Epic (NCL's other mega ship) 5 times. All have a wide range of entertainment for all ages at night.

Edited June 8, 2016 by BirdTravels