Would a "totally not into bells and whistles girl" be miserable on the Breakaway?

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

I admit that I am not your "typical" cruiser today. I don't go for the water parks and ropes courses and all that craziness. Give me a quiet lounger and some good books on my nook, some good food, and excellent service, and I'm good to go.

 

I keep looking at the Breakaway because I can't ignore the cost of a subway ride vs. a plane ticket to get on a ship, but I cannot fathom being someone who's not into all that "stuff" that is on there and finding quiet space to just be - not DO and be on the go all the time.

 

Are there people who like to just be on cruises who have cruised the Breakaway and liked it??

[KeithJenner]

Absolutely.

 

There are plenty of areas which are quite quiet, especially during the day, where you can just settle down with a book.

 

The waterfront can be nice. Sometimes it can be tricky getting a lounger, but if you can then the only distraction is people walking past.

 

I found there were quite a few quiet places. You just have to look for them.

 

If you like sitting on your balcony then I'd advise going for a large one, as the standard balconies are quite small.

[mjkacmom]

How about the Gem?

[Gershep]

The greatest thing about being on a cruise is you can choose to do everything or choose to do nothing. Pool area is very crowded but go to top deck and you will find a lounger. As someone mentioned, if you have a balcony you will have your own little outdoor space.

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

How about the Gem?

 

I would love to try her. Sadly the timing doesn't jive with school breaks - being a teacher I'm more limited to them, especially as personal days just before or after a vacation are frowned upon.

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

Absolutely.

 

There are plenty of areas which are quite quiet, especially during the day, where you can just settle down with a book.

 

The waterfront can be nice. Sometimes it can be tricky getting a lounger, but if you can then the only distraction is people walking past.

 

I found there were quite a few quiet places. You just have to look for them.

 

If you like sitting on your balcony then I'd advise going for a large one, as the standard balconies are quite small.

 

The greatest thing about being on a cruise is you can choose to do everything or choose to do nothing. Pool area is very crowded but go to top deck and you will find a lounger. As someone mentioned, if you have a balcony you will have your own little outdoor space.

 

Thanks. Odds are I'd be looking at one of the solo studios, so no verandah. Which makes some quiet/calm outdoor space even more important.

[perditax]

Thanks. Odds are I'd be looking at one of the solo studios, so no verandah. Which makes some quiet/calm outdoor space even more important.

 

I have a feeling we're somewhat similar in temperament. Take a look at pictures of the thermal suite on the Breakaway. If you can swing the extra $200, it's the key to my sanity on the away ships. It's not technically outdoors, but you can't beat the view.

[cb at sea]

Just because there are "bells and whistles" doesn't mean you need to take part in that! Do what you normally do! It's all good. Plenty of quiet spaces.

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

I have a feeling we're somewhat similar in temperament. Take a look at pictures of the thermal suite on the Breakaway. If you can swing the extra $200, it's the key to my sanity on the away ships. It's not technically outdoors, but you can't beat the view.

 

Thanks. I'm having a hard time finding anything about the spa on the Breakaway info on the NCL website. Is it somewhere else more generic or something?

[Budski54]

I admit that I am not your "typical" cruiser today. I don't go for the water parks and ropes courses and all that craziness. Give me a quiet lounger and some good books on my nook, some good food, and excellent service, and I'm good to go.

 

I keep looking at the Breakaway because I can't ignore the cost of a subway ride vs. a plane ticket to get on a ship, but I cannot fathom being someone who's not into all that "stuff" that is on there and finding quiet space to just be - not DO and be on the go all the time.

 

Are there people who like to just be on cruises who have cruised the Breakaway and liked it??

 

I cruised on the Getaway from Miami a few years ago, and March 19-26, 2017 on the Breakaway from Manhattan. With the exception of embark/disembark days, I learned how to avoid the other 4000 passengers and find quiet space. PLEASE NOTE: ALL of my other cruises were on Holland America. The last one on the 835 passengers ship Prinsendam.

The Waterfront on deck 8 is usually quiet, and you can read a book. The library on deck 6 is somewhat quiet. However, if something is happening in the Atrium, you will hear noise. If you want to get some sun, the H2O on deck 16 is adults only, and you should be able to find a chaise lounge. There's no pool, but a nice waterfall to cool off. However, there's usually some music playing, so it's not necessarily quiet.

Also, when trying to get from one end of the ship to the other end, use the corridors of any of the cabins only decks. Decks 6 and 8 have restaurants and shops, but not so bad. Avoid deck 7 since it has the casino, and smells of cigarettes.

Once you're on board, go to Taste or Savor(deck 6 Aft) for lunch. Also, have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Savor, Taste, or the Manhattan (deck 7 Aft) dining rooms. Avoid the Garden Cafe. It's always crowded, and causes stress.

Make sure to see BurnThe Floor. The show is flawless. The first half of Rock of Ages is not so great, but the last half is great, so tolerate the first half.

As for the water slides, when I was on the Getaway, I went through each slide once, first thing in the morning when it wasn't crowded.

Enjoy yourself.

Budski54

Retired Teacher

[perditax]

Thanks. I'm having a hard time finding anything about the spa on the Breakaway info on the NCL website. Is it somewhere else more generic or something?

 

The phrase you want is "thermal suite" (try it on YouTube etc).

 

 

It's about $200 for unlimited access for the week. You can book the pass online after you've paid for your cruise. (It may be worth going into the roll call for the sailing you have your eye on, and ask if anyone who is PIF would mind checking to see if it's available ... I've never had a problem buying one online close to cruising, although I've only done GA and Escape).

 

What you're getting is a fairly quiet (except for water noises), crowd-controlled area with a panoramic ocean view. There's a water/tea stand, lots of padded loungers, hot tub, warm pool (big enough that you don't have to have uninvited convo with anyone), tile loungers, etc.

 

My only time running into a lounger problem was a sea day that was also a storm day--so I think people bought up a lot of day passes. It was one of the very few times I've ever complained to crew on NCL (specifically the spa desk) and one of the spa staff immediately went back and removed a bunch of "chair hog" towels. (It was only the second day of the cruise and I hadn't unwound yet, and it looked (because of all the towels) like they'd oversold the spa). Mostly I was overreacting. It was fine the rest of the cruise.

 

I've spent a total of three cruises on GA and Escape with the pass, so 21 days, and I've always been able to 1) find a padded lounger, usually without immediate neighbors; 2) get some time in the big pool, 3) nap.

 

(I also do solo studios, so feel free to ask me anything! I havent been on BA but the ships are sister ships.)

 

One last edit: okay, it *is* kind of hard to find BA specific media, but I think they are close to identical on GA. Escape's thermal suite is just a little bigger.

Edited April 1, 2017 by perditax

[Weetahbugdotcom]

Not at all. I always hated the idea of cruises because of what you said, I prefer hard work immersive "figure it out yourself in a foreign country" vacas where I cook my own food and walk 25 miles in a day. Then I went on a cruise to catch up with some girlfriends. 3 years later, went on another one with my girlfriend. Both times the breakaway. Both times it was fun but I thought it would be a nice solo vacation where I could live quietly and get a couple massages while drinking pretty drinks. So that's what I am doing next year for my 40th. Just me, my camera, my Ipad, and some Bloody Marys- although for this trip I'm gonna have to fly to the west coast since I want to see Alaska.

 

 

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[WrittenOnYourHeart]

Thank you all! I'm feeling a little more comfortable with the idea. Disney's Dream Class ships are the largest I've been on, so the sheer size of the BA is kind of intimidating. But I may decide to take the plunge - it is really hard to look at the cost of an airline ticket to Florida over Spring Break vs. the cost of a subway ride (which is deal with through payroll deductions pre-tax anyway).

 

I have some pondering to do for sure. :)

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

The phrase you want is "thermal suite" (try it on YouTube etc).

 

 

It's about $200 for unlimited access for the week. You can book the pass online after you've paid for your cruise. (It may be worth going into the roll call for the sailing you have your eye on, and ask if anyone who is PIF would mind checking to see if it's available ... I've never had a problem buying one online close to cruising, although I've only done GA and Escape).

 

What you're getting is a fairly quiet (except for water noises), crowd-controlled area with a panoramic ocean view. There's a water/tea stand, lots of padded loungers, hot tub, warm pool (big enough that you don't have to have uninvited convo with anyone), tile loungers, etc.

 

My only time running into a lounger problem was a sea day that was also a storm day--so I think people bought up a lot of day passes. It was one of the very few times I've ever complained to crew on NCL (specifically the spa desk) and one of the spa staff immediately went back and removed a bunch of "chair hog" towels. (It was only the second day of the cruise and I hadn't unwound yet, and it looked (because of all the towels) like they'd oversold the spa). Mostly I was overreacting. It was fine the rest of the cruise.

 

I've spent a total of three cruises on GA and Escape with the pass, so 21 days, and I've always been able to 1) find a padded lounger, usually without immediate neighbors; 2) get some time in the big pool, 3) nap.

 

(I also do solo studios, so feel free to ask me anything! I havent been on BA but the ships are sister ships.)

 

One last edit: okay, it *is* kind of hard to find BA specific media, but I think they are close to identical on GA. Escape's thermal suite is just a little bigger.

 

Thank you! :)

 

How have you found the studios? Do you feel like there is enough room to not feel like you're in a coffin or something?

[perditax]

Thank you! :)

 

How have you found the studios? Do you feel like there is enough room to not feel like you're in a coffin or something?

 

I like them, I think they're cozy. I am absolutely sure other people would find them claustrophobic. I like the way the studio area is "locked off" and has its own beverage station and a very nice espresso machine. I fill my water bottle from the iced decanter there, and get tea and a croissant in the morning.

 

The studios are designed pretty well, and there's more storage than you think. Bring extra, thin hangers. I use packing cubes and small collapsible storage boxes from IKEA to make the space go even further.

 

I sleep so well in those nice little dark rooms. :)

 

(Conversely, when traveling with the significant other we do like to have a bit more space, and a balcony. When I'm alone and clearing my head, the solitude is priceless.)

[MCAT48]

I don't do water slides...or ropes course...and love the breakaway over the Gem mainly because I enjoy reading a book in Spice during the day...Cool off in the water for a few minutes then go back to reading or doing whatever. The only upside for the gem was a different show in the theater each night.

 

 

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[garnet115]

I'll give another vote for the Waterfront. Last summer my dd and I spend every day sitting along the waterfront with books and enjoying the serenity. I also agree that the spa is fantastic, and if you can afford the price of the spa pass (often it is discounted if you prepurchase), you should go for it. During peak times, the spa can be crowded and noisy, but if you go at off times, it is quiet and wonderful. I could spend hours on those heated tile loungers.

[mjkacmom]

Warning, being so close to your vacation destination is so great, it can be addictive. We are a 20 minute drive to the port, and it's so awesome on embarkment and disembarkment. I think that once our kids are grown, we will be cruising more.

[denatravels]

I went on the BA for the second time during the February school break. I was concerned that I'd made a mistake and it would be too crowded (it was my very first cruise two years ago so I didn't know how to avoid the crowds).

Here is what I did (and I LOVED it): stayed in a studio; never got off the ship; breakfast every day in the dining room; lunch in dining room or o'sheahans; spent most of my outdoor time at Spice (adults only). Due to the way I managed my days, I very often didn't feel that the ship was as overcrowded as I remembered it.

 

 

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[WrittenOnYourHeart]

Thanks everyone! I have decided - for now at least - to go ahead and book for my Spring Break 2018 in a Studio cabin. Denatravels made me a bit more comfortable at the potential crowd level since as a teacher my Spring Break is NYC's Spring Break.

 

I'm not 100% sure about it - size, Studio cabin, being gluten-free - but with a $50 refundable deposit it seemed silly to at least not hold it while I decide - locking in the rate and a cabin that doesn't connect but is not next to a door or mystery area.

 

Any more advice is appreciated!

[Mac4YYZ]

Thanks everyone! I have decided - for now at least - to go ahead and book for my Spring Break 2018 in a Studio cabin. Denatravels made me a bit more comfortable at the potential crowd level since as a teacher my Spring Break is NYC's Spring Break.

 

I'm not 100% sure about it - size, Studio cabin, being gluten-free - but with a $50 refundable deposit it seemed silly to at least not hold it while I decide - locking in the rate and a cabin that doesn't connect but is not next to a door or mystery area.

 

Any more advice is appreciated!

Look into a pass for Vibe, the capacity controlled 'beach club' on this class of ship. It will give you some space and quiet on sea days. Studio cabins are fine and the lounge for them is also pretty quiet at times.

 

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[WrittenOnYourHeart]

Look into a pass for Vibe, the capacity controlled 'beach club' on this class of ship. It will give you some space and quiet on sea days. Studio cabins are fine and the lounge for them is also pretty quiet at times.

 

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Thanks! Can that be booker ahead or only once on board?

[perditax]

Thanks! Can that be booker ahead or only once on board?

 

If it's anything like the Miami ships, not only can it ONLY be bought on board, demand is so high that people literally get to the port at the crack of dawn to get early boarding numbers, and then RUN to the ticket venue. There are only 60 or 70 tickets, and you are competing with other pax who get first crack at them (like Haven guests). It's not a terrible suggestion, but unless things are very different on BA, perhaps not one to pin your hopes on.

 

(I assume this is Bermuda you're doing? Maybe the Vibe situation isn't so fraught in that scenario.)

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

If it's anything like the Miami ships, not only can it ONLY be bought on board, demand is so high that people literally get to the port at the crack of dawn to get early boarding numbers, and then RUN to the ticket venue. There are only 60 or 70 tickets, and you are competing with other pax who get first crack at them (like Haven guests). It's not a terrible suggestion, but unless things are very different on BA, perhaps not one to pin your hopes on.

 

(I assume this is Bermuda you're doing? Maybe the Vibe situation isn't so fraught in that scenario.)

 

No - it is NYC to Orlando and the Bahamas. Kinda stinks that Haven guests who have their own place can get these too. Oh well.

[denatravels]

I thought about doing vibe-- and I was on early enough to get a pass. I'm glad I didn't waste my money-- on the three port days, spice was virtually empty. More crowded on a sea day, but I was still able to easily get a chair for one. And there are two hot tubs (which I don't think vibe has)

 

 

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