Off the Breakaway yesterday

[cruise_alot123]

We were on the same cruise and if I have to rate it, it will only be 1 star and here is why?

 

1) We went to the main dinning room (Manhattan) on the first night and never went back for the rest of the cruise because it took 45 minutes for the appetizers to arrive and you have to spent 2 hours for a complete dinner which is way too long for us.

 

2) We went to GSC at around 1 PM and we left at around 4 PM, we have to wait for 40 minutes for the tender in the hot sun to get back on the ship. At first they only have one tender and the line was mile long then they open a second tender after people complaining loudly.

 

3) We had a mini suite mid-ship and the balcony is so small that you can't even stretch you legs.

 

4) Nobody is controlling the kids and they were running and talking loud on their way back to the cabins after mid night and disturbing everybody's sleep.

 

5) Disembarkation was a disaster because we got off the elevator mid-ship deck 7 @ 7:15, the line was all the way to the Manhattan dinning room from the front of the ship. The line kept growing longer and longer and they ran out of space in the dinning room so they sent people out to the waterfront. We did not get out the pier until 8:50 AM.

 

6) They pretty much have the same two people (Arvin and Emily) singing at the Atrium night after night.

 

7) The saddest thing is that they allowed kids sitting on the casino floor and let them watch their parents gambling and inhale all those cigarettes.

 

8) We went to the captain's party and all they talk about is your next deposits but they do provide you some free drinks mostly wines.

 

9) On the last day of the cruise, they show videos of the all the staffs saying thank you unlike the past, all staffs come out and thank you in person and also sing the song "We are The World" and now, you have the cruise director Dan Dan sing a couple songs and they call that "Dan Dan Session Jam".

 

We've been on 30+ cruises and I don't think I'd ever go on another NCL cruise again. NCL just taking too many short cuts and I couldn't find a piece of cheese cake in the entire cruise. The pool is way too crowded and the hot tubs are full of kids sometimes there were 15 kids in one hot tub. If you want to use the hot tub in the spa, it'll cost you $220 a week.

 

As for food, We waited for 40 minutes to try out the Shanghai restaurant and the food was no good. They give you beeper while you wait and the beeper works only for deck 6,7, and 8.

 

The only good thing is they have a different theme at the garden buffet every night so for example:

 

When we were in Nassau, the buffet is caribbean night so you get Jerk chickens etc...

 

You have Italian night, Asian night (they serve you roasted ducks), and on the last day is Grill night.

 

The bottom line is we couldn't wait to get off the ship because there ain't a whole lot to do unless you like to drink a lot and hang around the bar all the time.

[uneamie]

We were on the same cruise and if I have to rate it, it will only be 1 star and here is why?

 

1) We went to the main dinning room (Manhattan) on the first night and never went back for the rest of the cruise because it took 45 minutes for the appetizers to arrive and you have to spent 2 hours for a complete dinner which is way too long for us.

 

2) We went to GSC at around 1 PM and we left at around 4 PM, we have to wait for 40 minutes for the tender in the hot sun to get back on the ship. At first they only have one tender and the line was mile long then they open a second tender after people complaining loudly.

 

3) We had a mini suite mid-ship and the balcony is so small that you can't even stretch you legs.

 

4) Nobody is controlling the kids and they were running and talking loud on their way back to the cabins after mid night and disturbing everybody's sleep.

 

5) Disembarkation was a disaster because we got off the elevator mid-ship deck 7 @ 7:15, the line was all the way to the Manhattan dinning room from the front of the ship. The line kept growing longer and longer and they ran out of space in the dinning room so they sent people out to the waterfront. We did not get out the pier until 8:50 AM.

 

6) They pretty much have the same two people (Arvin and Emily) singing at the Atrium night after night.

 

7) The saddest thing is that they allowed kids sitting on the casino floor and let them watch their parents gambling and inhale all those cigarettes.

 

8) We went to the captain's party and all they talk about is your next deposits but they do provide you some free drinks mostly wines.

 

9) On the last day of the cruise, they show videos of the all the staffs saying thank you unlike the past, all staffs come out and thank you in person and also sing the song "We are The World" and now, you have the cruise director Dan Dan sing a couple songs and they call that "Dan Dan Session Jam".

 

We've been on 30+ cruises and I don't think I'd ever go on another NCL cruise again. NCL just taking too many short cuts and I couldn't find a piece of cheese cake in the entire cruise. The pool is way too crowded and the hot tubs are full of kids sometimes there were 15 kids in one hot tub. If you want to use the hot tub in the spa, it'll cost you $220 a week.

 

As for food, We waited for 40 minutes to try out the Shanghai restaurant and the food was no good. They give you beeper while you wait and the beeper works only for deck 6,7, and 8.

 

The only good thing is they have a different theme at the garden buffet every night so for example:

 

When we were in Nassau, the buffet is caribbean night so you get Jerk chickens etc...

 

You have Italian night, Asian night (they serve you roasted ducks), and on the last day is Grill night.

 

The bottom line is we couldn't wait to get off the ship because there ain't a whole lot to do unless you like to drink a lot and hang around the bar all the time.

Wow...it was that bad??? Somehow I can't imagine it was that bad for everyone on that cruise. I've been on 2 NCL ships and rarely had any complaints. Of course I do not have 30 cruises under my belt........so maybe if I did I might be making some comparisons....which rarely ends well and can make you miserable. Sorry you had such a terrible time.

[ncklhaus]

We were on the Jan 2 cruise this year. I think there were about 400 children on board (according to a member of staff) and most of them were well-behaved.

 

We were on the same cruise. Our daughter was with us and the Splash Academy staff said there were between 400-600 kids onboard. They were all so well behaved, it was hard to believe there were that many.

[cruise_alot123]

Wow...it was that bad??? Somehow I can't imagine it was that bad for everyone on that cruise. I've been on 2 NCL ships and rarely had any complaints. Of course I do not have 30 cruises under my belt........so maybe if I did I might be making some comparisons....which rarely ends well and can make you miserable. Sorry you had such a terrible time.

 

Try a Celebrity cruise and you'll notice a big different. On the Breakaway, they'll charge you for the water painting class and it used to be free. On Celebrity, scrap book and all arts and crafts classes are free and the cruise fares between NCL and Celebrity are almost the same for the Caribbean cruise. Another example is in the past NCL captain's party, the captain and managers will stick around and chit chat with the passengers and they also have raffles drawings. Now, as soon as they introduced the captain and managers, they get the hell out of there ASAP and the sale pitch guy comes in and all he talks about is your next deposits. We left the party ASAP.

 

Another example is in the past, they use to have juggling and magic for the kids and also a comedy show. Now, zippo, nothing, nada....If you want to see comedy mixed with circus? You have to pay 47 bucks. This is a free show in Celebrity although the circus may not be that extensive but if you have to pay for everything on the cruise, why do you pay 3,600 for a mini suite? Go figure!!

Edited April 12, 2017 by cruise_alot123

[cruise_alot123]

I forgot to mention a young kid about 4 or 5 years old got hurt really badly on the morning that we almost arrived in Port Canaveral. He stepped on a piece of glass on the upper deck above the pool and blood was everywhere and he had a 2 inch glass stick out on his right foot and the poor kid just laying there on the lounge chair crying nonstop for 20 minutes while the security officer keep talking back and forth on the walkie talkie and the doctor never showed up. They finally decided to carry the kid with the lounge chair inside to seek help. Where the hell is the doctor for the last 20 minutes? Was s/he still sleeping? You know it doesn't take 20 minutes for the doc to show up from deck 4? The trail of blood from the kid was about 10 feet long, I mean it was a lot of blood. You'd think they'd contain that area by putting something there to secure so no one can walk by, instead, people kept walking in that area and some stepped on the blood as they walked pass the area. They finally use bleach to clean the area. Be careful out there......,

[MICHLEV1974]

Some of these items could be a 5 star rating for some folks. After reading this review, i was thinking 'wow'..

 

We were on the same cruise and if I have to rate it, it will only be 1 star and here is why?

 

1) We went to the main dinning room (Manhattan) on the first night and never went back for the rest of the cruise because it took 45 minutes for the appetizers to arrive and you have to spent 2 hours for a complete dinner which is way too long for us. --I would love the dining experience to linger and last 2 hours...take a deep breathe and really enjoy the meal and the company at the dining table rather than be rushed and moved out like cattle.

 

2) We went to GSC at around 1 PM and we left at around 4 PM, we have to wait for 40 minutes for the tender in the hot sun to get back on the ship. At first they only have one tender and the line was mile long then they open a second tender after people complaining loudly. GSC is so pretty. Enjoying the sun a little longer whilst waiting for the tender gives you time for some picture taking and fun times meeting folks in line and chatting :)

 

 

6) They pretty much have the same two people (Arvin and Emily) singing at the Atrium night after night. There are several other venues to enjoy throughout the ship. What other venues did you enjoy?

 

7) The saddest thing is that they allowed kids sitting on the casino floor and let them watch their parents gambling and inhale all those cigarettes. Why aren't the parents to blame here? Parents are responsible for their children,

 

The bottom line is we couldn't wait to get off the ship because there ain't a whole lot to do unless you like to drink a lot and hang around the bar all the time.

How can this be? The dailies show so many activities throughout the day. Perhaps viewing a sample of the daily activities before you book would be beneficial?

This review was more of a personal preference of what he/she enjoys on a cruise. I really love a long dinner service; I enjoy seeing the children have a good time with new friends on the ship; I love the variety of the activities around the ship as well. Although I appreciate reading everyone's reviews, this one seemed a little 'off' with the items that soured his/her trip.

[Crusin6]

Considering a January 2018 cruise on the Breakaway. Looking forward to review.

 

 

I really do not like the Ba but my dd16 who did not sail her with us last time would enjoy it so in order to use up my cert I actually booked spring break 2018 for my 3 dds and myself at an excellent bogo price

 

My dds are very travel savvy and 2 have been on the ba and all of them can roll with the punches and as I said the price was right and we have certs and no airfare so I'm ok with it too

 

There is no way I would ever in a million years subject my dh to this ship with his asthma though

 

I am also well cruised myself so I know a good ship from a great ship from a mediocre ship

 

Ba is not mediocre primarily thanks to the slides and the ropes course and spice

 

However it is eons and eons away from being a great ship and imho rates acceptable ....depending on what you are looking for and if smoke doesn't bother you

 

 

One more cert left to use after this but may just let it go or give it to my oldest kid to use with her dh

 

 

 

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Edited April 12, 2017 by Crusin6

[ofhs93]

Looking forward to more details of your trip :) Looks like you had a great time....November cant get here fast enough for our family lol.

[getaway17]

That makes me wonder if Canada kids have a Christmas school break in Dec or not. One would think that their parents would not vacation right after a Christmas break. Hmm!

 

 

We are Canadian, and we are looking at the Breakaway's 2 week in January. Yes my kids have 2 weeks off at Christmas, but let's face it to cruise during the Christmas break is very expensive, and not everyone can get vacation during that period either.

 

 

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[newmexicoNita]

Is there an "included" breakfast in No ometlet station and very limited menu: the plus side, great views and no crowds. It is worth giving it a try once, at least. Oh, another place to try, we did twice, is Modernos for lunch; nice buffet and not crowded.

[newmexicoNita]

To the Entertainment: If anyone had a problem finding something to do, they must have been sleeping during the announcements and never read the Free style dailies. Day time, there are always audience participation games and trivia somewhere on the ship. Later in the day, there are all kinds of talks, we say a group of young people on a scavanger hunt having a great time and our daughter and son in law did the Escape room; said it was really fun, but somewhat challenging. Port days they showed movies in the Atrium and a couple of sea days they had cooking lessons; also in the atrium. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate on some days so activities out by the pool were very limited. That is mother nature doing her thing. Of course if you were sailing with kids there were wonderful family activities every day. The night time entertainment was geared somewhat to the younger generation. We choose, on the advise of our TA not to attend Rock of Ages or Burn the Floor. We did see second City twice, once was good with some laughs, the second one was the game show version and was really stupid. The atrium had music each night; usually Arvil and Emily, which were outstanding. One night there was a tribute to Neil D and Barbara S. and one night the band from the Manhattan room played. If one wanted a place to relax in the evening and still have entertainment there was the dueling pianos and the wonderful guitar player. The only show I know that had an extra charge with the circus dinner show. We choose not to go as we have seen these types of shows many times. There seemed to be a lot of late night entertainment as well, but we are over the hill when it comes to late nights. To us late is 10pm. Just one thing I will add, it does appear the entertainment on the mega ships, especially this one is geared to a little younger set, but we still found plenty to do and realize the cruise line is going to base decisions on what the passengers want and people in their 30s to 60s do not want to hear the music or comedians from the 50s. The smaller ships do offer entertainment for senior travelers more.

Tomorrow I will try and cover the decor of the ship, service and cabins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

w

[newmexicoNita]

I forgot to mention a young kid about 4 or 5 years old got hurt really badly on the morning that we almost arrived in Port Canaveral. He stepped on a piece of glass on the upper deck above the pool and blood was everywhere and he had a 2 inch glass stick out on his right foot and the poor kid just laying there on the lounge chair crying nonstop for 20 minutes while the security officer keep talking back and forth on the walkie talkie and the doctor never showed up. They finally decided to carry the kid with the lounge chair inside to seek help. Where the hell is the doctor for the last 20 minutes? Was s/he still sleeping? You know it doesn't take 20 minutes for the doc to show up from deck 4? The trail of blood from the kid was about 10 feet long, I mean it was a lot of blood. You'd think they'd contain that area by putting something there to secure so no one can walk by, instead, people kept walking in that area and some stepped on the blood as they walked pass the area. They finally use bleach to clean the area. Be careful out there......,

for some reason I am having a little trouble accepting all yo are saying you experienced and here is why: 1-did you measure the glass sticking out of the kids foot and do you have any idea how long 2 inches is? Twice we have experienced accidents on an : both times they went out of their way to help. Second, you went to the Asian restaurant for dinner: did you not realize it is now a noodle bar? You say there was nothing to do: actually it would take 2 BA cruises to do all there is to do. This is just a start to question some of the statements you have made about BA. We also never heard or saw any kids running up and down the hall ways, and we had them in the cabin right next door.

BTW: we missed you at the M&G. We thought, since you signed up you would be there. Hope you enjoy your next cruise. We have cruised, like you over 30 times but certainly didn't experience the negative cruise you just did. Debarkation a nightmare, yep, I would agree 100%.

[Lisi024]

I was on this same exact cruise. I found that there was plenty to do if you looked at your dailies.

 

I only dine in fine restaurants while at home and will only vacation where I find the food to be appealing as well. I found NCL food at the upscale restaurants to be outstanding. And this includes the service. The Main Dining rooms were also good....waiting 2 hours for dinner to be complete is normal to me. Any restaurant I go to is about the same.

 

Yes there were a lot of children on the ship but I never felt like they took it over...yes some may have been rude...shame on their parents but the majority were quite respectful.

 

I found getting on and off the ship to be a breeze....I felt like they definitely handled it quite well.

 

When you get off of the ship on the private island, one would think it would be to enjoy the sun and warmth. I know that myself and my family sure did. We waited for our tender without a problem.

 

Vacation is what you make of it....I chose to enjoy being able to spend a week away from the hum drum and relax and feel fortunate with my family. While not everything was perfect....it was still nice to get away and the people at NCL were sure super nice and accomodating which made it all worthwhile.

[cruise_alot123]

for some reason I am having a little trouble accepting all yo are saying you experienced and here is why: 1-did you measure the glass sticking out of the kids foot and do you have any idea how long 2 inches is? Twice we have experienced accidents on an : both times they went out of their way to help. Second, you went to the Asian restaurant for dinner: did you not realize it is now a noodle bar? You say there was nothing to do: actually it would take 2 BA cruises to do all there is to do. This is just a start to question some of the statements you have made about BA. We also never heard or saw any kids running up and down the hall ways, and we had them in the cabin right next door.

BTW: we missed you at the M&G. We thought, since you signed up you would be there. Hope you enjoy your next cruise. We have cruised, like you over 30 times but certainly didn't experience the negative cruise you just did. Debarkation a nightmare, yep, I would agree 100%.

 

I know how long 2 inch is because I was there when the young boy got hurt and yes, it was a 2 inch glass sticking out at the bottom of his right foot and he can only lay on the lounge chair since he couldn't put his foot down and they can't pull the 2 inch glass out because blood would be gushing out like the flow of lava. They need a doctor there to remove it and do some stitching right the way and the doc never showed up. You can verify this by calling the NCL medical office.

 

Sorry about missing the M&G.

[andychris]

Thanks for the review. We are going with 3 other couples and have a few questions.

We are going to have dinner at 3 specialty restaurants. Teppanyaki or moderno,cagneys and le bistro. How long should we be there? We will make reservations for the shows afterwards.

Did you use the vibe club? Hope we get to be able to purchase a pass.

Do you have any copies of the dailies or menus?

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thank you

[Lineaway]

I am always amazed at how different perceptions can be on the same cruise. We were on this cruise also.

 

This was not a 1 star cruise and anyone who couldn't wait to get off probably should consider a different type of vacation. It also was not a 5 star either.

 

I never saw "bad" service but did see meals take an unreasonable amount of time. 2 hours is not reasonable. My guess, less staffing for cost cutting. Our Room Steward had 15 rooms to cover. It used to be 10. Entertainment really did lean towards some type of sales pitch or extra cost. This was mostly during the day like spa treatments, shoe inserts, vitamins, detox cleanse, bingo, card tournaments, art auctions etc. etc. Again, revenue. You have to adapt. We found things to do but entertainment w/o a sales pitch was a bit lacking. Which brings to the main point...

 

Consider the fact....I paid less for a Mini Suite with open bar last week than I would have 20 years ago for just an Ocean View and no Open Bar (on a tiny Carnival ship). And that doesn't even count inflation. I got my moneys worth.

 

You can't compare Celebrity to NCL. Two different products. One markets to Adults/Couples and one to Families and Young Adults.

 

Disembarkation was terrible. Of course someone had to be first off the ship and maybe if you were in the Haven but please don't make it sound like it was a smooth process. The rest of us took longer. We were off at 1100. We had Orange tags.

 

GSC tendering back to the ship after 2P does include 45 minutes to an hour standing under the blazing sun. And no, its not a nice warm enjoyable experience. NCL should add to its covered area for this line.

 

Andychris. Vibe was sold out. We asked right after getting on the ship. Of course it seemed empty all week long. I know this as one of the "hidden" areas we found not to be crowded was the tiny bar, top deck forward, at the entrance to Vibe. Never crowded and bar service was immediate. We had to go over stairs that look down into Vibe and I never saw more than a dozen people and sometimes zero. I only saw 4 people go in that door as I was sitting by it. They did not offer day passes. Two other uncrowded areas were the very front of the ship on top (no bar service close) and H2O.

 

2 hours for a meal in the MDR tends to not work for planning the rest of the night. If you arrived exactly at 5 when opened that puts you done by 7. You will have a tough time getting a seat at the Atrium or some of the other shows. We usually left right after finishing the main course and skipped desert. Margaritaville was quick but Oshehans took up to 2 hours. Buffet of course was also quick. Try and be done by 630 or so. The food in the MDR was good enough we didn't feel we wanted to try the other pay restaurants but I do know they can speed up your meal if needed. If you want copies of the dailies or menus go to Beyondships.com, click on NCL Breakaway and they have links to what you are looking for. Most are recent 2017.

[newmexicoNita]

Thanks for the review. We are going with 3 other couples and have a few questions.

We are going to have dinner at 3 specialty restaurants. Teppanyaki or moderno,cagneys and le bistro. How long should we be there? We will make reservations for the shows afterwards.

Did you use the vibe club? Hope we get to be able to purchase a pass.

Do you have any copies of the dailies or menus?

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thank you

We had considered the Vibe but decided, due to such crappy weather a good part of the time to not waste our money. I didn't save any dailies or menus this time: normally do, but just end up tossing them, so decided not to bother. Dining: allow about an hour and 1/2 with the exception of Le Bistro; about 2 hours and Teppnakis; not quite so long; an hour and 1/2 is plenty and Le Bistro could be more like 2 hours: yes, make reservations for the late shows.

Tips: the friendlier you are the better the crew will respond. Don't expect the pool to be large or a lot of seating around it; I guess NCL wanted to discourage people from enjoying the pool area on sea days; it will get quite crowded. We also are glad we decided to dine in O'Sheehan's for lunch the first day: not crowded and a great way to pass a little time until the cabins were ready .OH, if you are making reservations for the shows, do it early they fill up quickly

btw to loved the wine lovers comedy the last sea day: well worth the price

.

[cruise_alot123]

I am always amazed at how different perceptions can be on the same cruise. We were on this cruise also.

 

This was not a 1 star cruise and anyone who couldn't wait to get off probably should consider a different type of vacation. It also was not a 5 star either.

 

I never saw "bad" service but did see meals take an unreasonable amount of time. 2 hours is not reasonable. My guess, less staffing for cost cutting. Our Room Steward had 15 rooms to cover. It used to be 10. Entertainment really did lean towards some type of sales pitch or extra cost. This was mostly during the day like spa treatments, shoe inserts, vitamins, detox cleanse, bingo, card tournaments, art auctions etc. etc. Again, revenue. You have to adapt. We found things to do but entertainment w/o a sales pitch was a bit lacking. Which brings to the main point...

 

Consider the fact....I paid less for a Mini Suite with open bar last week than I would have 20 years ago for just an Ocean View and no Open Bar (on a tiny Carnival ship). And that doesn't even count inflation. I got my moneys worth.

 

You can't compare Celebrity to NCL. Two different products. One markets to Adults/Couples and one to Families and Young Adults.

 

Disembarkation was terrible. Of course someone had to be first off the ship and maybe if you were in the Haven but please don't make it sound like it was a smooth process. The rest of us took longer. We were off at 1100. We had Orange tags.

 

GSC tendering back to the ship after 2P does include 45 minutes to an hour standing under the blazing sun. And no, its not a nice warm enjoyable experience. NCL should add to its covered area for this line.

 

Andychris. Vibe was sold out. We asked right after getting on the ship. Of course it seemed empty all week long. I know this as one of the "hidden" areas we found not to be crowded was the tiny bar, top deck forward, at the entrance to Vibe. Never crowded and bar service was immediate. We had to go over stairs that look down into Vibe and I never saw more than a dozen people and sometimes zero. I only saw 4 people go in that door as I was sitting by it. They did not offer day passes. Two other uncrowded areas were the very front of the ship on top (no bar service close) and H2O.

 

2 hours for a meal in the MDR tends to not work for planning the rest of the night. If you arrived exactly at 5 when opened that puts you done by 7. You will have a tough time getting a seat at the Atrium or some of the other shows. We usually left right after finishing the main course and skipped desert. Margaritaville was quick but Oshehans took up to 2 hours. Buffet of course was also quick. Try and be done by 630 or so. The food in the MDR was good enough we didn't feel we wanted to try the other pay restaurants but I do know they can speed up your meal if needed. If you want copies of the dailies or menus go to Beyondships.com, click on NCL Breakaway and they have links to what you are looking for. Most are recent 2017.

 

There's every reason to be a 1 star and even you said it here:

 

1)

Our Room Steward had 15 rooms to cover. It used to be 10.

Also, they never get to wash our balcony when we were in port.

2)

GSC tendering back to the ship after 2P does include 45 minutes to an hour standing under the blazing sun

Why do they make you wait for 45 mins under the hot sun? Why can they have more tenders running? Seniors can't be waiting under the hot sun for 45 mins.

3)

If you arrived exactly at 5 when opened that puts you done by 7.

Wonder how many go to the Manhattan room to eat @ 5 PM? Not many...It's ridiculous to wait for 45 mins for just the appetizers and 2 hrs for a complete meal is way too long. They also short changed in the escargots because in the past, you get 6 escargots in a buttery and garlic dish by itself now all you get is 2 or 3 escargots mixed with mushrooms wedged in some kind puff pastry. So they are replacing escargots with mushrooms and it was awful.

4)

Oshehans took up to 2 hours

Two hour wait for chicken wings, classic burgers or jumbo dogs are not acceptable. Period.....

 

Why can they make the ship non smoking?

 

Try walk the waterfront and smokers are everywhere especially toward the Fat Cat bar near the front of the ship. There's my 1 star.

[boopsahoy]

There's every reason to be a 1 star and even you said it here:

 

1) Also, they never get to wash our balcony when we were in port.

2) Why do they make you wait for 45 mins under the hot sun? Why can they have more tenders running? Seniors can't be waiting under the hot sun for 45 mins.

3) Wonder how many go to the Manhattan room to eat @ 5 PM? Not many...It's ridiculous to wait for 45 mins for just the appetizers and 2 hrs for a complete meal is way too long. They also short changed in the escargots because in the past, you get 6 escargots in a buttery and garlic dish by itself now all you get is 2 or 3 escargots mixed with mushrooms wedged in some kind puff pastry. So they are replacing escargots with mushrooms and it was awful.

4) Two hour wait for chicken wings, classic burgers or jumbo dogs are not acceptable. Period.....

 

Why can they make the ship non smoking?

 

Try walk the waterfront and smokers are everywhere especially toward the Fat Cat bar near the front of the ship. There's my 1 star.

That's why they cant make it non smoking-they would lose a ton of passengers. They tried a no smoking ship and you see what happened to that. I seem to recall when we were allowed to smoke on our balconies no one complained about too much smoke around the ship!! :D

[ofhs93]

Consider the fact....I paid less for a Mini Suite with open bar last week than I would have 20 years ago for just an Ocean View and no Open Bar (on a tiny Carnival ship). And that doesn't even count inflation. I got my moneys worth.

 

This is something that I think ALL of us need to keep in perspective...and I agree completely. Back when we took our 1st cruise out of NY in 1998 we had a basic ocean view lower deck cabin for 2 and paid about $1k each. It's 20 years later and you can now get a balcony cabin for the same price on a ship that has a thousand times more activities to partake in. The cost to cruise in the big picture is MUCH lower than it was 20 years ago when inflation is baked into the equation. Was service better 20 years ago...yeah...it probably was...but service comes at a cost. If I were to spend the equivalent amount today with inflation included I could be in a Haven cabin or on a luxury level cruise line and get as much or frankly more quality service than we did 20 years ago.

[NYC Teach 498]

Looking forward to your review. We will be on the BA next month.

 

Specifically interested in anyone's experience with the Escape Room.

 

 

Escape Room? Is this new on Breakaway? I'm intrigued!! :)

 

 

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[cruise_alot123]

You gotta be kidding? Years ago when you go on a NCL cruise, everything is included and now everything is a la cart. Sure, you pay about the same fare today for a balcony as 20 years ago, however, even adjusted with inflation and when you add in the a la cart for:

 

1) Hot tubs in the Spa $220 a week.

2) Vibe beach $ 80 a week. Why do they section off here and make you pay 80 bucks when you already paid for your full cruise fare in thousands? Why do you have to pay again for sunbath?

Why do they let 15 kids in the hot tubs even thought some hot tubs said adults only? Do they care about you? Nope!!

3) Services are getting worst by day since they introduced included gratuities because there are no incentives for the staffs to work hard. Example, how come there are no pool towels at the H2O? I have to go to my room to get the pool towels and I paid thousands for this cruise?

4) When did the captain's party become a sale pitch? I don't think I go on a cruise to listen when I need to make my next deposits? What happen to the day when the captain and his staffs chit chat with the passengers? Oh...you have to pay $ 3000 more to be in the Haven so you can chat with the captain?

5) You also have to pay 10 bucks to tour the galley? What? It used to be free so now you have to pay?

6) Where' the arts and crafts? Sure, they have it. It's call a pay only water painting class. It used to be free.

7) Lets talk about some basic sushi. They used to have sushi in the Garden buffets now is call a la cart. ka- ching ka-ching...Can you hear $$$ now?

 

I am tire of listings and even adjusted with inflation with your cruise fare, the a la cart examples here can easily outweighed inflation by hundred of %%%%.

[newmexicoNita]

There's every reason to be a 1 star and even you said it here:

 

1) Also, they never get to wash our balcony when we were in port.

2) Why do they make you wait for 45 mins under the hot sun? Why can they have more tenders running? Seniors can't be waiting under the hot sun for 45 mins.

3) Wonder how many go to the Manhattan room to eat @ 5 PM? Not many...It's ridiculous to wait for 45 mins for just the appetizers and 2 hrs for a complete meal is way too long. They also short changed in the escargots because in the past, you get 6 escargots in a buttery and garlic dish by itself now all you get is 2 or 3 escargots mixed with mushrooms wedged in some kind puff pastry. So they are replacing escargots with mushrooms and it was awful.

4) Two hour wait for chicken wings, classic burgers or jumbo dogs are not acceptable. Period.....

 

Why can they make the ship non smoking?

 

Try walk the waterfront and smokers are everywhere especially toward the Fat Cat bar near the front of the ship. There's my 1 star.

for someone who has cruised so often, you must know, non smoking ships have been tried: it didn't work. As for waiting for food, yes, we had some wait problems in the dining room at breakfast, but never anyplace else, at anytime. I guess it depends on what time one decides to eat. we usually have lunch about 1pm and dinner around 6:30. One thing some are forgetting, part of the crowded conditions on this particular cruise had to do with one, a sold out ship and 2-pretty lousy weather except for the 2 days in the Bahamas. We had a similar problem on the Epic last November: just happen to hit crappy weather, so many of the days we were all stuffed inside. Stuff happens; you make the best of it.

[newmexicoNita]

You gotta be kidding? Years ago when you go on a NCL cruise, everything is included and now everything is a la cart. Sure, you pay about the same fare today for a balcony as 20 years ago, however, even adjusted with inflation and when you add in the a la cart for:

 

1) Hot tubs in the Spa $220 a week.

2) Vibe beach $ 80 a week. Why do they section off here and make you pay 80 bucks when you already paid for your full cruise fare in thousands? Why do you have to pay again for sunbath?

Why do they let 15 kids in the hot tubs even thought some hot tubs said adults only? Do they care about you? Nope!!

3) Services are getting worst by day since they introduced included gratuities because there are no incentives for the staffs to work hard. Example, how come there are no pool towels at the H2O? I have to go to my room to get the pool towels and I paid thousands for this cruise?

4) When did the captain's party become a sale pitch? I don't think I go on a cruise to listen when I need to make my next deposits? What happen to the day when the captain and his staffs chit chat with the passengers? Oh...you have to pay $ 3000 more to be in the Haven so you can chat with the captain?

5) You also have to pay 10 bucks to tour the galley? What? It used to be free so now you have to pay?

6) Where' the arts and crafts? Sure, they have it. It's call a pay only water painting class. It used to be free.

7) Lets talk about some basic sushi. They used to have sushi in the Garden buffets now is call a la cart. ka- ching ka-ching...Can you hear $$$ now?

 

I am tire of listings and even adjusted with inflation with your cruise fare, the a la cart examples here can easily outweighed inflation by hundred of %%%%.

let me tell you a few things about the remarks you are making, comparing this to that: 1-I don't know what ship you were on in the past with a hot tub in the spa area that was free: I have cruised almost every NCLship: never remember that: there were towels by the pool, don't know how you could have missed them? The sushi has always been an extra charge unless in the buffet, which has a small but some selection still, along with Congi, which they did not used to serve at all. We met the captain at our M&G; also saw him throughout the ship a few times. His job is not to chat with us, but to get us safely from point A to point B. As for arts and crafts, some are still free, some not, which has always been the case. I can't judge the Capt latitude party as we don't bother to attend anymore Too crowded just to get a couple of free glasses of wine. I do know, from the past, NCL has a much better cocktail party than Princess or Celebrity.

[Got Tequila?]

Escape Room? Is this new on Breakaway? I'm intrigued!! :)

 

 

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It is new on the BREAKAWAY..

 

Escape the Big Top

 

A carnival takes an unfortunate turn when a circus act goes awry. A magician puts a curse on everyone, and it’s up to you so solve the clues break the spell. Do you have what it takes to be the first to lift the curse? “Escape the Big Top” is fast-paced and full of excitement and intrigue — a not-to-be-missed activity for the whole family.