Some Thoughts on the Breakaway

[Tenderpaw]

We just got back from a 10 nighter on the Breakaway.  Here are my thoughts on the ship:

 

Embarkation:  not a great experience.  NO's facility seems poorly designed for the number of people and it took a while to get on board.

 

Food:  complementary food was very good in my opinion.  I keep seeing posts saying "NCL's complementary restaurants suck because they want you to spend in the specialty restaurants but that wasn't my experience.   The buffet was actually better than what I've experienced on Royal and Disney this year.  We also ate at Cagney's, La Cucina, and Margaritaville.  Cagney's and La Cucina were excellent.  Margaritaville is totally overpriced at $15pp for basically pub food.  On top of that, they screwed up my order despite that hardly anyone was there.  The burgers in the buffet were just as good if you timed it to get a fresh one off the grill and were free.

 

Service:  Spotty.  Some dining service was great, some not.  Service in Savor and Taste was extremely slow to get your food.  It appears the waiters don't actually bring the food from the galley.  Whatever the process, it litterally took 45 minutes from being seated to getting food one night.  Breakfast was slow too and our waitress apologized twice for how long it was taking.  Considering Freestyle isn't new, I'm surprised they have this issue.  Other services including bar service was fine.

 

Cabin:  We had a mini suite on deck 9.  Balcony was small with just enough room fo 2 chairs.  Room was nice and the bathroom was huge with a 2 person sink and a shower with body jets.  Very nice.

 

Entertainment:  Enjoyed the 2 production shows and a comedian.  Also had  some great singers.  I question the need to push the envelope so much in Rock of Ages with simulated sex acts, etc but NCL is very upfront that is in the show and to be prepared.  Burn the Floor was a great show.

 

If you have any questions, let me know.

 

Dave

 

[linbobky]

we were also on this cruise. i agree with you on the food issue. 

the cruise director on this cruise was one of the worst we have ever had. this was our 6th cruise on ncl. we have 21 on carnival.

there are good and bad points on both lines. 

glad you enjoyed the cruise.

[gooch47]

We were on the previous 11--day Breakaway cruise.  I agree that food service was slow at times but we sympathized that with that many passengers you could almost expect it.  We were quite happy with the MDR food.  We only went to the buffet for one lunch and wished we had browsed more before picking our few items.  There was, in my opinion, a huge selection.  We did not enjoy Margaritaville.  Personal preference, I suppose.  

 

Our only big complaint was the smell in the casino.  Nauseating.  And our Cabin Steward could have been more efficient.  Maybe just overworked.

 

Did your mini-suite have a bathtub?  I thought they did.  We just had a balcony cabin but were quite satisfied with it.

 

We arrived quite early for embarcation and as Platinum level were among the first groups to board.  No complaints.

 

 

[BirdTravels]

Thank you for your comments.

 

We, in particular, like the food in the MDR. And we enjoy a leisurely dinner, so never really care if the service is fast or slow. 

[oracer]

Leaving in a month on the Breakaway and had a couple of questions:

 

1)  Do you remember any wine tasting classes offered on the boat other than the Wine for Lovers Show?  

2)  Did you go to the Cirque Show and if so, worth the cost?

3)  Any ports of calls that you would consider not worth getting off the boat?

[gooch47]

Depends on whether you take a tour or not but I felt very uncomfortable walking around outside the port at Roatan.  But we've taken tours there that we enjoyed.

 

Same for Jamaica if your cruise goes there.

[Tenderpaw]

6 hours ago, oracer said:

Leaving in a month on the Breakaway and had a couple of questions:

 

1)  Do you remember any wine tasting classes offered on the boat other than the Wine for Lovers Show?  

2)  Did you go to the Cirque Show and if so, worth the cost?

3)  Any ports of calls that you would consider not worth getting off the boat?

1.  I don't recall anything but the whine show.

2.  We didn't go, but we heard people raiving about enjoying it.

3.  Roatan was a dump with very aggressive locals.  Jamaica was too, but felt it was a little better than Roatan.

[Tenderpaw]

8 hours ago, gooch47 said:

We were on the previous 11--day Breakaway cruise.  I agree that food service was slow at times but we sympathized that with that many passengers you could almost expect it.  We were quite happy with the MDR food.  We only went to the buffet for one lunch and wished we had browsed more before picking our few items.  There was, in my opinion, a huge selection.  We did not enjoy Margaritaville.  Personal preference, I suppose.  

 

Our only big complaint was the smell in the casino.  Nauseating.  And our Cabin Steward could have been more efficient.  Maybe just overworked.

 

Did your mini-suite have a bathtub?  I thought they did.  We just had a balcony cabin but were quite satisfied with it.

 

We arrived quite early for embarcation and as Platinum level were among the first groups to board.  No complaints.

 

 

Our cabin stewardess could have been better too.  She never once cleaned the balcony.  In fact, a footprint remained on the door sill to the balcony the entire cruise.  She did keep out ice bucket filled though.

 

Regarding the bathroom, we had a large shower, no tub.  Shower was big enough for 2 people if desired 🙂

I will also say, there was no shortage of hot water and the temperature was consistent.

[katiecat]

Thanks for sharing your all your reviews on the Breakaway. Could somebody look at your dailies (10 sailing) for when the Comedians are on stage with times? My first big ship cruise. 

Thanks in advance

[sdcantrn]

Thank you for the post!  Sailing soon also on a 10 day Breakaway.  Did you use NCL's app for communicating with other cruisers on board?  I've been trying to figure out what the options are, the cost and reliability of it.  Can you book shows or make dining reservations through the app? 

 

Any other tips are appreciated!

 

If you could share the dailies, I'd be eternally grateful. 😉

[Budget Queen]

I as well was on the same sailing.  I had a great time and really enjoyed it.    Frankly-   with a 4000+  passenger ship,  you have to be accepting of lines and waits.    It's actually pretty amazing,  that they are able to load and process all those people in 4 hours.    

 

I go real cheap,  picking up late minute bargains-  so have far more tolerance and acceptance of some "imperfections".  (I'm not on a private yacht)  :)      I know a lot of people paid a LOT of money so,  expectations are probably are going to be higher.    I simply,  am never disappointed.   

 

This was a snorkel trip for me,  with Roatan a huge bonus.   I get picked up right outside the port gate and transit to my superb snorkel -  shore entry area.    Again,  absolutely  enjoyed the excellent snorkeling.    

[ggooglyboogly]

Glad to hear the buffet is in good shape!  

 

Usually when I travel with my kids (toddler and a new infant) we will go to La Cucina early on the first night (no one usually there, less chance of a toddler annoying other passengers) and then pretty much roll with the buffet the rest of the cruise.  (Though on the Breakaway I might sneak away for some tuna crude / black bass ceviche at Ocean blue) 

[trician24]

 

I don't mind waiting for dinner since we are on vacation and in no hurry.   We always make our dining and show reservations ahead of time and give enough time in the schedule.   It is nice to change the "rush, rush, rush" pace of everyday life and take time to relax and enjoy eating at a restaurant. 

 

We are going on the Breakaway next cruise and I'm looking forward to Margaritaville.  I know it gets a bad rap, but we actually like the food there.  We figure we are on vacation and can splurge here and there when we find something we like. 

[cheersforbeers]

Tricia,

Cheers to you, our way of life also. 

Edited December 20, 2018 by cheersforbeers
Didn’t post quote

[Chuckabobo]

53 minutes ago, Budget Queen said:

I as well was on the same sailing.  I had a great time and really enjoyed it.    Frankly-   with a 4000+  passenger ship,  you have to be accepting of lines and waits.    It's actually pretty amazing,  that they are able to load and process all those people in 4 hours.    

 

I go real cheap,  picking up late minute bargains-  so have far more tolerance and acceptance of some "imperfections".  (I'm not on a private yacht)  🙂     I know a lot of people paid a LOT of money so,  expectations are probably are going to be higher.    I simply,  am never disappointed.   

 

This was a snorkel trip for me,  with Roatan a huge bonus.   I get picked up right outside the port gate and transit to my superb snorkel -  shore entry area.    Again,  absolutely  enjoyed the excellent snorkeling.    

If you don't mind, can you share the roatan snorkel excursion / location info?

[Budget Queen]

3 minutes ago, Chuckabobo said:

If you don't mind, can you share the roatan snorkel excursion / location info?

I  always go to West  Bay- excellent shore entry.   Last several trips (3 this year).   I've gone with https://www.shoreexcursioneer.com/roatan/west-bay-beach-day.html

 

which is the cheapest,   I've found.  :)    I sometimes also add a Costa Maya snorkel tour with this booking agent.    I book my Cayman- snorkel directly since I am very picky where I go.  

[Chuckabobo]

1 hour ago, Budget Queen said:

I  always go to West  Bay- excellent shore entry.   Last several trips (3 this year).   I've gone with https://www.shoreexcursioneer.com/roatan/west-bay-beach-day.html

 

which is the cheapest,   I've found.  🙂   I sometimes also add a Costa Maya snorkel tour with this booking agent.    I book my Cayman- snorkel directly since I am very picky where I go.  

Thank you very much I'll look into it.

[cruiser147147]

6 hours ago, sdcantrn said:

Thank you for the post!  Sailing soon also on a 10 day Breakaway.  Did you use NCL's app for communicating with other cruisers on board?  I've been trying to figure out what the options are, the cost and reliability of it.  Can you book shows or make dining reservations through the app? 

 

Any other tips are appreciated!

 

If you could share the dailies, I'd be eternally grateful. 😉

Yes, shows and dining can be booked with the free app.  Was on the 11-25 and 12-06 sailings.

 

Did not use app for comm so cannot comment.

[BoughtMyPoints]

On 12/18/2018 at 12:07 PM, oracer said:

Leaving in a month on the Breakaway and had a couple of questions:

 

1)  Do you remember any wine tasting classes offered on the boat other than the Wine for Lovers Show?  

2)  Did you go to the Cirque Show and if so, worth the cost?

3)  Any ports of calls that you would consider not worth getting off the boat?

1.  I was on for 40 days recently.  I don't remember tastings but that isn't my balliwick.

2.  Having seen the first generation Cirque show on the Epic and similar in Las Vegas,  the show on Breakaway is absolutely top class, beautifully staged and performed, even the dinner was good.  

3.  Belize City.  A ship with 4000+ passengers is too big for Harvest Caye.  Still Wifi and for most 3G/4G issues there.  Ocho Rios has a Margaritaville with pool but Breakaway usually berths at the more distant jetty.  Cozumel is a lottery, depending on which jetty.  Roatan is my personal favorite western Caribbean port.  

Saving a slot :  inconsistent service is the hallmark of NCL.  There are top, top professionals on board, you just have to find them.  La Cucina was a revelation this time.  I also started eating at Ocean Blue once each cruise.
King Crab Legs @ $8.99 is unbelievable for NCL with free sides.  Listed as an appetiser, portion was generous.

Unfortunately, on my 37th day on board I had a Vuk'd experience with Hotel Director Vuk.  But that's how it goes on NCL.  At least Vuk made sure there were stirrers for the iced tea in the restaurants unlike the Gem.  Yes, bring your own straws or swizzle sticks!

[alphie1991]

We were on the Thanksgiving sailing and went to the Cirque show.   I thought it was worth it.  Have never been to a Cirque show before.

 

Unless you are taking a tour, don't get off in Belize City.  It was terrible, very crowded, all shopping and people trying to sell tours, etc. at every step.  Did not look safe to go outside the port area.

[AmyJA]

Thank you. 

[tgold2]

On 12/20/2018 at 10:55 AM, sdcantrn said:

Thank you for the post!  Sailing soon also on a 10 day Breakaway.  Did you use NCL's app for communicating with other cruisers on board?  I've been trying to figure out what the options are, the cost and reliability of it.  Can you book shows or make dining reservations through the app? 

 

Any other tips are appreciated!

 

If you could share the dailies, I'd be eternally grateful. 😉

I've sailed recently on the breakaway and the iconcerige app was a total waste of 10.00 doesnt work in your rooms and barely works anywhere else. Messages would come through hours later. 

[oracer]

What movies were showing on the cruise? 

[jimbob22]

6 hours ago, oracer said:

What movies were showing on the cruise? 

one was Incredibles 2 in 3d.  Can't remember the others.

 

Pretty much concur with original poster: we found the food to be overall very strong.  Our only bad meal was at Shanghai Noodle.  Asian family of four next to us basically got up and left their soups behind.  I also got soup--it was just seafood in a 'broth' that was just tap water.  Mine had some chili flakes and oil, but daughter (wanted it without heat) just had tap water.  Just really poor quality 'soup'.  My shrimp dumplings were room temp.  Noodles were average with strange beef on them.  And it was all very slow paced.  

 

But other than that, all good meals. MDR was very slow and we left before dessert course.  Cagney's also served us very slowly.  And we seemed to figure out that at Moderno, they get irritated with you if they've finished stopping by with all the meats and your card is still green (we typically take like one or two slices at a time, but I think they'd rather you just load up so they don't have to come around again).

 

Buffet overall was excellent.  Many of the desserts we tried were excellent.  We thought the food at O'Sheehan's was really good (nothing earth shattering, but good pub food comparable to any typical land-based pub).

 

Burn the Floor was excellent, ditto for Rock of Ages (and I also think they could have toned it down just a bit, but they did warn everyone not to bring kids).  Magician Jason Andrews was really good, ditto for Whitney Houston tribute singer Ashlie-Amber.  We couldn't fit in the comedians, but our son was laughing like crazy at the pg rated stuff (from the day 1 show).

 

We were on during Christmas.  Embarkation was surprisingly good.  Possibly because we embarked a tad later than planned (around 2pm), and NCL had all of the desks where they make the sign and sail cards fully staffed.  And like my last ncl cruise, the worker botched one of our cards (putting wrong name with wrong picture), such that I had to spend my first 30 minutes getting it rectified.  

 

Oh, I recommend you have them clear out the mini-bar on day one if you don't use it.  We were charged $12 for vodka taken by prior guest, passerby, someone other than us.

Edited January 3, 2019 by jimbob22
add stuff

[Sand and Seas]

We had a very mixed up embarkation on our early November Breakaway cruise too.   You would think the NOLA port employees would have it figured out by now

 

Our very favorite thing that was unique to the Breakaway was the complimentary themed lunch buffet at Moderno.  I believe it was only for 'At Sea' days.  Look for it in the Dailies.  Just wish they would do the same on the Getaway.  Nice change from the more crowded regular buffet. 

They also had a nice little breakfast buffet in there most days.  Less options, but again less crowds.  Shhhhh......don't tell anyone else

Edited January 4, 2019 by Sand and Seas