Live from Norwegian Breakaway (Western Caribbean) - December 17-24, 2023

[WineandSea]

Following as we are sailing January 28th. Looking forward to your posts

[steelernation1]

Following along. We are on January 28th as well. Have a great trip.

[sarahandmike23]

Details from our checkin experience today:

We left our hotel at 10am by car service. What should have been 10 minute drive was about 45 minutes. There was terrible traffic to get to the terminal. When we got to the terminal we entered through door 4, baggage handlers were right there to help and super friendly (we tipped $10), and then walked down the hall to the queue for security. There were 3 lines for security. All guests go through these lines and they all move at the same speed. These security lines are right at door 1.

 

 

We got in security line at 10:40 and it took less than 20 minutes to have our edocs verified against identifications. Then you go immediately through metal detector lines - there were no people in line here with 2 open stations.

We then walked around the outside of the lines to check in to go to Haven check in. There were 9 open spots for Haven check in. We were checked in and had cards in less than 5 minutes for 3 of us. We were then escorted to the Haven lounge where they offered to board us immediately at 11:10. We were waiting for friends so we waited there first and a few minutes. While waiting I heard them announcing boarding for Group 1 at 11:15, Group 2 at 11:23, Group 3 at 11:24. Our friends arrived then and we were escorted on immediately. They take you straight to your muster station to have badge scanned. For 16122, our muster is at the theater. We then went for lunch at American Diner which is free for Haven guests on embarkation day. We were one of 3 tables. The weather was pretty cool outside. The food was good. We all had burgers, which were excellent. I had a Caesar salad on the side instead of fries. Our room was already ready when we checked at 12:30 and baggage was in our room by 1. One thing to note, our butler greeted us almost immediately after we arrived on the ship. His name is Marc. He gave us his card and said he’d come to our room later to meet us and find out how he can help us through the week. He did come to our room and was super nice, took notes of what we like. Asked all 3 of us what he could do specifically for each of us. I was impressed, especially after reading a recent Breakaway review where the guest said they never saw their butler until the last day. 

[ltmguy]

3 hours ago, sarahandmike23 said:

Details from our checkin experience today:

We left our hotel at 10am by car service. What should have been 10 minute drive was about 45 minutes. There was terrible traffic to get to the terminal. When we got to the terminal we entered through door 4, baggage handlers were right there to help and super friendly (we tipped $10), and then walked down the hall to the queue for security. There were 3 lines for security. All guests go through these lines and they all move at the same speed. These security lines are right at door 1.

 

 

We got in security line at 10:40 and it took less than 20 minutes to have our edocs verified against identifications. Then you go immediately through metal detector lines - there were no people in line here with 2 open stations.

We then walked around the outside of the lines to check in to go to Haven check in. There were 9 open spots for Haven check in. We were checked in and had cards in less than 5 minutes for 3 of us. We were then escorted to the Haven lounge where they offered to board us immediately at 11:10. We were waiting for friends so we waited there first and a few minutes. While waiting I heard them announcing boarding for Group 1 at 11:15, Group 2 at 11:23, Group 3 at 11:24. Our friends arrived then and we were escorted on immediately. They take you straight to your muster station to have badge scanned. For 16122, our muster is at the theater. We then went for lunch at American Diner which is free for Haven guests on embarkation day. We were one of 3 tables. The weather was pretty cool outside. The food was good. We all had burgers, which were excellent. I had a Caesar salad on the side instead of fries. Our room was already ready when we checked at 12:30 and baggage was in our room by 1. One thing to note, our butler greeted us almost immediately after we arrived on the ship. His name is Marc. He gave us his card and said he’d come to our room later to meet us and find out how he can help us through the week. He did come to our room and was super nice, took notes of what we like. Asked all 3 of us what he could do specifically for each of us. I was impressed, especially after reading a recent Breakaway review where the guest said they never saw their butler until the last day. 

Thanks  for sharing we are in Haven March 3

[sarahandmike23]

1 hour ago, ltmguy said:

Thanks  for sharing we are in Haven March 3

You’re welcome. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to find out for you.

 

We’re still coming down the Mississippi River at 9:45 pm C. I had no idea it took this long to get to the gulf. Very calm waters and slight movement of ship. Here’s a photo of the Haven pool area this evening. We had dinner outside. It was so peaceful. 

I have the drink package and was enjoying Peach Bellini’s from the Haven bar. My husband is having Tito’s and lime juice on the rocks. The pours have been great, as has the bar service. We are tipping a couple dollars cash with each drink. They are super grateful. 
At dinner I wanted a premium glass of wine which is $19 per glass. They just charged me $4 + gratuity for it, which is the difference from the $15 limit of drink package I have. Also since we were still in the US technically, they also charged $1.70 tax. We tipped $5 cash for the 3 drinks they brought us as dinner. 
For dinner I had the Prime Rib which came with vegetables and a small baked potato. The vegetables were cooked so perfectly, I have to remember to ask for more vegetables next time. They brought around toppings for the baked potato - fresh chives, cheddar cheese, sour cream and bacon were the choices. The creamed corn side was pretty good but spicy - must have jalapeños in it.

 

 

I started with the deviled eggs with no lobster on them (I don’t eat shellfish and they accommodated for all of our groups substitutions). The deviled eggs were slightly bland but after cracking peppercorn on them, they were really good - great consistency. Only disappointment in our group were the desserts. We didn’t find them as good as the desserts in years past like the carrot cake or espresso brownie. My son had the chocolate decadent cake - it’s very soft, mostly mousse.

 

 

My husband has the cheesecake which he did like, but he said he has much better before.

 

 

Others in the group had the New York Strip and the Lamb chops with no pancetta. 
 

 

 

It was a great, all around dinner experience though. 

Edited December 18, 2023 by sarahandmike23

[HoosierShipmate]

To add to the food porn, we just finished dinner at Cagney’s - it was a long one, a little over two hours. Partly our fault, partly the speed of the kitchen.  Our service was amazing - thank you George!!

 

The menu is readily available online, but here it is:

 

 

For starters, kids both had salads (no pics because lettuce is boring), I had tuna tartare and Angie had shrimp cocktail.  

 

I also had the baked onion soup, which was pretty good. Last time I had Cagney’s I did the lobster bisque and something in the back of my mind told me not to order it again this trip.

No pic of that, it’s soup in a bowl.

All four of us ordered the 8oz filet. Not exactly original, but we return at the end of the cruise so maybe somebody will venture out. I doubt it.  Mine was medium and cooked perfectly - delish.

 

 

As we finished off the last of our bottle of wine, we ordered dessert.  I completely forgot to take a pic of the menu, but the table ended up with:

 

#1 - Blueberry Oatmeal Crisp

 

#2 - Apple Pie

 

#3 - OMG Caramel Cheesecake

 

#4 Seven Layer Chocolate Cake

 

I put those in order of delishiosity (yes that is a word I’m sure of it) - I ordered the blueberry and didn’t think it was going to be as amazing as it was - but it was fantastic. I finished it and might order it again when we go back Saturday night. 

The others, well each person left me plenty to get a good sampling. Not just a little bite of each, so I speak with confidence that my ranking is solid 🙂

 

It’s now 11:02pm Central time which is midnight at home. I’m stuffed beyond belief, feel I have gotten my money’s worth from the drink package, have had the caloric intake of a football team, and can now go to bed happy 🙂

 

Tomorrow I’ll post room pics, forgot to do that today and am too lazy to do it now.

 

Edit: Oh look, wine and bowl of soup 🙂 

Edited December 18, 2023 by HoosierShipmate

[LouChamp]

Aloha. Blessed to sail NCL for decades.  Hope you have a wonderful time and thank you for the food pictures lol.

[PaperSniper4]

I believe NCL will collect a tax on beverages until you are out of Lousiana waters. That is applied with or without the NCL beverage package. So basically the first night; at least for us, we hit the sack before leaving the Mississippi river. 😉Seems on our last NOLA cruise that was around $2 or so per drink? Can someone confirm; I am curious.

 

Doug

[HoosierShipmate]

56 minutes ago, PaperSniper4 said:

I believe NCL will collect a tax on beverages until you are out of Lousiana waters. That is applied with or without the NCL beverage package. So basically the first night; at least for us, we hit the sack before leaving the Mississippi river. 😉Seems on our last NOLA cruise that was around $2 or so per drink? Can someone confirm; I am curious.

 

Doug

That is accurate. Don’t know the % but I rang up about $20 in taxes so that feels close!

[HoosierShipmate]

Good morning from somewhere warmer than my hometown….at least a little warmer it’s still a bit chilly, but a great view!

 

[sarahandmike23]

9 minutes ago, HoosierShipmate said:

Good morning from somewhere warmer than my hometown….at least a little warmer it’s still a bit chilly, but a great view!

 

Yes!!!! We are loving the hot sun on our faces and the warm air. Have a great day!

 

[ltmguy]

9 hours ago, sarahandmike23 said:

You’re welcome. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to find out for you.

 

We’re still coming down the Mississippi River at 9:45 pm C. I had no idea it took this long to get to the gulf. Very calm waters and slight movement of ship. Here’s a photo of the Haven pool area this evening. We had dinner outside. It was so peaceful. 

I have the drink package and was enjoying Peach Bellini’s from the Haven bar. My husband is having Tito’s and lime juice on the rocks. The pours have been great, as has the bar service. We are tipping a couple dollars cash with each drink. They are super grateful. 
At dinner I wanted a premium glass of wine which is $19 per glass. They just charged me $4 + gratuity for it, which is the difference from the $15 limit of drink package I have. Also since we were still in the US technically, they also charged $1.70 tax. We tipped $5 cash for the 3 drinks they brought us as dinner. 
For dinner I had the Prime Rib which came with vegetables and a small baked potato. The vegetables were cooked so perfectly, I have to remember to ask for more vegetables next time. They brought around toppings for the baked potato - fresh chives, cheddar cheese, sour cream and bacon were the choices. The creamed corn side was pretty good but spicy - must have jalapeños in it.

 

 

I started with the deviled eggs with no lobster on them (I don’t eat shellfish and they accommodated for all of our groups substitutions). The deviled eggs were slightly bland but after cracking peppercorn on them, they were really good - great consistency. Only disappointment in our group were the desserts. We didn’t find them as good as the desserts in years past like the carrot cake or espresso brownie. My son had the chocolate decadent cake - it’s very soft, mostly mousse.

 

 

My husband has the cheesecake which he did like, but he said he has much better before.

 

 

Others in the group had the New York Strip and the Lamb chops with no pancetta. 
 

 

 

It was a great, all around dinner experience though. 

We travel this route every year love the Breakaway Haven it is our favorite! Can you ask Aaron and Raymond if they are still there for the March 3 sailing? 

[HoosierShipmate]

Freestyle Daily - Norwegian Breakaway - Day 2 - December 18, 2023

 

Edited December 18, 2023 by HoosierShipmate

[RocketMan275]

Thank you.

Brings back memories. 

We've done Haven Breakaway twice from NOLA.  

[HoosierShipmate]

Savor for breakfast this morning - as I wait for the food I realize I may have a liquid fetish. Menus for anyone guessing what we order 🙂 

[justhappy]

Enjoying this review so much as we will be on the ship in a Haven suite in March, past Mardi Gras, but I’m sure we will have spring break crowds.

[OurAnniversary25]

Thank you so much for this review!  We are sailing for my (gulp!) 65th birthday in January.  First time on the Breakaway but have been on the Getaway twice.  

[HoosierShipmate]

As a reminder I didn’t eat all of this. It’s one photo of each item the whole table had. To be fair we had three bananas but who wants three banana photos? That would be weird.

 

Sliced banana. Why did I pick this one for the photo?!

 

Ham and cheese omelette with potatoes 

 

Breakfast Wrap

 

Salmon Bagel

 

Waffle

 

Pancakes

 

Everything was tasty according to the person who ordered. The ham and cheese omelette was just ok. 
 

 

[cruiseny4life]

5 minutes ago, HoosierShipmate said:

As a reminder I didn’t eat all of this. It’s one photo of each item the whole table had. To be fair we had three bananas but who wants three banana photos? That would be weird.

 

Sliced banana. Why did I pick this one for the photo?!

 

Ham and cheese omelette with potatoes 

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! A banana! Now those are rare. I didn't see one on my last cruise, at all. And previously, we ran out on day three or four. That one looks slightly garish haha

 

That omelets, I'm sorry it didn't taste that great. It looks like one of the best cooked cruise ships omelets I've seen. 

 

I'm absolutely loving the focus of your review. Thank you for sharing and have an incredible sunshiny day!

[www3traveler]

The trip down the Mississippi River (or back up) takes between 6 and 8 hours depending on the water level in the River and how much traffic there is.  Between cruise ships, cargo container ships, oil tankers and all kinds of fishing boats, the River can get very congested.

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, HoosierShipmate said:

As a reminder I didn’t eat all of this. It’s one photo of each item the whole table had. To be fair we had three bananas but who wants three banana photos? That would be weird.

 

Sliced banana. Why did I pick this one for the photo?!

 

Should have ordered the prunes.

[ltmguy]

On 12/17/2023 at 10:28 AM, HoosierShipmate said:

Parking in the whale lot was simple. No line, and @PaperSniper4 the charge was $150 for the week.  Drive right in and parked, about two minute walk to luggage dropoff and then went straight to Cafe Du Monde Riverwalk. 
 

For those that are veterans and 50% disabled it is free with the appropriate paperwork 

[HoosierShipmate]

AITA?

A friend sent me this photo from home:

 

I replied with this:

 

 

AITA? LOL

[HoosierShipmate]

Finally getting around to posting cabin pics. C and J are are in an inside cabin and if they send me pics from day one I’ll post later.  No doubt it’s a mess by now.

 

This is a Club Balcony Suite on deck 10 midship. The word ‘suite’ should be used lightly but it is a nice room and the bathroom feels spacious compared to the norm for sure.  Category MB if curious.

 

They didn’t get bed setup right at first. But the room is spacious and has nice storage.

 

 

Always hate that they only have power outlets in one place, usually the worst place.

 

Regular size balcony. Windows need a wash!

 

Nice to have a double sink.

 

 

 

HUGE shower. 

 

Finally, doesn’t this artwork just scream cruise vacation!?!?!

 

 

[HoosierShipmate]

Came down from the pool to shower and nap, but they were cleaning the room. So I waited in the casino. Not smart am I? I got cleaned out twice.