Just off Breakaway 1/3-1/17 Ask Away

Hi All,

Just did the 1/3/16-1/17/16 2 week southern Breakaway cruise. Did a lot of things (but not everything). Feel free to ask away.

Here's my tips:

1) Mixx bar - Christian is the BEST bartender on the ship! Tell him Debbie & Blanche said Hi

2) Get to theater at least 30 mins prior to any show there else it's standing room only. The theater is small for a ship that size

3) Get to the atrium more than 30 mins prior to any show there. It's so tiny for a ship this size and there's barely seating for about 50 people.

4) Try different bars for different drinks. Martini bar has all kinds of martinis, Maltings has different kinds of beers, etc.

5) DO THE ROPES COURSE! It's a blast once you get over the initial fear. Try it in port your first time when the ship isn't moving.

6) When Moderno has lunch, do it. They have different themes like barvarian, Mexican, indian, etc. It's really good and a change from the buffet.

7) Moderno has a smaller breakfast buffet too and is less crowded and more comfortable.

8) If you don't like loud music, don't go to the Manhattan room for dinner, the music is really loud. Taste & Savor were more intimate and nice. I would tell you to ask for Ramon as your server but he was just leaving for vacation. He was awesome.

9) Do the activities early in the cruise. Everyone was trying to do everything the last 2 days (mini golf, ropes course, etc).

Any questions???

debbie

Hi All,

 

Just did the 1/3/16-1/17/16 2 week southern Breakaway cruise. Did a lot of things (but not everything). Feel free to ask away.

 

Here's my tips:

1) Mixx bar - Christian is the BEST bartender on the ship! Tell him Debbie & Blanche said Hi

 

2) Get to theater at least 30 mins prior to any show there else it's standing room only. The theater is small for a ship that size

 

3) Get to the atrium more than 30 mins prior to any show there. It's so tiny for a ship this size and there's barely seating for about 50 people.

 

4) Try different bars for different drinks. Martini bar has all kinds of martinis, Maltings has different kinds of beers, etc.

 

5) DO THE ROPES COURSE! It's a blast once you get over the initial fear. Try it in port your first time when the ship isn't moving.

 

6) When Moderno has lunch, do it. They have different themes like barvarian, Mexican, indian, etc. It's really good and a change from the buffet.

 

7) Moderno has a smaller breakfast buffet too and is less crowded and more comfortable.

 

8) If you don't like loud music, don't go to the Manhattan room for dinner, the music is really loud. Taste & Savor were more intimate and nice. I would tell you to ask for Ramon as your server but he was just leaving for vacation. He was awesome.

 

9) Do the activities early in the cruise. Everyone was trying to do everything the last 2 days (mini golf, ropes course, etc).

 

Any questions???

debbie

Do you know if it was hard to get specialty restaurant reservations if you did not prebook?

Thank

Lois

Thank you for your review! We are planning to take a family cruise at Christmas. We are celebrating our 50th anniversary. We have 18 in our party. 8 adults and 8 grandchildren ages 5 to 18, and of course my husband and myself. Would this ship be a good fit? Would we have trouble dinning together? We are also considering Carnival Vista.

Did you go to the casino? If yes can you update us as to what types of slots they have please.

Thanks for your tips OP. The one thing that really drove us nuts on our first BA cruise was the insanity at the buffet at breakfast time. I really wish we knew about the smaller buffet at Moderno! We'll definitely check it out when we're back on BA in May.

Do you know if it was hard to get specialty restaurant reservations if you did not prebook?

 

Thank

 

Lois

No it wasn't hard at all. In fact we booked Teppanaki in the afternoon for a 7pm dining reservation. Although I do know our cruise was not completely booked and we did have an older crowd on board, so I don't know if that had anything to do with it.

But many of the specialty restaurants seemed to have plenty of seating.

Debbie

Did you do a martini tasting? Which dining venue was your favorite? We have the 3 pack specialty dining and I am curious about these and the complimentary venues. Thank you.

Thank you for your review! We are planning to take a family cruise at Christmas. We are celebrating our 50th anniversary. We have 18 in our party. 8 adults and 8 grandchildren ages 5 to 18, and of course my husband and myself. Would this ship be a good fit? Would we have trouble dinning together? We are also considering Carnival Vista.

I don't see why it wouldn't. I saw big parties sitting together at dinner in the restaurants (at least 12 people). The only thing about this ship (and also the Epic that we were on last year) is that the public venues aren't very big. So there's no way you would all be sitting together for some of the smaller shows like the Not So Newlywed Game or anything in their atrium or Headliners.

Comparing NCL to Carnival is like apples and oranges. Carnival is more of a budget cruise line. You can get pretty good deals on NCL and the service is better.

Hope this helps!

debbie

Did you go to the casino? If yes can you update us as to what types of slots they have please.

I didn't actual use any of them but passed through plenty of times. I saw various different kinds of slots, many were penny slots! Although... I think the minimum was either 25 cents of 40 cents, so IMHO it's not really a "penny" slot machine.

There were the typical slots like you would see in Atlantic City or Vegas. IF you have a favorite one, I can tell you if I saw it, but in general I don't remember the names of them.

debbie

Thanks for your tips OP. The one thing that really drove us nuts on our first BA cruise was the insanity at the buffet at breakfast time. I really wish we knew about the smaller buffet at Moderno! We'll definitely check it out when we're back on BA in May.

It's funny because we commented a number of times how *empty* the buffet was for breakfast! As I mentioned in a different post, we weren't full to capacity, so that may be a reason but we (party of 3-4) ALWAYS found a seat very easily in the buffet.

I know from past cruises that the buffet is always crowded, that's why I was surprised to always get a seat.

debbie

Did you do a martini tasting? Which dining venue was your favorite? We have the 3 pack specialty dining and I am curious about these and the complimentary venues. Thank you.

I did a martini tasting on the Gem (not this one). It's fun. You can either do it during the actual "martini tasting" that's scheduled or you can always just do it yourself at any time. IF you do it during the scheduled time, they bartender gives everyone a presentation of the types of martinis and how to make them. Although when we did it on the Gem, I couldn't understand a word the guy said LOL.

We liked Taste the best, but Savor (right across from Taste) was the same type of venue. I typically like the bigger main dining rooms but the Manhattan room was always so noisy and the music was like a freaking concert. We could barely talk in there.

We did Teppanki (sp?) one night and enjoyed it. You can get extra of whatever you want. They had shrimp, scallops, filet mignon, etc. I asked for extra shrimp with my Land & Sea and got it no problem. It's a similar "show" to the hibachi places as home, but very fun.

I am always an advocate for the complimentary dining because I think it's good. But it's always fun to do a couple specialty restaurants too. We did Moderno on the Gem and it was really good. It's a Brazilian rodizio style. WE didn't like the menu at Le Bistro that much and didn't care to go to Cagney's because the steak in the MDR was just fine.

Hope that helps!

debbie

Thank you very much.

Is Moderno complimentary for breakfast and lunch?

You did the obstacle course? I would love to try it. I saw that the maximum weight is 300 lbs. Although I am no way near 300 lbs I am a chunky monkey and it worries me about walking on a small beam!! I would love to try it though! Would love to hear more about it.

We are a group of 4, all sharing the same cabin. :eek: I know there are showers in the spa/gym area. Do you know if there is a fee for showering there? It would be so much nicer if 1 or 2 of us could take our showers there. I can't imagine for women trying to get ready for dinner in 1 bathroom!!!

Is Moderno complimentary for breakfast and lunch?

This is my question too!

Is Moderno complimentary for breakfast and lunch?

 

You did the obstacle course? I would love to try it. I saw that the maximum weight is 300 lbs. Although I am no way near 300 lbs I am a chunky monkey and it worries me about walking on a small beam!! I would love to try it though! Would love to hear more about it.

 

We are a group of 4, all sharing the same cabin. :eek: I know there are showers in the spa/gym area. Do you know if there is a fee for showering there? It would be so much nicer if 1 or 2 of us could take our showers there. I can't imagine for women trying to get ready for dinner in 1 bathroom!!!

I don't believe you will be able to access the Spa's Locker room (with showers) unless you purchase access to the Thermal Suites. With that being said, the locker room area is very nice and clean and has multiple showers.

This is my question too!

Modernos is definitely complimentary for breakfast (I was on the New Year's cruise). I did not eat lunch in there but I am assuming it was complimentary for lunch as well.

Thanks for your tips OP. The one thing that really drove us nuts on our first BA cruise was the insanity at the buffet at breakfast time. I really wish we knew about the smaller buffet at Moderno! We'll definitely check it out when we're back on BA in May.

Will the Moderno on GETAWAY have this breakfast and lunch buffet?

Is Moderno complimentary for breakfast and lunch?

 

You did the obstacle course? I would love to try it. I saw that the maximum weight is 300 lbs. Although I am no way near 300 lbs I am a chunky monkey and it worries me about walking on a small beam!! I would love to try it though! Would love to hear more about it.

 

We are a group of 4, all sharing the same cabin. :eek: I know there are showers in the spa/gym area. Do you know if there is a fee for showering there? It would be so much nicer if 1 or 2 of us could take our showers there. I can't imagine for women trying to get ready for dinner in 1 bathroom!!!

Yes, Moderno is complimentary for breakfast and lunch.

Yes, that's what I called the "ropes course". It was A LOT of fun! It was very intimidating at first and both me (53) and my daughter (21) got up to the top and turned right back around the first time. Then we did it in port and it was soooo much better. No wind and no rocking of the ship. The first 1-2 obstacles that you have to walk over are actually the HARDEST ones, no lie! Then the small tiny beam was actually EASY because it doesn't move and sway, it's a solid bar.

By the 3rd time I did it, I was walking over the obstacles very fast :)

As someone else said, you won't be able to use the spa for showers because you need to purchase the spa pass. I didn't check into it because we weren't going to use it. I don't think there were showers in the fitness center, but I guess you could ask on board if there's anyplace you can shower besides your cabin.

have fun!

debbie

I'm not sure why you keep stating that the ship wasn't sailing at capacity. There were two very prominent signs in the Guest Services/Atrium area stating that the ship was completely booked and therefore no cabin changes or upgrades would be possible. They were up almost the entire 14 days. I also would have to disagree with your statement about needing to be in the theater at least 30 minutes prior to a show. We attended the 9:00 or 9:30 showing of every show except the second showing of Rock of Ages and Oh What a Night. We never arrived earlier than 20 minutes before and most of the time were exactly 15 minutes early and the theater was never more than 1/2 filled at that time. The 9:00 shows with the individual performers such as the juggler, hypnotist, and comedian had plenty of open seats around us. Maybe you attended the earlier 7:00/7:30 shows. What a great cruise it was and wasn't that storm on the last day incredible! What an experience!

A tip for anyone who shows up at the buffet to find a huge crowd: Go up the aft stairs to Uptown Grill. They breakfast sandwiches & some bagels that are more interesting than the plain ones you find at the main buffet. I think the will also cook omelets to order (never asked) and have other breakfast foods. I've never found it to be crowded.

Check there for lunch if you want a nice corned beef on rye. :-)

I'm not sure why you keep stating that the ship wasn't sailing at capacity. There were two very prominent signs in the Guest Services/Atrium area stating that the ship was completely booked and therefore no cabin changes or upgrades would be possible. They were up almost the entire 14 days. I also would have to disagree with your statement about needing to be in the theater at least 30 minutes prior to a show. We attended the 9:00 or 9:30 showing of every show except the second showing of Rock of Ages and Oh What a Night. We never arrived earlier than 20 minutes before and most of the time were exactly 15 minutes early and the theater was never more than 1/2 filled at that time. The 9:00 shows with the individual performers such as the juggler, hypnotist, and comedian had plenty of open seats around us. Maybe you attended the earlier 7:00/7:30 shows. What a great cruise it was and wasn't that storm on the last day incredible! What an experience!

ratherbtruckin: thanks so much for weighing in - we were on the very same cruise and like you, did not experience any difficulties with the shows/reservations/dining experiences.

the ship was busy, but not packed to the nth degree!!! we did specialty dining every other night and had no problems with reservations!

the storm was awesome! we had the balcony door open and enjoyed the effects! happy cruising to those going next!

my tip of the day! book Antours in Domenica for the River Rafting...........incredible experience, fantastic and caring river guides! well worth it...........

I'm not sure why you keep stating that the ship wasn't sailing at capacity. There were two very prominent signs in the Guest Services/Atrium area stating that the ship was completely booked and therefore no cabin changes or upgrades would be possible. They were up almost the entire 14 days. I also would have to disagree with your statement about needing to be in the theater at least 30 minutes prior to a show. We attended the 9:00 or 9:30 showing of every show except the second showing of Rock of Ages and Oh What a Night. We never arrived earlier than 20 minutes before and most of the time were exactly 15 minutes early and the theater was never more than 1/2 filled at that time. The 9:00 shows with the individual performers such as the juggler, hypnotist, and comedian had plenty of open seats around us. Maybe you attended the earlier 7:00/7:30 shows. What a great cruise it was and wasn't that storm on the last day incredible! What an experience!

I was on the same cruise also and saw the signs too. I spoke to the hotel director at the latitudes party and what he said was that there were some groups of inside cabins available but they were the least desirable and the individual cabins were not "maxed" out like on cruises with more children on board. Instead of 4 to a cabin, most were twos and there were quite a few with singles. Evidently they upgraded people in the inside studios to ocean view or better. There were something like 1800 kids in the previous sailing and we only had about 200-300. Right there that is quite a few seats in the dining room and the theater.

What nights / times was the Cirque Dinner show offered?

I'm not sure why you keep stating that the ship wasn't sailing at capacity. There were two very prominent signs in the Guest Services/Atrium area stating that the ship was completely booked and therefore no cabin changes or upgrades would be possible. They were up almost the entire 14 days. I also would have to disagree with your statement about needing to be in the theater at least 30 minutes prior to a show. We attended the 9:00 or 9:30 showing of every show except the second showing of Rock of Ages and Oh What a Night. We never arrived earlier than 20 minutes before and most of the time were exactly 15 minutes early and the theater was never more than 1/2 filled at that time. The 9:00 shows with the individual performers such as the juggler, hypnotist, and comedian had plenty of open seats around us. Maybe you attended the earlier 7:00/7:30 shows. What a great cruise it was and wasn't that storm on the last day incredible! What an experience!

Yes, I did see those signs too. But I believe for the most part, they are a deterrent for people who want free/low cost upgrades when they get on the ship. I was talking to one of the cruise director's staff and he told us that last cruise they were at 4,000 passenger capacity and this particular cruise they were at 3,600. So I'm going by what he told me. I honestly didn't feel like the cruise was at capacity either.

We did both the 7 & 9pm shows. You are right in that you didn't need to get there exactly 30 mins before to "get a seat", but to get a decent seat you did. We showed up at 9pm for the Oh What a Night show and it was standing room only.

Oooooh... the nor'easter! Now THAT was interesting! I've never been woken up on a ship before and couldn't get back to sleep. My daughter wandered the ship at 4am because she couldn't sleep lol. I finally decided to get up at 5:30am and just go to deck 6 where I knew the rocking wouldn't be as bad.

Can you post a video to these boards? I have a video of the "live action" and it would be fun to show people.

debbie

There were two very prominent signs in the Guest Services/Atrium area stating that the ship was completely booked...They were up almost the entire 14 days.

I wonder what happened to the folks that freed up the rooms that caused the sign to come down.

:)

And now question time!

Is there anything comparable to the Gem’s Great Outdoors (Aft outdoors free buffet/snacks) on the Breakaway? On the Gem its a big outside seating area overlooking the back of the ship. It's nice to eat outside when the weather is nice instead of sitting inside looking out at the nice weather.

Do they show movies on the Breakaway? We really enjoyed a couple on the Gem, Jurassic Park in the main theater and in the atrium.

Are there family fun activities on the Breakaway? The gem had cupcake making, balloon making, family pool party, and the family white hot party.

The ropes course, is that free?