NCL Breakaway Comments

On January 31, 2016, we sailed from New York City to the Caribbean 14 days round trip. I was quite surprised at some of the conditions we experienced during the cruise.

Our balcony cabin was the smallest cabin that we remember in 55 cruises. In fact, the life jackets had to be kept under the beds to make storage room for our clothes. Total walkway width in front of the closet was about 11 inches. Did you ever see a nightstand that was approximately 7 inches wide? That is what we had for one of the two nightstands.

Much of the storage space was under the couch. We seniors had a hard time accessing this storage because the one or two draws under the couch rubbed against the floor carpet, and we had to get down on our knees to push and pull the draw(s) open and closed because of the carpet rubbing. This was difficult for people like us in the upper sixties.

There was no chair in front of the mirror, just a little stool.

There was a small TV that was not well aligned with the bed.

One of the TV channels provided 25 free movies, but they were generally useless. This was because the 25 movies played in a continuous loop. The NCL employees did not know the movie schedule for any day. So, if you wanted to see some specific movie(s), you had no way of knowing when it/they would start, and the start times changed every day because of the 25-movie continuous loop.

This was very poor on NCL’s part. Why not start on a different movie at 4 AM or so each day (so the movies times would be staggered and different every day of the week) and publish a schedule for each day. This would be easy to do and would allow guests to know what was playing throughout the day, and the starting times.

When I suggested this to the front office, I was told that "providing a list of the movie start times on the free movie channel was not NCL policy." This unfriendly corporate attitude surprised me.

The cheapest bottle of wine was $36.00, and they charged for two production shows.

We missed a port (San Juan) because of a medical evacuation. NCL gave no compensation for the missed port. This ship had more passengers than on any of our previous cruises. It is obvious that (keeping the other variables constant) the more passengers on a ship, the more risk of missing ports because of medical emergencies.

NCL now charges in the free restaurants for some upscale meals that were once free.

Noise levels were very and annoyingly loud in several public areas and restaurants compared to all our previous cruises. In some of the public areas, the captain’s announcements could not be heard or understood because of the background noise level.

Because of how the casino is located relative to the two atriums, cigarette smoke was encountered in some of the main public areas on other decks.

On the plus side, there were still many good offerings in the free restaurants. We were satisfied with the free dining.

Our cabin’s AC cooling was the best we ever experienced on ocean-going ships.

We were generally satisfied with the evening entertainment, and gladly paid for one of the special shows.

And I am sure that most younger folk, children and families would be very happy with the many ship amenities and activities.

We have cruised with NCL many times in the past and hope to do so again in the future.

Steve

On January 31, 2016, we sailed from New York City to the Caribbean 14 days round trip. I was quite surprised at some of the conditions we experienced during the cruise.

 

Our balcony cabin was the smallest cabin that we remember in 55 cruises. In fact, the life jackets had to be kept under the beds to make storage room for our clothes. Total walkway width in front of the closet was about 11 inches. Did you ever see a nightstand that was approximately 7 inches wide? That is what we had for one of the two nightstands.

 

Much of the storage space was under the couch. We seniors had a hard time accessing this storage because the one or two draws under the couch rubbed against the floor carpet, and we had to get down on our knees to push and pull the draw(s) open and closed because of the carpet rubbing. This was difficult for people like us in the upper sixties.

 

There was no chair in front of the mirror, just a little stool.

 

There was a small TV that was not well aligned with the bed.

 

One of the TV channels provided 25 free movies, but they were generally useless. This was because the 25 movies played in a continuous loop. The NCL employees did not know the movie schedule for any day. So, if you wanted to see some specific movie(s), you had no way of knowing when it/they would start, and the start times changed every day because of the 25-movie continuous loop.

 

This was very poor on NCL’s part. Why not start on a different movie at 4 AM or so each day (so the movies times would be staggered and different every day of the week) and publish a schedule for each day. This would be easy to do and would allow guests to know what was playing throughout the day, and the starting times.

 

When I suggested this to the front office, I was told that "providing a list of the movie start times on the free movie channel was not NCL policy." This unfriendly corporate attitude surprised me.

 

The cheapest bottle of wine was $36.00, and they charged for two production shows.

 

We missed a port (San Juan) because of a medical evacuation. NCL gave no compensation for the missed port. This ship had more passengers than on any of our previous cruises. It is obvious that (keeping the other variables constant) the more passengers on a ship, the more risk of missing ports because of medical emergencies.

 

NCL now charges in the free restaurants for some upscale meals that were once free.

 

Noise levels were very and annoyingly loud in several public areas and restaurants compared to all our previous cruises. In some of the public areas, the captain’s announcements could not be heard or understood because of the background noise level.

 

Because of how the casino is located relative to the two atriums, cigarette smoke was encountered in some of the main public areas on other decks.

 

On the plus side, there were still many good offerings in the free restaurants. We were satisfied with the free dining.

 

Our cabin’s AC cooling was the best we ever experienced on ocean-going ships.

 

We were generally satisfied with the evening entertainment, and gladly paid for one of the special shows.

 

And I am sure that most younger folk, children and families would be very happy with the many ship amenities and activities.

 

We have cruised with NCL many times in the past and hope to do so again in the future.

 

Steve

For 55 cruises,, you don't seem to roll with it. I was on the BA and don't recall being charged for shows others than the wine and the circus show,,,

The TV,,, u r on a cruise. May note of them and watch them when us get home.

u have an issue with the number of people based on a the increased risk of medical issues,,, OK

We're sailing Breakaway May 8th and we're very much looking forward to it. No ship is perfect in all aspects, but honestly, after 30+ cruises we've never come home with a list of negatives.

We expect "stuff" to happen, but we just let it roll off and get on with enjoying ourselves. We always make do with what we've been given......from inside cabins to suites...we've done them all and some of best cruises were in teenie weenie cabins with barely any storage and no chair - just a bed!

We know that our Breakaway cruise to Bermuda will be fabulous, because we won't allow it to be otherwise.

With 55 cruises under your belt you probably have great comparisons of what the Breakaway did well.

What room did you book - I know people complain about NCL's small rooms and balconies but I guess it all depends on what you booked and where on the ship it is located.

Also what ports did you go to? Any fun excursions? I've never been on a cruise 14 days long, you must have seen a lot of sights!

OP, thank you for your late review. I was just wondering that had you done a bit of research by reading previous reviews done by othes on the Breakaway before booking your 14 days. Perhaps, you would've booked another ship and/or another cruiseline instead with what is important to you. ;)

We scored a free upgrade to a standard balcony on the Breakaway last year, which was an upgrade from the smaller Oceanview GTY (same size as the Inside, which we booked & stayed in 2014 - and, booked again for our next Bermuda cruise in 3 weeks ... and, those are small) - some of the issues could've been resolved easily, i.e. by asking the Room Steward to move the bed further away from the closet & changing the setup for the "narrow" space-saving nightstand (giving you 18" of space in front of the closet ... which I agree, is still tight but much more "accessible). We didn't bother with it as DW & I just sat on the bed while using the closet - and, being a 7 nights sailing for us, we had plenty of storage to use for what we packed ... we packed light even for oversea trips & took advantage of laundry onboard.

As for the size of the "small" TV, well - it's a 22" HDTV and most definitely not small by cruiseline standards, much bigger than the old analog cube TV still in use a few years ago if you've sailed previously with NCL (we did).

We are, by no means, cheerleading on everything done by NCL these days but we sailed with an open mind & make the best of each & every cruise, whether we missed a port or not or had a rough & stormy ride at sea with 30' to 40' waves, getting tossed around or being miserable with a cold, etc.

The stool was not ideal, but it was another way to provide "extra" storage needed when there are 3 or 4 pax in a balcony cabin (we used it to keep our soda that we took onboard) For watching TV, we did that from the full length sofa & tilted the TV slightly - and, yes, a swivel that swing out further would be a nice feature. But, given the limited channels & selection of "free" movies, it didn't matter much to us - we had our own setup to cast/stream our own MP4 videos.

The only one production show that had a charge was the dinner show in the smaller Spiegel Tent. Others commented on other issues you've noted so nothing further to add from us.

We like the size of the smaller but not necessary "older" NCL ships as they've been refurbished but got a bargain deal to sail the BA again, and given the convenience of being 30+ minutes to NYC port - choose to go windowless ... but, keeping options open for a last minute upsell/upgrade, but regardless - going to have a great time DIY mostly with another couple, good friends of ours nearing early retirement, see Bermuda (and, they too with an Inside stateroom).

An outline of the positive aspect of your cruise and even the neutral ones would help balance the review, coming off as a seasoned cruiser familiar with NCL. If physical space or size of cabin of layout is important, we would've book with CCL or RCI - I'm surprised that you didn't comment on the size of the balcony (P.S. the chair could've been moved indoors as the chair ... finding a corner for the stool was the challenge)

Reading this, and other posts, re the size of the inside cabins I'm wondering if it will be big enough for 3 large suitcases? We will be doing a 2 ships trip, hence the 3 cases.

Reading this, and other posts, re the size of the inside cabins I'm wondering if it will be big enough for 3 large suitcases? ...

Depending on the size of your "large" suitcases, and as long as it's under 15" tall (height) ... it will definitely fit 3 "big" 25"+ expandable suitcase under the Queen beds joint together or separately, even if one bed has the storage basket for the life jackets - same amount of space underneath, whether it's inside, oceanview or balcony.

My Costo Kirkland Signature 22"+ expandable carry-on fit flat on the floor in the "smallish" closet (or, you can stand it vertically) & softside 22" convertible carry-on (eBags) fit easily into one of the shelves in the closet, unpacked or partially packed ... since we use packing cubes.

Under my SIGnature above, look for pictures from 2014 BA's Inside stateroom, with picture of underbed & closet storage and 2015 BA's Balcony - unpack some of the items & put them onto the open shelves (hence, eBags, Eagle Creek & Ikea branded packing cubes are excellent for organizing & ease of packing/unpacking)

Not to worry, if you still feel the need for more space for the suitcases - the shower area, when unused - will fit easily 2 jumbo suitcases vertically. :D

Will a person nearly 6'5 have a problem with the shower ?:confused:

Will a person nearly 6'5 have a problem with the shower ?:confused:

Lenny, I am 6'4' and can hit the top of the stall with my head on my toes.... Haha.

The shower heads are removable so no issues. I hate hotel rooms were the shower head seams half way down my back.

they charged for two production shows??? :eek::eek::eek:

I have sailed on Princess, Celebrity, RC, Carnival and a 2 nighter NCL.

Will be sailing on the Breakaway.

There has never been charged to see a show.

That's ridiculous!!!

Was the extra fee for a famous entertainer?

That's the only way I would paid, not to see their staff sing and dance. :cool:

they charged for two production shows??? :eek::eek::eek:

The only non-free shows on BA involve food - the Cirque Dreams dinner theater and the Wine Lovers lunch.

*All* main theater shows, every evening - including the Broadway shows Rock of Ages and Burn the Floor - are included with no extra charge.

I am never surprised by my stateroom's size and features. After only a few cruises I discovered and subscribed to cruisestaterooms.com. There I view photos. No surprises!

I am never surprised by my stateroom's size and features. After only a few cruises I discovered and subscribed to cruisestaterooms.com. There I view photos. No surprises!

There are also plenty of fine reviews located on YouTube for free. You get a great idea of exactly how your cabin is laid out and they are unbiased too. Just search by the ship and cabin type. Below is a link for my review of a minisuite on the Breakaway just in case you're interested. :)

Depending on the size of your "large" suitcases, and as long as it's under 15" tall (height) ... it will definitely fit 3 "big" 25"+ expandable suitcase under the Queen beds joint together or separately, even if one bed has the storage basket for the life jackets - same amount of space underneath, whether it's inside, oceanview or balcony.

 

My Costo Kirkland Signature 22"+ expandable carry-on fit flat on the floor in the "smallish" closet (or, you can stand it vertically) & softside 22" convertible carry-on (eBags) fit easily into one of the shelves in the closet, unpacked or partially packed ... since we use packing cubes.

 

Under my SIGnature above, look for pictures from 2014 BA's Inside stateroom, with picture of underbed & closet storage and 2015 BA's Balcony - unpack some of the items & put them onto the open shelves (hence, eBags, Eagle Creek & Ikea branded packing cubes are excellent for organizing & ease of packing/unpacking)

 

Not to worry, if you still feel the need for more space for the suitcases - the shower area, when unused - will fit easily 2 jumbo suitcases vertically. :D

Thanks. Very helpful, but they are tiny cabins :eek: Never mind; will be thrilled to be on board however tight the space :D

Lenny, I am 6'4' and can hit the top of the stall with my head on my toes.... Haha.

 

The shower heads are removable so no issues. I hate hotel rooms were the shower head seams half way down my back.

Followup question . When I was on the Gem and using the bathroom facilities my legs were literally on the wall when I was sitting down.Is it the same way with the Breakaway?

Lenny no. The standard BA shower is square with on side smaller. I am 6'4" and the size of a small D-lineman,,,, no issue for me

 

The cheapest bottle of wine was $36.00, and they charged for two production shows.

 

Lenny no. The standard BA shower is square with on side smaller. I am 6'4" and the size of a small D-lineman,,,, no issue for me

Thanks again for a prompt response.

Followup question . When I was on the Gem and using the bathroom facilities my legs were literally on the wall when I was sitting down.Is it the same way with the Breakaway?

No, plenty of legroom (kneecaps not touching anything in front of) while seated at the toilet, i.e. doing #2, etc.

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/489a20797562638f227db96b414756bc6d0bd71a/c=0-0-4073-3069&r=x383&c=540x380/local/-/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2013/04/29/norwegianbreakaway-105.jpg

The only non-free shows on BA involve food - the Cirque Dreams dinner theater and the Wine Lovers lunch.

 

*All* main theater shows, every evening - including the Broadway shows Rock of Ages and Burn the Floor - are included with no extra charge.

Thanks for clarifying.

For a moment, I thought they were really nickel and diming cruisers...beginning to charge to see a show. :rolleyes:;)

Reading this, and other posts, re the size of the inside cabins I'm wondering if it will be big enough for 3 large suitcases? We will be doing a 2 ships trip, hence the 3 cases.

Babe, you can also slide the suitcases under the bed by picking it up a little and sliding it under,we do this all the time .

No, plenty of legroom (kneecaps not touching anything in front of) while seated at the toilet, i.e. doing #2, etc.

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/489a20797562638f227db96b414756bc6d0bd71a/c=0-0-4073-3069&r=x383&c=540x380/local/-/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2013/04/29/norwegianbreakaway-105.jpg

Thanks for posting the picture