clarkiescruisers

Thanks for posting your review. I enjoyed reading it and am glad that you and your family enjoyed.

 

What time did you disembark. Did you carry off your own luggage? How long did it take you to get thru customs?

 

Thanks in advance!!

We had them take our luggage if you want off fast carry your own. Once we got our bags which took a while I grabbed a porter and they get you right through customs very fast worth the tip for sure. Everyone on the pier said they were running way behind today but the ship was at capacity. We went for breakfast just before 9 am and left the ship about 10:45 we were in our car by 11:45 so about an hour long process.

Ok I will start by saying we have cruised a few times twice with alone and this our 3rd cruise with the kids ages 10,13 and 16. We have done Royal, Carnival and now the Breakaway all previous cruises were out of Florida this one being NY.

The port of NY super easy pulled right up and parked for the week $280 definitely worth it to be so close and have the car right there upon returning. Embarking no issues at all about a half hour total time we arrived at the port just after 1p.m. good time because the rush is already on and you really don't miss much on the ship. Day one was very cold but leaving NY was fun seeing the skyline and the Statue Of Liberty. No real big deck parties and people hanging outside once you leave NY is was too cold even though we did swim in the heated pool. We had two adjoining balcony cabins on deck 13 nice location towards the front of the ship but not to far away from elevators.

The Positives:

Super clean the staff was constantly wiping stuff down from the buffet line to the restrooms in public areas, floors walls you name it. They are all over the hand sanitizing as well which I liked. The food was really good ate mostly at the buffet for breakfast did Osheehan's one day it was ok but buffet was just as good with many more options. Dinners we ate at buffet twice both nights good, dining rooms twice both good and did three specialty restaurants. We ate at Teppanaki really good food and entertaining, Cagney's great steak I recommend the porterhouse and then the Italian place. All three were very good and the service in all the dining areas was great. Lots to do on the ship always something going on both inside and out. The waterslides, rope course and rock climbing wall all fun with minimal wait time very organized by the staff. Rock of Ages great show lots of sexual innuendoes so not good for young kids a few people did not heed the staffs warnings and ended up leaving. Good mix of music in public areas as well there is plenty for everyone's taste.

The Negatives:

The cabins seemed very narrow did not leave much room to get ready and the balcony is small as well but we only went out there a few times when we were leaving or pulling into a port. The layout of the ship is broken up on the top decks by the pool it really does not flow that great. My biggest complaint no kids allowed in the main pool. I get that you do not want a pool of 3-4 year olds but maybe 10-12 and above would be ok. There is a kids pool but separated by a bar and a storage area so if you have kids and want to watch them swim you are separated from main pool activities. The top deck around the pool is also cut up and the chairs are packed in and you need to walk either inside or to the kids pool area to descend down to main pool.

Weather like I stated you really lose about three days outside that's not NCL issue or ship issue just a NY cruise issue in the winter. The main atrium area not a lot of seats for a ship that size and looking down there is only about 50 seat on the rail from above. They have a lot of fun things in that area but space is tight and people packed in. Smoke yes you can smell it sometimes really strong near cigar bar but overall not bad as others have stated.

Watch your room statement daily I found multiple errors on mine if I didn't check we would have been overcharged by well over $150 dollars. Charges for phone usage even though we had the free package, random charge from a bar even though we had the drink package and a few others. Once I brought to their attention they fixed right away.

All in all it was a great trip for the money and would sail NCL again. I think they do many things right the food, the drinks and cleanliness were all great. The staff was great always helpful and never rude like I read in some previous reviews. I would not go in winter months out of NY again but like I said that was our choice and we knew the weather could be an issue. If you have particular questions ask and I will do my best to answer them.

Thinking about booking a cruise May 21 of this year on the Breakaway. I can get cabin 13842, which is a mid ship balcony for $1590 total for 2 people, with the beverage package, port fees, taxes, and beverage package surcharge. Pretty much everything except gratuities. I tried looking at the deck plans, and it seems like a good cabin in a good location, but I'm definitely no expert. If anyone has any input on this cabin, or would check the deck plans for me, I'd greatly appreciate it! Maybe you'll notice something I missed. Also, I don't know what's across the hall from this cabin. On the deck plans it looks like a big white square, can't imagine what it is. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I will check it out for you I am leaving Sunday and am on the same deck not too far away 13730.

I am on the Breakaway next Sunday will take pictures of the menus if they change at all.

I leave next week can't wait to go> I have read negative reviews and positive reviews. We went on a Carnival ship two years ago same mix of reviews had a great time. Same people complain they can't get a lobster dinner every night really? you pay about $800 to $1000 for a week for everything. We go out in Boston cost us $150-$200 for dinner for one night. Vacation make the most of it I am sure it will be a great time....