namesean

Just my 2 cents. Ive been on 18 cruises. (maybe 19) Including the GEM 3 times and the Breakaway twice and I never noticed the Casino, open air, etc.

My quick point is, different things matter to different people. Especially different age groups, etc.

I also never noticed the spinnaker being WAY overly crowded, but I liked people watching.

One thing you guys mentioned is true... a cruise is what you make it. That and... it... its really tough to get a lounge chair on the Breakaway. ha!

I get more upset when they close the buffet down 15 minutes early, as I am always late, or there are no drinks at ANY station, as they are out of them here and cleaning the other ones. Things like that bother me more than a ton of people. No fruit loops. Ha. Ice Cream ran out. Their nickel and dime tactics, etc. BUT... all that said, I love it. I am hoping to go again and the deals from NYC are amazing, so... it cant be beat. I hope other cruise lines adopt NCLs pricing, I really do. The theater chairs are fine for me, I am middle aged (kind of). So again, just depends on the person or couple.

Just go with a positive attitude, no heavy time restrictions (an extra 100 dollars) and you'll always have a blast!!

Great post OP. Thanks for taking the time. The freestyle daily is super important to some people. Especially people coming from Holland America. HA! (because their daily itinerary stinks, lol shhhhh)

If you liked the GEM, you will really like the Breakaway. Ive done the GEM 3 times and the Breakaway twice.

I would say the GEM is a B- and the Breakaway is an A-

It (Breakaway) doesnt have a megaship feel. Which I sometimes like. It doesnt have a huge grand atrium, open air feel, etc. It just has many restaurants scattered, so they can make as much money as possible. You know. The water slide is cool. Self serve ice cream, etc.

Ive been on 18 cruises and if the price was right and I didnt have to fly, the Breakaway is perfect. NYC parking costs will kill you, but you know about that. I am jealous and looking to go sometime in late Feb / March (out of NYC, NJ or Baltimore) and the deals on Norwegian right now simply cant be beat. Good for them. Have fun! Also the beverage package is amazing. I hope Norwegian changes the way all other cruise lines offer specials. Other cruise lines should take notice. I think 4 out of 5 of my last cruises are all Norwegian. And I'll be honest; to me the boat & price matter way more than the cruise line.