Sersee

Hmmm. That's probably why it's the only rooms left that are next to each other.   I could go up to Deck 14 but those are the spa cabins and Im not sure I want that. But... I guess if that is all I can find.. not much of a choice. 

Thank you so much!! That was a very helpful visual bstel!!  Hmmm you are right Garth2 , that could be an issue. 

I have Cabins 11268 and 11264 on hold right now. I have been looking at the Deck plans to make sure I didn't pick a noisy cabin. I am struggling with the map lol. It's hard to tell but is Waterworks right over my cabins?  Or is it a little bit ahead?  Has anyone had these cabins and can tell me if they are super noisy due to waterworks? 

Aruba and Curacao .. I should not have any issues with Taxi's ? I would love the beach and shopping lol. I guess what I was asking is more about the sketchy safety level as well. When we went to Montego Bay, it was a little sketchy and we were in a resort transfer. 

That is a great idea about a day pass. I saw the one that Carnival has, but I also heard that is where everyone goes. I will see what resorts are close.

I looked in the port board but what does everyone do(recommend)while in Aruba, Curaçao and La Romana?

we definitely want beach. My husband is advents enough to try another excursion company so it needs to be through Carnival. Unless it’s safe enough to go into a taxi?

Nope, don’t care about the thalassotherapy pool. On the Breeze we attended a show but thought it wasn’t good. We didn’t get a chance to go to the comedy club. 
 

We enjoyed the good. The Breeze was awesome with my sons allergies. We don’t care about the pools at all(they sleeve me lol). We had a great time at all the activities like trivia, shopping events and the deck parties. Loved our CD. His 80’s trivia was hysterical. 
 

My husband and I really enjoyed the Dive  in movies.

It’s specific dates so the itinerary is what I had stated..  Amber Cove is ok. I’m not sure about La Romana? But Aruba and Curaçao seems incredible. I think I just made my decision 😂😂

If I liked the Breeze ... will the Horizon be a step up?

I know they are sister ships and probably mostly the same. I have only ever cruised on the Breeze and we really enjoyed it. It was out of Port Canaveral and a very easy process.

The Vista is out of Galveston and goes to Cozumel, Montego Bay and Grand Cayman. I have not been to any of these. I have been to Jamaica only in an all inclusive.

Horizon is out of Miami and goes to Aruba, Curaçao, La Romana and Amber Cove. Been to Amber Cove.

Im traveling with my daughter (22), her bf(24), my other daughter(18) and son (15). My husband is going too Lolol.

I have read a lot of hate about the Vista class ships. Although a lot don’t review when it’s a positive experience. 

We are able to have connecting balcony cabins in both ships(not Havana). The horizon cabin is on Deck 11 and Vista in 10. Looking at the a decks it seems these are ok areas for cabin? Meaning not so much noise?

Thank you for Any  insight.

We are divided. I like the Ports on Freedom( Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, StMaarten) but have never been to any of them. We have to fly to Puerto Rico.  The Harmony has three ports Coco Cay, San Juan (which I have been) and St Kitts.  It leaves from Port Canaveral which I’m familiar with.

They both come out close to the same price. We use points to fly.
 

On the freedom we will be next door in the panoramic ocean view on deck 12. The rooms look nice. On the Harmony we will be connecting and have balconies. Also nice rooms. We had connecting balconies on our previous cruise.

Never have been on Royal. We have on been on the Carnival Breeze and likes it. We loved the sail away party, the cruise director, outdoor theater and all the deck parties. The food was good as well. We went to Grand Turk (did not like), St Thomas (loved), Amber Cove(ok) and San Juan(loved). 
 

So our decision right now is Carnival Vista, Freedom of the Seas and Harmony.

ROyal looks like a step up . Vista itinerary is Montego, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Harmony is Coco cay, San Juan and St Kitts. Freedom is Aruba, Curacao, st Maarten and Bonaire.

Freedom has the best itinerary imo. We would have the newer rooms on deck 12.  Plus I know it’s being amped right now, But Harmony looks incredible. But will it be overwhelming when we are used to the Breeze size ? It’s huge. 
 

My kids are 22, 18 and 15. Kids Club doesn’t matter. 
 

I would love your input . I need to make a decision. Thank you!

We will be on the Norwegian Breakaway and have not been to Roatan.  I tend to stick to ship excursions because I get . nervous about outside ones. This is only my second cruise.  I have no idea what to do in Roatan.  We are not adrenaline junkies and have no idea how to scuba or even snorkel lol.  Just for reference, we hated Grand Turk. It was to crowded and we were harassed by vendors. We loved Puerto Rico and just walking around. In St Thomas we took a rum boat tour and that was a ton of fun. 

So I am thinking one of the stops ( costa or cozumel) we might do ruins just to do it( and husband wants to).  I am thinking Harvest Caye is a beach day?  Maybe Cozumel is as well?  But I have no idea what to do in Roatan! I will be with my kids ages 23, 18 and 15 . 

Any suggestions would be wonderful!

This is our first time on a Western Itinerary.  I am checking on excursions and have no idea what I am doing in this area. We going to Costa Maya,  Harvest Caye, Roatan and Cozumel. My husband wants to see ruins so think we will do that in Costa Maya.  

In Cozumel, I hear everyone talk about Mr. Sanchos or Natchi? I am assuming these are resorts you can go to? I don't see t hem on my excursion list so maybe it's booked. We don't scuba dive . We aren't adrenaline junkies either. We like touring . What else is a good excursion to check out?

Another question:

I just put down my deposit and went into my ncl to see all the information. I was looking at excursions. For Harvest Caye there are only 7 options. Does that mean everything was booked already? Also I didn't see the Mr. Sanchos people talk about in Cozumel or Natchi? 

Thank you for that. I will contact them. That makes it easier than having to meet with the Maitre d. On my last cruise, they went above and beyond even to the point of making him a special dessert. It’s  nice to hear I can contact them and find out exactly how it works!

6 hours ago, esm54687 said:

2) if he uses a humidifier...... just call and request distilled water be delivered to your room. NCL will do that for no cost. 

Oh good to know!  I wasn’t sure if I had to preorder it .

6 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Enjoy the beautiful Norwegian Breakaway!

 

 

Thank you for the info!  Almost everything needs to be prebooked then? I knew the shows needed to and the specialty dining. .

I have looked at so many ships that im getting them all confused. On NCL it’s “freestyle” correct? So we can Eat when we want? Do I need to make reservations for the main dining rooms?

On Carnival, we had to immediately meet with the Maitre d about my sons allergy and it was noted on our reservation. When our waiter came they were already aware . He always picked his meal the night before. Is it similar?

I Do know about the non surge extension cords. Is there only one plug? Are both outlets US ones? 
 

After talking to my family, we have finally agreed to book the Breakaway. We were all nervous because we have Read  some negative reviews And it’s different then what we are used to( only been on Carnival). 
 

The most we read is the pool deck is small, but we don’t care about that. People told me it’s overcrowded. Hopefully we enjoy the ship!! 
 

We thought the rooms looked nice(balcony). There seems to be a lot on board. My kids are 23 , 18 and 15 years old .  My daughter’s  Boyfriend also is coming and he is 25.  So we went for it. We have connecting rooms With 3 each, so we got offers for both rooms.

Now I wAnt to learn as much as I can. We did get all free at sea offers . I’m excited about the specialty dining .

1)For my son (who is the third in our room), do I pay a cover for specialty dining or just pay what each item costs like a restaurant? I then need to tip on his portion correct? 
 

2)My husband wears a C pap so what is the plug situation ?  On Carnival , I was able to use an extension cord. It plugged in across the room. There wasn’t a table on my side so I was unable to use my phone in bed and had to charge it on the desk. 
 

3)C pap wise, is Norwegian like Carnival where you just carry it on?
 

4) We are cruising out of Miami . I will be flying into Ft Lauderdale. Is it easier to Uber to Miami and just stay down there for the night? 
 

5)Any tips for the Breakaway?

thank you!!!

So with the Wow sale, you receive obc from Royal. I just wanted to confirm I could use this for the gratuities?  I buy the drink package, so will purchase it before I go.  If I don't prepay gratuities and don't spend anything else on the ship, gratuities would be charged to my account correct?  I believe they are $101 pp and change for the ship I am looking at. 

I have always prepaid gratuities so wanted to make sure this is how it works. Thank you!

Does anyone know about cabin 13262?  It looks like a good spot from what I could tell online?

23 hours ago, dporter said:

 

Per NCL website:

https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/family-cruises/cruise-dining-and-entertainment

Kids 12 and under eat free from the complimentary kids' menu at all specialty restaurants.

It’s ok on my end since my son is 15 lol

5 minutes ago, Sauer-kraut said:

You will need to prebook your specialty restaurants.  You will also have to book the main shows, which I have no clue what they are.  Some ships have SIX, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Jersey Boys, and other Broadway shows.  Book everything you can 120 days prior to sailing, since you have an odd number for dining book a table for six people.

I actually have six because my daughter boyfriend goes!!

4 minutes ago, poohdreaming said:

 

https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages/dining-packages

 

3 meal specialty restaurant plan - cost $99.00 - buy ahead of time, not on board.

Yes - specialty restaurants are good. Try different ones throughout the cruise. If you have the dining package, reserve ahead of time when you are allowed to do so. If not, then on the first day - head next to the guest service where they help with reservations/cancellations for these restaurants or go straight to that specific restaurant / or go to the touch screen (usually near the stairs) or use the tv to reserve.

 

Yes, there are plenty of places to eat. You just need to reserve ahead of time for specialty restaurants and for shows that you are interested in. For MDR/Savor/Taste - the wait for dinner shouldnt be that bad if you did not reserve. Say if Taste have a waiting line, then you or anyone in your family can go to Savor. Menu are the same.

 

 

No, the entertainment on the Breakaway is not too old for teenagers. Check out:

https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway/whats-on-board/Entertainment

 

I liked Burn the Floor as well as the Howl at the Moon.

Thank you!! So the Savoy and Taste are the main dining rooms. You need a reservation for Howl at the Moon as well? What about the Ice bar?

8 minutes ago, dporter said:

Depending on when you are cruising will determine the demographics of your fellow cruisers.  Traveling during spring break does increase the college aged crowds.  Trips that are 7 days or shorter tend to have younger crowds while trips 10 days and longer have older crowds; this would be the same on most cruise lines.

 

If you found Carnival's Cheers program worth it then you will definitely find NCL's beverage package worth it.  NCL has main dining rooms and a buffet just like Carnival, the difference in the main dining room is that it is set up like Your Time Dining.  You can choose to make a reservation or just show up when they are open, if you just show up it will be just like going to a restaurant near your home where depending on volume you may have a little wait. 

 

The NCL beverage package costs can be found here: https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages/beverage-packages The one that is a perk is now called the Premium Beverage Package and is $99 per person, per day.  The beverage perk and specialty dining perk, if you choose them, you are only paying the gratuity on the package value and tax.

 

You can purchase additional specialty dining packages for your 3rd person, if this is a child they can eat for free off the kids meal, even in the specialty restaurants.  You can find dining package information here: https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages/dining-packages

 

Here is a link about Breakaway you can also look at the deck plans to see the various restaurants: https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway

 

The entertainment on board will be similar to Carnival, depending on the ship and sailing the entertainers may change.  They will typically have at least 2 big productions shows on a 7 day cruise.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

Thank you so much for the wonderful info. I think the specialty dining is 3  nights. So that is perfect.  I’m going during the summer for 7 day Caribbean . So hoping that means family!

I’m booking under the Free at Sea. I see when I add the open bar, I pay the gratuities. This is fine because I would be tipping anyway buying single drinks. We found in Carnival the Cheers was worth it for us. I have seen people complain that it isn’t really free which I don’t understand. It is free... the package. I just lay tip and taxes correct?
 

How much is the Drink package on NCL ? I’m having trouble finding an answer.  

specialty Dining... I don’t know much about it. Are the restaurants good? The specialty dining covers two of us but not my third person. So I just pay out of pocket for him correct? I’m only paying gratuities with the free at sea correct? I’m just wondering if I should skip that one?

i will be on the Breakaway. Are there a lot of places to eat? I have friends who told me I have to reserve everything so I may not like NCL and that it is a party atmosphere with a lot of college age kids? We are a family so I’m not into that even to much. We like fun and on carnival there  were lots and lots of families.  Is the Breakaway similar?

Is the entertainment to “old “ for teenagers? 

33 minutes ago, hallux said:

Do you think they're giving you an actual key?  Most mainstream cruise lines are using cards of one form or another (RFID, magnetic swipe or hybrid with both types), linked to the on-board account.

No ... I didn’t mention a key? I just wanted to know if it works like Carnival where they give you a card and that is what you use for swiping . I also was wondering if they link it to your credit card.