NCL Breakaway April 30, 2013

[RMS Olympic]

NCL called me this morning......so I made a tentative booking on the inaugural. Should this conflict with the Royal Princess inaugural then Princess takes priority.

In the meantime the Breakaway is a 7 day TA from Southampton to NYC.

I sure hope I can make this and the Princess inaugural both in 2013.

Booked an outside on deck 13....but have no idea where it is having no deck plan published.

I just hope I like this ship more than the Epic........

Any other family considering this inaugural.......and a crossing.......what a way to break in a new ship. But since Meyer Werk is building it , the ship should be ready ...."Take her to sea Mr. Lightoller........" a la Titanic....

Now if I run to the stern...will some one save me........???????:D:D:D

[CruisinMaterial]

I saw earlier today you booked. I think I was one of the first bookings in at 8AM EST this morning. At that point they hadn't loaded the Norwegian Breakaway Trans-Atlantic into the system. It wasn't up until 8:10AM EST. I booked the inaugural but had the guy check one more time at the end of the call and sure enough... it was there!!! :D

 

Tenatively I'm booked on this crossing as well. I've never done a Trans-Atlantic but I fully trust Meyer Wreft to make a quality product so I'm not at all concerned about the ship itself. I just hope NCL has enough seasoned crew on the roll out to make it smooth. :) I also hope I know a lot of the crew from other ships who come together. When the Epic launched they took a bunch of crew from the rest of the fleet that I knew and put them there and when I sailed it was like old home week! :D

 

I know a couple in FL who are also waiting on the Royal Princess sail date. :cool:

[KJE Atlanta]

We're booked! First TA. What fun.... even if April 2013 seems a lifetime away.

[Turtles06]

Booked an outside on deck 13....but have no idea where it is having no deck plan published.

 

If you do a Google search for "Breakaway deck plans," you'll find them on travel agent sites. (Not allowed to post the names here.)

 

I hope you all have fun!

[RMS Olympic]

I got the call from NCL at 9 am and booked. I just hope that the Princess inaugural is pushed back to early June allowing me to do both crises.

I am not a fan of NCL, and did not like the Epic at all so booking this ship is a stretch. But I am hoping as the name impies...it will be a breakaway from previouse ships. As Carnival is designing the new Breeze in a more "Solstice" decor I am wondering is NCL will follow suit.

I was also surprised to see the crossing will be done in 7 days and not 8 or 10........so she will be really moving along at a good clip.....which could make a bumpy ride.....which I like!

On the other board another poster provided the deck plans so I could see my cabin which overlooks the bow...just what I wanted.

As for dining...I do like the dine when you want, but as a single cruiser it does pose challenges. On the Epic they continually sat me alone and then rushed the meal to free up the table. On other lines I was asked if I would like to join others at a table and said yes. I hope on this crossing dining does not become an issue. I also hope to try the various specialty restaurants ....

On the RSVP Hawaii cruise last year the head of ship board operations for the NCL fleet was onboard to monitor the charter. Since he took out the Epicexpect him to be on the Breakaway....I look forward to seeing him again and getting all the scoop on whats going on behind the scenes as the ship breaks in on the crossing.

NCL was my first cruise and the start of this cruise addiction.....looks like I am back.

Although this cruise is way off...I look forward to meeting you all......as crossings attract many LGBT cruisers, maybe we will have a big group on board;)

Tom

[RMS Olympic]

I see we were both on the Atlantis cruise on the Millenium....small world.;)

[CruisinMaterial]

Good morning!

 

KJE Atlanta - This is my first Trans-Atlantic crossing as well. Mom wanted to do one on Cunard but with some quick talking, I convinced her to do the Breakaway instead. A lot hinges on the "TO COME" for her so I hope they don't wait too long to reveal the rest but I'm thinking it'll be after the keel laying in April 2012. :eek:

[CruisinMaterial]

I see we were both on the Atlantis cruise on the Millenium....small world.;)

 

Tom,

Which Millennium cruise? :cool: I took two in the same year and one was quite exotic with the Olympic Games. Atlantis has not done that again in 2012 for some reason with London. I could understand 2008 with China but 2012 would have been awesome to do a Northern Europe from Southampton with an Olympics experience.

 

Norwegian Breakaway will not be like the EPIC in many ways. The only things staying are the things that worked on the EPIC. I figure there's going to be a lot of smaller entertainment venues along with the multiple FreeStyle Dining options NCL has come to be known by. I do hope they increase the size of the main theater and bring a Broadway show to the high seas. It seems to be the running trend. BMG on EPIC, Chicago on Allure, etc. I'm thinking STOMP would be more in line with NCL's brand image and I dropped that hint to them some time ago. Can't wait to see what they come up with. I almost booked this as a solo in the studios but when I heard the price for a studio I was astonished! :eek:

 

Now in the next year I am tasked with figuring out how to make the most of the PRE cruise stay in the UK for mom. I have to figure out how to work some parts of Scotland into this. She's got to see Scotland before he knee gets too bad. I made her that promise and I have to tie all this together right but I only have the two weeks. Wish the repo was on Thursday or Friday but I don't make the itineraries!!!

[eroller]

If you do a Google search for "Breakaway deck plans," you'll find them on travel agent sites. (Not allowed to post the names here.)

 

I hope you all have fun!

 

 

FYI NCL has released some very limited deck plans. For now they only show the cabins and stairs/elevators.

 

NORWEGIAN BREAKAWAY Deck Plans

 

As you can imagine, there are a lot of decks filled with cabins. I'm a little disappointed they went with the same elevator arrangement as EPIC. There are just 16 elevators for over 4000 pax.

 

Ernie

[RMS Olympic]

I too noticed the elevator layout.......just like the Epic. I found the Epic elevator positioning poor and cause undue congestion...its a shame it is being repeated. I want to know how much Solstice is in this ship...the hull seems to be similar.

Now I have to wait to see if this cruise will overlap the May princess inaugural to see if I make the Breakaway.

WHen it comes to air to England.....I wonder how NCL will handle it. British Airways flies non stop from Tampa (my airport) to Gatwick but ....

Will they choose a multi stop flight for a cheaper fare? From this years airpackages, it looks like the airfare round trip from Tampa will be about 1200 dollars. Add that to what I am paying for the cruise...it gets $$$$$$$ for a 7 day cruise. More than I think NCL is worth, but perhaps the ship and it being an inaugural will justify the cost.

Now if they could finish the ship early and move the sailing date up to the 101 anniversary of Titanic.......wouldn't that be unique.

[CruisinMaterial]

I am also concerned about the one way airfare to London for this cruise. Airfares to go across the pond have been horrendous and not really justified since the cost of crude is fluctuating. The global markets (especially Europe) are on the brink of collapse financially and if that happens then the demand for fuel will go down. Either way, the cost per barrel has really dropped from the highs of the mid-2000s.

As for the elevator situation, I saw that and thought the same thing. I am hoping the layout of the Breakaway is different so that when I have to do the stairs to go between nightclubs that it’s not such a travel. Between the Bliss and Spice H2O it was a workout. You’d wind up walking off your buzz to get between them. The elevators never came or were slow in coming. I do hope that problem is fixed on this ship!

The interior of the ship will be much different from the Solstice-class ships although the exterior seems somewhat similar. I’m sure there’s going to be a ton more eateries and smaller entertainment venues (like EPIC) then what the Solstice class has. Overall, the Breakaway may look like something else but I’m sure she’s going to be very unique in her own right. For me I am waiting with much anticipation about the entertainment options. To me food is food so I don’t really care as long as there is a place to eat it!

[Cruiser Bruiser]

I almost booked this as a solo in the studios but when I heard the price for a studio I was astonished!

 

I'm booked in a studio, and I'm astonished, too. I'm trying to get a travel buddy to book the cruise, too, to lessen the cost. Only $100 more for a suite. But, as he's a bit cranky, I think he'll be reluctant to share a cabin. Adjoining studios is more like it.

[Cruiser Bruiser]

On the RSVP Hawaii cruise last year the head of ship board operations for the NCL fleet was onboard to monitor the charter. Since he took out the Epicexpect him to be on the Breakaway....I look forward to seeing him again and getting all the scoop on whats going on behind the scenes as the ship breaks in on the crossing.

 

I was on the Hawaii cruise, too, and had my best vacation ever. Was he impressed with the charter? I'd love RSVP to use NCL more often, especially another Hawaii cruise.

[CruisinMaterial]

I'm booked in a studio, and I'm astonished, too. I'm trying to get a travel buddy to book the cruise, too, to lessen the cost. Only $100 more for a suite. But, as he's a bit cranky, I think he'll be reluctant to share a cabin. Adjoining studios is more like it.

 

I actually booked a studio on the Trans-Atlantic crossing as well as mom (who I would be cruising with) already indicated there may be a problem with her work giving her the time off. It's right at the start of her new vacation cycle. I don't know what place starts the vacation cycles May 1st every year but it falls mid-week so I also put a hold on a studio! Have to love those cruise rewards certificates! :D

[CruisinMaterial]

On the RSVP Hawaii cruise last year the head of ship board operations for the NCL fleet was onboard to monitor the charter. Since he took out the Epicexpect him to be on the Breakaway....I look forward to seeing him again and getting all the scoop on whats going on behind the scenes as the ship breaks in on the crossing.

NCL was my first cruise and the start of this cruise addiction.....looks like I am back.

Although this cruise is way off...I look forward to meeting you all......as crossings attract many LGBT cruisers, maybe we will have a big group on board;)

Tom

 

Tom – You are talking about NCL’s Director of Hotel Operations Klaus Laugmier. I met Klaus on the Norwegian Spirit cruise this September as he was covering for the HD for a week. It turned out he covered a little longer because our cruise was extended. Once that happened Klaus was everywhere making sure the guests onboard were very well taken care of and arrangements were made as quickly as possible for everyone. Great guy!

You are right he’ll be on the Breakaway’s Trans-Atlantic to get the kinks worked out and oversee the whole operation. I’m quite sure we may have even higher officials onboard the ship as well since it’s a new class of ship and immediate feedback will be wanted. The inaugural from NYC to BDA already seems to be pulling in quite the audience if rumors can be believed. Reba McEntire is going to do it!

[RMS Olympic]

Yes it was Klaus....wasnt sure if it was appropriate to mention his name. He was very kind to me. At the cruise critic meeting at the end of the RSVP cruise in Hawaii he introduced himself to me after I unloaded about the Epic. I stated the crew on the POA should be moved to the Epic to improve it. Since Klaus had brought out the Epic.....and left the week before I sailed her he wanted specifics. We moved to a quiet area and I proceeded to give examples of what I thought were the ships shortcomings. he took notes and listened ...and did not just go through the motions. I was totally impressed with him and hope I get to speak with him on the new ship.

My coments were not based on my personal tastes, but things that were just substandard especially service wise. I prefaced my comments that I love the industry and only want improvement.

I must admit I did not like the Epic...and bery happy she is a one off. I am hoping the Breakaway is an improvement.

I watched on TV where the CEO worked on his ships. There was a diningroom table server (from India) who was showing him the ropes. She was family.... well I had the pleasure of dining at her tables a few times on the Epic....an incredible and fun experience. If she is on the Breakaway...I hope I can dine at her table. She should be teaching the crew how to act, work and interact......Service can override any shortcomings on any vessel in my book.

Maybe we can get dinner groups together to make evening dining a really fun experience.

Tom

[CruisinMaterial]

Tom - Klaus is not worried about being mentioned on Cruise Critic. He's one of the folks who monitors these boards on behalf of NCL (besides the Public Relations team which posts from time to time to correct misinformation). Anyway, he's a great guy and wanted to know exactly how my experience was going at all points during the cruise whenever I saw him. I love the Spirit and her crew (especially dining room staff and cooks) but this past cruise the Cruise Staff seemed way off. I told him that and I also inquired about the placement of the White Hot Party for bar revenue. He said I brought up valid points, even had the Cruise Director call me about it. I thought it was very amusing and he said the next cruise the night would be changed. He definitely takes what we cruisers say to heart.

 

The Epic is a one off and design wise I'm a little happy about that too. Her topside is quite the adventure to get around on. The rest of the ship is ok, just the casino shouldn't be the focal point of a whole deck. I am hoping on this ship they scale the casino back a bit and give some more space to public lounges where different entertainment can be had. No need for a big chandelier either... just good functional space! :)

 

I personally can't wait to see the renderings of the two discos onboard. If it's like the EPIC then one will be a BLISS while the other is going to be somewhere topside (such as Spice H2O).

[RMS Olympic]

on the other NCL roll call board.

I hope there will be a website that will provide photos of the ship being built.....to keep me interested....;)

Lets hope it will be a nice ship......and a happy crew.

[CruisinMaterial]

on the other NCL roll call board.

I hope there will be a website that will provide photos of the ship being built.....to keep me interested....;)

Lets hope it will be a nice ship......and a happy crew.

 

I am sure once the keel is laid in April 2012 there will be photos on NCL’s Facebook page and then photos will come out as other cruise news places visit Meyer Wreft for other new builds which will be handed over. Disney has a new ship which is supposed to be handed over at some point so I’m sure there will be fanfare for that.

As for a good crew, if NCL holds true to what they did for the EPIC then their best talent from the other ships will be pulled to bring out the Breakaway. A good friend of mine who is sadly no longer with NCL had very high customer comment feedback and lots of STYLE cards and was sent to France a month before launch (when the ship looked like it needed a LOT of work) and she had a blast working on it. When I sailed on the inaugural season I saw so many faces who remembered me because of the STYLE cards I gave them (and some additional cash tips). I am quite sure NCL will do that again!

I just can’t wait to see what they’re up to with the entertainment but I have a feeling we’re not going to hear about that until AFTER the keel is laid next Spring.

[RMS Olympic]

I am amazed at the speed with which these new ships are built. Using the building block method, welding must go incredibly fast. When you consider the steel cutting started on Sept 23rd, and the keel wont be laid down till next April, that leaves one year to put things together. I guess cabins will be built and stored, mechanical areas constructed and stored.....

But that means in a year all pieces are put together, the fitting out (interior being finished) and sea trials completed...wow.

I thought 2 year construction schedules were fast...this must be a record breaker.

On another thought...

On the Breakaway information published by NCL there is a design logo of a "V" shaped design above the name. I wonder if this will be the start of a new NCL logo, or just something related to the new ship.

I have watched NCL change their smoke stack logo or "livery" over the years....I think the current one is number 4....could a new one be on the horizon???? May ask this on the NCL facebook page.

[Dorothy's Friend]

I am now back in my own home having had one of the best cruises ever on the Norwegian Epic, in fact I have never laughed so much as I did between 23rd October and 5th November.:D

 

I have already booked this maiden voyage on the new Norwegian Breakaway but instead of a studio this time I will be sharing an outside with a friend of 32 years. It seems that quite a few of the guys that were on the Epic transatlantic have either already booked this cruise or will be soon.:D

[RMS Olympic]

Seems that crossings are very popular with LGBT cruisers.....so perhaps we will have a large number on this sailing. That could mean fun pre-dinner cocktail parties followed by great dinner groups. Maybe we can rename one of the lounges the "Rainbow Room" !:D:D:D

 

Question....does anyone know what hotels in London NCL uses for precruise stays? If I use their air with transfers,,,Id use their hotel. If I do my own air (BA out of Tampa)...then I would look for a hotel in Southampton for a one night stay.

It maybe way early but planning is part of the fun.

 

Second question.....clothing on an NCL crossing.....? How dressy ( and I dont mean the basic little black dress).;)

Pool time in late April........? Will the temp result in a severe case of shrinkage? :eek:

 

Still amazed I am doing this, my first crossing on NCL...let it be a good one. Now to make it an affair to remember...like the movie. Romance in mid atlantic...where they cant run very far:cool:

[CruisinMaterial]

Dorothy's Friend - Welcome aboard! I am booked in two places on this voyage - a studio cabin and a balcony. The wonders of a future cruise reward certificate and having more than one in the chest!!

 

RMS Olympic - I don't think the wave above the Breakaway name means much of anything. I think it's just to dress it up a bit. The new logo for NCL is not a fan favorite of mine (you can tell because my avatar is still the old logo). I wouldn't worry about another logo change too soon. The smokestack on the Epic still has the old logo and the hull art on the side of the Epic still has the old logo.

 

I have no clue on NCL's pre-cruise hotel stay. It is my goal to get to London for a pre-cruise stay and have a look around there and see some of the sights there before heading to Southampton the day before the cruise. I would give NCL a call and see what they have but at this far to sailing, I'd say they will not have anything lined up yet.

 

As for clothing... NCL is FreeStyle attire. Wear what you want (within reason)... I wouldn't be planning anything too formal or dressy. I do resort casual for dinner all the time on NCL. I don't plan on dressing up with a suit because it's one more piece of luggage I have to be accountable for and more space I will not have (weight wise) since I'm sure this cruise is going to be more jeans / pants than shorts! I freeze easily! :o

 

This will be my first Trans-Atlantic as well and I'm quite sure NCL will do a good job of it. Klaus will be there for sure!

[KJE Atlanta]

I am now back in my own home having had one of the best cruises ever on the Norwegian Epic' date=' in fact I have never laughed so much as I did between 23rd October and 5th November.:D

 

I have already booked this maiden voyage on the new Norwegian Breakaway but instead of a studio this time I will be sharing an outside with a friend of 32 years. It seems that quite a few of the guys that were on the Epic transatlantic have either already booked this cruise or will be soon.:D

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Welcome.

 

Glad you had a good time on the Epic. Most people either love the Epic or hate it. We were on the Epic a year ago and loved it. Loved the newness, loved the entertainment (especially Howl), loved the bars, loved H2O. We've just started trying to figure out how we can fit another Epic cruise in next year!

[CruisinMaterial]

I can't wait until they announce the entertainment options onboard and the artist renderings of the disco!! That will have me either really excited for this voyage or very disappointed. All we know now is what the cabins look like and well... I hardly spend any time there anyway!! :eek::D