7leagueboots Posted May 7, 2013 #151 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Great photos...thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deladypilot Posted May 7, 2013 #152 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Thank you so much for taking the time to share your adventure with all of us. I have been reading daily. Looks like it will be a fun ship to be on. PS... Deck 11 has no mini suites according to the deck plans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daliflor Posted May 7, 2013 #153 Share Posted May 7, 2013 The OP mentioned the VIPs earlier on the live report - below are some images from the Pre-inaugural sailing taken by one VIP guest (Richard) who stayed @ Haven suites: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinIllinois Posted May 7, 2013 #154 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Thanks. Very enjoyable review. Quick question though: It appears that in the cabins some of the TV's aren't at a good angle to watch if you are lying in bed. Is that a fair statement or perhaps just the way pics sometimes make things look different depth wise? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daliflor Posted May 7, 2013 #155 Share Posted May 7, 2013 More of VIP Richard's pictures of a Haven suite aboard this ship: (an alternative stateroom to the studio and the balcony already presented by the OP) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daliflor Posted May 7, 2013 #156 Share Posted May 7, 2013 VIP Richard photos of a Haven suite aboard this ship (the bathroom) as an add on to this wonderful, informative report posted by the OP: (RANT OVER!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheGoMom921 Posted May 7, 2013 #157 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Thank you for the wonderful review, Ben & Kyle. I can't wait for our sailing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
royalprincess290 Posted May 8, 2013 #158 Share Posted May 8, 2013 This was the most enjoyable set of posting of a brand new ship. I hope to sail on the Breakaway soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenosha Cruiser Posted May 8, 2013 #159 Share Posted May 8, 2013 Ben, Kyle, thanks for all the reporting you did this week on the Breakaway. My wife and I really enjoyed the reports and pictures! Can't wait to board this beautiful ship on June 2to Bermuda. Cheers - Ken & Darlene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun07 Posted May 8, 2013 #160 Share Posted May 8, 2013 VIP Richard photos of a Haven suite aboard this ship (the bathroom) as an add on to this wonderful, informative report posted by the OP: (RANT OVER!) I am confused. It says spa suite, but it looks like an aft penthouse or owners suite. Are the pics all of one cabin or multiple cabins? Could you tellme the cabin number? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiselife4me Posted May 9, 2013 #161 Share Posted May 9, 2013 GREAT pictures. Felt I was onboard with you. Sounds like a wonderful ship, hope to sail on her in the next couple years. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylenyc Posted May 14, 2013 Author #162 Share Posted May 14, 2013 (edited) Day +1 - Sunday, April 28, 2013 Breakaway Theater, Mandatory Safety Drill At 4 pm, everyone was being rounded up for the mandatory safety drill. Ben and his trusty sidekick were happy when they learned the muster station was in the Breakaway Theater where he could sit down and relax. Food, beverages, and electronic devices are not allowed during the drill so Ben's sneaky cameraman snapped these pictures immediately after the announcer said "the drill is now over" :p Breakaway Theater Breakaway Theater Breakaway Theater Seemed to be many passengers on this maiden voyage if the number of people at this muster station is any indication. Edited May 14, 2013 by kylenyc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylenyc Posted May 14, 2013 Author #163 Share Posted May 14, 2013 (edited) Day +1 - Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 5 pm Sailaway Party, Spice H2O The sailaway party began up in Spice H2O on Deck 16 immediately after the safety drill. Ben looked around for folks from Cruise Critic hoping to thank some of them for helping out with ideas and tips for his European and Breakaway adventure. However, he didn't know how to recognize them. He guessed that wearing Mardi Gras beads was exclusively a North American thing :grin:. Either way, the evening's solo traveler gathering was also at 5 pm so Ben's slumping photog enjoyed the scenery for a bit, took a few pictures and left shortly after that. After some introductory Breakaway videos played on the video screen, Julie the Cruise Director led the dance crew and tried to get the crowd going. Deck 16, Spice H2O - Sailaway Party Repair crews working on the self-service wine dispensers Ed: Repairs crews were still working through the 1-day and 7 day cruises and hardly noticeable around the ship as they did their work. However, as i might have mentioned earlier, there was one big exception in that many appeared to be put up in the studio cabins, spent time in the lounge but did not contribute in any way to the studio experience. They were there to work not socialize. The solo gathering was in the Studio Lounge. There he met up with CC members Caron (cruisercl) and Yemi (ms cookie monster). There was no host for the solo gathering and we were pretty much on our own. The coffee machine was not working at the time the snack counter was empty. We chatted a bit and then three of us decided to head to dinner in the main dining room - Taste. Edited May 14, 2013 by kylenyc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylenyc Posted May 14, 2013 Author #164 Share Posted May 14, 2013 (edited) Day +1 - Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 6 pm Dinner in Taste, A Friendly Smile, and It's Lobster Night! When we arrived at Taste, we were greeted and served by one of the friendliest and best waiters aboard - Marie Lou Abacan. We were seated by a table by the windows where enjoyed a view of people ashore waving as the ship sailed down river. Dinner and service were excellent. When Ben's explored the ship earlier, he also met Leanora Bernard at Shanghai's. In the evenings, she's a restaurant hostess in the Manhattan main dining room, and during the day her bright cheerful presence can be found in O'Sheehans, Restaurant Reservations, Shanghai's, and all over the ship! Ben had fun running into her throughout his Breakaway Adventure and made Ben's smile even bigger. Norwegian definitely had their A-Team on this ship and he would meet many more friendly hardworking crew and some he's even met from past cruises aboard the Gem and Star. Leanora Bernard - "A-Team" Restaurant Hostess, Manhattan main dining room. Marie Lou Albacon - "A-Team" Waitress in Taste, main dining room Main dining room evening menu Evening dinner menus are the same across the three main dining rooms (Manhattan, Savor, Taste). However, the right half of the menu (right half) changes each evening and includes a chef/regional specialty while the right half stays the same. Spring Roll (after Ben's butler snuck a bite ... slap!) Surf & Turf (Maine lobster tail and a mini filet) - Ben doubts he'll have room for dessert. Yemi's Key Lime Pie and Caron's Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cake The dessert choices appear the same as main dining rooms on other Norwegian ships but the desserts themselves are much improved. Ben couldn't eat any more after the filling meal and beer. Caron and Yemi gave Ben a taste of these now lighter creamier desserts. Yummmmm! Edited May 14, 2013 by kylenyc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiselife4me Posted May 14, 2013 #165 Share Posted May 14, 2013 I just wanna say YUM! Those desserts and the dinner looked scrumptious! Ben, you're missing out buddy. Eat the dessert! ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylenyc Posted May 14, 2013 Author #166 Share Posted May 14, 2013 (edited) Thanks everyone for following the blog and the compliments. It's fun taking pictures, and Ben loves the photo ops with friends, crew, and attractions. Kyle, I can see the ship from my apartment building and it's HUGE! I plan on walking to the pier sometime before she leaves on Sunday to check out that hull art in person, LOL. Your reports have been stellar and thank you so much for helping us to get a feel for what it'll be like on board. If your Bermuda trip leaves you wanting more, we'll be waiting for you on 1/19/2014! ;) Sharon Thanks The P (Sharon). Unfortunately, before this trip I'd already had a Feb 2014 cruise booked which is a tad too close too yours! Maybe you can join us Barbara, Sabrina, and Suzie on the Sept 8th to Bermuda or find a way to join me on my Feb 2014 NOLA Mardi Gras cruise. I'm afraid not many people will join the NOLA cruise outside of area locals because all the area hotels are being sold out already or at a heavy premium due to Mardi Gras and an NBA All Star game of some sort. daliflor, Thanks for the Haven photos... suuuuuuuuite! I was way too tired to go visit all the show cabins or go on the Haven tour. :o Thanks. Very enjoyable review. Quick question though: It appears that in the cabins some of the TV's aren't at a good angle to watch if you are lying in bed. Is that a fair statement or perhaps just the way pics sometimes make things look different depth wise? Thanks in advance. Very interesting observation! For Studio i think it's true because the TV is on the wall at a right angle to the bed headboard where you'd lay. For balcony cabins it's still in an awkward location if you were say the person on the far side of the bed. On Jewel-class ships however, TVs are in the corner at an angle facing you but then again the TVs are older and smaller (sometimes really old CRTs!). So a bit better and a bit worse. :confused: In the NCL Breakaway book (travel brochure) has the Cafe at the Atrium listed as complimentary dining. A place to get sweets. It sounds like they made the Atrium a specialty cafe where now you have to pay. It would have been nice to have a place to grab a free late night snack. Anyone know what free desserts are offered at Sheehan's? Gershep... O'Sheehan desserts Chocolate Brownie Sundae Apple Pie with whipped cream Strawberry Pound Cake Fresh Fruit Plate ...or fruit and dessert from the buffet kept fresh in big zip loc bags, or room service :p Edited May 14, 2013 by kylenyc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gershep Posted May 15, 2013 #167 Share Posted May 15, 2013 Thank you so much Ben and Kyle too! I am so glad that brownie sundae is a free dessert I will definitely take some baggies with me for the buffet. Did your dinner come with two lobster tails or did you have to request them? So glad I am losing weight before my cruise, lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylenyc Posted May 15, 2013 Author #168 Share Posted May 15, 2013 Thank you so much Ben and Kyle too! I am so glad that brownie sundae is a free dessert I will definitely take some baggies with me for the buffet. Did your dinner come with two lobster tails or did you have to request them? So glad I am losing weight before my cruise, lol. You're welcome. The lobster tail was on the 1-Day maiden so I'm pretty sure they just did it to make up happy. On every cruise I've taken you can ask for two. Otherwise they will give you one unless the server is extra nice and bring it to you without askng like Marie Lou ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiselife4me Posted May 15, 2013 #169 Share Posted May 15, 2013 My hubby did the same on our last cruise - they were happy to oblige. YAY for great food while cruising. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mkehlb Posted May 16, 2013 #170 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Where will we find Ben next? I enjoy hearing about his adventures so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gershep Posted May 16, 2013 #171 Share Posted May 16, 2013 I agree. Ben reminds me of my bendable Oh No Mr. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylenyc Posted May 16, 2013 Author #172 Share Posted May 16, 2013 (edited) Where will we find Ben next? I enjoy hearing about his adventures so much. Thank you. So glad to know folks enjoy Ben's antics. His next cruises are in the signature and next one not until September :eek: (grips the chair in a post-cruise-withdrawal attack). Will try to post more pics here tomorrow. :) I agree. Ben reminds me of my bendable Oh No Mr. Bill That gave me the craziest idea of sanding off Ben's smile and drawing an "Oh No" face with a black Sharpee. What would his fans think? of ---> This :eek: look on Ben? No worries everyone... I have a dozen Ben clones on order from Amazon :p I carry spare Bens ever since Samana. Edited May 16, 2013 by kylenyc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aceparty Posted May 16, 2013 #173 Share Posted May 16, 2013 So Ben and Kyle which NCL ship do you like the most? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylenyc Posted May 16, 2013 Author #174 Share Posted May 16, 2013 (edited) So Ben and Kyle which NCL ship do you like the most? Great to hear from you aceparty! I'd rather not choose between NCL ships. I typically choose a cruise based on itinerary, cost, and value. With Breakaway, I wanted to experience the studio (despite premium charged for this particular maiden voyage), a new ship on it's maiden voyage, and a transatlantic cruise. I like the different classes of ships for different reasons and ultimately on each cruise it's been the people I've met that has made the cruise fantastic whether from Cruise Critic, solo studio travelers, or the crew. Put it this way... if i had met the same group of people this cruise but on a different NCL ship, I would've had just as fantastic a time. Credit goes to Cruise Critic and Norwegian who in their own ways have brought a great bunch of folks together. (e.g. Had a fantastic time with you and all the CC folks from the February Gem cruise). The Gem has become a home away from home and I'll be back on her in December. There's just nothing else like a sailaway out of New York in Spinnaker or Bali Hai/Pool, doing laps around the promenade which wraps completely around the ship, using the gym overlooking the ocean through floor to ceiling windows, or finding a comfy lounge to enjoy a book or listen to live music. On the otherhand, there's nothing quite like the excitement of a new and unique ship such as Breakaway with its many entertainment and dining options. Fat Cats and Slam Allen are amazing. So are Fire & Ice. The ship is staffed by Norwegian's A-Team including some crew friends moved over from the Gem and Star like Dhruv and Maurice. Families with kids having a blast on the waterslides, ropes course, Splash Academy, etc. For some, Breakaway may be too "crowded" and too "exciting". For others, it's vibrant and exhilarating like New York City itself. I enjoy both classes of ship and will be returning to both Gem and Breakaway later this year... enjoying every moment of it if Ben has any say in it :p. Edited May 16, 2013 by kylenyc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylenyc Posted May 16, 2013 Author #175 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Day +1 - Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 6 pm Heading out to sea After a pleasant evening at dinner, Ben let his butler turn in early for the night. What a party animal! Taste maining dining room - Oceanview table Folks lined along the river back seeing us off Fireboat flourish Harbor captain/patrol leaving the ship? Window in the studio cabin lets in mood lighting from the hall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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