Review: My Wonderful Breakaway Inaugural Cruise to Bermuda

[dcollette]

Congratulations on eating so well...that is really great!! I seem to just go crazy on cruises and gain a lot.

 

I don't so much watch what I eat on a cruise as I only take the stairs. The first cruise we went on (7 days) I gained 10lbs! :eek: The food was good, what can I say? So, after that I made a promise to myself not to deny myself the delicious food but that in order to eat things I normally would not, I take stairs everywhere (many times beating my family taking the elevators :p) It can be tons of stairs, but on our 10 day cruise, I still never gained a pound! I do try to eat sensibly, but I certainly wouldn't be able to say no to some of the lovely dishes available!

[big al]

Yes, you are correct.

 

Where we sat initially it was a four-item bar menu. When we moved to the other side, it was very extensive with burgers, sandwiches, chili dogs and more. I remembered to write down the beers that were on tap but not more of what was on the menu, but there was a very good selection.

 

Tracy

 

Great review, Tracy...what beers were on tap at O'Sheehans? Was there draft beer available all over the ship? I'm a draft-beer snob ( self-confessed)..not interested in Bud, Bud-Light,etc.....

 

Big Al

[Coastalbreezes]

Great review, Tracy...what beers were on tap at O'Sheehans? Was there draft beer available all over the ship? I'm a draft-beer snob ( self-confessed)..not interested in Bud, Bud-Light,etc.....

 

Big Al

 

Thanks Big Al!

 

O'Sheehan's had Newcastle, Amstel Lite, Dos Equis, Heineken and Stella on tap.

 

Outside at Maltings there was a selection of tap beer also. Sorry I don't recall which ones. It was pretty new for me to actually see beer on tap on a cruise ship. To my recollection, I have only seen beer in cans.

 

Tracy

[092306]

I mostly did very well. I had fruit and one poached egg on a half slice of toast for breakfast, salad or light lunch and at dinner, I had a protein and vets, no starches. I saved my points for cocktails and wine ;)!

 

Weighed in today and was down a 1/2 lb so was very happy. And I even ate dessert twice and had one of Buddy's chocolate cannolis.

 

Tracy

 

That's great, good for you!

[big al]

Thanks Big Al!

 

O'Sheehan's had Newcastle, Amstel Lite, Dos Equis, Heineken and Stella on tap.

 

Outside at Maltings there was a selection of tap beer also. Sorry I don't recall which ones. It was pretty new for me to actually see beer on tap on a cruise ship. To my recollection, I have only seen beer in cans.

 

Tracy

 

Thanks, Tracy!! Pretty good selection..most ships now have SOME drafts,,RCI is the worst..I've done 12 cruises with them, and 90% of the time, the drafts were broke..NCL has always been pretty good along with Disney & Carnival...on the other ships, Maltings has always had some tap beer...nothing like some carbs with beer!! LOL....I was on the Allure with another couple, and the gal was on WW, and kept trying to watch her carbs for the points...Dinner killed her..the bread, the potatoes..just killer for her... then she sits and watches my wife eat everything she wants,who still weighs 103 lbs., same weight as in HS ,and she's 58!! I told her to forget Weight Watchers for 3 nights ( special 3 nighter on Valentine's Day), and enjoy the food, but she did her best...Thanks again...

 

Big Al

[VeracruzI]

I was also on the cruise. It was my first time back in Bermuda in 25 years, My dad ran Bermuda star Line for 20 years. Had a great time. Loved the ship. She rode the sea a little odd. Shimmied in high winds as expected but it was disorienting. Bermuda was a little more boring than I remembered. But the ship was great, Don't waste money on the ice bar but the restaurants were good. If Ocean Blue went up to 49 as reported save your money. It was good not great. I would def go again

[Coastalbreezes]

I was also on the cruise. It was my first time back in Bermuda in 25 years, My dad ran Bermuda star Line for 20 years. Had a great time. Loved the ship. She rode the sea a little odd. Shimmied in high winds as expected but it was disorienting. Bermuda was a little more boring than I remembered. But the ship was great, Don't waste money on the ice bar but the restaurants were good. If Ocean Blue went up to 49 as reported save your money. It was good not great. I would def go again

 

I didn't go to the Ice Bar...seemed a bit gimmicky to me.

 

I really, really loved Ocean Blue. The Dover sole was exquisite and not something you get offered in Rhode Island restaurants. Would I pay $49 for the experience again? Absolutely.

 

I fell in love with Bermuda. It was a destination that I resisted for years thinking it would be boring. But I loved getting off the ship and not being harassed by tour operators and vendors and felt very safe exploring.

 

To each his own I guess.

 

Tracy

[Coastalbreezes]

Before I forget...one cool thing they had all over the ship (and those that have sailed on Epic may have experienced this before) were flat screens on the walls where you could make dinner and shore excursion reservations. Very convenient.

 

Tracy

[PrettyCruiser]

Any pics/videos of the Breakaway you would be willing to share??

 

Thanks!

[tiffygirl]

Yes, they had many wide market umbrellas. I definitely used them as it got very hot up there.

Tracy

 

Thank you Tracy

[Coastalbreezes]

Tiffygirl, here are some shots of Vibe:

 

 

 

[Coastalbreezes]

Any pics/videos of the Breakaway you would be willing to share??

 

Thanks!

 

I have over 100 photos...anything in particular you would like to see?

 

Tracy

[Ctrinh225]

I have over 100 photos...anything in particular you would like to see?

 

Tracy

 

Spa area.....please!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Coastalbreezes]

Spa area.....please!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

The first of many photos I had taken were of the spa. Unfortunately (and I didn't realize it until I got home), I had given my camera to my traveling companion to take some photos around the ship while I was unpacking.

 

She didn't really know how to use the camera (and never asked) and was trying to delete some of the photos she had taken and apparently hit "delete all" instead of "delete single":mad:.

 

So I am sorry to say I have none to show you. :(

 

I will tell you though (and I realize it doesn't help), that it was really beautiful. Sorry.

 

Tracy

[Nightengale212]

Great review!!! Hubby and I will be on the Breakaway two weeks from tomorrow. CAS comped me a spa minisuite, so I too plan on spending as much time as I can in the spa. We also will be driving to NY from R.I. (Bristol). Did you have any trouble getting decent parking ?

 

Looking forward to hearing more about your cruise :)

[Ctrinh225]

 

So I am sorry to say I have none to show you. :(

 

I will tell you though (and I realize it doesn't help), that it was really beautiful. Sorry.

 

Tracy

 

How do they know u had spa pass? A wrist band or sticker? Was it overcrowded

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Coastalbreezes]

Great review!!! Hubby and I will be on the Breakaway two weeks from tomorrow. CAS comped me a spa minisuite, so I too plan on spending as much time as I can in the spa. We also will be driving to NY from R.I. (Bristol). Did you have any trouble getting decent parking ?

 

Looking forward to hearing more about your cruise :)

 

 

We arrived at the pier around 9:30 and had no problems getting a parking space. Enjoy your cruise!!

Tracy

[Coastalbreezes]

How do they know u had spa pass? A wrist band or sticker? Was it overcrowded

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

 

They placed a sticker on the back of my room card. When you arrive at the spa to check in, you show them the sticker and they give you a waterproof wristband with a locker number on it. Inside the band there is an electronic button that locks and unlocks your locker.

 

Tracy

[Coastalbreezes]

Day 3: At Sea

 

One thing I wanted to mention about the previous evening in the Atrium and I hope NCL will take note of this. If you are dancing or just listening to music in the Atrium, above you is a circular all-glass four-foot high railing connected with O’Sheehans. Along this railing are high-top tables and every one had people sitting at it. Unfortunately, and to be blunt, because the railing was made entirely of glass, if you looked up, you could see up the ladies’ skirts/dresses. A frosting of that glass rail is definitely in order!

 

So, after spending about two hours at the spa, I headed up to the Garden Café for a late breakfast. While there were many people up there, it felt surprisingly uncrowded and I easily found a table in the covered outside section. Great food selection and very clean.

 

The remainder of the morning was spent in the casino. I skipped lunch and headed to Vibe for most of the afternoon.

 

Had a pre-dinner martini at Shakers. While a beautiful venue, Shakers definitely did not have the same relaxing feel as on other ships. It felt smaller and more compact and there was a piano player set back in a corner.

 

I headed to the outside bar of Maltings where there was always a party going on. Lots of fun people, great view and wonderful atmosphere. Just an FYI: you can smoke out there and it seemed that for the rest of the cruise, that’s where the smokers hung out. The only negative about Maltings? The barstools are made of solid wood, yet the seat part was extremely small making it uncomfortable to actually sit at the bar. There was no foot rail to balance your self in these odd chairs. Please fix this, NCL. A big shout-out to Jelyrose, one of the best bartenders!

 

 

Also, at Maltings we met many of the Discovery Channel's film crew who had been filming a documentary of Breakaway since it was being built. They were so pleasant and I enjoyed hearing about their work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moderno for dinner was excellent as always. The salad bar was extensive and being on WW, I ate more salad and less of the meats coming around (which again were extremely salty). The salad bar alone was worth the $20.

 

 

 

 

 

Rock of Ages. First let me say that I am not a show person, but having heard so much about Rock of Ages, I booked it for this evening. It clearly stated in the Freestyle that due to “adult themes, coarse language and sexually suggestive scenes” that the show was not recommended for children.

 

As I awaited the beginning of the show, I watched as family after family with very young children came in and made there way down pretty close to the stage. After the show began, many of these kids were talking, crying, yelling etc not only disrupting the flow of the show, but obviously affecting guests in the theater. It was super annoying. At one point, the sound and lights on stage went completely off and then the show began again after a period of time. Once it began again, the kids started up again. There was too much story line and not enough music for my liking so I left. Not my cup of tea, but others raved about it, so definitely a personal choice. But please, parents: don’t take the kids!

 

 

FYI, sound was also an issue in the casino all week; glitches I am sure will be ironed out. Only some of the slot machines had sound and most of them just issued a crackling sound while playing.

 

 

At 10:45 p.m. the 70s disco event “FABBA” was taking place up in Spice H20, deck 16 aft. I love disco as well ABBA so I headed up there only to find that the cruise staff was pretty much just putting on their own little show, complete with costumes. On other sailings, the cruise staff appeared in their disco outfits and mingled and danced with the guests. But here, it just seemed a little too much all about them and their show. Just my opinion, but I stayed about half an hour and went to bed.

[Coastalbreezes]

I woke up to see the beautiful blue waters of Bermuda as we sailed into King’s Wharf. After a light breakfast at Savor and a couple of hours in the spa, I set off to explore the King’s Wharf area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a fun party atmosphere departing the ship as Bermuda welcomed us to town. Music was playing and there were lots of locals taking photos of Breakaway. One thing I most appreciated was that unlike most other ports, not one person tried to sell me something or try and get me to take one of their tours.

 

 

 

 

I went on walkabout down to the Clocktower Mall where there were many little shops selling just about everything you could think of. Bought some Bermuda Sherry Pepper sauce and a few other souvenirs before making my way to the Frog & Onion Pub located very close to the ship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Went off WW because I just had to try the house specialty of Shepherd’s Pie made with ground lamb. It was some of the best I ever had and I enjoyed a couple of glasses of vino as I chatted up some locals.

 

I made my way back to the ship around 2:00 and spent a relaxing afternoon up in Vibe. We totally lucked out weather-wise in Bermuda; it was warm and sunny every day and it felt great to just hang out in my lounger taking in the gorgeous view.

 

After a few pre-dinner cocktails at Maltings, we headed over to Ocean Blue for dinner. As you can see, the décor is elegant and beautifully appointed. TIP: Order either a drink or your appetizer before ordering your main entrée. We felt very rushed to place our order despite the fact that at that early hour (6:15 p.m.), there were only a few other people in there.

 

 

 

 

The mussels appetizer and Dover sole were just perfect, although it seemed that the second I put down my fork after eating the mussels, voila(!), the sole was placed in front of me. Ditto with the dessert which was also delicious. In and out in about an hour – too rushed for a restaurant of this quality (and price!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a few hours in the casino, I went to see Howl At The Moon which was fun and funny and very entertaining. Unfortunately, this is another venue where (in my opinion), parents should not bring their little ones. The show began at 9:30, long after this one 4 or 5 year old should have been in bed. But no, his parents brought him in, sat in the third row and that poor child screamed, cried and fussed very loudly, once again distracting others (and the entertainers). He finally crashed and fell asleep in Dad’s arms around 11:00.

 

Not sure if I mentioned this, but there was a film crew from the Discover Channel who had been filming with Breakaway since it was under construction. They were a lively, personable bunch and were seen everywhere throughout the cruise. I did get into one shot and signed a waiver. Hoping I don’t end up on the cutting room floor!

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday was kind of a lazy day. Spent several hours in the spa and skipped breakfast so I could enjoy a great lunch at the Bonefish Grill (if you enjoy brisket, it was probably the best I ever ate) not far from the ship. After the usual visit to Vibe and Maltings, dinner that night was at La Cucina.

 

I had wanted to get in one dinner at Le Bistro, but by Wednesday I was told it had sold out for the week. At any rate La Cucina was great and the maitre d’ stopped by to chat. I mentioned that I was disappointed about not getting into Le Bistro and she said she would be right back. Within minutes, she came back with a reservation for Friday night at Le Bistro and hoped I didn’t mind sitting on the “terrace”. Fine with me, wheeeeee! And it is just one more reason that I love NCL. Staff seems to always go above and beyond.

 

After dinner, I headed up to Spice H20 for the combined silver, gold and platinum Lattitudes party. Spice H20 was also where the 70s disco party was held and it is located all the way aft. It was not one of my favorite venues as it just was too big but the only place that could accommodate a crowd. On each occasion, it was pretty chilly back there so taking a sweater or jacket is recommended. Also note that there isn’t much seating. I had an opportunity to chat with both our captain and hotel director and it was a lovely evening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next day, Friday, along with one of my fellow Cruise Critic members (Cathy), I took the high-speed ferry into Hamilton. It was a gorgeous day and we spent hours shopping and enjoyed a great lunch at the Pickled Onion which had been featured on the Food Network with Giada.

 

Up to Vibe where I enjoyed the yummy drink of the day (Bushwackers).

At this point, everyone was really “jonesing” for the casino to open as was I.

 

The ship left Bermuda a half-hour late. Rumor was that we waited for one couple and left without them.

 

Dinner at Le Bistro. Our table was outside of the main restaurant on the “terrace” which abuts a main hallway. Throughout the week, I heard many, many complaints about people being seated out there and hating that there were people constantly walking by, and then insisting on being moved inside which made the hostess scramble to accommodate them.

 

One thing to keep in mind on Breakaway is that this ship is a ship with a decidedly New York feel to it. With that being said, eating on the terrace was reminiscent of sitting at a Manhattan sidewalk café and enjoying people-watching as you dined. I loved every minute of it! For those celebrating a special occasion, I understand that you’d want to be inside in the more romantic setting, so do specify when you make your reservation.

 

For those of use casino addicts, it was a tough beginning as the casino did not open until 8:30 p.m.

 

At 10:30, back to Spice H20 for the 80s party and fireworks show (beautiful!).

 

Cruise Critic is limiting me to only six photos per post, so I will conclude my review with some random photos.

 

Tracy

[Coastalbreezes]

I spent most of the morning in the casino and for the first time, ever actually came home with 50% of what I brought so I was a very happy camper.

 

I went to the Noodle Bar for a lunch of Singapore Noodles. Interesting venue; it is set up with as long counters so I ended up sitting next to this fun group of people and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

 

Decided to end the week at Cagney’s which was great until my grilled garlic shrimp over orzo arrived. Unfortunately there was minimal garlic and maximum salt once again. Very disappointed. My server offered to bring me another entrée, but I was content having shrimp cocktail and a wedge salad (albeit for $30!).

 

Hung out at Maltings with some of our CC group, then early to bed. A great week on Breakaway and I cannot wait to go back to Bermuda.

 

 

Photos:

View from the ship

 

 

Atrium looking up to casino

 

 

 

 

With Captain Hoyt

 

 

With HD Denis Prguda

 

 

And my favorite

 

 

Thanks for reading and I am happy to answer any questions.

 

Tracy

[fivegirl]

Hi Tracy. Do you know what time Vibe closed each night?

[Coastalbreezes]

Hi Tracy. Do you know what time Vibe closed each night?

 

I want to say 7:00 p.m. is when the bar closed, but I believe you could still go and hang out.

 

Tracy

[mresend]

What was the cost for the spa pass for the week? And what was everything that it included?

[Coastalbreezes]

What was the cost for the spa pass for the week? And what was everything that it included?

 

 

For the 7-day cruise, the pass was $169 and included a private locker, the hydro-pool, two saunas, the salt room and heated loungers. Basically everything except actual spa treatments. I imagine it would cost more for cruises longer than a week.

 

I spent at least two hours in there each morning and to me it was well worth the price.

 

Tracy