Breakaway...read the reviews, saw the pics, not impressed...HOPING Quantum truly WOWS

[dcollette]

We are currently booked for Breakaway this fall and it is a make or break cruise for NCL with us. We decided to give them a second chance. Will see how that goes. We are awaiting the fall 2015 itineraries for QOS to see what suits us best. We would like to see some different ports.

 

If you are judging your decision based upon what other people's opinions are, I would urge you not to. If, like it seems, you have looked at the things that matter most to you--adult only area, balcony, dining-- and don't like what you see (not what you hear) then you are making a sound choice. I am cruising with my children, so I probably won't get much chance to check out the adult only area, and I would never pay extra to get that, either. I must say many of the things I see on QOS that (at least for now) are included, I honestly believe if they were on an NCL ship, they would be extra fee. The solarium looks amazing, the two70 is very exciting, and we can't wait to see what the fall itineraries are going to look like.

 

As for Gambee's review--he writes a very well balanced review. If you would like to view his review without all the extra "chatter" from here on CC, he has started a blog page Gambees cruise reviews, that has all of the review parts with photos but none of the banter from here. He also has the Silli review and the Allure (wish that was home ported closer to us). I can understand finding it difficult to follow the flow of his review from the posts here, so the ones on his site are still the same, but without the distractions. He puts quite a bit of time and effort into these reviews and it shows, he does an amazing job! Wish he was taking the QOS so that we could get as wonderful of a review on this one as well!!

[toocruisin2]

Hey all,

A bunch of your CC friends just off the 7/14/13 Breakaway cruise posted reviews in the member review area; you may want to check it out to get additional perspectives.

Paul

[Irene7]

I was on the Breakaway a few weeks ago which was my first NCL cruise after cruising mostly on RCCL. I didn't care for the pool area, narrow hallways, or the lack of variety in the main dining room. The service in the dining room was also poor. This was my first "freestyle" cruise so wasn't sure if this is just the way it is. On the positive side the entertainment was very good and the parties on deck at night were a lot of fun. Also loved the Bermuda itinerary. None of the negatives ruined my cruise and we had a wonderful time on the Breakaway but in the future I don't think NCL would be my first choice.

 

 

I had read on several reviews that there is a charge for all the shows, is this true?

[Schplinky]

They charge for the Cirque shows but the shows in th main theater are free, I think.

[roe2ship]

I had read on several reviews that there is a charge for all the shows, is this true?

SEVERAL reviews? ALL shows? Wow, no it's not true. There is a charge for the Cirque show and that actually includes a dinner. Just goes to show you to take some reviews with a grain of salt.

[Schplinky]

SEVERAL reviews? ALL shows? Wow, no it's not true. There is a charge for the Cirque show and that actually includes a dinner. Just goes to show you to take some reviews with a grain of salt.

 

 

Still, you shouldn't have to pay to see shipboard entertainment. That show even has two prices, one for better seats. It's amazing they don't make you wash your own dishes on NCL.

[roe2ship]

Still, you shouldn't have to pay to see shipboard entertainment. That show even has two prices, one for better seats. It's amazing they don't make you wash your own dishes on NCL.

I agree. I think the two prices are only on Epic and Breakaway is one set price.....I believe $39.99.:rolleyes:

[Schplinky]

and they also have bars with a cover. Craziness. A cheap cruise with a million add-ons.

[swim13]

and they also have bars with a cover. Craziness. A cheap cruise with a million add-ons.

 

Cheap?! :confused: Trying to find a good deal for summer 2014 on Breakaway is like trying to find $100 laying on the ground! :p

[Schplinky]

I meant "cheap" in the quality sense.

[roe2ship]

and they also have bars with a cover. Craziness. A cheap cruise with a million add-ons.

Bars? The only bar that I can think of is the ice bar and that does include two drinks....so almost pays for itself. My Breakaway cruise is FAR from cheap....it all depends on time of year and that goes for all the cruise lines.

[Schplinky]

Bars? The only bar that I can think of is the ice bar and that does include two drinks....so almost pays for itself. My Breakaway cruise is FAR from cheap....it all depends on time of year and that goes for all the cruise lines.

 

 

Yes, I was referring to the ice bar. It's ridiculous that one should have a drink minimum to see it. If the Quantum was owned by NCL, there would be fees for the bumber cars, the North Star and the wave rider.

[Schplinky]

The other thing I really didn't like about NCL was that when you went to the Specialty restaurants to get away from the mediocre dining room food, you paid a cover, which was fine, and then they still have things on the menu you need to pay even more to get. It's just all a little grubby.

[roe2ship]

Yes, I was referring to the ice bar. It's ridiculous that one should have a drink minimum to see it. If the Quantum was owned by NCL, there would be fees for the bumber cars, the North Star and the wave rider.

You forgot the sky dive!;) There may even be an entrance fee for the gorgeous Two 70 venue. One price during the day, higher price in the evenings....and one price for lower level and higher price for higher level.:D

[Schplinky]

Glad RCL is already on record as affirming that these things will be complimentary. I truly believe that would never happen on NCL.

[toocruisin2]

Just off Breakaway, review in member section:

1. There is no MDR, but four complementary sit down restaurants, including one that is open 24/7, and a second that has dancing and a dinner show, in addition to the buffet and premium restaurants

2. All the entertainment is free with the exception of the limited seating Cirque dinner show, surf and turf. Actually three seating price tiers, including stage seating

3. The Ice Bar is 20 bucks, including two mixed drinks, vodka based, and it takes about 5 minutes for them to get you dressed up in protective clothing so you don't freeze your tootsies off

 

Paul

[Irene7]

SEVERAL reviews? ALL shows? Wow, no it's not true. There is a charge for the Cirque show and that actually includes a dinner. Just goes to show you to take some reviews with a grain of salt.

 

Very true, not to mention we really do not even know which reveiws are by phantom's. I had a conversation going back and forworth on youtube a few months back, and this person said his friend wrote a negative review on cc for the Epic, and he never even sailed on the ship:eek:.

[dam64]

I have to tell you all I was on the Breakaway and loved the ship and the layout! The food was fantastic! The seafood restaurant with the cover charge was by far the best food I have ever eaten on a cruise ship! Worth every dime! The wine bars where you serve yourself are my favourite. The shows were excellent! The food in all the main dining rooms were delicious. We only went to 1 speciality restaurant. The buffet works so much better on this ship than the others it goes all around and flows nicely so no crowds or long lines.

 

We were in a spa mini suite and the room was big enough for 2 and the bathroom was gorgeous! The balcony looked small in pictures before I went but it really was fine when you were on it. The spa is gorgeous and loved the heated chairs and salt room.I didn't really notice how narrow the hallways were....I don't go on a cruise to nit pick every detail.

 

The staff was by far the best I have ever had and this is not my first Norwegian cruise. They went above and beyond my expectations! The only complaint I had was the ship felt crowded on sea days around the pool area so we stayed away from there and the chair hogs with the cabanas, we were fortunate enough on the last sea day to get one and we enjoyed it.

 

This ship is a must see and judge for yourselves, I really don't understand why the negative reviews with the staff because we never had an issue! I think some people go on vacation to look for faults, we go on vacation always with a positive attitude and as long as I'm not cooking or cleaning it's all good to me!

 

We will cruise with her again in the future, she is a must see.:)

 

We just booked QOS and can't wait!

[Blue Line]

I am still sort of hung up on naming a ship "breakaway"...

 

The first thing that comes to my mind is not seaworthiness...

 

I only mention it because corporations spend millions on design, and base many things around consumers psyche and on our perception of what they are selling, etc....I would think this perhaps would be one of those things..

 

But then again, I have been told not to think too much...

[riclop]

If you have never had a chance to read a review from CC member Gambee, I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend that you give one a try. He is not line loyal, so his reviews are very impartial and the most informative you could ever read...extensive pictures and vidoes throughout, menus, compasses, port info, etc.

 

I just got done spending a few hours last night pouring over his review of the NCL Breakaway. I was originally QUITE excited about the idea of cruising this ship as she is only 3 hours from my home and I adore the entertainment line up of this ship. However, after spending a week on this ship virtually through Gambee, I can say that I do NOT think this ship is for me.

 

First, I'm just NOT impressed with the menus at all. One thing that blew me away with the Allure was all the interesting food choices in the specialty restaurants (which we try to dine in exclusively). We tried so many new things and were BLOWN away with the quality and the flavor. Honestly, the choices from the Breakaway menus reminded me more of what I could find at any local restaurant like Olive Garden (actually, even less). Nothing stood out, nothing WOW'd. It was all just... Meh. I can only HOPE that Quantum keeps along the same lines of the already established specialty venues and keeps things on that RCCL high standard. With new venues undoubtedly appearing soon, my fingers are crossed for a good variety of interesting choices.

 

Second, I'm just NOT impressed with the average cabin, balcony and hallway size on the Breakawya. Have you SEEN those balconies. If you are larger than a barbie doll you can't even BEGIN to utilize them. No eating breakfast out on your balcony (no table...just 2 small chairs) or even stretching your legs (the chairs are smashed up to the glass). You get more leg room at the movies or a ball stadium... no joke. And the hallways don't look much bigger (definitely smaller than the Allures hallway passages). I can only HOPE that the Quantum keeps the roomier balconies, complete with an adequate breakfast table and room to stretch your legs. My fingers are crossed that they don't eat into passageways and cabins and such as they look for space.

 

Third, I'm just NOT impressed with the apparent Customer Service that the Breakaway staff seems to be delivering. Gambee is just NOT a guy to complain in his reviews, but there were definitely times he did not have a good experiences with the service on the ship. We were absolutely, positively blown away with the service we got on the Allure at every venue, every location, every single personal top to bottom. I can only HOPE that the Quantum staff excels in this area, as well, and we see that Royal special touch throughout.

 

Breakaway... my mind has changed... not interested, not impressed.

Quantum... my fingers are crossed... no scratch that... my fingers are drumming in anticipation for MORE INFORMATION. Come on guys, throw us a bone! We are waiting with MUCH anticipation!!! I'm tired of wiping the drool from my face. Can't we see or hear SOMETHING new?????

I agree with you 1000% Gambee did a fabulous job in his review and photos and videos and there was nothing on that ship that was a wow factor, it looked very ordinary. Now quantum looks awesome except for the very high prices.

[debache]

I was on the Breakaway last week and had a wonderful time....we ate in 3 specialty restaurants and enjoyed them very much. The MDRs I was not impressed with (not the food, the 30-45 minute wait to get in and the 2 1/2 hour dinner)..we tried to get reservations for 7:00 and was told no room in any of the MDRs, thank goodness we were in the Haven and the concierge got it done for us...this was lousy and if I go on her again I will have 7:00 reservations for the whole week...

The Haven was awesome and I loved it....worth every $....

My room attendant, concierge, and Butler were excellent and I the staff very friendly and helpful...

Rock of Ages was very good, Burn the Floor was okay (enjoyed it for about 15 minutes, then boredom set in).

Water slides, my family and friends enjoyed them...

Pools (2), not enough to handle 4,000 people on sea day..

Carlos Bakery cupcakes were better then the cupcakes on RCCL...

The Atrium: they had singers and movies and they played a lot of their games right in the middle of the Atrium...trying to speak to guest services during the singing and movies you had to scream to be heard or to hear the representatives....

also in the Atrium...O'Sheehan's it is open 24 hours and you can get hamburgers, hot dogs, meat loaf this is a nice touch, I went there once at night and again the movie was blasting, so for me too loud. (My son ate there a lot around 4:00am, he said it was not loud then,lol)...

Still. Atrium: they played deal or no deal, battle of the sexes, majority rules and other games..I prefer these kind of games in the marahara's (spelling) lounge...

So, in conclusion, there were a few things I definitely did not really care for, but it did not damper by cruise at all. I definitely am still loyal to royal, but would not hesitate going on the Breakaway again..

[toocruisin2]

I agree with you 1000% Gambee did a fabulous job in his review and photos and videos and there was nothing on that ship that was a wow factor, it looked very ordinary. Now quantum looks awesome except for the very high prices.

 

Gee I must have read a different review from Gambee, because I saw things throughout his review that he gave high score to, and in his summary i saw this:

"Everything about the ship is just stunning; I was very much impressed by it. And all those worries that I had prior boarding started to disappear as I saw how the ship actually worked. I was very worried about the ship feeling overly crowded, and that I would not be able to use the jacuzzis, etc. I am not sure how, but NCL did just as good as a job as RCCL did with distributing the crowds throughout the ship."

 

"The energy that this ship radiates is crazy, and not only that but the amount of activities offered is just about enough to keep everyone entertained."

 

"I had a great time in this cruise, and I would dare say that I had possibly more fun in this cruise that in the Allure."

 

Gambee did a nice job describing very poor treatment by Guest Relations, and gave the overall service a score of 5 out of 10! While my experience with the Breakaway staff was very different, I certainly can understand why Gambee scored Breakaway as he did.

 

I don't believe Gambee's review would lead folks to think Breakaway is ordinary. JMHO, Paul

[mimb1]

Back a week now and still missing our time on Breakaway. What a fab vacation we were a group of 11 from 50yrs to 7 yrs. There is so much to do for all ages you will not be disappointed. That said I like the RCCL model better for myself the 50 yr old the kids choose NCL hands down. Both in my mind are similar hosts pros and cons vary from cruise to cruise. They say variety is the spice of life and you will never know how much you will enjoy something unless you try it. Loved not having to get on a flight to Florida to enjoy a new ship and look forward to Quantum shaking things up. :cool: Breakaway is a very nice vacation. Enjoy Life!!!

[dnl_in_Illinois]

I was on the Breakaway last week and had a wonderful time....we ate in 3 specialty restaurants and enjoyed them very much. The MDRs I was not impressed with (not the food, the 30-45 minute wait to get in and the 2 1/2 hour dinner)..we tried to get reservations for 7:00 and was told no room in any of the MDRs, thank goodness we were in the Haven and the concierge got it done for us...this was lousy and if I go on her again I will have 7:00 reservations for the whole week...

The Haven was awesome and I loved it....worth every $....

My room attendant, concierge, and Butler were excellent and I the staff very friendly and helpful...

Rock of Ages was very good, Burn the Floor was okay (enjoyed it for about 15 minutes, then boredom set in).

Water slides, my family and friends enjoyed them...

Pools (2), not enough to handle 4,000 people on sea day..

Carlos Bakery cupcakes were better then the cupcakes on RCCL...

The Atrium: they had singers and movies and they played a lot of their games right in the middle of the Atrium...trying to speak to guest services during the singing and movies you had to scream to be heard or to hear the representatives....

also in the Atrium...O'Sheehan's it is open 24 hours and you can get hamburgers, hot dogs, meat loaf this is a nice touch, I went there once at night and again the movie was blasting, so for me too loud. (My son ate there a lot around 4:00am, he said it was not loud then,lol)...

Still. Atrium: they played deal or no deal, battle of the sexes, majority rules and other games..I prefer these kind of games in the marahara's (spelling) lounge...

So, in conclusion, there were a few things I definitely did not really care for, but it did not damper by cruise at all. I definitely am still loyal to royal, but would not hesitate going on the Breakaway again..

 

Question if you will please. We've sailed on the Epic a couple of times, love it and the Haven is excellent in all respects. On the Breakaway, from what I can discern through looking at photos and reading - - the actual swimming pool area in the Haven appears to be quite small, smaller than on the Epic. My grand-girls and family love the aspect of the small and convenient pool as is on the Epic. What can you tell us about the pool in the Breakaway Haven as to size, was it often crowded, etc. Thanks in advance! Dave K.

[islegroove]

I felt the Breakaway had plenty of great food choices (I never did eat in the MDR) and a wide variety.

 

I had a mini-suite and the balcony could have been better described as a ledge.

 

The smoke from the casino floated up through the centre of the ship, which was annoying.

 

The water area was great, especially the slides and the ropes course was exciting, especially the plank.

 

My biggest beef is that there were lots of little extra charges and trying to get into some venues/shows was difficult if you didn't pre-book or book them as soon as you got onto the ship.

 

Rock of Ages is not a kid-friendly show and the Cirque/dinner show costs $40 - which is an extra $160 for a family of four. The dance show is only worth it if you managed to get a table next to the dance floor or otherwise you really couldn't see what's happening.

 

I wouldn't say it was a home run, but it's not a pop-up either.