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Breakaway: Go Big Or Don't Go? My 11/24/13 Sailing

coka

By coka,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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opalinem

opalinem

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Wonderful review! the spa looks awesome. You got me worried about the mini golf though. Do they really have 2 balls for the entire ship :eek: or were you joking? we love playing and I'm starting to wonder if we should bring our own balls... (some ping pong balls too maybe??)

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gizmo911

gizmo911

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I am loving your review. I will be on Breakaway in March and I was very worried that it would be to big, to much, to everything but your review has really helped. I just need to go on this cruise and do "whatever". I also am traveling with 2 friend that have never sailed and one is handicapped.

 

A couple of questions.

 

1- Have you sailed this itinerary before and got off ship at different ports. I would like to know what suggestions you may have.

 

2-Also, folks have mentioned you other reviews. I would love to read them. How do I go about getting to them, especially this itinerary.

 

3- While I like to give my annual donation to the casino, I wanted to know if the smoke is as bad as they say.

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coka

coka

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I am loving your review. I will be on Breakaway in March and I was very worried that it would be to big, to much, to everything but your review has really helped. I just need to go on this cruise and do "whatever". I also am traveling with 2 friend that have never sailed and one is handicapped.

 

A couple of questions.

 

1- Have you sailed this itinerary before and got off ship at different ports. I would like to know what suggestions you may have.

 

2-Also, folks have mentioned you other reviews. I would love to read them. How do I go about getting to them, especially this itinerary.

 

3- While I like to give my annual donation to the casino, I wanted to know if the smoke is as bad as they say.

 

Hi Gizmo,

I am just reading this after writing my next post. I answer number 1 and 3 in it but there can be more to add for you.

 

Coka

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coka

coka

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Hi Tralfie,

A solo journey should be a lot fun. They have solo gatherings so be sure to look for when held in the freestyle daily. If you are staying in a studio, they also have gatherings, information, and events there. Also see if there is a roll call on the cruise critic boards. I know when I travel solo it is always nice to meet some passengers beforehand (even if online). Facebook might also have a roll call too for your sailing too.

 

Hi Opalinem,

There were not enough golf balls to keep things rolling along. We had to look for them...the clubs and balls are stored in a container by the first hole...there were no balls and there were probably seven using the nine greens. I am going to guess five balls total in use. That included the kid who wanted his back! If you have them already at home, it can not hurt to bring some. There were two ping pong tables on the pool deck starboard side going forward behind the stairwell and both were in use when I walked by...so there is at least two ping pong balls there!

 

Hi Mr and Mrs C,

The haircut, one color, and style package is 109 for short hair, 119 for medium hair, and 129 for long hair. They also had highlights for 89 plus dollars or partial highlights for 5 dollars each. Mine was 119 and know there is an automatic service charge and you can add more to it if you like.

 

Mpk218, lol, my oops was that my second post did come out correctly in same font so I deleted and posted again. No worries here!

 

*************************

 

There Are Plenty Of Activities Onboard

 

Morning, day, and evening are full of activities and fun things to do. On this sailing I did not go to most events and just enjoyed roaming around, sleeping, eating, and watching the ocean. The freestyle daily however is pages of information filled with lots of inserts so you can make your choices of what you want to do. Be sure to read through them as they also include important pieces of information.

 

The Breakaway had similar venues and events as their other ships like dance with stars, battle of the sexes, deal or no deal, 55 to stay alive, trivia, bingo, art auctions, perfect couple, not so newlywed game, majority rules game show, Latin party, 70's party, 80's party, the quest, glow party, karaoke, and lots of Nickelodeon events for children and families. Second city is also onboard and they have shows titled, "script less," "totally at sea," and "a night on the town." Bliss Lounge late night dancing and the casino lottery and lotto draws were usually the last things listed late night. There were also lots of opportunities to join exercise classes, dance classes, and participate in group organized events.

 

*********************

 

The Casino

 

We are not big gamblers, high rollers, or casino at sea players. Mr Coka threw his CAS card overboard out to sea from his balcony years ago on the Gem. If you do like to gamble and do so frequently, then you should probably sign up for the card. I read about a lot of good sailing deals and cruise pricing for those who are members.

 

I like how the Breakaway casino is set up and divided into sides and sections. I also like how we had to walk through it to get from forward to aft or from aft to forward...Excellent product placement I say ! Mr. Coka thought it should be a bigger room overall so I told him to go on the Epic. There appeared to plenty of everything for everyone.

 

We watched a lot and played a little. This trip was not a planned one at all so I was saving my few mad dollars for Atlantis in Nassau. I did play the goldfish machine with the mermaid which seemed like a sure thing. When that did not work out, I played the Sovereign Lion which seemed like a sure thing too. That did not work out either. So I was done. Mr. Coka played some sort of buccaneer pirate machine that made a gruff laughing sound. No big win there and he picked up a bad habit of laughing the same way when he played it. Those were the times I did not stick around to watch...

 

One afternoon the blackjack table caught my eye because there was a crowd. Oh my goodness, there were passengers playing with 1,000 dollar chips! I thought the mob was onboard until I found out it was a tournament and the winner gets 500 dollars. Not this winner but the winner of the finals overall and this was just a qualifier. I left.

 

We enjoyed watching the big electronic deal or no deal machines where multiple players could play and we enjoyed watching people play the big machine where you try to put the key in a lock to win cash and iPad. I am so glad someone said on cruisecritic it is a game of chance and not skill.

 

The smoke did not bother me. It sometimes got me thinking about wanting to re join and have a cigarette too. I quit when the ship prices were 27 dollars a carton for my brand and they are 33 now onboard. That is still a great price. I wonder what they will be when I am 80 as I decided that is when it will be okay to start smoking again. There are definitely some great smoking sections set up in other areas around the ship.

 

********************

 

Rock of Ages

 

I told Mr. Coka it is only a one hour show to get him to go with me (it is 90 minutes or so). I also told him some wrote reviews stating the show was loud so take appropriate precaution. I also read the theater seats are not that comfortable. Is that true? I ask because my choice was to sit in the far back behind the disabled passenger section near the bar. An easy exit if needed, a quick run to ladies room if needed (and it was), and it was behind all the speakers. This seating worked well for us and I found it easy to place my cocktail on the stand in front and I was happy to know I could stand up and watch if I wanted to.

 

We found the show loud for about a minute or so only at the beginning. After the introduction it got reasonable...or we just got used to it! We appreciated the set, the acting, the singing, and the story. It brought me and mr. Coka back in time so I guess you know you are old when a cruise ship does a themed production show about your era! Regarding appropriateness for minors, I concluded if your son or daughter goes to a public junior or senior high school, then what they see and hear will not be a shock to them...

 

Mr. Coka (who is 65) loved this show! He said he was glad I fibbed about the length because he would not have attended otherwise.

 

*******************************

 

Burn The Floor

 

We sat in the same seats for this show too since the location worked out so well. I booked this one for 5:30 on the last day at sea (Saturday) thinking everyone else would be packing. This show is truly 60 minutes and the first part of it appeared to me no different than any other cruise ship dancing. I was beginning to object to mr. Coka and we talked about getting a start on packing ourselves... until the word OBJECTION appeared on the stage. Oh my, now this is when it got really really good! The passion, sensuality, and infectious spirit (words describing the show from the freestyle daily) begins when the male dancer in the suit coat comes out onstage to dance...it remains intense all the way to the end of the show. I definitely would love to see this show again.

 

*************************

 

Les Getrex N Creole Cookin Band...They Were Cookin Allright!

 

This group appeared in Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club. I had the same experience here on the Breakaway as I did on the Epic. I went in thinking zzzzz, not my cup of tea, and ended up staying forever because it was so much freaking fun! If you are a fan of jazz and blues clubs, you will probably be here as often as possible. If you are not a fan, you will still be pleasantly surprised and end up liking it. A special note about this venue is that passengers, employees on break, friend and family of crew, whoever, can also jam with the band. Very interactive and I have yet to read or hear anything where it was not an enjoyable experience. Hey, know that if you smoke, you can take a few steps outside from this venue to the waterfront...and there are ashtrays out there on the tables.

 

Oh...did anyone see me immediately become part of the show one night when I walked in the entrance? I hope I played my part well!

 

************************

 

Howl At The Moon Dueling Pianos

 

For me, I just don't get it. I gave them a try but my interest was not captured enough to stay long. I will say it was pretty packed in Headliners when I went in one evening and passengers appeared to be having fun singing, drinking, listening, and partaking. Some day I will make myself stay longer...but this is the beauty of the Breakaway...there are just so many options that will appeal to various tastes. There really is something for everyone.

 

***************************

 

We Spent 60 Minutes Total In The Three Ports Of Call

 

Port Canaveral is an interesting port entering and leaving. We enjoyed watching the process of tying up to the pier. Ship handling and docking is fascinating to us and we love to be on the waterfront to see it. We thought about going on an airboat ride because we have never done it, or returning to cocoa beach, or going to the big merritt mall, or return to the space museum. We ended up staying onboard for a lazy day.

 

Great Stirrup Cay was missed but it was not for a lack of trying to get there. Oh, I felt so bad for the passengers I saw in their summer clothes, their beach bags and totes, all gathering to get on the first tender that never got them. I am very thankful to have enjoyed GSC many times before and I knew what they were missing! Norwegian' private island is probably my favorite port stop of all time and I really love walking around and exploring it...seeing what is new there next...having a piña colada...snorkeling...laying in the water on a float mat...eating a pork rib or two...just hanging out on a beach island...listening to smooth sounds of Joy Caribbean band play...ahhhhhhhh!

 

I do think passengers handled the disappointment very well. We were going to head to Nassau Bahamas and be there by 6pm. Back in the day, I would probably would be found at señor frogs into the wee hours of the morning as this meant we were overnighting it there. Mr. coka and I stayed onboard that evening and did not get off the ship until the next late morning.

 

In Nassau Bahamas the one thing I wanted to do was revisit one slot machine that was good to me last time there. It was a dollar machine with maximum bet of nine dollars each pull. I remembered exactly where it was. We took a shared van ride to the casino/hotel/entertainment complex for four dollars each. Walked right to the machine, put in a Ben Franklin, bet the max and nothing. Bet the max again and nothing once more. Confused I could not get the machine to go a third time, I realized although correct spot...it was a new dollar machine with 50 dollar maximum bet! My one hundred dollars was gone in 2 seconds.

 

Mr. Coka laughed out loud at my idiocy until I said I was ready to return to Breakaway. He wanted to stay a bit because a,waitress had taken an order already. So I sat for a minute and drank a one hundred dollar rum and coke and sobbed why I do not gamble anymore. We walked around a bit and mr. Coka played twenty dollars and lost it on wheel of fortune.

 

And then I saw her. A beautiful siren...a mermaid...from afar...made of 2 cent gold 4.50 maximum bet she was! Oh Mr Coka, I am going to take out more from my wallet and she will get me back to even! What a fun machine! She sometimes spun the reels and she almost brought me to even. After talking me into cashing out the ticket, mr. Coka takes a twenty and says he wants to try her. Hey, this is MY machine and I picked her but go ahead. No sooner than a few spins later the mermaid went wild for him! Her tail kept slapping about and lots of diamond Gem stones floated all around the machine and the dollar numbers kept adding adding adding up until it stopped at $2,034.00! I was so happy (for him) and yet so mad (that it should have been me) all at the same time! We got right out of there and headed back to the Breakaway where Mr Coka put the money in the safe and he never played the rest of the cruise.

 

We indeed were having the best boat ride EVER!

 

*****************

 

Coka

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gizmo911

gizmo911

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Do you remember the name and location of the Mermaid machine. or can you describe the features. I plan on going to Atlantis. I usually play the Wizard of OZ but would like to try this one also.

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Barb Nahoumi

Barb Nahoumi

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Thank you for your wonderful and informative review-----great as always.

 

I just watched the BA make her way down the Hudson with her new load of lucky cruisers. She was going "Nose to Nose" with a cargo ship, and seemed to go under the Narrows bridge simultaneously.

 

I'm still not sure if I want to cruise on a mega ship, but we might give in someday.

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lgfromdg

lgfromdg

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Coka - I always look forward to your reviews, I laugh until I cry. But you're surprising me lately. First you shock us by telling us you sail on HAL, then you say you now go to be around 10:00. I can remember all those hilarious posts about you and your sister or friend closing down the clubs all cruise long. I live vicariously through you; you are my Peter Pan. Please don't grow up. :D

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waterbabies4

waterbabies4

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What a great read!! I went to bed with my laptop and your review, cant wait to get on BA! We are heading to NYC in a couple of days with our two teen daughters for a week of RnR on this great ship. Following a glorious transatlantic on Epic last year I say...

Bring it on Breakaway!

Thanks so much!!

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gizmo911

gizmo911

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Coka - I always look forward to your reviews, I laugh until I cry. But you're surprising me lately. First you shock us by telling us you sail on HAL, then you say you now go to be around 10:00. I can remember all those hilarious posts about you and your sister or friend closing down the clubs all cruise long. I live vicariously through you; you are my Peter Pan. Please don't grow up. :D

 

 

 

Please tell me where I can find those wonderful Coka reviews you are talking about. They are very rare these days and I just love reading good ones. Thanks.

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coka

coka

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Hi Gizmo911,

The slot machine at Atlantis is called Mermaid's Gold. It is a two cent machine that has maximum bet of 4.50. When you first walk into the casino, stay straight in the middle aisle and go past the first kiosk in the center. Look to the right and you will see the Wheel of Fortune machines. The mermaid machine is in the first row and is the first machine in the lineup just after the wheel of fortune ones. Another way is to look at a 45 degree angle to the right beyond that first kiosk. Hopefully it will still be there when you go!

 

Hi Dizizit,

Santa definitely visits sailings during Christmas week, but he was still finishing up in the North Pole on this one. Actually, he might have visited, but I did not see him or read about him in the Freestyle Daily.

 

Hi Barb Nahoumi and DeladyPilot,

I have no regrets and am glad I sailed her. Looking forward to The Getaway...after Time2cruise1, Cubechick, and others work the new ship kinks out! Hehehe

 

Hi Opalinem,

I would too next time! Have a great trip and I hope you tell how it goes!

 

Hi Lgfromdg!

Oh Laura, I am surprising myself too lately. I have been thinking the same thing. My high heel dancing shoes remained in the closet too. I hurt! I suppose a time comes when a torch needs passing and I see your future trips with your sisters...Carry it on girlfriend! Seriously though, I have not been the same since my favorite Montreal nightclub closed down!

 

All others, thank you for the kind responses!

 

 

*****************

 

What Time Is It? Time to shop!

 

My thank you gift for greasing the mermaid slot machine for mr Coka was a Breakaway Beach Bag.. I kept looking at it all week when we walked by and I had always thought we could use it in our real lives. Not only did he get the bag but also got a matching breakaway purse that went along with it. I suppose asking mr. Coka what time it was every five minutes after he won did not resonate with him. I should have looked at watches way earlier! No biggie, I did not see any Rado ones.

 

The Breakaway shopping onboard was plentiful. Not a lot clothing, but plenty of watches, jewelry, souvenirs, purses, liquor, cigarettes, and I even saw water shoes and boat shoes. The store is large and fun to peruse as each section is divided nicely on both sides of ship. The photo shop is right there too. Any time they take your picture, you give your room number. On your key card will be an assigned number where you can find a binder of all your photos. A somewhat different system from Epic (according to photo guy), and it worked just as well.

 

I enjoyed the make up and perfume section too. I used L'Occitane products in the past and it was great to pick up some hand cream and some foot cream. With so many hand sanitizers around, along with washing hands frequently, it can be drying. OH...they also had Bare Escentuals makeup onboard too. I currently use this makeup and it was great to buy right there. These are the products noticed on this ship that I do not remember on others (other than Epic). When you go big, you get to offer more choices. Passengers who purchased liquor throughout the week were able to pick it up on Saturday day...I thought this was better than having it delivered to your cabin on Saturday night.

 

Mr Coka enjoyed the camera and electronics section. He bought some speakers for his iPad or iPhone.

 

****************************

 

Special Parties for Passengers

 

For those interested in knowing when special parties are held, know that it could,change on your sailing. Even so, it might not, so it could help your planning to know our Cruise critic meet and greet was set for 11 am on Monday in Cagneys. The VIP party was Monday at 6:30-7:30pm (I think) held in the Haven. The latitudes party for silver, gold, and platinum repeat passengers was Wednesday 7-7:30 in Spice H20. We only attended the meet and greet and not the other two because I did not want to change a reservation. I was thankful to know I do not go to such things only for the free drinks as I suspected in the past! Actually, I met a guy who was on his 102nd Norwegian cruise so I figured I would not win the free champagne if they g ave it away with this only being my 40th (I think).

 

I will say the meet and greet set up by Cherie319 was awesome! A wonderful turnout of about 150 cruise critics and Facebook fans. Passengers had communicated via cruisecritic and on Facebook prior to the trip and some brought gift exchanges, gifts from cruise critic and other. Officers came and spoke to the group and passed out their contact numbers in case we needed anything. Some day I will call Hugo at 2am to let him know I would like a glass of water! Do you think he would bring it to me?

 

 

************************

 

Hey Norwegian! How Come I Do Not Get Your Emails Anymore?

 

I used to get the online survey after every cruise within of few days of getting off a Norwegian ship. The last time I got one was around cruise 34 or so. I do know they are random so perhaps my odds of receiving one are too high now. That is okay, they already know what I think. I love them so! One of the questions asked is if anyone onboard made their trip special that we would like to tell them about. So let me recognize and thank a few in public:

 

Dennis, Teppanyaki chef from Philippines...I could have watched his show all night as he prepared the yummiest food for us. He was fun, engaging, and quite talented. He worked the table well and had a good aim getting food to some mouths!

 

Scooter, cruise staff member...I never met him but watched him in action at a variety of shows not only on Breakaway but on other ships. This cruise he seemed to be everywhere. He was a riot in Dancing With The Stars, he was a hoot when I saw him dancing with passengers just prior to the 70's night (he is an awesome dancer), and he hosted the little kids circus/talent show very well on the last day at sea. The little kids "roaring" jumping through the hoop is always a riot. Perhaps a Cruise Director position in the future has his name on it?

 

Rogeliza Nanad, Asst. Maitre D...She is a ball of fire! She communicated with passengers, checked in with them, and watched over everything which is not an easy task to do. She is so good that this week was her last as she was heading to the Getaway to help her get ready! She was always so kind, friendly, and helpful.

 

Jonathan, our steward, always made us feel like we were his only concern. Thanksgiving sailings are not easy because most staterooms are full of three or more passengers in each due to families traveling together. He took time to show how to use cabin features, was excellent on everything...cleaning, replenishing, and making sure we were set with whatever! Even our cabin neighbors loved him so...not only was he great with our towel animals, he did some cool things for them as they had children on both sides of our stateroom. My favorite towel animal is the little tiny mouse peeking out of the sheets. I could get that one every night and go bed smiling so!

 

Raymond! Oh my goodness Raymond! How on earth did he remember, let alone recognize me from my good old Norwegian Sun years? All I want to know is how I can look way older, be 35 pounds heavier, be sitting there on chair waiting for mr coka and he remembers/recognizes/greets me while he has not changed in looks a bit! OceanDreams, if you are reading this, he is just as good looking as ever! He says hello!

 

Hugo Vanosmael, Hotel Director...hard working, wonderful personality, it is amazing one person is in charge of a hotel Operations onboard such a large ship. The crew love him and passengers who have known him throughout the years love him. If anyone ever gives Hugo a hard time, know that Mr. Coka and I will hunt them down...!

 

Captain Evans Hoyt and the Bridge Guys...I thank you for keeping us safe while onboard. I admit to being frightened of mega cruise ships scared to sail the Big Breakaway. Watching "Mighty Ships: The Breakaway" two nights before sailing did not help either. We were so impressed with the ship handling, the docking, the maneuvering during our sailing that I never gave it another thought once we left NYC. Whoever was driving the ship when the Nassau pilot was delivered back to the pilot boat deserves an award! You guys rock!

 

*********************************

 

Bye Bye Big Breakaway

 

Mr. Coka chuckled that I crawled out of bed, threw on my faux fur winter coat, in order to watch the return to NYC and the sail beneath the Verazzano Bridge early Sunday morning before the day broke. One week earlier I stood on the highest point possible on the Breakaway freezing while on this morning I watched from the balcony. Priceless moments to see the city in lights, wondering where all the people are heading, quietly thinking about loved ones lost and loved ones living, my thoughts of them and my thoughts of the relaxing peaceful vacation I just had on the Breakaway kept me warm. Then, Mr Coka interrupted my meditative reflections from inside the room with a request for some more snuggling before we left the ship. I sat outside and thought about it a bit. Anyone also out on their balconies that early morning probably heard my answer: "Sure! For One Thousand Dollars!" Then I laughed out loud like a Buccaneer Pirate.

 

Getting off was easy (the ship). They started calling for easy walk off around 7:15 am or so. Someone correct me if wrong. We had the priority with luggage assistance and had set it out by midnight prior. We enjoyed one last breakfast in Savor, said goodbye to our steward around 8:20, and walked down to deck seven and waited for priority/yellow to get called at around 8:45. Once inside terminal we easily found our luggage. One scan at the line up for immigration and I hired a porter. Mr Coka had no idea but I said to watch to see how the pros do it. Within minutes we were at our driving machine and mr. Coka was quite impressed. He inquired how much that cost and I told him another thousand dollars (but it was really only twenty...we had four bags).

 

Heading North on Henry Hudson Parkway I noticed it was only 9:15. This was probably the fastest debarkation process ever! Our last minute Big Breakaway Boat Ride was indeed a memorable one. I have nothing planned after February Dawn trip and I imagine myself jumping aboard Breakaway again sometime the future. Thanks again to Norwegian Cruise Line For always providing an awesome holiday vacation!

 

The End, ...Er, For This Trip!

 

Coka:D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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cruitenn

cruitenn

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Excellent review as always. We have so much in common aside from our love of cruising! We love Hugo as much as you and Mr. Coka do. We will hunt those nay sayers together. He is the best.

 

He may not bring the water down personally but will send someone with hot milk or another type of night cap (stronger maybe) each night to ensure you don't make those 2 a.m. calls again.:D

 

We have to sync our schedules and go on the same cruise one of these days. You guys will make it so much fun. :)

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