Breakaway or Breeze

[NJ Mr. E]

So I want to plan a trip the third week of April because it is my 32nd birthday week. I am in a toss up between two trips and I was looking for some feedback. I will let you know which I am thinking about and then my thoughts. Let me start by saying I live in NJ and a NY port departure obviously saves me a flight cost.

 

NCL Breakaway- 7 day FL/Bahamas (Orlando, Stirrup Cay, Nassau) 4/20/14 leaving from NY. I priced out a studio cabin for about $1,600(with LE discount) I am really interested in the studio and have read a lot of good things on CC about the lounge ability to socialize with other solos. I have never been on Norwegian yet or ship that size even. It looks to have a lot of amenities. I can dropped off or take the train to NY. I actually really liked Stirrup Cay last time I was there.

 

CCL Breeze- 6 day Caribbean(Grand Turk, Ocho Rios, Nasau) 4/20/14 leaving from Miami. I could get a balcony for about $1,650(with VIFP discount). This trip would add some VIFP points but since I plan to make cruising an annual thing(minimum) I am not too worried about building points up. Obvious negative to this trip is the flight cost to Miami. The main draw for me on this one is the fact that I have never been to either Grand Turk or Ocho Rios. Interested in a bigger Carnival ship. I know

 

I was hoping CC solo travelers can help me out. This would be my second cruise solo. Fascination was my first and I thoroughly enjoyed going solo. So I don't have any worries about loneliness, or socializing problems.

 

Any draw backs to either ship for a solo guy?

Anything negative to say about Breeze balcony or Breakaway studio?

I am a non-smoker and I have read some poor reviews about the Breakaway's smoke policy.

 

Thanks for the help. Happy Cruising.

[HowardK]

I did the Breakaway and Epic and thoroughly enjoyed both- and the studio concept was great. Also note, that if you book a studio and the price drops of the other categories- you can sometimes get a last minute upgrade- I did so and got a balcony.

 

However, there was so much to do on both ships that the studio was fine.

I thought the Breakaway had a lot of good shows and entertainment.

 

I don't smoke and did not notice the smoke much- then again I did not spend time in the Casino.

 

I am either doing the Breakaway again in October or the Getaway.

However (from NJ) also, it was much easier going from NYC- the ship left on a Sunday and I stayed in NYC Saturday vs when i took the Epic from FLA and had the extra costs of the flight, hotel, etc..

 

Was easier bringing more to NYC luggage wise vs Miami.

 

Although you get a Balcony on the Breeze- you might luck out and end up with one on the Breakaway a week or so before. Plus you get an extra day on the Breakaway and do not need to fly.

 

-I am not familiar at all with the Breeze though in terms of what the ship offers

[NJ Mr. E]

I didn't even realize it was Easter Sunday. I guess that is even more of a reason for me not fly to FL.