Breeze Jan 12-18 2014 review

[hihosilvers]

Just back from the Breeze Jan 12-18 six-day Western.

This was our fifth Carnival cruise, and second time on the Breeze (Jan 2013). We are a family of five, and also travelling with another family of three.

 

I'll keep this very short.

 

For no particular reason, I was prepared for this cruise to disappoint vs. last year. It may be from reading hundreds of posts on Cruise Critic, or just from my personal Carnival experiences - I don't know, but I was prepared for a decline. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.

Now, we've enjoyed all of our Carnival cruises, but I can honestly say that this time on the Breeze, we (all) noticed an improvement in MDR food, and overall service.

 

Both families did FTTF. The quick boarding was awesome! I would pay $50 for that alone. We arrived at port around 10:45, checked in and cards in hand by 11, and on the ship around 11:15. Best experience ever - and stress-free. Both our rooms were not 100% ready (still needed to be vacuumed), but that didn't bother us too much. Our luggage arrived pretty quickly, but our friends' took a while. They were not happy, and ultimately received their $50 back. I would 100% do this again. Boarding and VIP guest services line is worth it alone.

 

Quick summary on the basics:

Our first time doing YTD, and it was an awesome experience. Arrived daily between 6 and 7 and never waited even a minute for a table for 8. Will never do assigned time again. Loved it.

 

MDR food was the same as usual, but was prepared quite well. Everyone in our party was more than happy. I won't go into the food topic too much. We all know that you cannot get 5-star quality at Carnival prices, but I do think they do a good job with what they're given. Everyone enjoyed every meal. I'm curious to experience the new dining next year, as I think it's a smart move in the right direction.

 

We had a great experience at Cucina Del Capitano. We went last year, and although the food was good, the staff ruined the experience. This time, we had great service - including the ever-elusive Eastern Bloc smiles! Food was very good, and everyone enjoyed. I wish we had done this more than one night. It was great.

 

Never (thankfully) did the buffet. In my opinion, the food is pretty gross, and standing in line with buffet people just makes it worse. I was so happy to avoid it this cruise.

 

Got to try Fat Jimmy's C-Side BBQ, and the food was great. Worth waiting in a bit of a line.

 

Wanted to do the steakhouse as we always do, but could not get a reservation - even with FTTF priority booking. That was a disappointment, but my own fault for not booking prior to the cruise.

 

Did MDR for every breakfast (and sea day brunch), and it was the usual experience. Food is ok; service is ok; but as expected, and we were not disappointed.

 

Had (only) one Guy's burgers, but loved it as always. Not exactly sure how I had only one.

 

Did Bonsai Sushi once, and as last year, really liked it. One downside is it really highlights the crap-quality sushi they serve in the MDR. Bonsai is worth the minimal fee.

 

Other members of our party had pizza, and were pleased with it. I still think they need to find a way to make pizza service quicker.

 

My biggest beef with Carnival is the cuts they've made to entertainment. It's been said a million times here, but it really has declined. We didn't even bother with the Playlist Production shows this time, because, well.....why bother. We did see the fly-on comedy juggler (the Evolution of Edge), and I think that was one of the best shows I've seen on a cruise ship. Awesome show. Carnival needs much more of that.

The Ocean plaza band (Rhythm Nation) was quite good, but the ship needs at least one or two more of these. I really, really miss the old shows, and especially the show band.....but, oh well.

 

Our biggest disappointment was that the Thrill Theater was out of order for the entire cruise. This was something that our kids were really looking forward to, so it was hard to see them disappointed every day, when we passed the theater so see if it had been fixed yet. I understand that these things happen, but it just sucked a bit. Kids got over it though.

 

So many good things about this ship, and so much to do. Our kids loved that WaterWorks as usual.

 

We stopped in Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

In Ocho Rios, we stopped a some shops before heading for the beach near the port, which also was the location of Margaritaville. I'd be happy never to return to this port again. The beach was ugly, and dealing with the pushy "beach walkers" and watching them get arrested, did not make for a relaxing time. The whole place seemed kind of gross. I do realize that we only saw a small part, and I'm sure there are great spots, and great things to do, but I'm just commenting on my personal experience.

 

No plans in Grand Cayman, so we walked for a bit. It started to rain, so we took shelter at Margaritaville. Had some fun, and headed back to the ship.

 

In Cozumel we did Nachi Cocom for the second time, and had a great day. Beautiful and relaxing place, with strong drinks and great food.

 

Getting on and off the ship was easy. I'm always amazed at how simple and organized this is. I think it's easier to get 4000 people on and off a cruise ship, than it is to get 200 people on and off an airplane.

 

Overall, this was an amazing trip, and very possibly our best Carnival experience yet. Already looking at booking the Breeze again in 2015!

 

Any specific questions just ask.

So much food on the Breeze, it's next to impossible to do it all.

[PittsburghGirlee]

Thanks for taking the time to post your review. I will be on her for the first time on the March 1st sailing and cannot wait.:D

[Doug910]

...Thanks for taking the time to post your review. LOVED the Breeze. I've said it over and over again. See that long list of cruises under this post? Out of all those cruises, I can honestly say that my Breeze cruise definitely rated in the top three cruises! Loved everything (well, not the Playlist Production shows) about the cruise.

[jolyroger]

Great review !! Glad you had a great time...We sailed on the Breeze last April and like you enjoyed it so much so we're doing the Breeze again this April , But minus our girls, Just my hubby and I !! Once again, great review!

[goofytoo]

Thanks for your review. We will be sailing the same itinerary on Sunday!!

 

Does Nachi Cocum have water toys that the kids can climb on, i.e. an iceberg or trampolines? Do they provide snorkeling gear?

 

I am trying to decide between Mr. Sancho's or Nachi Cocum. We will have 2 16 year olds with us, so I am thinking Mr. Sancho's may be more entertaining for them. What do you think?

[mum2bradley]

Thanks for the review. WE did the 8 day at Christmas and have booked the 6 day for New Years.

 

We too had FTTF and my luggage took almost 2 hours to arrive. I never thought to complain, I likely would have gotten my money back too. I wonder if I can still?

 

Glad you enjoyed it!

 

You from Toronto? I just noticed your picture!

Edited January 20, 2014 by mum2bradley

[FlaMilkman]

Thanks for the review.

 

After becoming accustomed to the refined decor of the Breeze we are a bit concerned about our reaction to our next Carnival cruise on the Splendor (Pink, pink and more pink).

[Pesh]

I feel the same way you do about Ocho Rios. I'm on the 6 Day March 9th Breeze sailing, and was glad to see that our stop in Jamaica is Montego Bay instead of Ocho Rios. Haven't been to Montego Bay, but hoping it's better than Ocho Rios!

[jaxstiles]

Thanks for your review. We will be sailing the same itinerary on Sunday!!

 

Does Nachi Cocum have water toys that the kids can climb on, i.e. an iceberg or trampolines? Do they provide snorkeling gear?

 

I am trying to decide between Mr. Sancho's or Nachi Cocum. We will have 2 16 year olds with us, so I am thinking Mr. Sancho's may be more entertaining for them. What do you think?

 

Was wondering the exact same question! Cannot decide for our cruise in June. Our first and only visit to Ochoa Rios was in 2002. Was hoping for a different and better visit but from the sounds of your time in port...um not so much...bummer! Lol

[oceanlov1]

We were on that cruise, also. It was our second time on the Breeze. To me, even tho we had a great time the first time, this cruise was even better.

 

Butch, the CD does a great job and was super high energy and really seemed to enjoy his job. He was leaving the ship when we docked to go to the Sunshine.

 

The Italian restaurant was OMG!!! I LOVE Italian food and was quite impressed with the food and service. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

Agree with Ochos Rios. Did not even bother to get off the ship.

 

I enjoyed the Playlist Production shows. Thought the guys and gals did a nice job singing and dancing.

 

I do miss having a live band at the shows.

 

Food and service in the dining room was excellent, especially the service. Enjoyed the food too.

 

Enjoyed Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

 

Had a cove balcony with an excellent location.

 

Breeze is the best Carnival ship we have been on. Hope to go back on it and would highly recommend. It was a GREAT 6 day vacation!!!

 

Happy Sailing!!!

[hihosilvers]

Thanks for your review. We will be sailing the same itinerary on Sunday!!

 

Does Nachi Cocum have water toys that the kids can climb on, i.e. an iceberg or trampolines? Do they provide snorkeling gear?

 

I am trying to decide between Mr. Sancho's or Nachi Cocum. We will have 2 16 year olds with us, so I am thinking Mr. Sancho's may be more entertaining for them. What do you think?

 

I think Mr Sanchos may be the better choice. Nachi does rentals, but not a lot of kid stuff. There was a place just up the road with the iceberg and all that stuff. I believe it was Mr Sanchos. Nachi Cocum is great though. Nice and relaxed.

 

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[hihosilvers]

Thanks for the review. WE did the 8 day at Christmas and have booked the 6 day for New Years.

 

We too had FTTF and my luggage took almost 2 hours to arrive. I never thought to complain, I likely would have gotten my money back too. I wonder if I can still?

 

Glad you enjoyed it!

 

You from Toronto? I just noticed your picture!

 

From Toronto (Newmarket) and not happy to be back.

 

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[boomerchick]

Can you tell me how many dress up evenings there are on the six day Breeze cruise?

[hihosilvers]

Can you tell me how many dress up evenings there are on the six day Breeze cruise?

 

Two. Second and fourth nights.

 

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[riclop]

Just back from the Breeze Jan 12-18 six-day Western.

This was our fifth Carnival cruise, and second time on the Breeze (Jan 2013). We are a family of five, and also travelling with another family of three.

 

I'll keep this very short.

 

For no particular reason, I was prepared for this cruise to disappoint vs. last year. It may be from reading hundreds of posts on Cruise Critic, or just from my personal Carnival experiences - I don't know, but I was prepared for a decline. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.

Now, we've enjoyed all of our Carnival cruises, but I can honestly say that this time on the Breeze, we (all) noticed an improvement in MDR food, and overall service.

 

Both families did FTTF. The quick boarding was awesome! I would pay $50 for that alone. We arrived at port around 10:45, checked in and cards in hand by 11, and on the ship around 11:15. Best experience ever - and stress-free. Both our rooms were not 100% ready (still needed to be vacuumed), but that didn't bother us too much. Our luggage arrived pretty quickly, but our friends' took a while. They were not happy, and ultimately received their $50 back. I would 100% do this again. Boarding and VIP guest services line is worth it alone.

 

Quick summary on the basics:

Our first time doing YTD, and it was an awesome experience. Arrived daily between 6 and 7 and never waited even a minute for a table for 8. Will never do assigned time again. Loved it.

 

MDR food was the same as usual, but was prepared quite well. Everyone in our party was more than happy. I won't go into the food topic too much. We all know that you cannot get 5-star quality at Carnival prices, but I do think they do a good job with what they're given. Everyone enjoyed every meal. I'm curious to experience the new dining next year, as I think it's a smart move in the right direction.

 

We had a great experience at Cucina Del Capitano. We went last year, and although the food was good, the staff ruined the experience. This time, we had great service - including the ever-elusive Eastern Bloc smiles! Food was very good, and everyone enjoyed. I wish we had done this more than one night. It was great.

 

Never (thankfully) did the buffet. In my opinion, the food is pretty gross, and standing in line with buffet people just makes it worse. I was so happy to avoid it this cruise.

 

Got to try Fat Jimmy's C-Side BBQ, and the food was great. Worth waiting in a bit of a line.

 

Wanted to do the steakhouse as we always do, but could not get a reservation - even with FTTF priority booking. That was a disappointment, but my own fault for not booking prior to the cruise.

 

Did MDR for every breakfast (and sea day brunch), and it was the usual experience. Food is ok; service is ok; but as expected, and we were not disappointed.

 

Had (only) one Guy's burgers, but loved it as always. Not exactly sure how I had only one.

 

Did Bonsai Sushi once, and as last year, really liked it. One downside is it really highlights the crap-quality sushi they serve in the MDR. Bonsai is worth the minimal fee.

 

Other members of our party had pizza, and were pleased with it. I still think they need to find a way to make pizza service quicker.

 

My biggest beef with Carnival is the cuts they've made to entertainment. It's been said a million times here, but it really has declined. We didn't even bother with the Playlist Production shows this time, because, well.....why bother. We did see the fly-on comedy juggler (the Evolution of Edge), and I think that was one of the best shows I've seen on a cruise ship. Awesome show. Carnival needs much more of that.

The Ocean plaza band (Rhythm Nation) was quite good, but the ship needs at least one or two more of these. I really, really miss the old shows, and especially the show band.....but, oh well.

 

Our biggest disappointment was that the Thrill Theater was out of order for the entire cruise. This was something that our kids were really looking forward to, so it was hard to see them disappointed every day, when we passed the theater so see if it had been fixed yet. I understand that these things happen, but it just sucked a bit. Kids got over it though.

 

So many good things about this ship, and so much to do. Our kids loved that WaterWorks as usual.

 

We stopped in Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

In Ocho Rios, we stopped a some shops before heading for the beach near the port, which also was the location of Margaritaville. I'd be happy never to return to this port again. The beach was ugly, and dealing with the pushy "beach walkers" and watching them get arrested, did not make for a relaxing time. The whole place seemed kind of gross. I do realize that we only saw a small part, and I'm sure there are great spots, and great things to do, but I'm just commenting on my personal experience.

 

No plans in Grand Cayman, so we walked for a bit. It started to rain, so we took shelter at Margaritaville. Had some fun, and headed back to the ship.

 

In Cozumel we did Nachi Cocom for the second time, and had a great day. Beautiful and relaxing place, with strong drinks and great food.

 

Getting on and off the ship was easy. I'm always amazed at how simple and organized this is. I think it's easier to get 4000 people on and off a cruise ship, than it is to get 200 people on and off an airplane.

 

Overall, this was an amazing trip, and very possibly our best Carnival experience yet. Already looking at booking the Breeze again in 2015!

 

Any specific questions just ask.

So much food on the Breeze, it's next to impossible to do it all.

Thanks for the review.

[goofytoo]

I think Mr Sanchos may be the better choice. Nachi does rentals, but not a lot of kid stuff. There was a place just up the road with the iceberg and all that stuff. I believe it was Mr Sanchos. Nachi Cocum is great though. Nice and relaxed.

 

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

 

Thanks for your help. I think Nachi Cocum would be great if it was just my husband and myself, but I think I will Mr. Sancho's a try this time. There seems to be more stuff for the kids to do.

[mum2bradley]

Thanks for the review.

 

After becoming accustomed to the refined decor of the Breeze we are a bit concerned about our reaction to our next Carnival cruise on the Splendor (Pink, pink and more pink).

 

I saw an awesome itinerary (San Juan to Miami) for the Splendor so I looked at the ship...YIKES!!

[hihosilvers]

I saw an awesome itinerary (San Juan to Miami) for the Splendor so I looked at the ship...YIKES!!

 

Yes, that is my feeling too. I don't think I could do any other ship after the Breeze.

 

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[mum2bradley]

From Toronto (Newmarket) and not happy to be back.

 

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

 

I'm from Whitby and NOT liking this freezing weather!

[mum2bradley]

Yes, that is my feeling too. I don't think I could do any other ship after the Breeze.

 

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

 

I just booked the Breeze for New Years, only 11 months to go!!!

[ccladdict]

I love the Breeze too! I have been on it for a total of 26 days, I went on the pink boat in between the Breeze cruises and didnt like it as much, I missed the different food venue options, the Red Frog Pub and the outside deck 5. Next up is the Miracle to Alaska, although I really need to get out of this deep freeze!!!

Can't wait for baseball to start!!Let's go Blue Jays!!!

[detroitlions]

Thanks for taking the time to post your review. I will be on her for the first time on the March 1st sailing and cannot wait.:D

I will also be on that cruise.

[FlaMilkman]

I saw an awesome itinerary (San Juan to Miami) for the Splendor so I looked at the ship...YIKES!!

 

Unfortunately with the kid's school calendar and my wife and my vacation schedules the only holiday time we could take a cruise this year with everyone was over Thanksgiving week. Thus we either could repeat on the Breeze with the same itinerary we just completed or select either the Splendor out of Miami or the Sunshine out of Port Canaveral. For our party of seven the Sunshine worked out to be about $1000 more so we picked the Splendor.

 

Even without the 2.0 upgrades (and having to wear sunglasses inside to combat the pink) I am sure that we will have an excellent vacation!

[Linerguy]

For those concerned about the SPLENDOR: we sailed on 11/1/13 and had a great time. Yeah, we went in with low expectations, but it was just fine – especially for the price we paid. Sure, the ship is pink, but it somehow works, and it grows on you pretty quickly. We had excellent service throughout, they still had a live band in the showroom, and we really had no complaints about the food.

 

Was it perfect? Of course not. Lines at the buffet could be long, the weather wasn't great, and the ship doesn't have the new 2.0 upgrades. For us, these weren't major issues. For the most part, it was an excellent experience.

 

That being said, we are looking forward to our 8nt sailing on the BREEZE this May, and the OP's review is welcomed news....many thanks for posting.

[abisha]

Thanks for posting. I will be on the May 4th sailing for the other 6 night itinerary..key west, grand cayman and cozumel. I am excited to have booked a balcony cabin on the lido deck this time.

 

DH and I decided to only do one elegant evening but it needs to be the night for lobster tails. Is that served on the first or the second elegant night?