Breakaway Review ... A wonderful cruise

[juried]

NCL Breakaway Review 3/30/2014

2 Adults Deluxe Owners Suite 16102

My husband and I are platinum latitude members.

We have cruised quite a bit. This was a last minute cruise for us (we booked 3 days prior to sailing)

I purposely did not look at reviews, deck plans or photos. I kept my expectations in check because I wanted to be surprised. However a weird phone call from the concierge office prior to the cruise had me choosing pillows, coffee and towels... Huh? OK.

 

Bottom Line: We had a wonderful cruise.

The Breakaway is an absolutely gorgeous ship. Unlike the Gem Class Ships where the color palette is vibrant tropical, the Breakaway is upscale classic, lots of neutrals and bling. Everything from the doorknobs to light fixtures gives the high-end esthetic a mixture of old Hollywood glam and contemporary comfort. I loved, loved, loved the look of this ship.

 

We left the Cape at 8:00 on the morning of our cruise and arrived at the Port of NY by 1:30. An easy Sunday drive in the rain. (a little wiggy going through parts of flooded CT)

We dropped off the bags, tipped the porter and parked above for $280.00, (I think) very easy.

 

We went directly to a waiting area for Haven and Suite Guests.

Because so many guests are in Suites and have access to the Haven (we were told 220 guests had access) there is a small waiting room where you give your paperwork, get your photo key card made, give your onboard credit card and sign off on the health release. We did not bring our passports, only our passport cards (we had our birth certificates and drivers licenses too) but because we did not have our passports we had to sign a form stating we understood that we could not fly back. It was called WHTI compliance. Good to know and from now on I will bring my passport.

 

We were escorted to the Haven with a group of 8 or so folks.

At the entrance is the concierge desk which is very convenient.

The concierge was Ruth, we have sailed with Ruth several times and she is an exceptional concierge and we were happy to greet each other.

Ruth got us into every dinner and show time and escorted us directly off the ship for disembarkation. My husband ordered flowers through Ruth from Port Canaveral and they were drop dead gorgeous.

 

We never got a fold out map, so I folded the printed piece of paper with the deck plans, which was huge. There were no fold out maps on this cruise, which I missed. (I get lost easily)

 

When we got to our suite our butler Lanie already had cold Guinness waiting for my husband.

 

Our Deluxe Owners Suite 16102 was at the front corner so we had a forward balcony which wrapped around the port side.

The suite was beautiful and well appointed but smaller than I thought (I really tried not to have expectations but this is supposed to be the best suite on the ship, so I just assumed it would be larger) The lounge / dining area was fine for 2 or 4 or even 6 people but it felt a bit cramped with more guests. But the bedroom was fine.

The suite had 2 huge flat screen TV’s and a Bose. The bathroom/changing area was colossal, I would guess about 1/3 of the suite. The bath was just a big tub, not jets. It takes a little getting used to the shower with a huge window, but what the hell.

Also because this cabin is the farthest point from anywhere it takes a loooong walk to get there. NOTE: All elevators DO NOT go up to Deck 16.

 

We were kept well hydrated with 3 bottles of alcohol, and all the bottled water, soda (pepsi products only) juice we could want. And of course we ordered lots of buckets of beer.

 

Service: In a word, Outstanding.

Our room steward Cisselio (sp) was terrific.

Lanie our butler was simply wonderful.

We always had fresh fruit, cookies, finger sandwiches, chips and other funky treats. Plus juices, soda and the unlimited espresso machine.

 

Dining: In my opinion the very best perk about the Haven is the Haven Restaurant. We never had to wait or have reservations. The food and service were always excellent.

 

Ports: My husband and I had been to all of these ports before.

So we never got off the ship. Spent our port days lounging in the Haven.

On Nassua day we docked next to the MSC Divinia and enjoyed a live concert by the Electric Light Orchestra. It sounded amazing and with the Suite Binoculars I had front row seats.

 

We met so many awesome people at the Meet and Greet had a blast partying at H20 outdoor deck on several nights.

(70’S, 80’S and Glow Parties)

 

Our fearless Roll Call Leader was Barry and he was hilarious. He planned a great cabin crawl and we visited the Studio (area for single cruisers) and balcony and aft suites (with huge balconies), 2 bedroom Haven suites and a very roomy HP Haven Suite. During the cabin crawl I got to see other parts of the ship too including the pools and the Garden Café. On the Pool Deck I noticed a glass enclosed area for smoking, a nice touch.

I did not see very many kids on this cruise so it must not have been spring break yet.

 

The Atrium seemed crowded every time I walked through it. And the crowds shopping for bargain watches on the last night were brutal. But other than that I never saw huge crowds.

 

We ate late night at O’Sheehans and it was OK. They stop serving the prime rib and desserts early so be aware of that.

 

I only saw the Cruise Director at the Meet and Greet. I know he made announcements about shows and bingo but I heard nothing in my suite. So that was good.

 

Even though we were at the very front of the ship I never felt the movement, just a nice gently rocking. Smooth sailing for sure.

 

Shows:

We loved Cirque Fantasy, it was tremendous and the food was good too.

Second City is always hit or miss. We went to the adult version with a group of (now dear friends) cruise critics and it was filthy and hilarious.

 

Breakaway Theater:

IMO the “preferred seating” for Haven and Suites is NOT very good.

All of the stadium type seating is very uncomfortable with a bar going across your backside.

Burn the Floor was good but an hour of my life I will never get back (the seating in the Breakaway Theater is very uncomfortable.) They could improve this show by adding in some “River Dance” or “Russian Cossask Dance” or “Hava Nagila.” The Latin dance numbers are wonderful but it is the same fast high energy over and over. This ship is out of NYC and there are a LOT of Irish (us) Eastern Block and Jewish folks. And we would all love to see some other ethnicities represented in dance. These dancers are very talented.

 

Rock of Ages. This show was ADULT. I enjoyed it but I felt bad for the young folks that kept being escorted out by their parents because it was too mature. (IMO Hairspray would be a better fit for this demographic)

I also sat at the back of the theater in tall pub seats. By now I had learned NOT to sit in the Stadium Seats. It was very interesting sitting back there and watching a sea of people readjusting in their seats.

During the show there is no drink service in those seats even though there is a cup holder.

Also, they let people into the theater during the show which is not good for this particular show.

 

We only got one invitation for a Haven Captains party.

No Latitudes or other parties. Weird.

 

Photography. I love the new way they do photography.

Every time you get your photo taken you give your cabin number. Then on your key card is printed the location of your portfolio. Brilliant.

 

Casino

I enjoyed playing at the Texas Hold’em cash game in the casino. But the rake is very high (10 %)

This table filled every night and twice I was on the “poker list” for over 3 hours before being seated. The Casino was always packed.

NCL should have at least 2 cash tables going. AND IMO they should no longer allow smoking in the casino, gross.

The Casino Poker Tournaments were held every sea day but the structure and pricing is just bizarre and a complete rip off.

 

What was new … I Concierge App (Very cool app for $7.95 per device you can text with others you know on board) Photography process. The Haven was new to us and a wonderful sanctuary. I would not hesitate to book the Haven again. I did speak with others who preferred the Haven on the Epic because there were less suites but I do not think the Epic Haven has a restaurant …? And besides there were always lounge chairs available and if it rained or got cold they closed the roof.

 

What was missing … No Guinness on tap, No fold out map with deck plan, (not even on the I Concierge app) No chocolate buffet.

 

We came home and got sick … not tummy sick just wiped out exhausted, coughing and body aches. A week later now and feeling better but still not 100%.

 

Till next time,

 

Juried

[acharris1]

What made Rock of Ages not child friendly?

 

 

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[CaptData]

Thank you for review. The Epic does have a restaurant in their Haven area (I was on board when it was new).

 

I amy thinking of going on the Breakaway maybe this June. (Haven area a must for me). How are the water slides?

[WaldosPepper]

Thanks for putting a huge smile across my face! :D So glad to see you and Chris are keeping your tradition of last-minute getaways, and that this one was another wonderful journey. Big hugs to you both!

[johnnypiano]

What made Rock of Ages not child friendly?

 

 

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The show starts off with simulated oral sex with popsicles and just gets worse from there. My wife and I are in our mid-20's and we did not appreciate the show. If we weren't stuck in the middle of a row, we would have probably left. What made it even more awkward was there were families all around us with little kids! NCL should definitely choose a new show for the Breakaway.

[acharris1]

OMG! I'll be canceling my reservations!!! Thanks for the heads up!!

 

 

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[*Luv2Cruz*]

Luved your review and luved spending time with you, Chris, and the CC gang of partiers.:cool::eek: Make sure you email me your web site and things are going real, real, well with Pam!;) Also; don't forget to check out my pics in the Previous Cruise area of my signature and my review is pending CC approval so hopefully it will be done soon!

 

See ya again at one of your events; soon I hope!:D

Edited April 15, 2014 by *Luv2Cruz*

[meatball_nyc]

Thanks for the review!

Enjoyed reading it very much.

 

Happy Sailing

 

 

~Robin

Norwegian Breakaway July 2014

Carnival Miracle 2010

Carnival Legend 2006

[dexddd]

We were in 16702 the week prior. How was the noise from the "wall" or lack thereof?

 

Did you go to the side balcony much?

[Prinycesa07]

No chocolate buffet?!?!!!

 

That's it, I'm canceling!

[*Luv2Cruz*]

Luved your review and luved spending time with you, Chris, and the CC gang of partiers.:cool::eek: Make sure you email me your web site and things are going real, real, well with Pam! Also; don't forget to check out my pics in the Previous Cruise area of my signature and my review is pending CC approval so hopefully it will be done soon!

 

See ya again at one of your events; soon I hope!:D

I was on the same cruise with Terry and just got my review published!:D If you'd like to read my review, simply select the Breakaway cruise name listed below in my signature and be sure after reading it, you select the ports portion for the ports review!;):cool:

[grandsix]

We had a blast on this cruise. Great weather, great service, great food, great crew. Officers always around. Saw Cruise Director every day. His staff were also great and energetic.

[jerseyralph]

I was on the same cruise with Terry and just got my review published!:D If you'd like to read my review, simply select the Breakaway cruise name listed below in my signature and be sure after reading it, you select the ports portion for the ports review!;):cool:

 

Finally! A few nights ago I was on CC and Ralphie asked me if I had yet read a review by you about your Breakaway adventures! I said "no" and then became concerned. Were is he? Was it good? What did he think? So glad you have turned up! We are even happier that your adventures were great. What a beautiful ship. We were thinking of you and hope that some day we will get to attend another one of your now famous M and G's! Simply the best I have ever been to!

 

Have fun planning your next go around! Please keep us all posted.......

 

Gina

Edited April 15, 2014 by jerseyralph

[pyrogy]

I was on the same cruise as you and was also in Haven. I disagree with a few things which I think shows how subjective some things can be. I had no issues with the seats in the theater in terms of comfort but you are right that the reserved location is nothing special.

 

I disagree that the Haven restaurant food was always good. We found it very hit and miss.

 

And I guess I am in the minority on this but I did not think Rock of Ages was that bad for kids although obviously not aimed at children and generally not appropriate but still not as bad as everyone seems to think. The "simulated oral sex" with the popsicle would be the same as saying every single time anyone eats a popsicle they are simulating oral sex. I think the bigger problem with the show was that the female lead couldn't sing.

 

Beautiful ship and great cruise.

[*Luv2Cruz*]

Finally! A few nights ago I was on CC and Ralphie asked me if I had yet read a review by you about your Breakaway adventures! I said "no" and then became concerned. Were is he? Was it good? What did he think? So glad you have turned up! We are even happier that your adventures were great. What a beautiful ship. We were thinking of you and hope that some day we will get to attend another one of your now famous M and G's! Simply the best I have ever been to!

 

Have fun planning your next go around! Please keep us all posted.......

 

Gina

Luv2cruz with you guys again and be careful what ya ask for as I may just show up someday!;):eek: Keep in touch and say hi to Ralph!:D

[juried]

We were in 16702 the week prior. How was the noise from the "wall" or lack thereof?

 

Did you go to the side balcony much?

 

Sorry for the delay in response.

 

I am not sure about the "Wall" we had no noise issues. The side balcony was narrow and not accessible via the side so you had to open the section from the forward facing. We caught the fireworks and the ELO show via the side balcony though.

[juried]

Thanks for putting a huge smile across my face! :D So glad to see you and Chris are keeping your tradition of last-minute getaways, and that this one was another wonderful journey. Big hugs to you both!

 

So nice the see you here ... wish we could cruise together again, wonderful memories. Please stay in touch.

Peace.

[juried]

Thank you for review. The Epic does have a restaurant in their Haven area (I was on board when it was new).

 

I amy thinking of going on the Breakaway maybe this June. (Haven area a must for me). How are the water slides?

 

Sorry for the delay ... I am not sure about the waterslides. They looked impressive from the deck but not in my skill set.

Peace.

[juried]

What made Rock of Ages not child friendly?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Sorry for the delay ...

 

Adult theme, scantily clad (which is not bad on its own) lots of "F" bombs and it was a bit trashy. Personally I liked it (Rock Songs from the 70's) but it was not for kids, and many "older" folks left early as well ... that's all.

[Mom2B&Z]

Thank you for review. The Epic does have a restaurant in their Haven area (I was on board when it was new).

 

 

 

I amy thinking of going on the Breakaway maybe this June. (Haven area a must for me). How are the water slides?

 

 

No one has answered your question, so I'll take a pass at it :)

There are three types of waterslides: two drop slides, two tube-style slides that do 3x360 turns, and two open slides that made a few left and right turns, but no complete circles. The drop slides are FAST, the initial feeling is weird but it's definitely a unique experience! The concentric circle slides made me dizzy, mainly because all you see is a tube turning in front of you. The last set of slides were very appropriate for my 6yo DS2, or my DH who doesn't like anything fast ;). The water on the slides seemed heated to us, mind you, we were so cold from being wet walking from the pool up the stairs to the slides that anything would have felt warm lol!

This doesn't include the slides that are in the Sponge Bob kids play area. They are small and appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers.

 

 

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