Breakaway - trying to manage expectations - nervous

[Granny DI]

I 've been on 30+ cruises in 17 years. Our first cruise was on the old Norwegian Crown. We were hooked! I've been in a studio( smallest cabin on the ship)on the Epic...LOVED it! DH and I were on the Breakaway last year in the Haven....LOVED it! Sailing in same cabin this year and next.

 

The only cruise we wanted to jump ship on was on a very upscale line. It was supposed to have the best food, service etc. and was NOT cheap. DH refuses to sail on that line again, he loves NCL!

 

We used to take our kids on car ferries between Norway and Europe. There was nothing fancy and our kids loved them! Our grandkids hate eating in the MDR on ships so we head to the buffet. The Breakaway has one of the best!

 

We can't wait for our next cruise on the Breakaway. BTW the water is good on the Breakaway. We only drink bottled water on excursions.

 

To put you in the best mood for the cruise...do not hurry to leave after the life boat drill. Relax and let the crowds clear!!

[mommyto2girls]

The BA is a Haven for kids, there is no way you will have a bad cruise. Food is subjective as always and you will find some wonderful meals and some so so just like in Disney.

 

The space in the room will not matter you will only be there to sleep.

 

The BA is a ver unusual design and I think you will love it. The kids will want to cruise forever. I started my daughters 20 years ago and my youngest and her fiancee are on the April 5th BA. NCL was a very good choice, the crew is amazing and the ship is beautiful. Have a great cruise

[Sherlocked]

I too was worried about The Breakaway. With only 62% approval rating especially. Some reviews were true, some were not. I think I can give advice, having just returned last Sunday. Get to things you want to do early, like trivia or a show and you will get a seat. Food is okay unless you're a vegetarian or vegan. I am, my son and husband are not, they found lots of good things. Water on the ship is okay tasting and very safe. No sickness. Our room was very clean, common areas very clean also, constant cleaning going on. Staff is great! Friendly and overworked at the same time. I felt bad for them sometimes. The ropes and slides are awesome, go when it's cold, hardly anyone there. I suggest the kids join a club on the first night, even if they don't plan to attend much. that is when the schedules are given out and everyone is new and looking for friends. My son joined late and found it impossible to get a schedule but made lots of friends who informed him of events. He had fun and he's fifteen. It's true the room is small but it's not bad. I can't recommend self debark, we tried it and were stuck on the stairs for an hour and a half with hundreds of guests all with luggage and I've never experienced that on any other ship and don't know if that is the norm on the breakaway or a fluke. I'd recommend patience and debark a bit later on. Embarkation is hairy too but if you relax, know that it's worth the wait, you will have fun. I think everyone arrives tired and stressed and some with a huge sense of entitlement and they make everyone irritated. I know this is a long reply but I felt the same as you and I was very put off by the self disembarkation and it cast a shadow on the trip but there was a lot of positives. Yes, people are atrocious to service people, it could make me cry the way some are treated by rude people. Mostly people were nice on this trip other than some of the usual thugs. I hope you have fun!

Edited March 25, 2015 by Sherlocked

[flifish]

I have also sailed on the Century, so we have that for a point of reference and standards. I have not yet sailed the Breakaway but will be on her in May. I have sailed with NCL multiple times. I think for kids NCL is the better choice because of activities.

 

I would just make sure the kids understand about ships and size of staterooms. Before you leave measure your smallest bedroom and compare that square footage with the square feet of your stateroom. Then show the kids and prepare them. Remind them the bathroom would be included etc... Manage their expectations. The room is only a bedroom and the ship is your living etc... I would probably let them start dreading the trip. Then they could be pleasantly surprised. (of course, I am evil.) That said I think it will be a pretty cozy room. However I am someone that thinks a balcony is necessary. Call again and ask about up-grades or adjoining rooms when you check in. Not everyone will make the cruise that booked it.

 

If you feel the room isn't clean ask them to come back and clean the room properly. Show them what is lacking with a smile. No problem! I think i am like you, dogs in house, my dirt I can kinda live with, but not someone else's dirt.

 

I wouldn't say NCL service is horrible. However, it isn't the smoothest either. But most try to please. We get what we pay for and for the price of the cruise NCL offers a good value cruise. For the size of the room, to the quality of service, to length of cruise it is a great price. That is why we keep returning.

 

Food I agree is not great but considering how much food they must prepare each day... Wow. They do pretty well. As for your diet, just remember the desserts are not as good as they look. I promise this to be true. One night I kept trying to find something that was "OMG-good" after trying nearly all desserts on the buffet I couldn't find one that was WOW. The Haven and Cagney's being the best food outlets on the ship in my past experience. You shouldn't have to wait in line considering your schedule. You may have to eat a tad later at 5 or 5:30 to get dinner in the dinning room though. Not sure when the main dinning opens.

 

Anyway even if the room is too small, whatever, it is better than going to work!!! Have fun! It will be fine, chill out!

[maywell]

You and your family will have a great time, the two things that you need to concern with is Service and Food. Service is hit or miss ; you're either get a good server that brings things within 5-15 minutes of each course or bad one where its a case of 'Where's waldo' of 30 minutes (got more free wine because of that twice - hey, they know how to shut me up, lol). And the food, you'll either like the free food or just hate it - Personally, I like it especially the hash browns, bacon, eggs benedict in the morning at Garden Cafe, lunch time the uptown grill and their salads; for dinner the MDR was pretty good, and for snacks or sobering up the O'sheenan's fried food and garden cafe cheese selection were delicious. That actually what your main problems going to be.

 

 

The room size might be an issue but there's hidden storage through the room so I can see it working out. Quiet places without buying the Vibe passes? Plenty, especially on the waterfront - might want get their early during the daytime but nighttime, plenty of seats and quiet plus the view is beautiful. But a heads up regarding the smoke from the casino - you will smell it from deck to 6 to 8, its another deal or no deal thing with the Breakaway. I deal with it, it actually made the food from the noodle bar and sake from the sushi place taste better, lol.

[janetz]

THANK YOU to ALL who have replied!!! I can feel the tension lifting as I read each reply!!! OMG this is SO HELPFUL!!! You are all awesome! Yes…I'm neurotic - I research, plan and schedule everything to the minute before our trips. - lol - might give you a hint of what I do for a living - so, not having to plan for a week will be awesome!!!

 

As most parents do, we tend to plan vacations around our children. What they would want and like. You have picked the right ship that will please everyone. :)

 

Now plan on doing something for yourself onboard like a spa treatment. You sound like someone that needs and deserves some pampering.

Edited March 25, 2015 by janetz

[Sparkygirl]

Thank you Sparkygirl and Nola26! Did either of you bring a case of water? I don't want to lug it around but worried about the water on the ship. I was thinking of bringing Brita water filter bottles. Does that sound like a good idea? Or can I get filtered water w/o the $4.50 price tag??

 

 

The water coming out of the tap on a cruise ship is already filtered, reverse osmosis etc...it's cleaner and better than water at home. Bring reuse able bottles and fill from the tap!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bjtravelnews]

The cups for drinks are very small. Bring along large refillable bottles so you don't have to go back and forth for drinks. I don't know if you are going to the private island. If so, you will find those refillable cups to be very valuable because it can be a long, hot walk between the beach and food areas. Even if you don't want to drink the standard refreshments (generally fruit punch, iced tea and lemonade), you can fill the bottles with ice and have cold water as the ice melts.

I also bring along a large coffee cup with a lid because I love my coffee and lines can get very long at the drink stations during peak hours.

If you are concerned about the tap water on the ship, take a Brita bottle with you. An alternative is to bring a case of water. Put a luggage tag on it and have it delivered to your room so you don't have to cart it around while your waiting to get into the room. You can have the room steward empty the fridge and put the water bottles inside to keep them cold.

I too have a very busy job with a long commute, and then come home to take care of all the household responsibilities. So I understand your need to decompress on vacation. (When we don't cruise, we use our timeshare and I still have to do all the cooking and cleaning!) I plan everything, down to the point of knowing where everything is on the ship and best ways to get there from our room. For my cruise in June and our beach trip in July, I already have a 3-ringed binder filled with itineraries, activities and places to see. We don't have any options picked yet, but I like to know what's available ahead of time so we aren't wasting time trying to decide what to do. Because I am such a planner, I may have a harder time adjusting to the "free-style" concept of NCL. I am hoping to learn to relax a little more and "go with the flow."

[TheCruisingBrewers]

I sympathize and can relate.

 

The old adage "Don't sweat the small stuff", really applies here.

 

You are not cooking or washing dishes. You are in a large floating hotel that takes you to a new place very day.

 

You do not have to clean the kitchen, take care of the house or pets, or deal with that commute or work.

 

And if your kids are anything like mine were you will rarely see them once they make friends on board. (you do not say how old they are) My kids wanted to hang out with friends immediately after dinner and whenever we were not on shore.

 

You really spend VERY little time in your room. SO go explore and find spots on the ship to relax and wait for others to get ready. Set times for the shower. I would have one of my kids sit and wait while the other was in the bathroom, usually my daughter who is easier to distract.

 

Spend time teaching then about manners in a nice restaurant and many forks and spoons, about the places you are going, how the ship works, let them take to people from other countries. Sometimes great life lessons can be from a steward who works 7 days a week, has one day off every 2 weeks and sends 80% of his/her meager paycheck home. Sometimes they are from Serbia, Croatia or Russia and can tell the kids about their home.

 

We cruised many times with ours and there was never a bad cruise, it is all in how you see that glass.... either half empty or half full. Sure there were ones where service was not perfect or the weather was not perfect, but it is only 1 week. In the overall experience would you rather be home to normal life?

 

Cruises taught our kids to appreciate family and the time together, the sea and it's majesty, to respect people from all walks of life, to make friends from different parts of the country, and to learn how to travel.

 

Mine are grown now and on their own, but I can still remember their faces and ours, the first time we walked onto the Carnival Sensation. It is something I will never forget.

 

Nancy

[bangzoom6877]

I think you will have a grand time. Even if the food is bad, the room is dirty, and the service is awful (none of which will happen) you will be somewhere warm with the people you love most and will be totally disconnected with the world. When I first started sailing it felt like my first real vacation in years, because I didn't have to worry about my phone ringing or my email coming in every 5 minutes. I told everyone I couldn't be reached and that was it. Soooooo much less stress.

 

DH and I do not check email on vacation, we do not watch the news (we only check the weather), and we do not use social media. Vacation for us means vacation from everything! Doesn't matter if it's a cruise or on land, this is something we've been doing ever since our honeymoon and it really is a great escape from reality for a little while! We are always available by cell phone for emergencies if family needs to reach us, and we always stay in touch with my parents while driving down to Florida, but everything else can wait until we get back!

[SliceOfLife]

Breathe in and relax! The Breakaway is a beautiful ship and I'm booked on my second cruise on her in May.

 

I have a review and pictures in my signature if you want to read and Gambee wrote an even longer and picture filled review if you're interested.

 

I thought the food was good, the staff were all very friendly, I had no problems finding a lounge chair in the shade or in Spice H20, and so on. People just like to complain for the most part so take negative reviews with a grain of salt.

 

You'll have an amazing cruise because you don't have to cook, clean or commute anywhere!

[janicemarie29]

I have 2 concerns after reading this thread.....

 

Number 1:

 

I'm in bed by 8:30 (no, I'm not a senior citizen - lol).

 

Come on Donna, it's a vacation, you should NOT be in bed by 8:30!

 

Sign up for our Meet n Greet on our roll call...... I won't let you go to bed that early!

 

My second concern is... Does the water really taste like chlorine? I am a country girl, and never drink city tap water. If it's filtered and reverse osmosis, then why does it still taste like chlorine? That makes no sense!

[jusstice]

You are going to have a great time on the ship!

 

I have been on the BA six times (thee full and three CTNs) and I love the ship.

 

The soda plan- get it. The kids can get sodas anywhere, stations or bars with no problem. My son was 12 and never had a problem.

 

The activities- like someone said, sign the kids up early for the kids club and let them do their thing. There were days I barely saw my son but for the required check-in. For shows and stuff going on, get there early and find a spot. Otherwise, seating for shows in the Atrium area might be tough.

 

Food- I always found something to eat. This is subjective so not everyone will have the same opinion.

 

Service- never had a bad experience. Sometimes some are not happy happy, but always helpful and respectful.

 

And most important- as a smoker, grab your cigs and your Kindle and head to the Waterfront by the Maltings bar. This will be your haven for the cruise, and you will come to know the other regulars like old friends by the time the cruise is over.

 

Have a blast!

[timmo44]

I've been on the Breakaway twice and had no issues with restaurants, service, food or anything else apart from a roughish ride back from Bermuda when the captain was going so fast he had the front of the ship up out of the water (slight exaggeration...)

 

There's the whole waterfront area to sit in too, all very civilised. The soda package gets you drinks at any bar too so no problems on that score unless you pick a very busy bar. I think you'll have a fine time.

[janicemarie29]

Does the water taste like chlorine?

[tumblew467]

I remember last year reading the neg reviews of the breakaway. I went with an open mind. Yes it is a big ship. I felt that I never got to experience the full ship and needed to go on it again b/c there was so much to do .Had a wonderful time and never went hungry.

 

Food- I love the buffet, go all around it b/c sometimes one side has something different than the other. And there are sinks as you enter to wash your hands. kuddos for that

You won't have a problem in the MDR since you like to eat early. Look for the days they have burn the floor in the MDR. I have seen them at 6 or 930 in some dallies.

 

soda pkg --buy it --there won't be a problem. I bring tervis cups ( you can get them at Bed bath and beyond) I like to have them when i am at the pool area. Since they are insulated they keep your drinks cold a long time.

 

Water- I bring my own for 2 reasons. one is that when we go into ports ,I don't want to buy it there for it is expensive.( i am cheap) I usually stick them in our ice bucket take them out in the morning and wrap them in a hand towel and stick them in the backpack.

two, I do the same at the pool. this way its right there and I have my cup, just get ice and i'm set for day.

 

The kids will make friends and have a wonderful time. My son who was 20 at the time met up with a bunch of college kids on a school trip. (I wondered why I never had a school trip like that) We didn't see much of him .And I was worried he would be bored. lol

 

Cabin- I think you will be really busy sitting by that pool and just use it to sleep in or get changed. So don't stress over it.

 

Join your roll call you will get to meet new friends that will become your cruising buddies.Plus the very seasoned cruisers have great knowledge to share with you.

 

I can't remember exactly where in the front of the ship--but there are spots that are secluded and quiet. on the upper most decks.(maybe deck 17) There was a thread about this some time ago. I'm sure someone here will tell you where they are.

 

Believe me, once your feet hit the deck of the ship all anxieties disappear.( especially with one drink in your hand)

So relax, and take a deep breath and you will be fine. But join your roll call, they will decrease your anxiety as well.

 

One more thing-- we expect a review after your trip lol

[Joshscure]

We just got off the Breakaway last Sunday. Our group consisted of Me, my husband, 21 year old son, his 20 year old girlfriend and my 16 year old son. We are all veteran cruisers except the girlfriend this was her first cruise. We have sailed 4 different cruise lines in the last 20 years.

 

Main thing I want to say is relax! I too was nervous after reading reviews, but honestly we had not one issue with the boat.

 

- Service is horrible - We found the service to be as good if not better than on any other boat. We are easy to please and don't demand much except cleanliness, but I truly felt all of my needs were met at or above my expectations.

 

- The free soda package - we don't drink soda. We drank the ships water. Filled them in the buffet from the dispenser. Yes we used a clean cup to refill the bottles.

 

- The food is awful - We LOVED the food. Not picky but I love a really good meal. We felt food was the best we had on any cruise. We only ate in the main dining room and buffet. No specialty restaurants. Waiters brought us what ever we wanted or needed. My 16 year old had 3 apps, 2 entrees and 2 desserts one night. He ate every morsel, mind you LOL.

 

- hard to find chairs - We do not smoke so I can't help you there. But as far as lounge chairs on the deck, we always managed to find 5 together. Last warm sea day on the cruise my husband and I did planted ourselves in chairs by 9am and hung out there through out the day. We did leave for lunch and a trip to the gym but there was always someone in our party at the chairs during the day. We never left for more than an hour at a time.

 

- lines for meals - If you get to the buffet by 8:30am you will have not issues with tables. That's what my hubby and I did. The kids on the other hand didn't' arrive until 10:00 or even 10:30. Was it crowded then? Yes but they always found a table after a few minutes. We had reservations some nights and none others. We NEVER waited for a table. We ate between 6:30 and 8:30.

 

- rooms were dirty - I will admit the rooms were not as clean as I would have liked. Nothing horrible but I am a clean freak and we are very germ consious because of our sons health issues. I solved the problem by bringing clorox wipes and giving everything the once over. Took me 5 minutes.

 

 

I will add entertainment - No reservations anymore except for second city. We got to the shows 30 min early and got 5 seats together.

- which brings me to my BIGGEST CONCERN - SPACE IN THE ROOM - Can't comment on room size. We had connecting mini-suites. But as people have said before you don't spend too much time in your room.

 

Some other advice: We did the water slides the first sea day. Wasn't exactly hot out but doable and there were no lines. We also did the ropes course the evening we were in Port Canaveral until 9pm No line. Never did the rock climbing.

 

We did self disembark. We brought our luggage down to O'sheean's by 6:30 on the last morning, had breakfast. Got in line to get off the ship at 7:20. We were through customs by 8:20. We had friends who waited until 8:30 to get in line and they did not get off until 11:00.

 

Relax and have fun. Will everything be perfect? Probably not but the good far out weighs any of the negatives.

 

 

Michelle

Edited March 25, 2015 by Joshscure

[angeleyes27]

Granny DI, is there any way to PM you? I am on Trip Advisor as angeleyes27, if that helps. I would greatly like to talk to you. You seem very knowledgeable and level headed.

[kac911]

So, I realize people with bad experiences will most likely post to the web, but people with amazing experiences usually do not. With that said, I cannot help but feel extremely concerned about our upcoming trip this Sunday (3/29). I have only been on one cruise (X Century, 1999). My husband and two boys (14 and 11) have never been on a cruise. My kids are spoiled, though. When we go to OBX, we stay with a group in a 10 bedroom, 12 bathroom house on the beach. When they go to Disney, my parents rent a Villa in Disney through the Disney Vacation Club. We've only had 1 bad trip in our lives and it was in Cabo - it was my fault - I went the cheap route and rented a condo which turned out to be horrible. But, we still managed to enjoy the week and made the most out of it.

 

I chose this trip because of the activities on board. I work full time outside of the home. I have a horrible commute. I am extremely stressed out most of the time AND I spend most of our vacations cooking, cleaning, doing laundry….I'm burned out!!! I need a week where I can chill out and not have to do ANYTHING except show up. So…with that said….here is where my expectations are for this trip based on numerous posts - the positive ones and the negative ones. Let me know if I'm way off or if I'm wrong, please!!!

 

- Service is horrible - ok…here's my take…I would like to see this for myself….I was a server and worked in retail for many, many years. It is amazing to me how people can be so down-right rude to service people and still expect them to fawn all over them. So, I am going to take this often stated review with a grain of salt. I am overly polite and appreciative of every service person who I meet. Normally, I met with equal or more graciousness and politeness.

 

- The free soda package was disappointing because there are no stations and it's hard to get refills - this bothered me a bit. I wanted to buy this for the kids. But, since it is spring break, I think it will be a mad house so we will bring a case of water and some other beverages for the boys.

 

- The food is awful - I would like to see this for myself, as well. I did not book this cruise for the food. My kids can live on mac and cheese and nuggets. I am not picky. My husband is not picky. If we wanted gourmet, we would have chosen a much more expensive cruise. As long as the food is edible, we will survive. Plus, I'm trying to lose 40 lbs (22 so far). So, not too concerned about this one…..

 

- hard to find chairs - I need tips on where to find a quiet space. I am a smoker (GASP). I just need a chair, a water bottle and my kindle. That's all I need - I don't need the pool, I might go in the hot tub….what I need is to decompress and forget I have a job for a week.

 

- lines for meals - I wake up at 4:30 am - I eat breakfast at 6 and lunch at 11, dinner at 4:30 and I'm in bed by 8:30 (no, I'm not a senior citizen - lol). Hopefully I will not be hitting the restaurants at the prime times….thoughts????

 

- rooms were dirty - This concerns me - I'm not a neat freak - I have dogs (lol). But, I am a little paranoid about 'people germs'. I would like to know how many had this experience. I'm sure our room will not be perfect.

 

- which brings me to my BIGGEST CONCERN - SPACE IN THE ROOM - I knew the room was tiny when I booked it. I chose an inside family cabin for a few reason 1) it was cheap, 2) it was cheap, and 3) it was cheap. Plus, I read bad reviews about the balconies so I couldn't justify the extra money. HOWEVER - now I'm reconsidering and the boat was booked when I called to try and snag a bigger room. Anyway - my family is on the petite side - BUT - are we going to want to kill each other by the end of the week?? Well - nobody can answer this for me but would love to hear from someone who tried to cram 4 people into an inside family cabin. This might have been the biggest mistake I made (not bigger than the Cabo fiasco, though - that one can't be topped!!).

 

So - if you actually made it to this sentence…thank you so much for reading my long, paranoid, crazy lady post. I want this week to be fun. And, after Cabo, I believe we can make it happen. I just don't want everyone in my family hating me on Easter Sunday for making them take this trip!!!

 

Thanks!

Donna

 

My first NCL cruise is in a few weeks and I have some similar reservations, but I just keep telling myself, "it's vacation!", and I don't have to cook, clean OR go to work so it has to be a million times better! I also look at it this way, some of my more disappointing vacations have been when I've had low expectations so I was pleasantly surprised, and my worst when I've had high expectations and was let down. So your expectations are reasonable, that's good, you won't be disappointed. So everytime you order form a menu and they cook it and do the dishes and when you leave your room, bed unmade and return to find it made, just say to your self, this is better than work and home!

 

As far as space, it will be tight. Just know that, but how much time will you spend in your cabin anyways?? Just don't let anyone overpack and you will be fine!

 

Enjoy, relax, and have a at least medium good time. And even THAT is better than work and laundry!

[angeleyes27]

My last review was Voorhees Diner and I recently posted on the Vienna Austria forum.

[Granny DI]

Granny DI, is there any way to PM you? I am on Trip Advisor as angeleyes27, if that helps. I would greatly like to talk to you. You seem very knowledgeable and level headed.

 

Check your messages on tripadvisor.

[angeleyes27]

Thank you. I sent you an email. I appreciate you taking the time to contact me.

[Granny DI]

Major power outage reported in Turkey about 3 hours ago. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has not ruled out terrorism. Can't imagine Istanbul without power. Airports are closed etc..

[waitress22]

So, I realize people with bad experiences will most likely post to the web, but people with amazing experiences usually do not. With that said, I cannot help but feel extremely concerned about our upcoming trip this Sunday (3/29). I have only been on one cruise (X Century, 1999). My husband and two boys (14 and 11) have never been on a cruise. My kids are spoiled, though. When we go to OBX, we stay with a group in a 10 bedroom, 12 bathroom house on the beach. When they go to Disney, my parents rent a Villa in Disney through the Disney Vacation Club. We've only had 1 bad trip in our lives and it was in Cabo - it was my fault - I went the cheap route and rented a condo which turned out to be horrible. But, we still managed to enjoy the week and made the most out of it.

 

I chose this trip because of the activities on board. I work full time outside of the home. I have a horrible commute. I am extremely stressed out most of the time AND I spend most of our vacations cooking, cleaning, doing laundry….I'm burned out!!! I need a week where I can chill out and not have to do ANYTHING except show up. So…with that said….here is where my expectations are for this trip based on numerous posts - the positive ones and the negative ones. Let me know if I'm way off or if I'm wrong, please!!!

 

- Service is horrible - ok…here's my take…I would like to see this for myself….I was a server and worked in retail for many, many years. It is amazing to me how people can be so down-right rude to service people and still expect them to fawn all over them. So, I am going to take this often stated review with a grain of salt. I am overly polite and appreciative of every service person who I meet. Normally, I met with equal or more graciousness and politeness.

 

- The free soda package was disappointing because there are no stations and it's hard to get refills - this bothered me a bit. I wanted to buy this for the kids. But, since it is spring break, I think it will be a mad house so we will bring a case of water and some other beverages for the boys.

 

- The food is awful - I would like to see this for myself, as well. I did not book this cruise for the food. My kids can live on mac and cheese and nuggets. I am not picky. My husband is not picky. If we wanted gourmet, we would have chosen a much more expensive cruise. As long as the food is edible, we will survive. Plus, I'm trying to lose 40 lbs (22 so far). So, not too concerned about this one…..

 

- hard to find chairs - I need tips on where to find a quiet space. I am a smoker (GASP). I just need a chair, a water bottle and my kindle. That's all I need - I don't need the pool, I might go in the hot tub….what I need is to decompress and forget I have a job for a week.

 

- lines for meals - I wake up at 4:30 am - I eat breakfast at 6 and lunch at 11, dinner at 4:30 and I'm in bed by 8:30 (no, I'm not a senior citizen - lol). Hopefully I will not be hitting the restaurants at the prime times….thoughts????

 

- rooms were dirty - This concerns me - I'm not a neat freak - I have dogs (lol). But, I am a little paranoid about 'people germs'. I would like to know how many had this experience. I'm sure our room will not be perfect.

 

- which brings me to my BIGGEST CONCERN - SPACE IN THE ROOM - I knew the room was tiny when I booked it. I chose an inside family cabin for a few reason 1) it was cheap, 2) it was cheap, and 3) it was cheap. Plus, I read bad reviews about the balconies so I couldn't justify the extra money. HOWEVER - now I'm reconsidering and the boat was booked when I called to try and snag a bigger room. Anyway - my family is on the petite side - BUT - are we going to want to kill each other by the end of the week?? Well - nobody can answer this for me but would love to hear from someone who tried to cram 4 people into an inside family cabin. This might have been the biggest mistake I made (not bigger than the Cabo fiasco, though - that one can't be topped!!).

 

So - if you actually made it to this sentence…thank you so much for reading my long, paranoid, crazy lady post. I want this week to be fun. And, after Cabo, I believe we can make it happen. I just don't want everyone in my family hating me on Easter Sunday for making them take this trip!!!

 

Thanks!

Donna

Im sure you are now having a great time, please post a review of your cruise on here. I would love to read it. as we are going on may 31st. I too am a little worried about the cruise. looking forward to your review of the ship. would appreciate it thanks

[fairygirl1]

So, I realize people with bad experiences will most likely post to the web, but people with amazing experiences usually do not. With that said, I cannot help but feel extremely concerned about our upcoming trip this Sunday (3/29). I have only been on one cruise (X Century, 1999). My husband and two boys (14 and 11) have never been on a cruise. My kids are spoiled, though. When we go to OBX, we stay with a group in a 10 bedroom, 12 bathroom house on the beach. When they go to Disney, my parents rent a Villa in Disney through the Disney Vacation Club. We've only had 1 bad trip in our lives and it was in Cabo - it was my fault - I went the cheap route and rented a condo which turned out to be horrible. But, we still managed to enjoy the week and made the most out of it.

 

I chose this trip because of the activities on board. I work full time outside of the home. I have a horrible commute. I am extremely stressed out most of the time AND I spend most of our vacations cooking, cleaning, doing laundry….I'm burned out!!! I need a week where I can chill out and not have to do ANYTHING except show up. So…with that said….here is where my expectations are for this trip based on numerous posts - the positive ones and the negative ones. Let me know if I'm way off or if I'm wrong, please!!!

 

 

 

- Service is horrible - ok…here's my take…I would like to see this for myself….I was a server and worked in retail for many, many years. It is amazing to me how people can be so down-right rude to service people and still expect them to fawn all over them. So, I am going to take this often stated review with a grain of salt. I am overly polite and appreciative of every service person who I meet. Normally, I met with equal or more graciousness and politeness.

 

- The free soda package was disappointing because there are no stations and it's hard to get refills - this bothered me a bit. I wanted to buy this for the kids. But, since it is spring break, I think it will be a mad house so we will bring a case of water and some other beverages for the boys.

 

- The food is awful - I would like to see this for myself, as well. I did not book this cruise for the food. My kids can live on mac and cheese and nuggets. I am not picky. My husband is not picky. If we wanted gourmet, we would have chosen a much more expensive cruise. As long as the food is edible, we will survive. Plus, I'm trying to lose 40 lbs (22 so far). So, not too concerned about this one…..

 

- hard to find chairs - I need tips on where to find a quiet space. I am a smoker (GASP). I just need a chair, a water bottle and my kindle. That's all I need - I don't need the pool, I might go in the hot tub….what I need is to decompress and forget I have a job for a week.

 

- lines for meals - I wake up at 4:30 am - I eat breakfast at 6 and lunch at 11, dinner at 4:30 and I'm in bed by 8:30 (no, I'm not a senior citizen - lol). Hopefully I will not be hitting the restaurants at the prime times….thoughts????

 

- rooms were dirty - This concerns me - I'm not a neat freak - I have dogs (lol). But, I am a little paranoid about 'people germs'. I would like to know how many had this experience. I'm sure our room will not be perfect.

 

- which brings me to my BIGGEST CONCERN - SPACE IN THE ROOM - I knew the room was tiny when I booked it. I chose an inside family cabin for a few reason 1) it was cheap, 2) it was cheap, and 3) it was cheap. Plus, I read bad reviews about the balconies so I couldn't justify the extra money. HOWEVER - now I'm reconsidering and the boat was booked when I called to try and snag a bigger room. Anyway - my family is on the petite side - BUT - are we going to want to kill each other by the end of the week?? Well - nobody can answer this for me but would love to hear from someone who tried to cram 4 people into an inside family cabin. This might have been the biggest mistake I made (not bigger than the Cabo fiasco, though - that one can't be topped!!).

 

So - if you actually made it to this sentence…thank you so much for reading my long, paranoid, crazy lady post. I want this week to be fun. And, after Cabo, I believe we can make it happen. I just don't want everyone in my family hating me on Easter Sunday for making them take this trip!!!

 

Thanks!

Donna

 

Honestly, you will have fun! Your story could have been mine ,,,lol we put 3 adult kids and 1 grandchild in an inside cabin and they were FINE. YOU CAN ALWAYS SHOWER AT THE GYM LOCKERROOM IF NEED TO, plus t h e y are larger there. The food is very good ,, (cruised ncl 4 times, w/5th and 6th booked) you and family will be fine,,just enjoy! Oh and go for soda plan,,never issues on refills :)