Sailing tomorrow on the breakaway (First time cruiser) with questions

[afromann13]

Hello, I been lurking for months and I have gained a large amount of knowledge in regards to NCL and their ships and for that I thank you all!

 

I do have some last minute questions.

 

1) Can I grab food/drinks from the buffet/bars and bring it with me anywhere around the ship or do I have to eat/drink it at the buffet/bar area?

 

2) Do the dailies include activities for every hour of the night also (a.m.)?

 

3) I'm really stressing the embarking process since i have no idea how it works, any info to ease my mind?

 

I'm pretty sure i had other questions, can't remember them though.

 

and any last minute tips? I had to ask...:p

[HarpHarp]

Yes you can take food out of the buffet, but there are no trays, just plates. There is also plenty of indoor/ outdoor seating both in the buffet & the Uptown Grill.

 

The Dailies have activities listed from 7 am-to about 11 pm. Some of the venues, like Bliss (the dance club) & the Casino are open into the wee hours. It says to close on the dailies. look here

http://www.beyondships2.com/uploads/8/2/4/5/8245255/n_breakaway_15_sea.pdf

 

Embark is easy. Make sure your checked bags are tagged & you have your e-docs & passport/ Approved ID.

Drop off your bags with the porter & get in line. You will get checked in, get your picture taken & get your card/ key. You must either put down a cash deposit or tie it to a credit card. You will be given a number. When they call your number, walk on board. The Breakaway was the easiest & quickest embark we've had.

Have fun!

Edited April 18, 2015 by HarpHarp

[ainecaine]

Hi there, I'll answer what I can.

 

1. You can bring your food anywhere you like, except the theatre I expect. We regularly grab a bite and bring it back to the room, pool area or wherever. Drinks can travel everywhere too.

 

2. The dailies have activities up until about 1 or 2am.

 

3. Embarkation is straight forward but feel free to ask any staff member if you are unsure. They will be looking out to assist you. You arrive at the port and give your luggage to a porter. Make sure to put your tags on and tip nicely to ensure the bags get to your room. Next go through security similar to the airport. Then you find what queue for your check-in. You check-in and you will be given a boarding number. You wait until the number is called and on you go.

 

 

Have a great time, there is nothing like your first cruise. !

Edited April 18, 2015 by ainecaine

[ainecaine]

You can head straight to your room when you get on board. If your room is not ready yet, you will still be allowed leave your walk on bags. I usually put mine in the wardrobe.

[meatball_nyc]

Excellent advice above.

Have a pen handy to fill out the quick health questionnaire. Have your edocs ready to be scanned.

You will be boarding the ship on deck 7, starboard side (right side of the ship).

For lunch you have options of either the buffet (deck 15, aft...back of the ship), one main dining room ( Savor or Taste, deck 6, aft), O'Sheehans, deck 7, port side (left side of the ship) or Uptown Grill, deck 16 (port side...take the starboard side elevators to 16).

 

Deck plans here:

http://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway/deck-plans

 

Relax and have a great cruise. Breakaway is a great ship with a great crew who want to make your holiday special.

 

P.S. Here is a pocket guide to help.

http://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/18559%20Breakaway%20Pocket%20Guide_05302013.pdf

 

~Robin

Edited April 18, 2015 by meatball_nyc

[bjtravelnews]

Excellent advice above.

Have a pen handy to fill out the quick health questionnaire. Have your edocs ready to be scanned.

You will be boarding the ship on deck 7, starboard side (right side of the ship).

For lunch you have options of either the buffet (deck 15, aft...back of the ship), one main dining room ( Savor or Taste, deck 6, aft), O'Sheehans, deck 7, port side (left side of the ship) or Uptown Grill, deck 16 (port side...take the starboard side elevators to 16).

 

Deck plans here:

http://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/breakaway/deck-plans

 

Relax and have a great cruise. Breakaway is a great ship with a great crew who want to make your holiday special.

 

P.S. Here is a pocket guide to help.

http://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/18559%20Breakaway%20Pocket%20Guide_05302013.pdf

 

~Robin

Thanks so much for the very helpful information. I am traveling on the Breakaway in June and want to get in line for VIBE passes. Where do I do that? Thanks in advance for the info!

[hunter68]

Looking to get Vibe passes too at the end of June. So you get on at deck 7 and it looks like guest services is on 6. What is the easiest and fastest way to get there? First time on Breakaway.

[winkdogg1234]

What's is vibe passes im going on the breakaway in May

[mking8288]

Guest services is deck 6 FWD - 2 gangways are used to board (FWD & AFT) via deck 7, fastest way to get there is take the stairs and walk down one level & head there. If you aren't sure of the direction, use those huge directory signs by the elevators/stairs - or look the carpets along the passenger corridors - the fishes are always swimming/pointing at the front (FWD) of the ship.

The FWD elevators are especially packed on embarkation day as some are apparently held/used/reserved for Haven guests - plus everyone tend to be dragging oversized luggage around so the elevators that typically can fit 10+ can now only take maybe 5 to 7 at most. When possible & practical, use the stairs.

[edtorious]

On the checked bags during embarkation, do they go thru some kind of security check? What if they need to open the checked luggage but it's locked? It's not like they have a TSA key?!?:o

[Kreativ' Gal]

I was wondering about parking at the terminal (NYC), do you unload your bags before you park? Or park, then walk your bags (somewhere) for a porter to take them? :confused:

Edited April 19, 2015 by Kreativ' Gal

[maywell]

On the checked bags during embarkation, do they go thru some kind of security check? What if they need to open the checked luggage but it's locked? It's not like they have a TSA key?!?:o

 

They have x-ray machines - if they find something questionable they will call for you and bring to the 'naughty room' to open the bag for them to inspect in further. Whether its carry-on or checked bag, everything gets x-ray and the people get wanded plus walk through the gate scanner.

 

If you can get in little before 11am to breeze through security and sail card setup in minutes, that's good. Arrive after that - hope that standing in line for the x-rays or account setup is not hours....

 

 

I was wondering about parking at the terminal (NYC)' date=' do you unload your bags before you park? Or park, then walk your bags (somewhere) for a porter to take them? :confused:[/quote']

 

If you park at the actual port, the porters will help you. If you park 1st offsite across the street (for example), you have to bring it yourself - If possible, drop off the bags with porter 1st before parking offsite to Central Parking (one of the off-site garages)

Edited April 19, 2015 by maywell

[hunter68]

Thanks mking great information!!!!

 

 

Vibe is a private adults only area with a bar, loungers, a few hot tubs and cabanas. Never been but heard good things. Looks like a cool place to hangout on sea days. Limited amount of passes and seems like they can sell out fast.

[bigfoot88]

I was wondering about parking at the terminal (NYC)' date=' do you unload your bags before you park? Or park, then walk your bags (somewhere) for a porter to take them? :confused:[/quote']

 

Normally DW and I travel with a bag each and park at the pier. We walk the bags to the elevator, down one level.

 

afromann13, a few things you may already know but still.

• Bring a pad of post it pads, they are a great way to get a message to the room steward.
  
• Power Strip, for charging STUFF
  
• Have the Mini Bar emptied. It is a good place to put bottled water you may bring on board.
  
• Bring a supply if metal hangers. There are wooden one in the closet, you WILL need more.
  

[Dori Saltzman]

Hope you have a great cruise! Here's some info about embarkation:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1710