Breakaway tips

[worktocruise610]

QUOTE=maywell;47560244]Not a sports watcher but I do remember O'Sheenan's had a soccer/football games showing on of their screens. American football? Dunno, but they might - doesn't hurt to ask while on board, they might switch one of the screens in there to it.

 

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OK thought it might be O'Sheehans but figured I'd ask.

And yes, American football ;)

[worktocruise610]

Well if you're leaving Sunday (assuming a one week cruise) then you won't miss anything as the NFL season doesn't start to Sept. 10.

 

The real problem is that there is no baseball only cricket (which is like slow death).

Going in November, sorry if I made it sound as if this Sunday, just meant a Sunday.

There will be no baseball but I don't watch much anyway. Really hoping to catch some football.

[SultanofSwing]

Just got back on Sunday from Bermuda. Ask for Krisma (waitress) in the Manhattan room. She is absolutely amazing trust me and the food was excellent as well. Teppanyaki its definitelyworth going to and was probably our favorite for speciality dining. You will surely enjoy as we did. Actually I rebooked the same exact trip and stateroom for next year while on board we had a spectacular time. The crew is surely awesome. Enjoy

[NJ7]

OK Maywell, this may be off topic but since you know way more than me, figured I'd give it a shot...

Do you by any chance know if they show any NFL games while on the ship & if so where, when & which teams?

We leave Sunday so prob won't get a chance to see it, but just thought I'd see if it's an option. And if so, maybe watch the night game ;-)

 

Last year we were on 2 BA cruises during football seasons. Not sure if they have gotten this addressed but last year they were only able to get the game(s) on CBS. Could watch them at Maltings and on the Waterfront outside of Fat Cat's. They could not show any of the Fox games. When we asked why no Fox broadcast - we were told there was an issue there service contract and as a result they did not receive Fox on the ship.

[Chesneygirl]

No need to bring a hair dryer...the one's in the cabin work great!

Plus if you bring and use your own, you will most likely blow a fuse causing you to lose power in your cabin.

 

This happened to us on our last cruise and we had to have maintenance come take a look. Luckily I had brought an extension cord and ran it form an outlet out in the hallway so I could finish getting ready.

 

Maintenance did tell us that it was the use of my hairdryer that caused an overload.

 

Has this ever happened to anyone else??

[worktocruise610]

Last year we were on 2 BA cruises during football seasons. Not sure if they have gotten this addressed but last year they were only able to get the game(s) on CBS. Could watch them at Maltings and on the Waterfront outside of Fat Cat's. They could not show any of the Fox games. When we asked why no Fox broadcast - we were told there was an issue there service contract and as a result they did not receive Fox on the ship.

 

Thanks for the info. I'd rather the Fox games but as long as we can watch some football CBS is fine. I'll check the schedule & see who's playing.

[bjtravelnews]

If you love burgers - go to the Uptown Bar and Grill. We had some of the best burgers there and they are made to order. You place your order up front and they give you a number that you take back to your table. Orders are delivered to you. The burgers come with fries. They also have some nice made to order salads. Those are made as you wait. It gets very crowded there during peak hours and will be hard to find a seat, so go early or later in the day.

 

O'Sheehans has a nice sit-down breakfast. The menu is a little limited, but it's nice to be served rather than fight the crowds at the buffet.

 

If you go to the shows in the Breakaway theater, think about taking a small pillow or even a folded towel for the back of the seat. They are the most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in. There is bar in the lower back of the chair that digs into your lower back!

 

We loved the Waterfront area at night, especially on sea days. It's such a nice atmosphere!

 

The chair hogs at the pool get up very early. By 7:30/8:00 we found that all the chairs around the pool already had towels on them. People tend to reserve seats before going to breakfast.

 

Spice H2O gets extremely crowded during ship events (sailaway party, glow party and fireworks). If you are planning to go any of these, get there at least one-half hour ahead of time or you may not even be able to get on the deck.

 

We have been on several cruise ships. The Breakaway is our favorite ship. We went from NYC to Bermuda last June. We found out several people in the group we went with wanted to go again, so we just booked the same cruise for June 2016. Can't wait! Have fun on your cruise!

Edited August 27, 2015 by bjtravelnews

[MastaBlasta]

My wife and I are sailing the Breakaway for the first time this Oct. I've been reading a lot of reviews here on the site and it appears there are some major crowd control issues with this ship.

 

Either they designed this ship with flaws that perpetuate these issues or people are picky and hate crowds....or perhaps both lol.

 

Either way we're looking forward too it, everyone seems to agree its a fine ship so we'll just wing it besides our dinners which are already reserved.

[bjtravelnews]

My wife and I are sailing the Breakaway for the first time this Oct. I've been reading a lot of reviews here on the site and it appears there are some major crowd control issues with this ship.

 

Either they designed this ship with flaws that perpetuate these issues or people are picky and hate crowds....or perhaps both lol.

 

Either way we're looking forward too it, everyone seems to agree its a fine ship so we'll just wing it besides our dinners which are already reserved.

 

We loved the Breakaway so much when we went last June that I just booked another cruise for June of next year, same trip to Bermuda (Taking our other daughter this time). The only place where crowds were really an issue was at Spice H2O - and that was only for the Sail Away party, Glow Party and Fireworks. This venue is way too small to hold all the people who want to be there. Sure, the buffet gets crowded, but that can be avoided by going other places or eating at different times. We did have some issues with the elevators. There was often a long wait and the elevator would often skip the floor we were waiting on (heard this happened to others, too). But, luckily, we are young and healthy and hoofed the steps. There was one time we walked up 8 flights (our room was on the 14th deck). I was really tired after that walk. It was a good way to burn off the extra calories.

[usafvet88]

Keep hearing about this as an alternate to the main pool as a more secluded spot away from the crowds. How much is the pass and is it worth the xtra expense?

[Sarahellen]

More useful information - thanks again!

Now, at the risk of pushing my luck (lol) can you explain the key card / lights / air conditioner thing I've been reading about. I've seen posters mention to leave a card in the room (or switch?) to keep the ac on but not sure what they mean. I've only been on the dawn & Gem & they didn't have those things.

Thanks again for the info!

 

 

It doesn't have to have a magnetic strip or anything. My husband and I used a regular old business card in the slot and it worked perfectly. As long as it is the shape of a key card, you are good to go.

[Sarahellen]

I didn;t know that about the TV access - thanks for the tip!

 

 

The iConcierge app is an even more convenient tool to access information like restaurant/show info, all current and upcoming dailies, maps of each deck, a real time accounting of your bill and excursion info. It is free to use all of those features and even allows you to make or change dinner/show/excursion reservations. For a one time additional fee of $7.95 you can also use it to make texts/calls to other passengers while on board the ship.

 

We loved being able to track all of our on-board spending to see where we stood with on-board credits and such.

 

Just be sure to download the app before you board the ship since you would have to pay for Internet access to download it once you are on board. Once you get on board, put your phone on airplane mode and turn on the wifi option and viola! It works for no additional charge at all unless you want the text/call feature.

[NJsharon]

The iConcierge app is an even more convenient tool to access information like restaurant/show info, all current and upcoming dailies, maps of each deck, a real time accounting of your bill and excursion info. It is free to use all of those features and even allows you to make or change dinner/show/excursion reservations. For a one time additional fee of $7.95 you can also use it to make texts/calls to other passengers while on board the ship.

 

We loved being able to track all of our on-board spending to see where we stood with on-board credits and such.

 

Just be sure to download the app before you board the ship since you would have to pay for Internet access to download it once you are on board. Once you get on board, put your phone on airplane mode and turn on the wifi option and viola! It works for no additional charge at all unless you want the text/call feature.

 

 

That is cool to know! thanks!

 

Heading on the Breakaway next year (March) & already trying to read up on it as I have only ever sailed on the Gem & Jewel, so quite a difference!

 

I would also be interested in hearing about the Vibe pass, is that for the entire cruise? What does it include & what are the prices?

 

Also can you book meals at specialty restaurants ahead of time? How far ahead of time & how do you do that?

 

Thanks for the tips on bringing an old card for the AC/power thing too guys!

[worktocruise610]

It doesn't have to have a magnetic strip or anything. My husband and I used a regular old business card in the slot and it worked perfectly. As long as it is the shape of a key card, you are good to go.

Great! Thanks again, I am so happy to be getting all this info before I go.

[worktocruise610]

The iConcierge app is an even more convenient tool to access information like restaurant/show info, all current and upcoming dailies, maps of each deck, a real time accounting of your bill and excursion info. It is free to use all of those features and even allows you to make or change dinner/show/excursion reservations. For a one time additional fee of $7.95 you can also use it to make texts/calls to other passengers while on board the ship.

 

We loved being able to track all of our on-board spending to see where we stood with on-board credits and such.

 

Just be sure to download the app before you board the ship since you would have to pay for Internet access to download it once you are on board. Once you get on board, put your phone on airplane mode and turn on the wifi option and viola! It works for no additional charge at all unless you want the text/call feature.

Another great tip - thanks! I didn't realize you could do all that on the app. I did download it but some others were only talking about texting & the $7.95 fee so wasn't sure I would use it (there is only 3 of us so not sure I need to text) but knowing it does all that, I'm sure I will be on it plenty!

[worktocruise610]

That is cool to know! thanks!

 

Heading on the Breakaway next year (March) & already trying to read up on it as I have only ever sailed on the Gem & Jewel, so quite a difference!

 

I would also be interested in hearing about the Vibe pass, is that for the entire cruise? What does it include & what are the prices?

 

Also can you book meals at specialty restaurants ahead of time? How far ahead of time & how do you do that?

 

Thanks for the tips on bringing an old card for the AC/power thing too guys!

You can book the specialty restaurants ahead of time & definitely should! When you log into myncl.com & find your reservation they will let you know when you can start making reservations, excursions, etc. I've heard it's difficult to get a reservation once on board, so be sure to do it before if there is a certain restaurant you definitely want to try.

[Boschmann]

A tip for disembarkation. I have found people get off the ship with the carry-off people no matter what their scheduled time/bag color tag is. I had priority and left during late carry-off, but when I got to the baggage claim area there were hundreds of people in every color section grabbing their suitcases. There were also hundreds of people in the customs ques and 12th avenue was a mass of people trying to get transportation. My advice is that when you get to the lower level of the terminal at the baggage claim area first thing find a porter with a cart. Even if you carried off you luggage. Having the porter allows you to skip the long ques to get to a customs agent (they will take you directly to an agent). Then when you exit the building and look over the madhouse on 12th avenue trying to get cabs, turn around and they will take you back up the freight elevator to the embarkation deck where cabs are waiting for them. Best $20 I've ever spent (I guess that was an appropriate tip). Some people without porters knew this trick to get a cab and the porters didn't seem to mind them catching the elevator with us. From ship ramp to cab was about 10 minutes - incredible.

[janetz]

We do the same for every port we disembark at. Hold up a 10 and grab a porter. :)

[dman72]

Just got back from the Breakaway.

 

Random tips, positives and complaints: if you like lounge chairs, get up at 6Am or earlier to get one near the pool.

 

It's time for the cruise industry to set up a reservation system for chairs. People take one towel and drape it across 3 chairs...I was tempted to take their towels and throw them in the pool. It's absurd. Every guest should have a 2-3 hour window in which you can have a chair near a pool. If other people don't take their reservations, than the hogs can have them.

 

Food in the main dinning rooms was good, not great. Entrees were good to very good, deserts were poor to good. They need to step it up on their standard deserts. Service was good.

 

Ultimate beverage package is dangerous. I didn't find myself being ignored by bartenders.

 

O'Sheehans and the Uptown Grill are the sleepers on the ship for quick decent food. O'Sheehans pot pie is excellent and burgers at the Uptown Grill are as well. The buffet food is good, the Indian style food is actually really good, as are the crepes and ice cream.

 

My kids loved the slides, and on sea days around dinner time they could basically go on dozens of times..sea days peak times lines were long but not ridiculously, but my son basically didn't think it was worth it, and was happier to go 20 times in a row at night as opposed to waiting 10 minutes on a line.

 

The card in the light slot thing works.

 

Very little to watch on TV.

 

Don't go to snorkel beach in Bermuda without water socks...there is glass and sharp rocks.

 

Casino smoke was annoying but not as bad as I worried it might be. I despise cigarette smoke The first day I was worried because all of these weathered middle aged women seemed to be sitting around the pool bars smoking. It's like they've been banned from it for years and now they are so excited to be able to subject other people to their gross habit once again.

 

I do not understand why they put the casino in an open air atrium area instead of enclosing it. I would have been interested in upcharging for Le Bistro, but even down on that level you smelled smoke so we decided not to.

 

The elevators got dirtier and dirtier as the trip went on and more and more slobs (mostly teens) left cups and French fries all over the place.

 

The fitness center was empty at night, a little crowded in the morning, so I went at night.

 

Getting on board and disembarking from the ship was great on Norwegians end...nothing they can do about unfriendly government workers once you get past them.

[kelly11]

Wow, thank you all for the awesome tips, especially the tip about dropping off our carry ons upon boarding (ugh hauling that stuff around is a pain!) and the porter/taxi tip. We've cruised out of NYC twice before and the taxi line across from the terminal was crowded and disgusting, we were in that 'rat maze' line with some guy who was vomiting and looked awful, being stuck in that small space with him was gross :eek:, plus we waited over an hour for a cab.

Thanks also for all the dining tips, very very helpful!!

Wondering about towels, we have only been on 2 other cruise lines, one provided beach towels in the rooms that we could use on and off the ship (keeping track of them of course or paying the fee if lost) and the other did not provide them in the room, but you could get towels (not large beach ones which was surprising, just regular towels) near the pool and were welcome to bring them off if you wanted to. Wondering what NCL does about towels, for those who know, thanks :D

[Boschmann]

Our room on the BA had pool towels that we could take to to pool or off the ship. If we left them on the bathroom floor they were replaced with new ones. There was also a towel exchange by the main pool. We never lost one, but it would be easy to replace as they are always strewn on loungers with no owner around.

[coffeebean]

There's nothing wrong with the food in the main dining room. There is a set menu that runs the entire week and an additional menu with different appetizers, entrees and desserts each night.

Very true. The food in the specialty restaurants is just........better. The atmosphere is more intimate and service is more attentive in the specialties. It is worth the upcharge to dine in the specialty restaurants.

[coffeebean]

Also, sometimes the room stewards will pop it out a little that it looks the nothing is working - Just pop it back in the slot to work. Found out the hard way. :o And old deactivated credit card or Metrocard from the NYC mass transit also works in the slot too.:p

You can also use gift cards that have not had any money put on them. ie:Target or Starbucks.

[coffeebean]

 

The elevators got dirtier and dirtier as the trip went on and more and more slobs (mostly teens) left cups and French fries all over the place.

 

There is no excuse for the housekeeping staff not keeping the elevators (or any part of the ship) clean. Cruise lines must be used to dealing with all sorts of people, slobs included and a clean ship is a must.

[Champster]

Fitness center- get there before 7 or after 11 if you plan on doing any cardio. Especially on sea days

Bring a power strip with. Very few outlets in spa balcony rooms ( I imagine that other rooms are similar)

Try the cirque show the first night. 25% discount and the best show on the Breakaway ( IMHO). Dinner is included (surf and turf)

 

 

 

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