Best tips for the Breakaway?!?!

[mommyto3nj]

Ok we leave in 43 days....tell me your best tips or secrets for a great vacation! Any hidden secrets? Any must do shows? Any fun parties? Is there formal nights? Come on! Hit me with your best secrets!

[janetz]

I found this previous thread which is pretty good. :)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2120129&highlight=breakaway+hints

[dcipjr]

If you like burgers, make sure you pay a visit to the Uptown Grill!

[Gregor4500]

Check out deck 17 all the way forward, port side.

[barbpol]

We just got off the Breakaway this morning. It's a beautiful ship. The late night parties at Spice H2O are fun... 70's night, glow party and 80's night. We enjoyed all the shows: Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and especially Wine Lovers the musical which is a lunch show with wine tastings.

[lovedestiny]

We also just returned on Sept. 20th.

 

-If you want to see a show especially in the Atrium (Deck 6), make sure you get there early it's not that big and you might have to stand.

-The Freestyle Daily is your best friend. It tells you everything going on onboard, the times for everything you want to do. You can also use the touchscreens located by the elevators and press 'whats going on' (I think thats what its called).

-The pool is always a problem w/people so if you really want to go I would advise early AM. The hot tubs seemed to be less crowded around 10:30pm to close so try then to get in.

-Make as many reservations for the shows beforehand (even before you leave) b/c things get sold out fast. The slots they have online are not the only times/dates available.

-The first days they had samples of liquor so you can stick around for that, I think that was in Tradewinds. We got to taste Crown Royal Apple, Ciroc etc.

-The last day (Saturday) is when they usually have a sale on jewelry so you should wait until then if you want to get something.

-There is an all white party and a Norwegian Night Out where people get really dressed up so keep that in mind for packing purposes.

[porksalot4l]

Cruising 1st time on BA. Is there a self service laundromat on this ship?

[antsnanny]

Cruising 1st time on BA. Is there a self service laundromat on this ship?

 

No there is no self service laundry.

[2015cruisenewbie]

Seriously, bring several pairs of disposable earplugs. Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor, and Cirque Jungle are all very loud as is Tepinyaka restaurant. If you decide you don't need them great at least you have them if you need them!

 

Trivia is fun but get there early as the atrium is small.

 

Potpie and Fish and chips (ok just the fish not the chips) is a must try at O'Sheehans.

 

The hot tubs in the front of the ship away from the pool (there are two by the big outdoor movie screen but I forget what it's called) were much less crowded and almost enjoyable from what we saw.

 

Must take Zumba on the bball court with Anton in the morning.

 

Double check and keep all your receipts. We found several mistakes.

 

Crepe station on the buffet line was really good. If you bring ham and cheese slices form the deli station they will make you savory crepes as well as the sweet ones.

 

Have fun and don't over think things. Be flexible.

 

Customer service is open very late (11:00 pm some nights) if you can, wait and avoid the lines.

[doylecat]

We're going next week and will take your advice, but what is on deck 17 forward port?

[doylecat]

We're going next week and will take your advice, but what is on deck 17 forward port?:):):rolleyes::)

[maywell]

In no particular order-

 

Embark Day - if you want lunch but don't want to deal with overcrowding in the Buffet (the only time its ever overcrowded during the trip) go to O'sheehan's, one of the MDR or Moderno for lunch. It'll be listed in the Dailies.

 

If its Steak / beef or fried Chicken dish in the MDR, the portion will be huge - just a heads up.

 

On Deck 17 or 16 at forward are these straw lounge beds (not chairs, BEDS) that hidden from view by the Haven or spa sticking. Those beds look like they are part of the Haven but are not. Enjoy.

 

Part of run track outside of the Uptown Grill are going to upset some people because of the Grill's entrance, staircase that leads to it from the buffet plus sometimes the staff will cut off part of the track with ropes - Just a forewarning if you like to run.

 

Uptown Grill for breakfast has frosted rolls that not found in the buffet and also serves a bacon, eggs, sandwiches and hash browns too.

 

To bypass most of the smoke in the casino, use the Waterfront on deck 8 since the entrances/exits lead out to the forward / aft elevators. (There's no mid elevators on the Breakaway).

 

There's no trays in the Buffet - so you have to be choosy with the food in there because the plates are heavy porcelain. Also, the cups are tiny - it possible bring your insulated spill-proof cups, you will be walking alot to refill your drink.

 

Do a walk around in the buffet - there's multiple stations especially for made to order eggs / crepes and free drink stations. Plus a bar to get alcoholic beverages and wine machines.

 

On the TV screen in your cabins and through the app, you can view your account balance, make reservations to shows, and see restaurant menus. There kiosks (the Flat screen on the wall) on each floor that lets you make reservations too - just stick your card in the slot.

 

If you want to keep the lights and electricity on in your room without using your sail card - bring a old gift card, credit card, metrocard, sail card, etc and put in the slot.

 

The lights switches for "Do not Disturb" and "make room"outside above the door, is above the card slot for Lights /electricity inside the room.

 

If you have the UBP promo or package; there's couple of hidden bars on ship that not too many people go to - one in the buffet, one in the Uptown grill, and one across from Shanghai Noodle in the casino.

 

There's a 2 free coffee / tea self-serve stations in the casino, tucked away in the corners closer to the open staircase / chandler.

 

The bill change machine is in the casino in the middle next to the cashier.

 

On the carpet where the cabin decks are; are fishes that point to forward in the hallways - that's how you know if heading to forward(front) or back(aft). :)

Edited October 17, 2015 by maywell

[worktocruise610]

Wow Maxwell great ideas! Was just creeping on here but you've helped a lot ;)

[maywell]

Wow Maxwell great ideas! Was just creeping on here but you've helped a lot ;)

 

You're welcome - I forgot about 2 more things especially about the Waterfront:

 

 

If you want a quiet sailaway without crowds - go to the Waterfront and there you get great views of the Statue of Liberty plus NJ/ Manhattan skyline without too many heads there.

 

And of course great place to take pictures of NYC :D-

 

 

Waterfront is also great at night - completely empty and can enjoy a drink or meal at the restaurants there without crowds plus the scenery is lovely.