Feeling the Breeze again - a review

[summercruisin']

great review! We sail on the Breeze for our first cruise next month!

 

Awesome! You are going to have such a great time! I'm jealous.

 

Thanks!

[summercruisin']

Alas, our last port day came oh-so-quickly. :( We were scheduled to spend a day at Grand Turk, a spot that we have been to several times in recent years but I still really love it! Last year, we did a tour of Grand Turk, so I decided to (once again) NOT plan anything for this day, knowing that we could just as happily spend the day on the beach or in the pool at Margaritaville.

 

The day before the Grand Turk stop, Matt told us that there would be a Carnival ship coming into port right behind us. He challenged passengers on the Breeze to get on the beach quickly and take up as much space as possible.....own the beach! :cool::p He said we should make sure the Sunshine passengers had to walk waaaaaayyyyyyy down the beach to get a spot.

 

But, here is what we saw as we arrived......

 

 

Oh, well. That's what we get for thinking selfishness was amusing, I guess. :rolleyes:

 

Here's our part of the beach! LOL

 

 

I like walking further down anyway, because the water is much clearer there.....not as much chopped up seaweed!

Edited October 17, 2015 by summercruisin'

[summercruisin']

The Sunshine must not have been too far ahead of us, since the beaches were still mostly empty as we docked, but they filled up quickly, as Sunshine passengers were ready to go as soon as we tied up.

 

 

Well, for the first time in many cruises (12 for DH, and 8 - I think - for DS), the boys decided they were just going to stay on the ship in Grand Turk. :( I just don't get why anyone would ever stay on the ship at any port in the Caribbean (or anywhere else for that matter!). I did convince DS to get off the ship long enough to walk down to the "Conch Graveyard," since we had never ventured in that direction before (once off the pier, go to the right and keep walking.....). You'll have to lumber over some slippery rocks if you want to go to the point and around it, where I hear most of the conch shells are found.

 

 

We didn't see many conch shells (although we did see lots of broken pieces and we saw some Sunshine people already coming back with whole ones in hand). But, it is pretty down at that end of the beach anyway. Too much seaweed and other washed up stuff, though.

 

[summercruisin']

After a few minutes there, DS headed back to the ship on his own and DD and I headed down the beach towards Jack's Shack. As you will see in the pics, the beach was really crowded.....most crowded I've seen it before. But, it was a beautiful day, and I was in the Caribbean, so life was good. :D

 

We found Topher!

 

 

and then I looked up at Jack's Shack, wondering what sort of cool refreshment I would enjoy......

 

 

wait.....is that? Hmmmm......looks like Matt is here! :D

 

and this, friends, is what happens when the husband decides to stay on the ship! :D

 

[summercruisin']

After some cool refreshment ;), DD and I headed back out onto the beach for a while. There were several ship employees (mostly entertainment staff) swimming alongside us. That was kinda cool. We hung out for an hour or so, and then DD wanted to go to the pool, so we walked back up the beach to go to Margaritaville.

 

 

AND, if I thought the beach was crowded......

 

 

The entire pool was pretty much packed. :eek: People everywhere. This is where my usually latent germ phobia kicked into high gear. So, I sat awkwardly along the side of the pool while DD had a great time swimming. She begged me to let her try the FlowRider, but I just don't think she is quite old (or brave) enough for that yet. I could see myself spending some $30 or so for her to get a great view from the top of it (but never setting foot on it).

 

The Sunshine left about an hour before we did, so the beach and pool began to clear our near the end of our day. We decided to go back to the beach for a last dip in the Caribbean Sea for this year :(. We stayed back until the very last minute, and then walked back down the pier just at the time we were supposed to be back onboard. There was not a terribly long line. Before we knew it, our last port day was over, and we were looking at the empty beach from our balcony.

 

[summercruisin']

There were people who were even more reluctant to return than we.

 

 

Goodbye, Grand Turk!

 

 

 

[summercruisin']

I forgot to mention that the day before (San Juan day), we had tried to fit in a trip around the ropes course after our nap. Unfortunately, we got there just as they were about to close (by the way, they stop the line about 15-20 minutes before they actually plan to close). The kids were both very disappointed, so I promised I would try very hard to get us on there after our day in Grand Turk. So, when we got back onboard, DD and I took quick showers (she in the cabin; I in the spa/gym), and then we headed up to the Sports Deck. We almost missed it again :eek: because, in our hurry, I failed to notice that DD had put a skirt on, so while they waited in line, I had to run back to the cabin to grab shorts that could go under her skirt. We were in the last group to get on the course! whew! :cool:

 

Getting geared up!

 

 

They wouldn't let me take my camera on the course, even with a strap :(, so I didn't get any pictures of DS on the course. Once he made it around one time, he was DONE. He did NOT enjoy it, and he moved so quickly, he left DD and me behind :p. DD claimed that she didn't like it and moved very slowly with lots of encouragement. There were some really nice people up there with us who encouraged her and were very patient! Thankfully, it is possible to move aside at each "station" and let others ahead! DD and I slowly made our way around the "easier" course, and when we got back to start, darn if that child didn't say "I'm going around again!" :p

 

I got off to take pictures of her on there (could not convince DS to go back up).

[summercruisin']

 

 

 

 

[summercruisin']

 

Here you can see that the course is actually two in one....a harder side and an easier side...

 

 

these are the stations where you can catch your breath, choose your next challenge, or let someone move ahead

 

 

after that, we treated ourselves to ice cream on the Lido deck. A movie was about to begin (I think it was Cinderella that night)

 

 

And DH joined us to play some ping pong by the sea. Usually it takes a while to get a clear table, just fyi

 

[summercruisin']

I headed back to the cabin for a pre-dinner glass of wine on the balcony, listening to the waves :D and to prep for dinner.

 

 

watched the sunset....

 

 

and then headed to dinner with the fam. These palm tree panels are along the decks. They give the ship a great Caribbean feel!

 

[summercruisin']

I don't remember what we had for dinner, but I do remember that during the meal, DD was worn out! She was so tired that she asked to skip dessert and go back to the cabin. I did NOT want to skip dessert :p, so I was happy when DS offered to escort her back.

 

Right after they left, the ship magician came by our table. I think I forgot to mention that on San Juan night, DS and I had gone to the variety show, and then he stayed while I left to go to the magician's show (since we had seen him at Chef's Table, I wanted to see how his actual show went). One thing I really liked about this magician is that after his show, he offered to visit our table during dinner. He let anyone who wanted a visit write their table number and dining time on a little slip of paper, and he promised to fit in a stop. I thought that was really cool of him. BUT, he just missed our kids! :cool: To his favor, he acted like he was as disappointed as I was, and he promised promised to come back the next night (last cruise night). Well, I told him that was even better, because we planned to celebrate DS's 14th birthday (which was actually on the day they kicked us off the ship :cool: "happy birthday to you, son! Party's over!" -- okay, so it was the end of the cruise, so I GUESS they had good reason). The ship magician asked a few questions and promised to come up with something special just for DS. Sweet!

 

We returned to find the towel animal that DD had requested when we passed our room steward on the way to dinner earlier. It's her favorite...

 

 

My still exhausted DH :rolleyes: stayed in the room after dinner with my for-real exhausted DD, and DS and I went to the piano bar for a little while. Obviously, we didn't sit at the bar (he was still only 13!!), but we did sit in the seats that are away from it a little but still within hearing. We enjoyed listening to a variety of songs, but this piano player was not as energetic as some I've seen before. After a while, we decided to walk along deck 5 a bit and then to turn in for the night!

[summercruisin']

Our last sea day :(....our cruise is almost over! DD wore her last t-shirt made for Matt (and, if you know him, you know what it said! "Bye, Matt! I said bye!"). We went to the morning show and then stayed for the towel puppet show after the towel folding lessons, directed by you-know-who! Got to love a cruise director that does everything from leading dances to hosting parties to answering questions at a q&a to getting on the floor with kids to patiently teach them how to fold towels (and pretend they are good at it!).

 

I got several videos to capture that beautiful accent....I mean to see my DD make cute animals, of course! But, I don't want to post too much video of other people's kids here, so I'll only post this really short one with mostly backs. Here he is asking the kids to make elephant noises....lol

 

http://vid4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/pmain13/Carnival%20Breeze%202015/20150725_101958_zpsgfn1xgct.mp4

 

They made an elephant, a dog, and a monkey. They also gave the kids towels to let them have a competition making their own towel animals. This was the first time we went to the towel folding demo, and it was lots of fun!

 

 

 

Edited October 17, 2015 by summercruisin'

[summercruisin']

After that, I spent some time packing and watching a storm developing out at sea

 

 

I don't remember what we did for lunch that day or the rest of the afternoon, but DH and I did attend the diamond and platinum guest party at 5:15 that day. It was held in the Limelight Lounge. We were a little disappointed to leave the kids behind (now that it is not a party for all past guests), especially since DD has always loved attending and dancing. We have some of our very favorite pics over the years from the past guest party.....a sweet one with DS (at age 7) dancing with his then-baby sister (she was about 18 months),

 

 

and several with DD at various ages dancing her heart out at that party.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 17, 2015 by summercruisin'

[summercruisin']

We thought about trying to get DD in (DS really didn't care and hasn't been to the last few of them), but we decided to follow the rules and leave her behind. :( Once we got there, we kind of regretted it, since there were several small children there and they were not required to present invitations. They even got to help Matt pass out beads at the party (something DD would have loved). Oh well.

 

Matt encouraged everyone to "drink up" and even claimed we couldn't leave unless we had at least 4 drinks in hand lol :D

 

So, we stocked the table with a good variety...

 

 

my favorite is the blue margarita!

 

 

we tried all the hors d'oeuvres. There was sushi

 

 

and something with a kinda sweet sauce (hoisin?) and a tiny bit of shredded pork on bread

 

[summercruisin']

and this black bean, rice, and corn thingie

 

 

and I think there was one more thing. But that seemed so long ago. And I had several drinks (just following Matt's orders, of course! :D

 

Afterwards, I returned to my balcony with a pomegranate martini to watch the water go by and try not to wallow in my sadness that the cruise was ending!

 

 

DS joined me to keep me company. Here you can get some idea of the size of the cove balcony, the privacy, the shade, etc.

 

[stoddaj1]

We are on the Breeze in March, presently booked in an inside cabin for the second time. Airfare from Nova Scotia is ridiculous and we elected the inside cabin to do this cruise. But are wondering if there is any sun on the Cove balcony. Might be a less expensive option to the inside.

[summercruisin']

We are on the Breeze in March, presently booked in an inside cabin for the second time. Airfare from Nova Scotia is ridiculous and we elected the inside cabin to do this cruise. But are wondering if there is any sun on the Cove balcony. Might be a less expensive option to the inside.

 

The only times you get a lot of sun on a cove balcony is for just a few hours each day while the sun is going up or down (depending on ship direction and side you're on). You may have about 2 hours or so of direct sun, if you catch it at the right time. But, IMHO, whether you want lots of sun or don't want lots of sun, the cove balcony is much better than an interior room. Being able to sit outside in peace, smelling the ocean air, hearing the water, and being mesmerized by the waves.....priceless. :)

[Chelleum]

Great review and pics! I will be on the Breeze in May, before it heads to Galveston. Unfortunately, Matt will not be the CD. Oh well, give me a reason to book the Vista. :D

[mydogphoenix]

Thanks for sharing.... Enjoyed your stories... Will be heading out on the Breeze on 12/5 -- Can't wait!

[tlw440]

Great review. We just got off the Breeze Sunday 10/18, we also had a cove balcony.

[pusywillow]

Enjoyed your review very much as we'll be on the Breeze in March.

 

The resort on St. Kitts is the Marriott. We stayed there for a week a few years ago. Had a fabulous time! The plane landing was not so bad. We hired a great guide, Thenford Grey, who showed as the entire island. I hope you get to go back one day.

[momof3cruisers]

Your entire St Kitts day had my dying! Not at your misfortune, but because I have a son with those same exact issues and I could sooo see myself in that situation. I completely relate. It can certainly add some interesting twists to life.

 

Good to hear about the muster drill from your point of view. We are going on the Breeze in Jan and I was glad to hear that all stations were inside. That helps.

 

Great review, great pictures!

[anewmac]

Just found and read your whole report. Tha k you for sharing your trip and family with us. We are doing the same itinerary in March on the breeze so you gave us some ideas on excursions.. or lack of planning lol. Girl I feel you I'm the one in our house that does all that too. One day I'm not gonna do anything and see how they react.

[jjtimes6]

What a great review! Thank you so much for sharing. We will be on the Breeze for the first time in April!

[wantocruisemore]

Really enjoyed your review. We will be on Magic next year after drydock so I am reading Breeze and Magic reviews. We're from NC too, triangle area but relatives have places at Emerald isle and Atlantic Beach. And my oldest daughter is autistic (and diabetic and requires gluten free diet) but she LOVES cruising.

Funny, she's terrified of monkeys. Actually hid behind a beach chair last year in Honduras when someone walked down beach with one. But loves most other animals, fine feeding and putting arms out for stingrays.

But I understand the special challenges with traveling.