Need your opinions asap Norwegian breakaway

[CrazyHorse57]

Hello all, First timer here but looks like exactly the place I need. I'm about to book a last minute cruise on Breakaway 4/17. My husband and I with a 9 year old boy. The reviews are concerning. My child is only 137.00, my husband and I about 1000.00 for a balcony, free alcohol.

 

I don't have huge expectations but need that push. If I do, the one question I have is about the excursions. I want to stop by atlantis but thinking about not going through cruise line.

[freakymickey]

Hello all, First timer here but looks like exactly the place I need. I'm about to book a last minute cruise on Breakaway 4/17. My husband and I with a 9 year old boy. The reviews are concerning. My child is only 137.00, my husband and I about 1000.00 for a balcony, free alcohol.

 

I don't have huge expectations but need that push. If I do, the one question I have is about the excursions. I want to stop by atlantis but thinking about not going through cruise line.

 

 

Haven't been on the Breakaway yet, we are sailing on 4/10 (the week before you are thinking of going). We are a group of 10 - 6 adts, 4 kids ages 17, 13, 13 and 9. I have read mixed reviews, but also have 2 friends who sailed on her last year and loved it. They also have children in tow. We are going with an open mind. I expect we will have a great time, what's better than being with family?

 

Anyhow - can't really help with Atlantis but I did see there is a Comfort Suites on Paradise Island. What I have read is their room rate includes a day pass to Atlantis. Not sure if booking a room and using the day pass would be the smartest financial decision but its something to look into.

[ryarger]

I've yet to sail the BA but I have recently booked her for this December. I've done a lot of reading and what I've found so far tells me this:

 

* Expect crowds, lines and waits. This is a lot of people, for a ship that size. The pools are small are crowded.

 

* Expect a lot of children, especially if your week is a common school vacation week

 

* The main open area includes the casino and so may smell smoky to you.

 

* The chairs in the main theater can be uncomfortable

 

Those are the consistent negatives I've seen repeatedly.

 

On the other hand, the shipboard amenities look incredible. The slides, rope course and other outdoor activities are top notch and the theater entertainment (Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams) gets rave reviews.

 

The kids programming (Splash Academy) seems quite excellent.

 

Consider Vibe and/or Spa passes. Those are two limited access adults-only areas that can provide a respite from crowds.

 

You can get to Atlantis without going through NCL. Many have talked about booking a room at the Comfort Inn next door which includes passes to Atlantis. I guess this is a fairly affordable way to get in. Check the Bahamas destination board for more on that.

 

I think the BA is worth it despite its faults, but I'm also going with a Haven suite to balance out the crowd-factor.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Cloudyrain]

We (2 adults) went on the breakaway in November.

 

In response to the previous comments:

- it is a busy ship, but we didn't experience any queues to get in to anything (other than being in a stand-by queue for 5mins for Rock of Ages) and the only time we felt there were too many people was during the muster drill, and in the buffet at peak times on sea day, or in Uptown Grill towards the end of the week (when everyone else realised it was there!). The 3D film was also popular, so if it's something you want to go to arrive 10mins or so early. The family/pool area was busy on sea days, but we always found loungers free in Spice (adults area) and in the fwd sun decks away from the pools.

- there were lots of children, but they tend to congregate in children areas, we never felt there were too many or that they got to annoying levels :D the only problem we found was that some parents seem happy to abandon large groups of 3 to 10 year olds in the theatre during the shows - which are not appropriate for children, and they just got bored and started being daft and kicking chairs after about 10minutes. This meant that people not with the children (e.g. Us and some of our seat neighbours) had to tell the children off, which we don't appreciate having to do on holiday when they are not our childen.

- you can smell smoke (or stale smoke) when you walk through the casino. I never noticed it in any adjoining areas - and as an ex-smoker I tend to notice it!

- we never noticed the chairs in the theatre were particularly uncomfortable. They do have a hard plank across the back bottom bit, but you only sit on it once and then never again :rolleyes:

 

We really enjoyed the ship, the shows and the amenities, I think it seems like you have a good price and I am sure you will have a good time.

 

The NCL excursion to Atlantis is expensive , and does involve quite a bit of waiting around to get the bus there. Its also a bit of a walk once you get there, but its a nice walk and they provide towels so thats one less thing to carry. However, I have heard a lot of people use the Comfort Inns so if we went back maybe that's something we would do.

 

Have fun and just remember that it's the minority of people who take the time to post a complaint, and the majority are quiet and happy :D

[luvtheships]

Hello all, First timer here but looks like exactly the place I need. I'm about to book a last minute cruise on Breakaway 4/17. My husband and I with a 9 year old boy. The reviews are concerning. My child is only 137.00, my husband and I about 1000.00 for a balcony, free alcohol.

 

 

 

I don't have huge expectations but need that push. If I do, the one question I have is about the excursions. I want to stop by atlantis but thinking about not going through cruise line.

 

 

April 17 is not spring break for colleges or MOST tri state schools....except CT I believe

So the crowds will be less but it is a huge ship and will sail at capacity....but not over capacity as in 105%

 

Seasoned cruisers understand this....

 

Your son will live the ba slides ...Rock wall and ropes course

 

Book the BA for this alone

 

I prefer the Gem over the BA but will be booking the BA or sister ships in the next few years primarily for the bells and whistles for the kids.

Edited January 15, 2016 by luvtheships

[luvtheships]

Take the cruise line excursion to Atlantis. It's easy convenient and gets you there before anyone else

 

Plus day passes sell out and there is no need for that comfort inn deal....go thru the ship and be done with it...you can save 30 minutes upon arrival by just leaving the group and going to the slides on your own but...

 

Atlantis is huge and takes forever to get anywhere so it help to be following a leader....also do some research but for just 3 of you go thru the ship and don't miss the aquarium either.

 

Plus in order to buy a day pass on your own...assuming they even have any left when you arrive...on your own taxi dime...you must buy them in the stinky smelly cigar infused kiosk in the casino!!!! Disgusting IMHO.

[mjkacmom]

Take the cruise line excursion to Atlantis. It's easy convenient and gets you there before anyone else

 

Plus day passes sell out and there is no need for that comfort inn deal....go thru the ship and be done with it...you can save 30 minutes upon arrival by just leaving the group and going to the slides on your own but...

 

Atlantis is huge and takes forever to get anywhere so it help to be following a leader....also do some research but for just 3 of you go thru the ship and don't miss the aquarium either.

 

Plus in order to buy a day pass on your own...assuming they even have any left when you arrive...on your own taxi dime...you must buy them in the stinky smelly cigar infused kiosk in the casino!!!! Disgusting IMHO.

 

Why do you think the excursion gets you there faster? We did the ship sponsored one because it was crazy cheap ($119?), but we have also done it through CS, and I think that was faster - just grabbed a cab. There are also outside companies that sell passes. Check them all out and do the math.

[vince_g]

I love Breakaway and have been interested in going on BA the same date as you, but I am seeing prices of 1699 pp for a balcony. How are you getting such a great price?

[luvtheships]

Why do you think the excursion gets you there faster? We did the ship sponsored one because it was crazy cheap ($119?), but we have also done it through CS, and I think that was faster - just grabbed a cab. There are also outside companies that sell passes. Check them all out and do the math.

 

 

You yourself just said the Ncl one was crazy cheap and I agree and that's why I bought it too

 

We got off the ship got our wrist bands on the dock got in the van and were one of the 1 St groups at the slide side loungers.

 

Crowds came later but we were happily settled in a prime location by then

 

I seemed quick and efficient to me and I do ship ...private...and DIY....

 

It just depends what works for me in a particular port

[luvtheships]

I love Breakaway and have been interested in going on BA the same date as you, but I am seeing prices of 1699 pp for a balcony. How are you getting such a great price?

 

 

The balconies on the BA are minuscule....IMHO book the cheapest room you can find.

[mrobstad]

I've yet to sail the BA but I have recently booked her for this December. I've done a lot of reading and what I've found so far tells me this:

 

* Expect crowds, lines and waits. This is a lot of people, for a ship that size. The pools are small are crowded.

 

* Expect a lot of children, especially if your week is a common school vacation week

 

* The main open area includes the casino and so may smell smoky to you.

 

* The chairs in the main theater can be uncomfortable

 

Those are the consistent negatives I've seen repeatedly.

 

On the other hand, the shipboard amenities look incredible. The slides, rope course and other outdoor activities are top notch and the theater entertainment (Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams) gets rave reviews.

 

The kids programming (Splash Academy) seems quite excellent.

 

Consider Vibe and/or Spa passes. Those are two limited access adults-only areas that can provide a respite from crowds.

 

You can get to Atlantis without going through NCL. Many have talked about booking a room at the Comfort Inn next door which includes passes to Atlantis. I guess this is a fairly affordable way to get in. Check the Bahamas destination board for more on that.

 

I think the BA is worth it despite its faults, but I'm also going with a Haven suite to balance out the crowd-factor.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

 

I've been on the BA NUMEROUS times. That's a phenomenal price and it's a terrific ship. All of these so called complaints are pretty lame. The theatre chairs are like any other theatre chairs.

 

Getting to Atlantis is very easy, but all you'll be able to see is the casinos and shops without paying extra. You won't be able to see the pool, aquarium.

 

Vibe is adults only and per person, so I doubt that's an option if you have a child.

 

Bottom line, price per day for 3 meals and entertainment, it can't be beat. That's why I'm going 1/17!

[mjkacmom]

You yourself just said the Ncl one was crazy cheap and I agree and that's why I bought it too

 

We got off the ship got our wrist bands on the dock got in the van and were one of the 1 St groups at the slide side loungers.

 

Crowds came later but we were happily settled in a prime location by then

 

I seemed quick and efficient to me and I do ship ...private...and DIY....

 

It just depends what works for me in a particular port

 

99.9% of the time, it's cheaper to do Atlantis on your own - that was a crazy low price. I was still tempted to hop in a taxi and pay to get there, vs waiting a bit for the group to gather, but it ended up being only about 10 minutes. We were there by 9, but we were also there by 9 when we didn't go through the ship.

 

So, again, since prices everywhere are fluid, just do the math for your particular dates, OP.

[Suenelsen]

Was just on Breakaway During Christmas week ... 45, 42, & 16 We had a blast. I was worried about what it was going to be like due to the reviews too. Your vacation is what you guys make it out to be. Will everything be perfect ? Perhaps but chances are something will go wrong/be wrong. As long as you have a fairly open mind and can roll with minor hiccups than you should be fine. We had a packed ship that week with tour groups as well. You can always find something to do and some where to go. We are going back again this December and can't wait !!!

Go have fun, enjoy all the ships has to offer and make some great memories !!!

[luvtheships]

I've been on the BA NUMEROUS times. That's a phenomenal price and it's a terrific ship. All of these so called complaints are pretty lame. The theatre chairs are like any other theatre chairs.

 

Getting to Atlantis is very easy, but all you'll be able to see is the casinos and shops without paying extra. You won't be able to see the pool, aquarium.

 

Vibe is adults only and per person, so I doubt that's an option if you have a child.

 

Bottom line, price per day for 3 meals and entertainment, it can't be beat. That's why I'm going 1/17!

 

 

Well actually the theater chairs are like any other theater chair as long as you don't mind a metal bar against your lower back

 

Face it if those chairs were in a broadway theater $$$$$ or even your local movie house $$ you wouldn't like them

[CrazyHorse57]

Thank you everyone. I got a deal because the travel outlet I am going through bought ahead of time. I'm going to pull the trigger and make it a good trip.

[CrazyHorse57]

Vince,

You want the agency I am going through?

[Kreativ' Gal]

Vince,

You want the agency I am going through?

 

I dont know about Vince, but I do, please :)

[C-line]

Love the BA - we (48M/38F and his parents) are going for the third time on January 31 (16 days to go!). I hate crowds in general and I wasn't bothered by crowds very often other than a couple of mornings at the buffet. The atrium seemed full by times too, but not crazy. We didn't spend much time around the pool area or anything, so that might have helped.

 

The first couple of times we had an aft balcony but this time we just have a regular balcony midship. The aft balconies, especially near the top, can be loud late into the evening due to H20.

 

We splurge on the spa pass every time and this time we have the beverage package as an added bonus.

 

Love the specialty dining but our upcoming cruise is 14 days and I think we're only doing specialty dining for half a dozen nights or so (the menus for the MDR look really good). We eat at O'Sheehans a lot.

 

Really enjoy the entertainment, especially Rock of Ages and Howl at the Moon.

 

Your kid will love the ship, I think. Lots for kids to do. And there's a kids club so if that's his thing I think you could make use of a Vibe pass while he's there.

 

We're not fussy and don't complain about much, especially on vacation. It's just nice to get away from the snow!

[CrazyHorse57]

The Travel agent is Cruise travel outlet 1 800 498 7245 ext. 205 Bill Walsh.

Limited things left but think there was a mini suite

[bopperbop]

My tip is to reserve a tinder to great stirrup cay early!! Get to the island late and you walk way out for chairs.

 

If you do go through Norwegian for Atlantis, then book those excursions early. They sell out. At atlantis in the water park, the "lazy" river is not that lazy ! But so fun!

[sayla27]

C-line: quick question about the spa pass. I was waiting for my 90 day window, but then it popped up recently on myNCl and said none were available. I'm thinking I missed the window or it will be available at 90 days. Either way do you buy it online or once you arrive on the boat? Do you know if they sell day passes?

[C-line]

C-line: quick question about the spa pass. I was waiting for my 90 day window, but then it popped up recently on myNCl and said none were available. I'm thinking I missed the window or it will be available at 90 days. Either way do you buy it online or once you arrive on the boat? Do you know if they sell day passes?

 

For the past two years (both on the Breakaway) we rushed to buy our passes after boarding the ship. This is the first time they've been available for us to purchase online (also on Breakaway). Our cruise is on January 31 and we didn't book until the end of December. We purchased our spa passes just this past weekend. I don't know when they actually opened up for sales, if it was at 90 days out like everything else or if it was different. If the spa passes don't sell out on your sailing they will sell day passes but I can't remember how much they were.

 

I'm also not sure if the spa passes are the same as other things that are available for booking/purchase online where they have a certain amount available online and then hold some back for booking/purchase once you're actually on the ship. There was a shore excursion we wanted last year and it was sold out online but we were able to pick up tickets once we were on board.

[Dorhead1230]

Hello all, First timer here but looks like exactly the place I need. I'm about to book a last minute cruise on Breakaway 4/17. My husband and I with a 9 year old boy. The reviews are concerning. My child is only 137.00, my husband and I about 1000.00 for a balcony, free alcohol.

 

I don't have huge expectations but need that push. If I do, the one question I have is about the excursions. I want to stop by atlantis but thinking about not going through cruise line.

 

Shameless plug for my review of my Breakaway cruise last summer :o http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2293309&highlight=delinquent

 

We had a great time on the ship. It wasn't the same itinerary, but it wrote about everything we did, so it might help you get a general feel for the ship. If you go, I hope you have a wonderful time! :)

[CasinoCruzGirl]

Hello all, First timer here but looks like exactly the place I need. I'm about to book a last minute cruise on Breakaway 4/17. My husband and I with a 9 year old boy. The reviews are concerning. My child is only 137.00, my husband and I about 1000.00 for a balcony, free alcohol.

 

I don't have huge expectations but need that push. If I do, the one question I have is about the excursions. I want to stop by atlantis but thinking about not going through cruise line.

 

 

I loved the breakaway been on her 4 times.

[xcell]

Didnt read through all the post but you son will have fun on the BA - my kids 12 and 9 love the slides...

 

Atlantis - my only hint - don't bring ship towels (I made that mistake the first time).