First time family cruisers Breakaway or Escape?

[sandheichert]

We live in NJ and looking to cruise first week of Nov. First timers. Breakaway from NY or Escape from Miami? Almost the same price for all cabins give or take a $100 or so. Suggestions? Balcony a must? Save with family oceanview or inside? Thnaks

[hansolosmom]

Personally I would do Breakaway so you don't have to worry about adding in the travel expense and stress since its your first cruise.

 

Our first cruise was a 3 day but part of a Disney vacation so we didn't have to deal with port transfers etc since everything was included. For our second cruise we decided to leave from Baltimore so we could drive to port since we were really unsure of all the workings on boarding etc. I thought that really helped with the stress level becasue I only had to worry about the cruise itself.

 

Rooms - very personal decision. We are a family of 4 (dh & I, 2 sons) and have always traveled in 1 room. We always did insides or OceanViews until we did our Med cruise. Some people will say a balcony is a must, but I'm just happy to be on a cruise. I think an Oceanview is a happy medium if you aren't sure of which way to go.

[CruisinHarvey]

I'd go with the Escape. Some like cruising out of NY because there's no airfare to pay for. I like escaping (no pun intended) from the cold on the first day and last day of the cruise. So, cruising out of NY any time other than close to summer doesn't do it for me. I like to be able to go out of the pool deck or the waterfront the entire cruise.

[luvtheships]

I assume you are looking at cruising during jersey week?

 

While the BA itin is not exciting that week...the kids will have a blast.

 

Do Kennedy space center or the beach in port Canaveral

 

The Atlantis in Nassau

 

And fingers crossed yo get to gsc

 

Don't stress with the flying for your first cruise and

 

Pack very light

 

You can do a great beach background family pix one night

 

Or

 

Put on nice resort casual or a little dressier and do a semi formal family shot

[luvtheships]

I'd go with the Escape. Some like cruising out of NY because there's no airfare to pay for. I like escaping (no pun intended) from the cold on the first day and last day of the cruise. So, cruising out of NY any time other than close to summer doesn't do it for me. I like to be able to go out of the pool deck or the waterfront the entire cruise.

 

 

I've cruised 2 X in January from NYC and day 2 had pax in suits and swimming and sunning

 

 

Cruising in November should be even better for great deck weather

[sandheichert]

Thanks for the suggestions. Would love to not have to fly but really like the ports better with the escape!

[dinkydee718]

My 4 kids absolutely loved the Breakaway! It is much less expensive to leave locally than to fly to FL. I would go with Breakaway. Assuming you'll have an amazing time you can always go on Escape next time and spend the extra money.

 

Either way, you really can't go wrong!

[ColinIllinois]

Thanks for the suggestions. Would love to not have to fly but really like the ports better with the escape!

 

 

Then I would go with the Escape. That Port Canaveral itinerary, in my opinion, is the worst one that NCL offers.

[mjkacmom]

The downside to the BA is that there will be over 1000 kids on that sailing.

 

The upside is that being so close to your vacation destination is awesome, especially heading home.

 

Once we sailed from NYC, we never went back to flying, even with a busy Jersey week sailing.

[joelle6667]

I just got off the Escape 1/16 and I promise you that the ports will not matter with it being your first cruise .. You will not be able to get a lounge chair on this ship .. I've cruised all the Breakaways and if you are cruising for the ports I would go with the Getaway over the escape .. I live in Boston and I would cruise on the Breakaway to save on air and if I wanted the ports I would go with the Getaway or any other ship or line for all that matters ..

I read every review and most are accurate .. This ship can not accommodate the amount of people it holds nor does it have enough staff ..

[sandheichert]

Isn't it always like that...not being able to get a lounge chair? Really looking to book the Escape as it seems that the have improved on the Breakaway and Getaway in some certain areas. I would also be nice to be able to use the outdoor areas every day of the cruise with nicer weather on the Escape instead of 2 cold days almost guaranteed cruising from NYC.

[GateGuardian]

I would choose Escape. 1 port to Bermuda doesn't seem like a true cruise experience :)

[luvtheships]

I would choose Escape. 1 port to Bermuda doesn't seem like a true cruise experience :)

 

 

Ba doesn't do Bermuda in November

 

Read the original post

[joelle6667]

Isn't it always like that...not being able to get a lounge chair? Really looking to book the Escape as it seems that the have improved on the Breakaway and Getaway in some certain areas. I would also be nice to be able to use the outdoor areas every day of the cruise with nicer weather on the Escape instead of 2 cold days almost guaranteed cruising from NYC.

 

Honestly I read every review and it seemed that most did not sound promising. Every one has a different opion of what is enjoyable and not ..

I went to every show and I had people who loved them and others who did not.

I personally would not miss the dinner show .. It cost me $17.50 and it was amazing .. The food was just ok but it was not awful.

I traveled with my husband two daughters and parents .. My daughters 21 & 24 and patents early 70's .. I shared a week with family and made beautiful memories .. I was very excited to share with them the beautiful cruises my husband and I had on our past cruises getaway/breakaway .. And thought it could only get better on the Escape ..

Just isn't better .. Bigger but not better .. Honestly I would have never canceled if I had the chance .. I had to cruise the Escape for myself and my parents and daughters thought it was beautiful .. ( they did not travel on previous getaway or breakaway with us ) .. They have cruised many other lines and we have all cruised prior together ... I cruised the Haven this trip and my previous and honestly feel this ship can not and never will be able to accommodate all these passengers .. I spoke with a lot off staff members some I have met on the getaway and all seem to be very discouraged.. NCL pulled many of they Getaway crew & others to work on the Escape and according to crew to not hire many .. You have 4500 passengers with unlimited alcohol with one bar tender at main pool bar .. And I'm reading that the staff were not happy or pleasant .. After seeing this with my own eyes I understand why .. They can't catch a break.

You have a bartender closing bar after midnight who then is serving breakfast at 7 am .. The welcome aboard music and crew that greated you is not there on this ship .. people wrote that they are nickel and diming but they also cut back with staff .. NCL had crew that were there 20 - 25 years and that says something but this cruise I spoke to so many un happy employees who could not wait to get off the ship .. :(

[Jerseygirl1416]

If money is not a concern, I'd go out of Miami.

 

Before we sailed the Oasis I read every review I could and most said it was so crowded, couldn't get an elevator, and non existent bar service at the pools ect. Needless to say, I was nervous to go but I found no real problem with the ship. In fact it was the least crowded I felt on a ship and we were over served daily by the best pool server ever! The elevators were crowded the first day and then it was fine.

 

I'd say take the reviews with a grain of salt and just make sure the ship offers activities your kids would like. Then research so you are well informed and aware and you'll have a great vacation!

[2hearted]

We live in NJ and looking to cruise first week of Nov. First timers. Breakaway from NY or Escape from Miami? Almost the same price for all cabins give or take a $100 or so. Suggestions? Balcony a must? Save with family oceanview or inside? Thnaks

 

I can't comment on which ship since I haven't done either. However, I would do the Escape just because it's newer and warmer.

 

I can comment on the balcony for a family. While I do love getting a balcony, I personally don't think it's worth the added cost of usually at least $1,000 for a family of 4. Yes, it is nice, but if you're like my family, you'll never be in the room to justify it. Although, if you don't mind the added expense, go for it, but there is a lot you can do for $1,000. (excursion, drinks, casino...)

 

Have fun.

[Skippy915]

Have sailed on Breakaway twice, both times in March, just husband and myself. First time we were in an inside cabin, second time balcony. The inside is very small, and at first I was sorry I hadn't upgraded. But it's very true that you spend so little time in it that for the price difference, it's how I'd go. I think it also depends on the size of your family, kids ages.etc...

 

Last July we took the kids on the Gem(same itinerary). At that time girl age 15, boys age 13 and almost 8. Gem doesn't have the family oceanview that fits 5 like BA does, so we took 2 inside cabins. Loved it. Nice to have the extra bathroom, closet space. etc..

 

So this November we are going back on BA (yes, during the infamous "Jersey Week"). While we all loved the Gem, and that was the kids first cruise, I know they'll LOVE the BA and all that they have to offer. We booked two inside cabins, was able to get adjoining which we couldn't get on Gem cuz we booked so last minute. Thought about the family oceanview, but in my opinion probably works out better with younger kids. or maybe just 1 or 2 kids (we all know how long teenage girls can tie up a bathroom):D

 

Sorry I can't give feedback re. the Escape. Of course nice to get the extra couple of days of warm weather, but between the airfare $ and just the hassles of flying, BA wins out for me. Both times in March the 1st full sea days were in the upper 60's. While maybe not pool weather, still able to enjoy so many of the outdoor activities.

 

Anyway, whatever you decide, it'll be great. Have fun planning:)

[fritolayNY]

Never sailer either one but I am going on the Breakaway in October to Bermuda.

1- with the current promos I would get an Oceanview or higher. You do not get them with the inside I believe.

2-If airfare is reasonable I'd go to Miami because it is warmer. However unless you are a family of five, many "couple" cruisers don't understand the extra cost. Everything is 2 1/2 times more expensive. I have flown with my family of five and have paid just as much or more for the flight as my cruise cost. I'd rather spend this money on a cabin upgrade, or excursions or expenses at port.

3- if this is your first time, I don't think the ports really matter. If you don't think you'll cruise frequently enough to though I'd choose the better ports.

 

Please inform yourself of all the extra costs if you are not familiar with cruising. as many newbie are surprised when the cruise fare was cheap but then they have to pay port and taxes, gratuity, and up charges for specialty meals, spa treatment, and excursions etc. Of course any do cruise without all the extras, it is up to you to decide how valuable these would be to you.

 

Best advise is to spend some time writing down all the pros and cons of each cruise and decide what fits your needs and wants. I usually pick a few cruises for the week I can go and then decide in the same way, comparing costs with all the items and experiences that best suits my family. Cost is always on of my main concerns because with three child not only do my cruise cost increase but my regular monthly budget with school clothes, supplies, sports, field trips, pictures.....well you know.

[Skippy915]

Good advice from FritolayNY. Just an FYI this time around the promos are the same for inside cabin, so we did get double the promos which helps. Especially agree with the comment about the ports not mattering so much. You'll be (and kids too I'm sure) with the ship and whole experience that ports don't need to be the deciding factor.

Keep us posted on your decision :)

[fritolayNY]

Wow I didn't know that. Double promos? Is that with the Escape? On previous cruises I just always paid by credit card and had a large bill after. This time a booked over a year out and got great pricing and I am paying monthly. Geez with double promos I may have to look again. Sorry to steal the thread.....

 

I hope everyones comments have helped. Just remember you can read reviews of the same cruise and get two vastly different opinions. So take everyone's advise with a grain of salt, choose one, and BELIEVE you made the correct choice, and go with a great attitude and your cruise will be fantastic!

 

 

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[Skippy915]

We are booked on Breakaway. Double promos meaning we received promos in both cabins for first 2 cruisers. Sorry, hope I didn't mislead. Putting my family of 5 in one oceanview would've worked out a few hundred $ cheaper than the 2 insides, but the extra space, privacy, and promo for the 2nd cabin confirmed our decision. Agree, take all advice with grain of salt, everyone's priorities differ. And for certain you'll learn more of what those priorities are after the first cruise.

[fritolayNY]

Thanks....we are booked on the Breakaway with the 3rd thru 5th passenger free and UBP (with gratuities included/ not available this way anymore and 3/5 passenger also getting the soda package free) so I had to get the Oceanview. Booked last February so I'm hoping to see that again soon. Crossing my fingers.

 

They where offering deals for just the Escape however I do not see them anymore. So as far as that goes Breakaway, Getaway, and Escape are similar in these current promos.

 

 

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[aquarianne11]

We have been on both the Breakaway and the Escape. Escape is a much better ship (in my opinion) but the Breakaway is also great.

 

Keep in mind that if you go on Escape, you would need to add airfare and hotel in the budget. It is recommended to fly at least one day before the cruise to be safe. Airfare will add about $200-$300 per person.

 

If you have the extra time and budget, I would go with the Escape. The itinerary is also so much better on the Escape.

[scrappinannie]

If money is not a concern, I'd go out of Miami.

 

Before we sailed the Oasis I read every review I could and most said it was so crowded, couldn't get an elevator, and non existent bar service at the pools ect. Needless to say, I was nervous to go but I found no real problem with the ship. In fact it was the least crowded I felt on a ship and we were over served daily by the best pool server ever! The elevators were crowded the first day and then it was fine.

 

I'd say take the reviews with a grain of salt and just make sure the ship offers activities your kids would like. Then research so you are well informed and aware and you'll have a great vacation!

 

EXACTLY THIS! ^^^ Reviews are very very subjective. People seem to expect perfect out of every aspect of their vacation and that just doesn't happen very often. We sailed EPIC last November. Reviews were all over the place, but more negative than positive. I was nervous....would the room be too small? Would we hate the food? Never be able to sit by the pool? Loose money in the casino? NO! We had a fabulous time! The room was small, yes, but it was fine. Nicely decorated and the bed was comfortable. The balcony (our first time in a balcony cabin) was heavenly. We never once waited for a table at any of the restaurants. Service was decent...sometimes a little slow in the main dining rooms, but we loved the freestyle concept. I found a great little deck overlooking the pool and spent afternoons there...didn't need to be right at the edge of the pool to enjoy the sun. ;) And we cleaned up in the casino! LOL. The entertainment on board was amazing! The Spa was nice and we enjoyed our massages but the staff is pushy at upselling. Only negative I can think of. Getting off the ship was very busy with lines snaking through the casino, but we did self disembarkation and walked off with our own luggage....it took maybe 20 minutes. We were off the ship and to the airport by 10am, way ahead of our mid afternoon flight time. In fact, we did standby for an earlier flight (noonish) and got it. So we had a great cruise and would sail the Epic again...if she ever stays in the US long enough. ;)

 

So, just go in with realistic expectations and you will be fine. We just booked Escape for April with our 2 kids. It will be their first cruise and like you, some of the reviews have me nervous. But you know, we're going with an open mind. Don't let others bring you down...only you know what you consider a "good" trip vs a "bad" trip and you can't really know that until you go on the trip. Enjoy!

[Jenjer]

I would go with Escape because of the weather. Going out of NJ you will loose 2-3 outside days because it will most likely be too cold to really enjoy the water slides, pools,hot tubs and maybe even the ropes course.

 

Port Canaveral is a absolute wasted port day.

 

Also in Escape the balcony's are bit larger and that's much better.

 

You didn't say or I didn't catch the ages of your kids but for my family balcony's are a must. The cabins are small and sometimes that extra space is helpful to get out of each others ways. Can not tell you how many evenings my DS will get dressed and go sit on the balcony while DD and I finish up.

 

Go in knowing the rooms are small, the pools are crowded but the activities are plentiful. Food is super objective and what I like other people hate. What other people love I won't touch.

 

When my kids where younger we enjoyed the option of being able to check them into kids club and enjoying a few hours of quiet time. Then enjoying lots of fun family time. Cruising is a vacation option that allows everyone to get what they want. Now that they are young teens we plan out our days with lots of friend and lots of family time.

 

My biggest piece of advice to a new cruiser is to fly in one day early. Go to the port early, know you will wait to embark the ship. Bring swimsuits and sunblock with you in your carry on. Eat lunch then head straight to the pools and slides. Most people forget to bring on suits or have not even borded yet so its a wonderful time to really start your vacation. At around 1 or 2 they open the rooms and everyone heads to their rooms. Why? Your going to have a week to see your room. The pictures are pretty true to life, enjoy the pool.

 

 

I am big into zigging when everyone else zaggs.