Booking Breakaway 4/3/16 - thoughts?

[Suze10860]

Whew - I work quick!!!

 

Just yesterday we decided we wanted to cruise and then to pull the trigger and book for the week of April 3 (my husband and I both are off work that week.) We've cruised 4 times before, the last being 3 years ago on the NCL Jewel. We really enjoyed it. Not quite as much as our Princess cruise (but that doesn't work for a few reasons, mostly $ and the fact that they have nothing out of NY) but definitely more than our Carnival cruise.

 

We booked a mini-suite with a large balcony - we love us some big balcony! We got the Beverage and the Specialty Dining packages included. I think we also got some sort of casino credit? The only part that took me back a little is the fact that I need to pay in full by tomorrow! It's ok - I'm just not used to booking so close to the time I actually sail.

 

So, I guess I'm just here asking for any advice or words of wisdom that might help me. I've tried to read as much as I can about the ship itself. I see conflicting info about crowds and things like that. Yes, I realize that April from NY might have a lot of kids. We are empty nesters. Is the main pool really adults only? (FYI: As a general rule, other people's kids don't normally bother me. I don't really care if kids are in the pool with me. I'm just curious.)

 

Any must-do's I should look into? Must avoids?

 

Looking forward to gathering as much info as I can in preparation for sailing in April!! Thanks.

[mizLORInj]

Hi. Advantage is you have a short countdown till you cruise!

 

I would read other Breakaway reviews to see what is a "not to be missed" on the ship and keep in mind these are people's opinions. We have enjoyed Breakaway several times and I can't really think of anything that is horrible. Is it crowded? Sometimes it feels that way but didn't stop our enjoyment of the ship and cruise. Ropes course, water slides, shows, food, bars, entertainment---mostly all good.

 

The large balcony minis are great. Note that you will feel more motion in that forward area, but the balcony is great.

 

Hope you have a great time.

[Toya1228]

I am also on that sailing. Is early April spring break time for NY? I have no clue. I have 2 kids going but they are toddlers. Can't wait to hear what advice other cruisers give.

 

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[mjkacmom]

I think that week should be pretty low on kids. Here in NJ, lots of schools are either out before or after Easter, or the middle of April.

[Suze10860]

So, I know that schools in the towns where my husband and I live (and work) in NJ are both out that week. I also know that other towns are closed other weeks. It's all over the map here. I can't speak for NY.

 

So, I just got my first MAJOR disappointment - and it comes with such a late (for me) booking. No cabanas available on Great Stirrup Cay. We are so so sad. Poo.

 

OK. I'm over it. :) Don't want to start on a negative note!! In the past, sometimes we like to just stay on the ship and enjoy the quiet and relative solitude when most people are onshore.

[janetz]

Breakaway is a great ship and the staff excellent. As far as a large balcony many of the mini's have smaller balconies. this cabin which is aft was the one we had last September and the balcony was huge!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=41612323

 

There is one main pool and a pool in the children's area. The pool was always packed! Two many people for one pool.

 

Bermuda is great but note the water at that time will be pretty cold for swimming, etc :)

Edited February 7, 2016 by janetz

[Suze10860]

Breakaway is a great ship and the staff excellent. As far as a large balcony many of the mini's have smaller balconies. this cabin which is aft was the one we had last September and the balcony was huge!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=41612323

 

There is one main pool and a pool in the children's area. The pool was always packed! Two many people for one pool.

 

Bermuda is great but note the water at that time will be pretty cold for swimming, etc :)

 

Thanks for the (mostly) reassuring words. We actually booked a mini with a large balcony. It's an upgrade. But it's not one of the aft mini's. It's on deck 8 where I believe all mini suites with large balconies are located. Balconies are very important to us. Especially if the pool area is going to be crowded. Rather relax on a lounge chair on my balcony than be packed like a sardine.

 

Also, this cruise is not going to Bermuda. It's a Florida/Bahamas itinerary.

[eagle92]

Thanks for the (mostly) reassuring words. We actually booked a mini with a large balcony. It's an upgrade. But it's not one of the aft mini's. It's on deck 8 where I believe all mini suites with large balconies are located. Balconies are very important to us. Especially if the pool area is going to be crowded. Rather relax on a lounge chair on my balcony than be packed like a sardine.

 

 

 

Also, this cruise is not going to Bermuda. It's a Florida/Bahamas itinerary.

 

 

I've only heard good things about those staterooms on these boards and across the web from reviews. There are also a couple of videos out there of folks who showed how large those balconies were.

 

 

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[Suze10860]

I've only heard good things about those staterooms on these boards and across the web from reviews. There are also a couple of videos out there of folks who showed how large those balconies were.

 

 

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THANKS! I'm going to try and search out some of those videos. I've also been trying to find good pictures or videos that show exactly what the mini suite bathrooms look like. I tend to be very curious...

[janetz]

I am as curious. Try doing a search with just your ship and cabin number. That is how I found those pictures.

You will have a great time on the Breakaway. :)

[krazy4kruisin]

Just do it. No buyers remorse. You know that you will love it. What's not to love, right?

[Suze10860]

I just did it with great success! I Googled "Breakaway" "mini suite" and "large balcony" under videos. More than one nice soul has video'd their mini suite cabin on Deck 8 with a large balcony. Believe me - no buyer's remorse at all! Not only is the balcony huge (2 loungers, a table, and 2 regular chairs - with room to spare) but my husband is also pretty excited about the large shower in the bathroom. The entire bathroom itself looks so much bigger than any that we've had on any of our previous cruises. Very neat.

 

I guess it's reassuring to know that no matter what goes on around us in all of the public areas, we will be oh-so-very content in our cabin or on our balcony!

[TraJon9]

Breakaway tips I can think of offhand..

 

At GSC if you want quiet as you exit head to the left.. It doesn't look like anything is there. BUT there are trams that take you to a lagoon and a quieter area of beach. There is still a bar, food and new bathrooms. You can rent floats there, 15 a piece and float in the lagoon for hours.. Loved it!

 

Book your speciality dining ahead of time, the Italian, Cagneys. Ocean Blue all have outdoor dining. It's really nice to eat outside in the warm weather...

 

Check out deck maps. If you do not have Vibe. Look towards the vibe area and the space at the front of the ship next to Haven. Open sun decks that are quiet and there is a bar over there that shares with Vibe.

 

There is a burger place, with order to prepare salads called Uptown that is near the pools.. They have breakfast I believe as well.. And the noodle place is free and hits the spot as well for a quick late dinner.

 

We did Blue Lagoon beach pass in Nassua which was a great way to just relax and have another perfect beach day.. The floats, mats are free with your pass at the rent watersport area. There is a snorkel beach side as well if you have your own. I think around 60 each.

 

 

Howl at the Moon is just a blast..

 

I tipped the room steward 25 when we got there. Gave my preferences, extra towels, empty fridge and extra coffee. They are always awesome for us. I bring Brita water bottles with the filter. 8 bucks Walmart. And powder Gatorade, and extra water bottles for excursions.

 

Continental breakfast is free for room service before 10. There should be order cards in your room, if not ask your room steward. With that patio coffee and some pastries are a must..

 

i live in southern NJ the kids are off either the week before Easter or the week before you depart. Should be a quieter cruise.

 

If I think of anything else that could help I will post.. Or if I can answer any questions.. We take Bonine JIC although I don't think we are prone to seasick. That area will feel some movement..

 

The bathrooms in the mini suites are great, my husband is 6'3 he loves the extra room..

[Suze10860]

Thanks TraJon9! Really great info.

 

Only been booked for about 24 hours, and I just keep getting more and more excited!

[TraJon9]

You are welcome!

 

If you take that tram at GSC, just remember head LEFT as you exit the ferry, ask for a tram area, you won't miss having the cabana.. That lagoon area and the beach is so quiet. We had maybe 40 people in that area. We heard the regular area was like spring break and people left. People follow the masses and without research you would never realize this area existed.

 

If you check the deck plans. If you take the closest elevators to you (midship) take it to 16. Facing towards the front make a left, exit indoors you will see a set of stairs to deck 17. Head forward. Bar, restrooms, quiet sundeck.

 

You can purchase spa passes ahead of time if you wish, especially if you are going to stay on the ship for say Florida. Your room with be in the same area as the spa. Forward.

 

We love the ship.. If you enjoy, Bermuda is a must. We have done the Bahamas once but will be our third trip back to Bermuda on her.

[Freckle53]

I'm in upstate NY and our local schools don't have break then. Just Good Friday off before Easter and spring break isn't until the last week in April.

[Suze10860]

OK - because I tend to obsess and research constantly...

 

I checked on both the NYC public schools and the Newark, NJ, public schools (the 2 biggest around here I think.) Neither of these districts have off the week of this cruise. Maybe not so many kids on board?

 

Nothing personal to any of those peeps - I'm sure they're all lovely - but "YAY" all the same on them not being off this week!!!

 

Now my thought is about colleges. Wonder if there will be a lot of Spring Breakers?

 

Again, having only cruised during February Presidents' Week and during August, I have no problem with crowds, kids or partiers. I'm just insanely into gathering info.

[McCutie]

Hi! Just chiming in to let you know that where we live in CT, our spring break starts the week after so we are on the sailing after yours on the 10th. : )

 

It will be our second time on the Breakaway. It's a great ship and we just didn't have enough days/nights the last time to do everything we wanted to do, see and eat! : )

 

There are plenty of areas that kids are not allowed so you will be fine! : )

There is H20 that is adult only..... I think just during the day....

Also VIBE is a cool place to hang out but not sure of it is adult only...and there are limited passes....

 

There are just so many activities, shows, etc etc that are geared for so many different ages and interests.

 

Would I say that the ship is crowded? Hmmm..... Yes, to be honest, there are times where it did seem that way but it didn't ruin our cruise.

 

Have a great trip!

[Suze10860]

Thanks McCutie. I'm definitely going to take your advice and have a great trip!! Same to you.