Lover of RCCL might have to do Breakaway to Bermuda

[castle701]

Any RCCL cruisers out there that took the Breakaway to Bermuda? We have the choice of Celebrity Summit or the Breakaway and since the Summit, while being refreshed is older, I am considering the newness of the Breakaway. What is holding me back is that we would be on the bottom of the barrel so to speak as far as loyalty programs go and I fear that because I am so spoiled with the loyalty program on RCCL that I might not like it. Also worried about the dining which seems to be such a process especially since the "free dining promo" is basically available to everyone. I've been loyal to Royal for so long, so anyone who can share their experience, I would so appreciate.

[Lady Arwen]

We have sailed on Summit twice to Bermuda. We're Elite on Celebrity and Diamond on RCI. However, we too are sailing on Breakaway in May...only our second NCL.

 

The price was great for an aft balcony and we also got the UBP added. Summit was priced much higher for that date.

 

Not sure how this one will compare, but we are not overly concerned. We're on a wonderful cruise to Bermuda, so we'll just go with the flow and enjoy our vacation.

[janetz]

We sailed the Breakaway in September in an aft cabin on deck 9 which was huge! http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=41612323

Those were not my pics.

We did enjoy free style cruising which is more laid back.

Food is subjective, but I think better on RC. Drinks were cheaper on NCL.

The Brakeaway has a great staff and the ship is very nice however there is one main pool which is always packed.

We have only sailed the Allure and the Oasis and to us, no ship compares. ;)

For Bermuda, the Breakaway is your best choice which offers the most time there, I believe.

Edited February 7, 2016 by janetz

[barnacle_boy]

Out of curiosity, why aren't you interested in Anthem or Grandeur? I know that they spend a considerably shorter amount of time in Bermuda. If you really want to sail RCI, you can.

[Arzeena]

Any RCCL cruisers out there that took the Breakaway to Bermuda? We have the choice of Celebrity Summit or the Breakaway and since the Summit, while being refreshed is older, I am considering the newness of the Breakaway. What is holding me back is that we would be on the bottom of the barrel so to speak as far as loyalty programs go and I fear that because I am so spoiled with the loyalty program on RCCL that I might not like it. Also worried about the dining which seems to be such a process especially since the "free dining promo" is basically available to everyone. I've been loyal to Royal for so long, so anyone who can share their experience, I would so appreciate.

 

We have done Royal, NCL and Celebrity to Bermuda. I love Celebrity for that itinerary and NCL comes a very close second. If you haven't been on the BA yet, try it. It is a great ship. I do not like Royal's Bermuda itinerary at all......too short a time in BDA for both the 9 night and 5 night.

Edited February 7, 2016 by Arzeena

[backsbanny]

Ive been on all three lines..If you want food quality go with summit...celebrity wins here..As far as rcl or ncl i believe ncl is better..i find food and entertainment better on ncl..as far as drink prices with all the latest big increases on bar prices on ncl i dont think is cheaper now but with ncl you can get the ubp which is a great value

[MoyCoy]

We have sailed on Summit twice to Bermuda. We're Elite on Celebrity and Diamond on RCI. However, we too are sailing on Breakaway in May...only our second NCL.

 

The price was great for an aft balcony and we also got the UBP added. Summit was priced much higher for that date.

 

Not sure how this one will compare, but we are not overly concerned. We're on a wonderful cruise to Bermuda, so we'll just go with the flow and enjoy our vacation.

 

We are also 'Loyal to Royal/Celebrity BUT we are sailing in the Haven to Bermuda this Oct. We had a similar cruise booked on the Anthem, but canceled because we gained amenities like UBP, UDP, excursion credits, 250 mins free internet.. Etc. We agonized over that decision because we procured great prices on both! We were ok not sailing RCL newest ship this year since we are booked on the Harmony Jan 2017. It is my second cruise on NCL ( I sailed the Escape last Dec. I had a mix feeling about that cruise.) But indeed, trying out the Haven is on my Husband bucket list- sooo we will see. I am really interested in the reposes to this thread:D

[MoyCoy]

We have done Royal, NCL and Celebrity to Bermuda. I love Celebrity for that itinerary and NCL comes a very close second. If you haven't been on the BA yet, try it. It is a great ship. I do not like Royal's Bermuda itinerary at all......too short a time in BDA for both the 9 night and 5 night.

 

We did a back to back on The Escape and the Eclipse this past December. The food on Celebrity was considerably better. The entertainment on NCL was light years better than the Eclipse.

 

My Husband it a foodie so you know which is his favorite cruise line:D

Edited February 7, 2016 by MoyCoy

[frenchcanrican]

We are Diamond on Royal. Sailing Breakaway in May for the first time. We are a little nervous, but we are going with friends that swear this ship is awesome. So we will see. We have been in Carnival, but still prefer Royal. Let's see how this goes. We are sailing Celebrity for the first time this November.

 

 

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[Shawnino]

Any RCCL cruisers out there that took the Breakaway to Bermuda? We have the choice of Celebrity Summit or the Breakaway and since the Summit, while being refreshed is older, I am considering the newness of the Breakaway. What is holding me back is that we would be on the bottom of the barrel so to speak as far as loyalty programs go and I fear that because I am so spoiled with the loyalty program on RCCL that I might not like it. Also worried about the dining which seems to be such a process especially since the "free dining promo" is basically available to everyone. I've been loyal to Royal for so long, so anyone who can share their experience, I would so appreciate.

 

Sounds like you're a much better fit with Royal.

[4xcruisers]

We are diamond on Royal and going on breakaway next week. Looking forward to the more laid back atmosphere of free style cruising.

I can come back and report when we return.

[NYcruzzer]

Any RCCL cruisers out there that took the Breakaway to Bermuda? We have the choice of Celebrity Summit or the Breakaway and since the Summit, while being refreshed is older, I am considering the newness of the Breakaway. What is holding me back is that we would be on the bottom of the barrel so to speak as far as loyalty programs go and I fear that because I am so spoiled with the loyalty program on RCCL that I might not like it. Also worried about the dining which seems to be such a process especially since the "free dining promo" is basically available to everyone. I've been loyal to Royal for so long, so anyone who can share their experience, I would so appreciate.

 

You started at the "bottom of the barrel" with Royal/Celebrity as well...lol With the exception of MSC I don't know any cruise lines that will match your current loyalty level from other lines.

 

I have sailed Celebrity to Bermuda last few years on the Summit and back in the day on Zenith and Horizon. Plus numerous cruises on NCL where I'm Platinum. If you go with an open mind and not spend your entire cruise comparing the two lines you will have a wonderful time on NCL.

Edited August 3, 2016 by NYcruzzer

[LConstable]

we were in the same boat (so to speak) just got off the Breakaway July 24-31 sailing - We are long time Royal Caribbean sailors but their itineraries to Bermuda are the pits - if we had to do it again we would forgo the razzle dazzle of the Breakaway and sail Celebrity - don't get me wrong it was a great week - BUT we went in with very low expectations so it wasn't too hard to please us - overall we found NCL to be sorely lacking in customer service - most of the staff was either ambivalent or rude and the dining/show reservation system is horrendous - everything was marked sold out only to be sitting in 1/2 empty restaurants and shows all week- - We LOVE Bermuda and have been many times so we were lucky that we knew what we were doing once there - and don't even get me started on the pool deck situation - you had your choice between the kiddie pool or an MTV spring break special and that was only if you got up at 6:00am to grab deck chairs - for the short time you are at sea - I would do the Celebrity - hands down!

[figment9999]

There's no bad decision here Breakaway, Summit & Anthem all do a great job: all have selling points. One item I didn't see mentioned in this string though is that the casino on the Breakaway is open in port; Anthem not. For us that was a material factor.

[TheDougOut]

A few years back... we loved Aqua class on the Summit (with dining in Blu) - but were underwhelmed with their main/specialty dining venues. We were SHOCKED by how bad some of the entertainment was on the ship - almost seemed like the performers were openly mocking the productions because they were so amateurish. But overall, with Aqua class, it was a positive experience.

 

For the most part we love NCL entertainment and dining options. For us, a return trip on the BA would be a no-brainer. We were often bored on the Summit.

[codered]

We've cruised on Celebrity many times including the Summit to Bermuda. We prefer the Breakaway because of the variety of entertainment and dining options.

[Granny DI]

Any RCCL cruisers out there that took the Breakaway to Bermuda? We have the choice of Celebrity Summit or the Breakaway and since the Summit, while being refreshed is older, I am considering the newness of the Breakaway. What is holding me back is that we would be on the bottom of the barrel so to speak as far as loyalty programs go and I fear that because I am so spoiled with the loyalty program on RCCL that I might not like it. Also worried about the dining which seems to be such a process especially since the "free dining promo" is basically available to everyone. I've been loyal to Royal for so long, so anyone who can share their experience, I would so appreciate.

 

We are Diamond with RCCL and usually book a Grand Suite. Our favorite cruise is the Breakaway to Bermuda. We've done it the last 3 years in a Haven Aft Suite. The Breakaway wins hands down. Saying all this we're aren't taking our annual cruise to Bermuda next year as our favorite cabin has increased $1400 pp. We've also sailed the Summitt to Bermuda....its a big NO. We sailed the Summitt when she was new...just not the same anymore. We're back on RCCL in February out of Galveston. Taking the cruise because the Texas Tenors will be onboard.