BreakingAway 2/21-2/28 Solo Style

[khaide612]

I cannot say enough about last week's Breakaway cruise! From the beautifully smooth sailing to the ship itself to the bend over backwards staff and crew to my fellow passengers. This was my first trip on the Breakaway and my first solo vacation. This was also my first meet up with Cruise Critic roll call and I will join from now on even if just for the Meet & Greet with staff. I should start at the beginning though...

 

I had been planning to do a solo trip in the early fall or late November just to get away from everything for awhile (it's been a really rough past 3 years) but life and family commitments and work got in the way. I'm a 45 year old, single female and I have never been away by myself - always surrounded by family & friends who I love dearly but sometimes you just get sick of hearing your name being called. Between them and my work weeks I really needed some time away from everyone/everything. On Christmas, I was given a BB-8 suitcase by my sister & brother-in-law (yes from Star Wars). It is the cutest thing. She tells me to open it so there are some cute things in there and I'm going through everything and find a piece of paper tied in a ribbon. My parents booked me in a studio for February 21. They got in touch with my team at work and had them pick a week! They had even gone on and changed my NCL log in & email address so that the surprise wouldn't be ruined! Since they booked me while they were onboard the Breakaway a couple of weeks before Christmas, I also had the UBP. I just cried.

 

No joke Christmas afternoon, I booked Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Wine Lovers! Even when I don't have a cruise planned I read the CC boards just to keep up on new information/itineraries/whatever but then my planning and research started. And the waiting!! And worrying – I was slightly worried that I’d be just by myself for a week – who would I tell my jokes & hilarious commentary to? Would I be eating in the buffet by myself in a corner? All needless worries!

 

In the couple of weeks leading up to the cruise, the prices dropped dramatically. No matter who I spoke with I was not getting anything - no upsell, no credit, nothing. I didn't really push it as I hadn't paid for the cruise myself and realized I was probably better off in the studio for my first solo so just went with it.

 

Living in Brooklyn, I had the luxury of waiting to see if there were any delays in boarding so once I saw people were being allowed to board, we made our way over. Sunday Feb 21 was the single worst traffic day I have ever experienced. I've travelled from the NYC pier multiple times as well as picked up/dropped off family & friends frequently. Never saw anything like this. As it was just me, my sister pulled over & I walked the rest of the way so she could detour it back home without having to drop me at the terminal. I managed with no issue getting across the street and in the elevator with my bags but we wouldn't have been able to do this if dropping my parents.

 

I checked my large suitcase outside and made my way through security with my BB-8 carryon - security screening took maybe 10-15 minutes and I believe I arrived around 1pm. I was directed all the way to the back for check in and the line I choose also took me only about 10-15 minutes. They were still calling boarding numbers so I figured I would have to wait to board but nope. Got checked in & they directed me to photo & boarding. The boarding line took the longest - probably 20-30 minutes as they were having a lot of picture errors and people had to go back to check in and then they would allow them to go to the front of the boarding line. It wasn't a horrible wait though - very friendly people on line!

 

Once I boarded I headed right to the studio entrance, checked out my cabin (10523), dropped my carryon. Then I took a peek in the lounge, met some solo travelers and had just enough time to do a little exploring before muster.

 

Muster was the only place where I had an issue with anyone onboard and that had me worried as you are usually surrounded by people in the cabins around you. The older woman next to me (est 70-75 years old) complained the whole time about everything. So I turned to the lovely gentleman on my left and we had a very nice conversation. I never saw the other woman again for which I was very grateful! Also, leaving muster was the only time where I had an issue with crowds.

 

PopTop66US from our Cruise Critic roll call had set up an informal Pub Crawl for after muster in Shakers. I realized I should eat first so headed to the Buffet. Love love love that they have sinks at the buffet for hand washing!!! Washy washy is nice but soap & water is so much more effective. I had a quick bite and met one of the maître d's who gave me his card & asked that I please let him or any staff know if there is anything I needed. Then I headed down to Shakers just in time to catch the Roll Call group heading to the next stop on the Crawl.

 

Ok so I know people think they have great roll calls but we by far beat out any other group ever. Just fun nice people! There was no one that I spoke to who I thought I needed to get away from (I know I'm terrible but I'm polite about it). I had a drink or 2 with the Roll Call group and then decided to freshen up before the solo travelers meeting at 6pm. I had briefly met the solo coordinator Antwan earlier & he said to wait in the lounge - the initial meet up was to be in Maltings but he was just going to bring everyone back to the studio lounge.

 

There was no group dinner scheduled for us so after the meeting, people went on their way but a few of us stayed behind including Charlie (Silverc243) & Harvey (Rednip) and we ended up having a wonderful dinner in Savor with 2 female solo travelers! After dinner, one of the girls & I went back & forth between Howl at the Moon and dancing in Bliss. There were a lot of drinks! Then we hit O’Sheehan’s for some wings – thai chili with the sauce on the side! Finally made it to bed around 4:30am – not bad for the first night when I was so worried. 

 

I’m not sure if I’ll do a day by day review but feel free to ask any questions! But I'll throw some info right now as I know these are the most popular questions - I did not take any pictures of menus, I did not eat in any specialties, I do have the whole week's worth of Dailies and maybe I'll get them scanned.

[Sparkles87]

Subscribing!

 

Fab review so far!:D

 

I'll be heading on a solo Breakaway cruise at the end of June. I've done Epic solo twice plus another solo cruise.

 

I have been worried that Breakaway would be a different atmosphere that the Med solos.... but so far so good from what you've told me! :) Plus I'm glad the solo gathering was at 6pm and not too early (like on Epic)! Was it like this all the time?

 

If you can think of any sneaky tips for a solo gal on BA let me know!

[khaide612]

The time differed but usually like 5:30 or 6pm - the meeting was really the coordinators way to see how many people were interested in his booking group reservations for dinner or shows.

 

You've been on the Epic - one of the people I met complained that the Breakaway studios were much smaller than the Epic studios but I think they are great. Perfect for 1 person and I had visitors and we weren't crushed together. The one thing I did immediately was move the little seat from under the desk to in front of the sink. You can't open the closet on one side with it under the desk. I left it by the foot of the bed & used it for makeup or to lay clothes or whatever.

 

They really did a great job getting people together!

[alexmom]

I'm a 63 yr old who ditched her DH and DS to book a solo on the Getaway in February 2017. I was having a mid-life crisis and decided the only way to weather birthday 64 was on a ship somewhere !

 

I definitely need some alone time, but was really worried about eating EVERY meal alone. In the several solo reviews i read, no one mentioned that there was a solo co-ordinator. I just heard about sign up sheets on the wall for various events. This is all beginning to seem very promising.

 

Keep typing, khaide612 !! I want to hear all about it !

 

And please chime in, Sparkles !! Love your screen name !

 

warm regards,

Kristine

[ColinIllinois]

The time differed but usually like 5:30 or 6pm - the meeting was really the coordinators way to see how many people were interested in his booking group reservations for dinner or shows.

 

You've been on the Epic - one of the people I met complained that the Breakaway studios were much smaller than the Epic studios but I think they are great. Perfect for 1 person and I had visitors and we weren't crushed together. The one thing I did immediately was move the little seat from under the desk to in front of the sink. You can't open the closet on one side with it under the desk. I left it by the foot of the bed & used it for makeup or to lay clothes or whatever.

 

They really did a great job getting people together!

 

I'm pretty sure that all the Studios on every ship are the same pre-fabricated units that are on the Epic. Same size.

[khaide612]

I'm pretty sure that all the Studios on every ship are the same pre-fabricated units that are on the Epic. Same size.

 

Oh I believe you. The complainer pretty much complained for the whole week to anyone who stood next to him. :)

[khaide612]

I'm a 63 yr old who ditched her DH and DS to book a solo on the Getaway in February 2017. I was having a mid-life crisis and decided the only way to weather birthday 64 was on a ship somewhere !

 

That's amazing!!! You are going to have a ball! I promise to write more but if I keep slacking off at work I'm going to end up never cruising again. :)

[ColinIllinois]

Oh I believe you. The complainer pretty much complained for the whole week to anyone who stood next to him. :)

 

 

I detest people like that. I had one sitting in the Miami Terminal that said "If the cruise is as bad as this crummy terminal this is going to be horrible".

 

:rolleyes:

[khaide612]

Monday at Sea!!

 

Woke up & got ready for the M&G planned by CTCruiser. (Thanks again Chris!) Really glad I attended. Prem, the hotel director, said to please let them know if there was anything they could help with as if it isn't addressed onboard there is nothing they can do about it and the problem just becomes a blog they cannot fix. Everyone was very gracious. All the staff handed out business cards. Then they did some raffles and some people went to a slot pull - I totally planned to go but missed when they left as I was talking to some people.

 

I was originally scheduled for Wine Lovers right after M&G but found a letter on my bed that it was moved to Saturday. No problem. I hung out with my CC people for part of the afternoon. We were in Maltings chatting and then had lunch at Uptown Grill. Then I headed to the spa for a mani/pedi. It was Norwegians Night Out so I ran back to my cabin to get ready. I usually put on a dress every night during a cruise but I only packed 1 and should have packed more.

 

The solo meet was at 5:30 and almost everyone went to dinner together as a group. We celebrated a fellow solo's 50th birthday and they brought a huge piece of cake. She asked them to cut it and share and there was enough for everyone to have a small piece. After dinner there was conversation, then the most hilarious (& slightly disturbing) karaoke I've ever witnessed & then dancing again...the pattern for the week.

Edited March 3, 2016 by khaide612
spelling

[Clarea]

Enjoying the review so far.

[Keith1010]

Great review. Will follow along.

 

Keith

[khaide612]

Thanks Everyone!

 

Tuesday - Port Khaideveral

 

There was a solo meet up at 11am to see if anyone wanted to go do anything together. I slept through that meeting so cannot report back.

 

When I finally got up and ready, I grabbed tea from the lounge. I'm not a coffee drinker but that machine in the lounge is great. So much so that various officers and staff would be in there throughout the day. I would grab a tea in the morning and some iced water at night.

 

I grabbed a quick lunch in the buffet. Today I hit the spa for a Pick 6 package. Love these. After and before I hung by the pool area. It was more crowded than I expected but not "crowded" really. I took a few naps by the pool in between hot tub visits. Did a lot more exploring around the ship.

 

There was no formal solo meet up so I eventually showered and changed and had dinner in the buffet. Sat on the Waterfront for awhile and made some calls/texts/checked on work and emails.

 

Later I met up with some CC roll call guys and we talked and drank and danced and had the shortest cabin crawl ever. Another late fun night!!

[alexmom]

That's amazing!!! You are going to have a ball! I promise to write more but if I keep slacking off at work I'm going to end up never cruising again. :)

 

I ran across the Pick 6 as I was researching the ship. Sounds like a good plan. I also plan on getting the Thermal Suite pass. Those - plus swimming, eating creme brûlée whenever possible and learning to salsa dance are all I've got planned so far.

 

I've been trying to find out about the ladies locker room showers on another thread, but no luck. Where you ever in there ?

 

Take your time with your review, we'll still be here !

[khaide612]

I ran across the Pick 6 as I was researching the ship. Sounds like a good plan. I also plan on getting the Thermal Suite pass. Those - plus swimming, eating creme brûlée whenever possible and learning to salsa dance are all I've got planned so far.

 

I've been trying to find out about the ladies locker room showers on another thread, but no luck. Where you ever in there ?

 

Take your time with your review, we'll still be here !

 

The showers in the spa are larger than those in the studio cabins but I didn't think the studio shower was horrible and I'm not small. The studio shower also has a shave bar - very convenient!!! And you can adjust the angle & height of the shower head like in other showers.

 

A word of advice on picking your studio. Pick one on the outside corridor with no cabin behind it. I thought the person on the other side may have had noro as the toilet flushed constantly. We also all decided there is some sort of holding tank or large piping that runs between floors 10 & 11 as you could hear a lot of swishing water. I thought the cabin above mine had a water bed.

[khaide612]

Wednesday - Great Stirrup Cay!!!

 

We were so lucky with weather and seas this week. They said they hadn't stopped at GSC in weeks but we were the lucky ones! I never booked a tender letter and by the time I woke up & got ready they were calling Tender F. I was in no rush so figured I'd wander around and then head down to see what I could do. I grabbed my tea & remembered hearing an announcement that Latitudes Gold & above could meet at the Spiegel Tent so I headed that way with my towel & my sunblock.

 

There were people lined up on the steps to board the tenders. I walked over to a NCL staffer minding the ropes and mentioned the Gold thing. He asked if it was just me - yes. Opened the rope & told me to join in with the line. I was on a tender in just a few minutes. :)

 

I went to the lower level as I know that is where you exit on the island. Middle of February this was the smoothest tender ride ever. It was a beautiful sunny day! At GSC, I walked over the bridge & grabbed the Tram to the Lagoon side. It was still pretty empty and really never got crowded over there during the day. I grabbed a lounge chair. There is signage to watch out for sea urchin but I didn't find any. The water was chilly - I didn't make it in past my waist but there were a lot of brave swimmers out there. I wanted to be warm so only went in to dip my feet when it got too hot.

 

Walked over to the covered buffet/bar area right in the lagoon area. Had some water & grabbed some lunch. Laid on my lounger for awhile. There were a ton of clamshells on that side that weren't being used - just an fyi for any of you who want a quieter area but rented a clamshell. If people tried to take them a gentleman would show up that was monitoring.

 

After a few hours of just soaking up the sun & relaxing I headed back to the tenders to try & beat the crowds. Walked right on to the tender, but went upstairs to the top & got a seat right by the exit. Back to the ship & through security - they do xray & scan everything coming back from GSC. Grabbed an elevator up to Level 15 - exchanged my towel & then laid by the pool & hit the hot tub for awhile.

 

Finally decided I should get ready for the evening but by the time I did I missed the solo gathering so I wandered around trying to decide on dinner. Hit the casino for a minute & was going to head to the noodle bar when I ran into 2 of my CC Roll Call guys who invited me to join them in Taste. After that was more drinking & dancing & I believe it was a Howl at the Moon night which was always so much fun.

 

Our Howl at the Moon players were really good - Ben, Drew & Kim.

[Ereeve]

Thanks for the review. It's great reading. Congrats on your solo vacation. We have a few things in common...I'm going to be 45 and going on my first solo vacation in a few weeks on the Breakaway. Can't wait!

Were people from outside the studios included in any of the solo events? In booked in a balcony but not sure if that will exclude me.

TIA

[khaide612]

Thanks for the review. It's great reading. Congrats on your solo vacation. We have a few things in common...I'm going to be 45 and going on my first solo vacation in a few weeks on the Breakaway. Can't wait!

Were people from outside the studios included in any of the solo events? In booked in a balcony but not sure if that will exclude me.

TIA

 

Thank you and Absolutely! Each day's solo meeting & location was in the Freestyle Daily. The more the merrier. Most of the people I hung out with had balconies or minis as the prices were so good before sailing.

[khaide612]

I wasn't going to finish but why not?

 

Thursday - Nassau?

 

Again I never stepped foot off the ship. It was overcast & we had a little rain so I had another pool & hot tub day - the pool deck was empty except for a couple of other people.

 

I had lunch in the buffet and went back to my spot near the hot tubs. Got some reading done. Very relaxing day!!

 

We were supposed to go see Rock of Ages as a group but when I went back to my room there was a very loud (he sounded at angry too) voicemail from one of the cast members that the performance was cancelled. Slightly disappointing as I had heard it was really good but a show isn't going to spoil my relaxing vacation.

 

The solo meeting was at 5:30 and in the studio lounge we discussed the cancelled show & what we each did that day. Since we were scheduled for the early show the solo group dinner was set for 8:30pm in Savor. There were a number of older passengers who decided to not wait and just went to dinner then instead. Too early for my gang. :) Three of us just hung around the lounge chatting then cleaned up before heading to dinner at Savor. We ran into 1 other solo traveler and had him join us & had a very enjoyable dinner. Followed by more dancing and drinking. Then we got some air & hit OSheehans and finally bed!

Edited March 4, 2016 by khaide612

[khaide612]

Friday - the roughest day but not even close to bad

 

Friday was a day at sea and they put the vomit bags around but I have been on WAY worse sailings.

 

Today I went to lunch in Taste. I was walking towards the 2 restaurants and there was a family in front of me with a small boy banging a drum - they turned into Savor so I went to Taste. :) They sat me by the window and I had a very nice lunch watching the rolling sea (short video from my view -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4luIJrDdvo

).

 

That night we were scheduled for Burn the Floor which was great! I'm a big dance fan and how can you go wrong with shirtless or vested guys that can move? The girls were great too!!

 

Tonight we had a large group dinner in Savor and at about 7:20 someone mentioned the Latitudes party. 3 of us were invited to that but we had just finished entrees. Solution - we can go get dessert later right? Oh I'm cruising with professionals...the 3 of us that had invites went up to the party while the others saved the table. Hilarious. So we had a few glasses of wine with the staff & then went back down to dessert.

 

Followed by more drinks & more dancing of course!

[NJsharon]

I'm sailing on BA on 3/27/16 & loving your review so far!

I am not sailing solo, with my hubby on this one, but still enjoying reading it all. I think I need to do a solo cruise soon after reading this!!!!

 

Would love to see the dailies if & when you get a chance too! I like doing ship activities like scavenger hunts or bingo, so would love to see roughly when they are.

 

Oh & what is the pick 6 at the spa you talk about? I was thinking of treating myself to a spa day for sure!

[khaide612]

I'll try to scan the Dailies. I am missing Day 2 though.

 

The pick 6 is something they don't always publicize. They list 6 things (mini facial, eye treatment, head & neck massage, scalp massage, hand massage, foot massage). And you can pick some or all for like $100 -$150.

[alexmom]

Friday - the roughest day but not even close to bad

 

Friday was a day at sea and they put the vomit bags around but I have been on WAY worse sailings.

 

Today I went to lunch in Taste. I was walking towards the 2 restaurants and there was a family in front of me with a small boy banging a drum - they turned into Savor so I went to Taste. :) They sat me by the window and I had a very nice lunch watching the rolling sea (short video from my view -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4luIJrDdvo

).

 

That night we were scheduled for Burn the Floor which was great! I'm a big dance fan and how can you go wrong with shirtless or vested guys that can move? The girls were great too!!

 

Tonight we had a large group dinner in Savor and at about 7:20 someone mentioned the Latitudes party. 3 of us were invited to that but we had just finished entrees. Solution - we can go get dessert later right? Oh I'm cruising with professionals...the 3 of us that had invites went up to the party while the others saved the table. Hilarious. So we had a few glasses of wine with the staff & then went back down to dessert.

 

Followed by more drinks & more dancing of course!

 

You have given me so many ideas on how to cruise solo successfully ! Thanks !

 

Burn the Floor is something I really want to see. I've heard they have dance lessons during the cruise too. My DH won't go near the dance floor, especially since it's Latin dances I want to learn, but I've never been afraid of looking ridiculous. Looks like a job for "Solo Cruiser" !

[coka]

Awesome review! We were on this sailing with you. Four of us (me, brother, sister, sister-in-law from another brother) booked the week before sailing and we all had our own cabins...so we were sort of solo! I wanted to check out the studio lounge but never did so it is great to read what you thought. I am sure we were on the dance floor together some nights in Bliss. I heard my brother and my sister (in the wheelchair) shut Bliss down one evening.

 

I thought the cruise critic gathering was awesome as well. A fantastic turnout!

 

coka

[khaide612]

Saturday at sea!

 

So on this last day at sea I was booked for Wine Lovers. One of my solo friends was also going so we met outside. We were brought to Table 4 where we encountered a group saving chairs. We were then directed to a comfy booth which was set for 3 but they never sat anyone else with us. Wine Lovers was so much fun & the lunch was delicious. When we were finishing up we divided the other places wine amongst us. So we drank a LOT of wine.

 

We wandered out and they confiscated our glasses making us poor our wine into plastic cups. Ugh. So we then wandered around a bit and talked to a few people we had met. Then we went to the shops where my friend bought sunglasses. Ran into some more people and ended up sitting near Maltings chatting for the rest of the day with various new friends stopping by.

 

I love a sea day as I usually participate in all activities but I met so many interesting and really amazing people that I spent most of my days just chatting with people.

 

We were scheduled for dinner at 5:45 in The Manhattan Room so that we could see the floor show. We were seated all the way in the back by the windows and had a really nice last meal together. Couldnt really see the show though.

 

After dinner we decided since it was so early to head back to the cabins to pack and ready for the evening ahead. My steward had not finished but I told him not to worry about it and thanked him for everything. Dandee was one of the best stewards I've ever had so I threw him some extra cash. I wasn't feeling great so packed quickly and then took a nap. Met up with my solo friends at 9:30 and headed to Howl at the Moon. A great final performance...some crew participation. When that was over we headed up to Bliss for dancing, etc. Bliss on the last night was packed! A lot of staff but not intrusive. The music had noticeably slowed down though. Aftera lot of dancing I was just pooped so said good night to my new friends. They were going to a last O'Sheehans visit but I couldn't eat.

 

I headed back to my cabin & set my alarm for 9:00. I left the tv on watching channel 22 so I could see when we were getting close. In the morning I packed my BB8 and headed to the studio lounge. I grabbed a tea and was speaking with a friend but had no cell service in there so said goodbye and headed to a window spot.

 

There were people everywhere!! I found a seat near Maltings and called my sister who was coming to pick me up. Sitting there for a few minutes I realized I had packed my customs form so went down to deck 6 & grabbed a new one. More crowds of people so I went back up to Maltings. Got another seat easy.

 

A crew member walked by and said all colors could go. I had Gold/Yellow but was going to just wait. My sister alerted me she was nearby so I made my way down to deck 7 and got on the line. It took about 20 minutes just to get off the ship. Then grabbed my suitcase. I checked the customs line which did not look bad at all so got on it. (Otherwise I would have grabbed a porter.) Was through customs in about 10 minutes and that's only because the family in front of me waited until they got to the front to fill out the form.

 

Went outside & up in the elevator with a bus load of French Canadians! Then down the pier to the car. On my way I ran into Charlie (SilverC243). He was on his way back from meeting up with his wife who brought him a supply of medication since he decided to stay onboard another week! !! Still super jealous!!

[hansolosmom]

Thanks for the review. I've been toying with going to wine lovers the musical, I'll decide when I'm onboard.

Glad you got to use BB8