REVIEW: April 3 Breakaway

[Suze10860]

Really similar experience to you Suze10860. However my boiling point was to a bartender that was inconsistent in his own practice. So my S/O was ordering a double shot of vodka on ice because he was mixing it with a low carb monster that we brought from home. Wasn't an issue in any other bar all week. We go to shakers and was told that it is against the rules and can't be done. That they could only do a single even though they would give you 2 shots at a time, just not in the same glass. Fast forward to us still sitting at the bar 10 minutes later where a lady comes up asking for the champagne glass to be filled to the top or in a wine glass because she didn't want to stand up again. Bartender fulfilled her request. So I politely asked what was the difference between what she asked for and what I asked for. He honestly said 'nothing' and that she was just being a pain all week and didn't want to deal with her. So my S/O asked if all you needed to do was be a pain to get a full bottle because that follows the same logic. Bartender apologized and said that he we could get what we wanted but I was pretty done at that point. I'm all for consistency across the board but at the very least be consistent within yourself.

 

Exactly! Thanks for sharing that.

 

And I can see that maybe if someone is reading this they might think I'm being overly picky. But honestly, a full week of this type of thing constantly happening can get extremely frustrating.

[Suze10860]

I can echo the no announcement. I was in the Haven and the only reason I knew that we must have finally cleared is that we were trying to go to breakfast and they started putting people in the service elevators. We went to eat and finished and were escorted down. By the time we made it downstairs we were in the middle of self-embark. So I will say that there might be a reason that people are claiming luggage in the middle of self-disembark, as they don't delay priority disembarkation even if self-disembarkation is not finished. We also utilized the porter as we had a ton of luggage and learned years ago that it is worth the $20-$30. He walked us all the way across the street to our car and by the time we walked up we were the next people in line compared to the 90 or so people in the left and right lanes.

 

Yup. And again, I'm not meaning to dis anyone who used a porter or who was in the middle of the self assist people. My only gripe is with NCL on this.

 

Funny part it, right as we were approaching the building, there was a gentleman in a suit from NCL outside, directing people and looking somewhat important. I told him that the disembarkation was horrific and he looked at me like I was crazy and that I was the only person in the history of the world to even suggest such a thing!

[Gershep]

Do you remember if you got off the ship in the back or front of the ship?

 

Many people complain to NCL about disembarkation, they don't care. Like you said they don't even have crew helping. Having crew guiding people could be an easy fix. I just love the people that try and cut the line.

Edited April 12, 2016 by Gershep

[Suze10860]

I want to be positive now so I'm going to tell you what I thought about the Unlimited Beverage Package. My husband and I (and the other couple who cruised with it) thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread!

 

It cost us $174 for the week. When we first boarded and ordered our first round of drinks we had to sign a slip for them - because you are paying the tax while the ship is in port in NYC. Each round cost around $25 - I was drinking prosecco and my husband was drinking Hendricks gin and tonic. Nothing really over the top. Doesn't take any special math skills to figure out that after 7 rounds we have broken even. That would mean that if we had only one drink each every day of the cruise we would break even. Actually, I'm pretty sure we broke even that first day! (Don't judge me...it's been a stressful time at home. ;))

 

My husband was very very very very happy with their alcohol selections. Besides the Hendricks gin (which is his favorite gin) he enjoyed the 1800 tequila and the Don Julio tequila and the Patron tequila. He's actually a bourbon man, and he especially like the Bookers bourbon and was willing to pay $3.50 a glass for it (big spender, right?) He also like the Basil Hayden bourbon.

 

I stuck mostly with prosecco, with a few frozen drinks thrown in just because it was vacation. Thought I'd died and gone to heaven when I had my first Bushwacker!!

 

The hubby really like having his nightly glass of 43 while I had a lovely Bailey's.

 

So in our opinion, the UBP is a pretty wonderful thing when you're paying only the service fee/gratuities on it. And although it might sound like we spent the entire cruise bellied up to the bar, we really didn't. I think we're pretty average. (Oh jeez - now I'm just sounding defensive aren't I?!?!)

 

Final grade: UBP as a perk ~ A+++

[NoDayButToday00]

Yup. And again, I'm not meaning to dis anyone who used a porter or who was in the middle of the self assist people. My only gripe is with NCL on this.

 

Funny part it, right as we were approaching the building, there was a gentleman in a suit from NCL outside, directing people and looking somewhat important. I told him that the disembarkation was horrific and he looked at me like I was crazy and that I was the only person in the history of the world to even suggest such a thing!

 

 

Yeah this whole thing was weird yesterday. We also had a hold on being let in to customs and they wouldn't let us downstairs. We thought oh they must be full in customs it happens. We then get downstairs and it is no where near full. So Customs were starting and stopping the lines without must reason. (Of note, if you do not put your hand on the railing when going down the escalator DHS kicks a puppy. Or atleast that is what they made think would happen.)

[Suze10860]

Do you remember if you got off the ship in the back or front of the ship?

 

Many people complain to NCL about disembarkation, they don't care. Like you said they don't even have crew helping. Having crew guiding people could be an easy fix. I just love the people that try and cut the line.

 

I can't swear to it (because I'm bad at stuff like this) but I'm pretty sure we got off in the front.

 

Please - don't talk to me about people trying to cut the line. I've got absolutely no patience for rudeness like that. OK. I might have exchanged a few words with a woman who was so freaking obnoxious. She was intent on working her way up past people, including past me. Sorry. I was having no part of that. There was a guy standing behind me in line who had obviously run in to this woman before, because he made a comment that she'd been being pushy the entire cruise so she probably wasn't going to stop now! My always calm husband (yeah - I know I've mentioned a bunch of times that he's a retired cop, but it really is such a big part of him) reminded me that it's just not worth it to even try to reason with some people. Just ignore the super rude woman. Not worth it. Smile. Stay calm.

[NoDayButToday00]

Do you remember if you got off the ship in the back or front of the ship?

 

Many people complain to NCL about disembarkation, they don't care. Like you said they don't even have crew helping. Having crew guiding people could be an easy fix. I just love the people that try and cut the line.

 

We went through the top right area of the theater to disembark so we were forward. There was a whole line who met with our line outside on the deck once we reached the line to enter customs from the AFT. I honestly have no idea where they came from but it seemed much shorter than the line from the forward area.

[SandG]

We were on the same sailing. I think you were lucky to get off the ship when you did. Self-assist wasn't an option for us because we had my mother-in-law in her wheelchair, so two of us had to carry her luggage and my husband's (who was pushing the wheelchair) and a walker in addition to all of our own stuff. We requested a 9:15 time slot and our "color" was finally called an hour later to line up on deck 7. Since deck 7 was mayhem when we arrived to wait to be called, we waited on 6, but there were not enough chairs, so we took turns standing during the hour we waited. After we were called to line up, it took at least a half hour from that point to just get off the ship, only to get into another line at the top level of the terminal, which led to the escalator (which we were fortunate to skip half of since we had to take the elevator). At the bottom, you had to get into another line that wrapped around the outer edge of half of the terminal just to be allowed into the area to pick up your luggage. Then there was another line for the customs that wrapped back and forth across the terminal about 6 or 7 times (we were thankfully also put into a shorter line because of the wheelchair at that point too). I felt sorry for everyone who was in the big line. I'd never seen anything like it in my life. I wanted to take a cell phone photo of this zoo because I didn't think anyone would believe it, but I remembered that's not allowed in the secure area. I've got to believe we happened to be there for the worst of it. Since it was 10:45 by the time we actually made it to the terminal building, maybe most of the rest of the people had decided to leave the ship at that point regardless of what color their luggage tag was.

 

Sue

Edited April 12, 2016 by SandG

[Suze10860]

We were on the same sailing. I think you were lucky to get off the ship when you did. Self-assist wasn't an option for us because we had my mother-in-law in her wheelchair, so two of us had to carry her luggage and my husband's (who was pushing the wheelchair) and a walker in addition to all of our own stuff. We requested a 9:15 time slot and our "color" was finally called an hour later to line up on deck 7. Since deck 7 was mayhem when we arrived to wait to be called, we waited on 6, but there were not enough chairs, so we took turns standing during the hour we waited. After we were called to line up, it took at least a half hour from that point to just get off the ship, only to get into another line at the top level of the terminal, which led to the escalator (which we were fortunate to skip half of since we had to take the elevator). At the bottom, you had to get into another line that wrapped around the outer edge of half of the terminal just to be allowed into the area to pick up your luggage. Then there was another line for the customs that wrapped back and forth across the terminal about 6 or 7 times (we were thankfully also put into a shorter line because of the wheelchair at that point too). I felt sorry for everyone who was in the big line. I'd never seen anything like it in my life. I wanted to take a cell phone photo of this zoo because I didn't think anyone would believe it, but I remembered that's not allowed in the secure area. I've got to believe we happened to be there for the worst of it. Since it was 10:45 by the time we actually made it to the terminal building, maybe most of the rest of the people had decided to leave the ship at that point regardless of what color their luggage tag was.

 

Sue

 

Yowzaa! That does sound unpleasant. Just a bad scene all around I guess.

[sjn911]

Nice to read a positive person OP, with a few issues..really you have the right attitude to make the room for improvement known along with the gratitude for the good things. Really looking forward to trying NCL. My nephew had a great time on this ship last year but he was 20 and with a special group and the leader knew a musician who helped them with everything. This year same group helped the poor in Peru...

 

He had beyond an absolute blast and was not drinking and had a balcony cabin for 4 and they were eating the included fair..he can talk to anyone. I surly understand your issues..but also glad it was a great cruise...I think the crowds for me would be a big factor on spring Break on these gigantic ships..but so looking forward to multi-restaurants and more entertainment. Hope the get some things fixed and mainstreamed, as we age ant these things happen...no good. I bet their friend helped them off. And planned a NYC last day with them.

 

I never knew about this evening drink of your husbands..fun to check out new things..

 

Their meal and drink specials are really great right now.

Edited April 12, 2016 by sjn911

[DiamondGirl83]

Hi Can I ask what it's the absolute latest they make you get off the ship? Thanks

[Suze10860]

Hi Can I ask what it's the absolute latest they make you get off the ship? Thanks

 

Sorry - I don't know the answer to that.

[Suze10860]

This review has definitely gotten away from me and I'm just not doing it the way I wanted to. It's obviously very disorganized - which is not my usual way. Maybe I'll just make some general observations.

 

Uptown Grill - the burgers here were pretty good. The first time we ate there the fries were cold and tasted like styrofoam; the second time they were really good. Both times they messed up the order. My biggest complaint about the venue: Why in the world do they have one (1!) person taking every single order. In what universe does that make sense? How about 2 or 3 people taking orders? Maybe that would speed it up a little bit. We were told 30 minutes to get our burgers, and it took over 45 minutes. And while I'm at it, the one guy who was taking orders was crabby. If you are there 5 minutes before the place opens, he literally chases you away. Not particularly nice. But for cruise ship burgers, these were good and the toppings were excellent.

 

Main Dining Rooms - we ate in Savor, Taste and the Manhattan Room at some point over the 7 days. We had lunch on embarkation day in either Taste or Savor (sorry - I don't remember which one) and it was very good. I did forget how tiny the portions were however. The service was quick and friendly. But it was a great way to start our cruise and we really enjoyed it.

 

Our three dinners (one in which ever restaurant we didn't have lunch in - Savor or Taste, and two in the Manhattan Room) were also good. My husband got a Caesar salad at every meal and thought it was wonderful. Some of the portions were tiny and some where quite large (my friend got the turkey and stuffing and it was huge.) We had breakfast in Taste and/or Savor probably 5 times. I think that their little hash browns are delicious. Another example of inconsistency though. The first time we were there we order a side order of the potatoes. They came out with enough to feed a small army. The next time we ordered a side of them I got 3 patties on my plate. I really have no complaints about any of the MDR's. The servers were all very good.

 

Buffet We are not buffet people. It looked ok. However, we did pick up some little snacks there on the first day for our own sail away party. Their choice of cheese was very pathetic - some little triangle slices of american and swiss. Something a little more exotic would have been nice, and I don't think we saw any crackers at all. I'm a sucker for pizza (thin crust) so I did enjoy that. Very much. I was really looking forward to the delicious crepes that I had devoured on the Jewel. I never saw them. I also remember some really good cookies on the Jewel and I didn't see them either. But maybe I just wasn't there at the right times. The times I was in the buffet it wasn't really crowded, but then again, I wasn't there that much.

 

Specialty Restaurants - we had four nights of specialty dining as one of our Free at Sea options. We ate at Cagney's, La Cucina, Le Bistro and Moderno. Cagney's was by far our favorite. The prime rib I got was not only delicious it was gigantic. I had a crab cake appetizer that I loved. At Cagney's they were very specific about telling us (without our asking) that you could get as much and as many of anything on the menu, with the exception of main entrees. That was limited to one. That worked perfectly for us. Everything about our experience there was top notch. The food, the waiter, the service. All great.

 

The tiramisu at La Cucina was fantastic. The Bavarian buffet in Moderno was thoroughly wonderful. The guys even got some great German beer. Generally speaking, I'll repeat what I said in my Jewel review - I don't really like the NCL desserts (with the exception of that tiramisu!) There aren't many foods that I'm really picky about, but dessert is one of them. I like to make my own.

 

None of the other 3 venues lived up to Cagney's (which was our first specialty dinner.) They were good, just not great. And my husband and I both agreed that we were totally fine with it because we hadn't actually paid full price extra money to eat at any of them.

 

Kids I didn't see tons of kids. I have no idea if there were a lot of them. The only place I did consistently see lots of kids were in the Hot Tubs. We actually spent quite a bit of time in a Hot Tub with 3 little ones (all under 8) who were in there on their own. I'm sure their parents (they were 3 unrelated kids who didn't know each other) were nearby because eventually they did come fetch them, but I thought it was a little odd. One little girl was 5. To me, that's young to be in a hot tub without a parent. Honestly, I think that they were all too young to be in there without a parent. It's not a kiddie pool. It's a Hot Tub. But we chatted them up and they didn't bother us. We're at the point in life where our kids are in their mid 20's, so for us, it's easy to enjoy other people's kids.

[LALAFRANCE]

Hi Can I ask what it's the absolute latest they make you get off the ship? Thanks

 

we were in the Haven lounge and we asked for the latest departure due to transportation sched. for 11:45

We were allowed to stay until 10:30 and were taken by private elevator to the front where someone met us to take us past the horrendous line that was on and also off the ship waiting in the cold.! never so happy to have had been in the Haven!

[Cruisermom2nick]

Great review! :) I thought Moderno was Brazillian..?! I have been there on the Getaway last year and plan to go again in a few weeks...is it different on the Breakaway?

[electro]

There were quite a few that had a time, but they said they didn't realize they were supposed to be in the theater waiting.

 

Just wanted to say that in all my NCL cruises, I've never had to wait in the Theater for disembarkation no matter what colored tags I had or what time I was scheduled to depart.

If they are doing this now, ( I hope not, I hated that on other cruise lines) it is a new thing.

 

Lois

[April42749]

Great review! :) I thought Moderno was Brazillian..?! I have been there on the Getaway last year and plan to go again in a few weeks...is it different on the Breakaway?

For lunch they have international buffets there. For dinner-Brazilian.

[luckyinpa]

suze just found your review. love reading it and no detail too small so it's fun reading. from your experience i think i'm glad i have haven booked. i would hope to avoid the end of trip bad experience you had. i hope you continue with details of your experience. i only have 6 months to go and have yet to start my spreadsheet...time is short

[Suze10860]

Just wanted to say that in all my NCL cruises, I've never had to wait in the Theater for disembarkation no matter what colored tags I had or what time I was scheduled to depart.

If they are doing this now, ( I hope not, I hated that on other cruise lines) it is a new thing.

 

Lois

 

I might be speaking out of turn on that. Since I wasn't disembarking that way, I didn't pay that much attention. It's just from the multiple conversations that I heard around me in line. From various people. If it's totally wrong, I apologize.

 

Great review! :) I thought Moderno was Brazillian..?! I have been there on the Getaway last year and plan to go again in a few weeks...is it different on the Breakaway?

 

Oops. Should have said that. It is a Brazilian Rodiozio every night for dinner. Besides the Bavarian buffet lunch, my friend went to a Mediterranean buffet one day early in the cruise that she loved.

 

Missing the PRIVATE ISLAND - While my husband and I were eating breakfast on that day, I was looking out the window and said "No way we are tendering today. That ocean looks rough." Of course, that's disappointing, but what are you going to do. That's nature.

 

Here's my gripe: I know that they then "change" the activities planned for the day. That's great. However, as far as I can tell: NO CHANGES IN THE LUNCH OPPORTUNITIES! The main dining rooms closed at I think 1:30 (normal time) and nothing was really available later other than O'Sheehan's and the buffet. All those people stuck on the ship at lunchtime, how about more and longer choices? We had a heck of a time finding a place to eat. Every venue was mobbed. That was our only unpleasant experience at lunch time on the ship. Since they seem to miss the island quite often, maybe they can plan accordingly.

 

OUTDOOR STUFF

The running track is the most ridiculous thing I've seen - for running or walking. Too small and in too crowded an area. I know the hours are limited, but it's still not good.

 

I think as I'm writing this I'm coming to understand that I really have issues with the way the OUTDOOR public areas are laid out. Honestly, nothing on 6, 7 or 8 seemed terribly over crowded (at least when I was there.) But outside - ooooph!

 

Every chair was filled at Spice H20 on the first day I went (which was the Florida day, and you would think people would be off the ship) - and the water feature wasn't working. So this was on Tuesday, the 3rd day of the cruise. I'm pretty sure that if a guy I was talking to hadn't decided to go to Guest Services to complain, it probably wouldn't have been fixed at all. No one was working on it. As it was, someone came up that afternoon, but it still took them 2 days to get it done. This was our first cruise where we did NOT go in the actual pool once, or even lay around it - combination of weather and crazy crowds on the days when it was warm enough.

 

Now I know the weather wasn't great, but the only outdoor parts of the ship that didn't seem overly crowded were the rope course and the slides. Never saw a line at either. I've read this idea before, but it didn't really sink in until I lived it myself: Maybe a gigantic ship sailing out of NYC year round should have more sheltered outdoor areas and fewer huge features (taking up tons of area) that require super nice weather to even use.

 

We LOVED the Waterfront. We found that area to be surprisingly not crowded most of the time. We could almost always find a chair or a comfy couch to relax on. We also ate every one of our Specialty meals outside - and were surprised that more people don't do that. There were always empty tables. (Le Bistro is not on the Waterfront, so we ate inside there.)

 

SPECIALTY RESERVATIONS

I don't understand their reservation system for dining. I had pre-reserved all of our dinners, but tried to change one on board. There were NO reservations available for any specialty restaurant at any "popular" time that we tried. I checked every restaurant. I get it...restaurants fill up. Only thing is, every time we ate (reservations at 7 or 7:30 - prime time) the restaurants were at least half empty. When I asked on the phone one time why this was, no reservations available in not full restaurants, I was told they needed to keep tables open so that they could seat reservations as soon as they came without making them wait. Huh? Not sure how that works. Doesn't make sense to me. The one night we had to change our reservation from 7:00, we were told the only time available was 8:45 so we took it. Note: I breezed past at 7:10 and yes, there were plenty of tables available. If someone in the restaurant business can explain that to me, I'm happy to listen. My advice is book your specialty dining early, and don't plan on changing.

 

SAILING OUT OF NYC Speaking of sailing out of NYC - I absolutely love it and wish there were more choices. If I take a 7 day cruise, I am 100% fine with the first full sea day and the final full sea day being cold if sailing during non-summer months. As far as I'm concerned, I still consider this a definite plus to NCL for having the ship sailing from NYC. When I booked this, it definitely seemed like the best (practically only?) possibility. It was a fun cruise and I'm certainly not sorry we did it. Sailing out of NY/NJ is a number one priority for us.

 

Anyone have any specific questions?

[Cruisermom2nick]

For lunch they have international buffets there. For dinner-Brazilian.

 

Wow! Is the lunch thing new? Is it a paid option or complimentary- or for Haven guests only? :)

[Suze10860]

Wow! Is the lunch thing new? Is it a paid option or complimentary- or for Haven guests only? :)

 

Totally free!! I mentioned in my rambling post above that they also have a Mediterranean buffet early in the cruise. They were both really good.

[rnerbecki]

Suze,

 

We are booked in 8716 sailing 5/1. were you able to spend time on the balcony. Aslo, I read about noise from the theater below.

[Jerseygirl1416]

First thank you for taking the time to write your experience.

 

From your pre-cruise posts I know you were thinking about getting Vibe passes and then decided against it. Did you regret that decision? Do you think you would've been able to get them or did they sell out really fast? (If you heard). Were you able to find chairs on deck in Spice or higher?

 

I'm also wanting to avoid any stress related to getting a Vibe pass but do like to sit in the sun and read on sea days. Any advise?

Edited April 13, 2016 by Jerseygirl1416

[khrivnak]

Thanks for your review, Suze!

 

I have 2 questions... Ive never sailed NCL before and Im on the BA in Oct.

 

1) After we leave port in NYC, do we pay ANYTHING on the UBP or will the bill always be $0? (no tip, no tax, no nothing?). I might have read something in your review wrong that you were charged incorrectly on a drink? Should you have been charged anything at all?

 

2) Ive only sailed Carnival, and was hoping for a more positive experience with NCL... now I'm a bit worried lol. I have a few picky eaters and in the MDR of Carnival, we ordered multiple entrees... are you able to do that in the main dining rooms on NCL? (my son loves steak, so we'd sit down at the tables in Carnival and the waiter would know just to bring him two of the flat iron steaks.. nothing else, just two steaks lol). Are we able to order multiple entrees at a time or is that taboo on NCL?

[Love my butler]

The reservations availability in restaurants is not based on table space, it is based on cooking space. The chefs can only prepare so many meals per hour so they space the reservations out so people can get their meals in a timely manner. This does allow for some wiggle room, but NCL does not want a restaurant completely full and people waiting an unreasonable amount of time for their food to be served.

 

This applies to specialty restaurants. I do not know what they do with MDRs.