Breakaway 11/6-11/13 Review

[dvond]

his is our 6th NCL cruise, 2nd on Breakaway and 28th over all.

 

There is never a bad cruise but this is the 1st time we have not bought a future credit as we not sure we will be returning to NCL.

 

Embarkation took around an hour..not awful and not great.

 

Dining -It was a very exhausting process from putting our name in and eating it was 2 -2.5 hour ordeal every night and the food was below average at best. A few good meals but nothing great. OSheenhans was best option for lunch bit most of that food outside of the winds were bleh. The buffet is a bland disaster but the hot dog cart was some of the best tasting food

 

Service-Our Room Steward was good, I had some good bartenders and waiters highlighted but Armando @ Shakers, Pieter@all over and Lori at OSheehan's were excellent.

 

Pool- Just an awful setup, everyone has the UDP and bars are packed as well as getting a chair is close to impossible after 10am. DJ or band was out all day and were good, the atmosphere was pure party like, more than I have ever seen on Carnival.

 

Entertainment- Howling at the Moon was solid and fun and we loved Rock of Ages, they were a great group of performers. The CD Dan Dan had a great sense of humor as well. Second City was pretty awful and rarely funny. The Atrium is the worst place I have ever seen on any ship for shows, no room, no seats and so crowded.

 

Kids Camp- Our 13 year old went a bunch but with such an age gap had tourble meeting kids his age and it was not as enjoyable as other cruises

 

Nassau was dreadful: Cabbage beach was dirty and waves were to strong where beach was closed, a waste of time

 

Port Caneriveral: We took an Uber to the Space Center and had a good day with my son.

 

We were at both ports 1-9, lost our day at private island, just bad timing and schedule.

 

We had room 13290 and it was great with lots of room.

 

Debarkation was easy and we self assisted in 30 minutes.

 

Overall an average cruise and we may not come back unless there is a tremendous deal

[Clarea]

Thanks for the feedback, sorry it wasn't as good as you expected.

[stickey_mouse]

Care to expand on your dining experience? For instance, where did you eat for dinner?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[lovedestiny]

Thanks for the honest review. Sometimes things don't pan out the way we would like. I know I'm going on a "holiday" cruise and I'm sure things will be just as "bad" but I'll try to make the most of it.

[easyboy]

Thanks for your objective report. Sorry it didn't live up to your expectation,.

[luckyinpa]

 

Nassau was dreadful: Cabbage beach was dirty and waves were to strong where beach was closed, a waste of time

 

Port Caneriveral: We took an Uber to the Space Center and had a good day with my son.

 

We had room 13290 and it was great with lots of room.

 

 

OP i'm leaving in a few weeks and have a few questions:

 

other than what you wrote, did you do/try anything else in nassau, looking for cheap ideas for 8 yr old twins

 

space center: i'm very likely going. how much was uber. do you know if you get to stay 1 hour later than closing for the movie if you had taken the ship excursion? i'm very interested in all details of your visit here to the center. i know there's not enough time to do everything so any advice is appreciated what to see. personally id love to see the launch pads up close as well but sounds like thats on a different tour from what i read

 

tell me more about your room. ill be in it. how big was the balcony compared to the others. when did the pools or even the pool deck get warm enough that you wanted to spend time outside?

 

ty for info!

Edited November 16, 2016 by luckyinpa

[luckyinpa]

OP did you ever feel or hear music at nite from spice whether on balcony or inside?

[Kilmar]

Would you be able to expand on your issues with dining? Was it the free dining or the specialty? Did you have UDP? Can you explain the 2-2.5 hr you mentioned? TIA.

Edited November 16, 2016 by Kilmar

[Irishgrl73]

OP i'm leaving in a few weeks and have a few questions:

 

other than what you wrote, did you do/try anything else in nassau, looking for cheap ideas for 8 yr old twins

 

space center: i'm very likely going. how much was uber. do you know if you get to stay 1 hour later than closing for the movie if you had taken the ship excursion? i'm very interested in all details of your visit here to the center. i know there's not enough time to do everything so any advice is appreciated what to see. personally id love to see the launch pads up close as well but sounds like thats on a different tour from what i read

 

tell me more about your room. ill be in it. how big was the balcony compared to the others. when did the pools or even the pool deck get warm enough that you wanted to spend time outside?

 

ty for info!

 

Not Op but, we were on same cruise and I will say do not go to the Public beach area with your son it was dirty. We went with our 7 year old son and he wasn't a fan. If I was to do it again I would just take cab to cable beach or Atlantis Area. Out Itinerary was bad but, if your going to be in nassau for a full day I would actually do one of the Day beach pass at Hilton or Melia resort.

[Irishgrl73]

We were on same boat and this was our 3rd NCL and not sure we will be returning either. We felt the meals in Main dinning were better than specialty and we agree not a lot of great lunch options.

[Heckah]

OP i'm leaving in a few weeks and have a few questions:

 

other than what you wrote, did you do/try anything else in nassau, looking for cheap ideas for 8 yr old twins

 

ty for info!

 

Not the OP, but I was on the sailing before.

 

It's not cheap, but my 8 y/o loved the Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon. Otherwise, I didn't see much for an 8 y/o without an excursion. There was a bunch of souvenir shopping but not much else. The walk from the ship down the pier is LONG.

 

They will absolutely love Splash Academy

[Heather1972]

LUCKYINPA -

 

I was on the same cruise as OP. I'll try to answer some of your questions.

 

I suggest British Colonial Hilton. It's a short walk from the pier in Nassau. Just google it and you should be able to figure out where to get the resort passes from. We spent another $10 over the food credit we had. I think $5 of that was extra tip. Food is good, just plan way ahead before you get hungry. Beach is nice. Pool is good. Not much else to do. Their kayaks are broken. Why they were left on the beach if they can't be used... I don't know.

 

I've been to the space center, but we did an excursion through Royal Caribbean. I suspect NCL has something similar.

 

I was in 13870 which is also an angled balcony. I didn't remember how tiny the balconies were on Getaway until I was on my angled balcony and could easily see the regular balconies. You'll be happy with this cabin/balcony.

 

Weather wise... just depends on when you are going. We had great weather this cruise. A bit cold the day before coming back. You're only going to want to be in the pool water when we are in Nassau and even that's iffy.

Edited November 16, 2016 by Heather1972

[Heather1972]

OP did you ever feel or hear music at nite from spice whether on balcony or inside?

 

You will hear music from spice if you're on the balcony. Once the door was closed, I heard nothing in the cabin. (cabin #13870)

[kmurph22]

Not the OP, but hubby and I were on this cruise as well.

 

Very smooth sailing and the weather was great considering it's November.

 

We did not experience long waits for dinner; we ate at 4 specialties (Le Bistro, Cagneys, Teppanyaki, and La Cucina); 2x at Savor, and 1x at O'Sheehans. Our favorite was le Bistro and La Cucina was better than expected after reading reviews. Teppanyaki was OK but too much food and a little bland. We had reservations 5 of the nights; the 2 we didn't, we just wandered until we found something with short/no wait i.e. OSheehan's and Savor. For lunch we grabbed something at the buffet or O'Sheehan's, everything was fine. It would have been nice to have trays at the buffet, I wonder why they don't?

 

The itinerary was probably my biggest complaint, due to GSC cancellation; just 2 ports; Port Canaveral 1 to 9, and Nassau from 1pm until 10 am next morning (why? not long enough to do a day pass, and who would bother getting off the ship at 7 am to be back on at 9? I felt they could have stretched this longer). Then the ship just sailed around off the Florida coast the rest of Thursday and most of Friday before heading north. Seems like we could have made a stop somewhere, Key West maybe? Miami? Charleston? idk. It was effectively 5 sea days.

 

Glad we had the Thermal Spa pass as well as Vibe pass due to all the time spent on the ship. The pool area does get very crowded so we enjoyed having our own little space. I do wish some people would realize that the Spa is for relaxation and tone down their voices a little - I don't need to hear about your sister's friend's cousin's mastectomy from the other side of the spa.

 

We enjoyed a late night comedy show, Howl at the Moon, and Fat Cats.

 

2nd biggest complaint: smokiness in the Casino and surrounding areas. I've sailed on Breakaway before, along with many other cruises, and have never experienced this... my clothes and hair stunk every time we left the Casino. Upon debarkation we lined up through the Casino and I could barely stand waiting there. The ventilation system, whatever it was, wasn't doing its job. I played less than I might have otherwise if it wasn't so stinky. Slots were tight.

 

No problem getting drinks with the package, several waiters even offered to bring us a 'double' at a restaurant to make it easier/faster. In general we found all of the staff to be excellent.

 

I personally like the Atrium as a venue, not sure what he/she meant by "shows" there... it was either a musician or something on the screen like a movie or game. I never felt it was hard to see, more something you do as you 'pass through' the area. Great people watching. Maybe there was something I missed.

 

We used the gym several times, it was never crowded. We tried the ropes course too, fun - I was proud of myself for doing it.

 

The cabin was more than sufficient, the shower actually larger than I remember on other ships. Bed was near the closet but we scooted it over, moving one of the end tables, to add another foot or so of room. That helped.

 

Overall... a week away from work, with a book and a drink in my hand, maybe a little sunshine and music at night, and I'm easily pleased!

[cruise777]

Not the OP, but hubby and I were on this cruise as well.

 

Very smooth sailing and the weather was great considering it's November.

 

We did not experience long waits for dinner; we ate at 4 specialties (Le Bistro, Cagneys, Teppanyaki, and La Cucina); 2x at Savor, and 1x at O'Sheehans. Our favorite was le Bistro and La Cucina was better than expected after reading reviews. Teppanyaki was OK but too much food and a little bland. We had reservations 5 of the nights; the 2 we didn't, we just wandered until we found something with short/no wait i.e. OSheehan's and Savor. For lunch we grabbed something at the buffet or O'Sheehan's, everything was fine. It would have been nice to have trays at the buffet, I wonder why they don't?

 

The itinerary was probably my biggest complaint, due to GSC cancellation; just 2 ports; Port Canaveral 1 to 9, and Nassau from 1pm until 10 am next morning (why? not long enough to do a day pass, and who would bother getting off the ship at 7 am to be back on at 9? I felt they could have stretched this longer). Then the ship just sailed around off the Florida coast the rest of Thursday and most of Friday before heading north. Seems like we could have made a stop somewhere, Key West maybe? Miami? Charleston? idk. It was effectively 5 sea days.

 

Glad we had the Thermal Spa pass as well as Vibe pass due to all the time spent on the ship. The pool area does get very crowded so we enjoyed having our own little space. I do wish some people would realize that the Spa is for relaxation and tone down their voices a little - I don't need to hear about your sister's friend's cousin's mastectomy from the other side of the spa.

 

We enjoyed a late night comedy show, Howl at the Moon, and Fat Cats.

 

2nd biggest complaint: smokiness in the Casino and surrounding areas. I've sailed on Breakaway before, along with many other cruises, and have never experienced this... my clothes and hair stunk every time we left the Casino. Upon debarkation we lined up through the Casino and I could barely stand waiting there. The ventilation system, whatever it was, wasn't doing its job. I played less than I might have otherwise if it wasn't so stinky. Slots were tight.

 

No problem getting drinks with the package, several waiters even offered to bring us a 'double' at a restaurant to make it easier/faster. In general we found all of the staff to be excellent.

 

I personally like the Atrium as a venue, not sure what he/she meant by "shows" there... it was either a musician or something on the screen like a movie or game. I never felt it was hard to see, more something you do as you 'pass through' the area. Great people watching. Maybe there was something I missed.

 

We used the gym several times, it was never crowded. We tried the ropes course too, fun - I was proud of myself for doing it.

 

The cabin was more than sufficient, the shower actually larger than I remember on other ships. Bed was near the closet but we scooted it over, moving one of the end tables, to add another foot or so of room. That helped.

 

Overall... a week away from work, with a book and a drink in my hand, maybe a little sunshine and music at night, and I'm easily pleased!

 

can you tell me where you go to get the vibe pass when you get on board

[lovedestiny]

 

The itinerary was probably my biggest complaint, due to GSC cancellation; just 2 ports; Port Canaveral 1 to 9, and Nassau from 1pm until 10 am next morning (why? not long enough to do a day pass, and who would bother getting off the ship at 7 am to be back on at 9? I felt they could have stretched this longer). Then the ship just sailed around off the Florida coast the rest of Thursday and most of Friday before heading north. Seems like we could have made a stop somewhere, Key West maybe? Miami? Charleston? idk. It was effectively 5 sea days.

 

 

You left Nassau on the last day at 10 am? How could that be I thought the actual Nassau day was until 6pm?

Edited November 16, 2016 by lovedestiny

[kmurph22]

Cruise 777, the vibe pass was sold by first getting a number at guest services, then we waited in the Dining line (right next to guest services) to pay. Deck 6 Atrium

[dvond]

Care to expand on your dining experience? For instance, where did you eat for dinner?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

We ate in Taste, Savor and Manhattan Room 2x each

[dvond]

OP i'm leaving in a few weeks and have a few questions:

 

other than what you wrote, did you do/try anything else in nassau, looking for cheap ideas for 8 yr old twins

 

space center: i'm very likely going. how much was uber. do you know if you get to stay 1 hour later than closing for the movie if you had taken the ship excursion? i'm very interested in all details of your visit here to the center. i know there's not enough time to do everything so any advice is appreciated what to see. personally id love to see the launch pads up close as well but sounds like thats on a different tour from what i read

 

tell me more about your room. ill be in it. how big was the balcony compared to the others. when did the pools or even the pool deck get warm enough that you wanted to spend time outside?

 

ty for info!

 

In Nassau, we usually go to Atlantis but due to getting there so late, it was not worth it, I have also been to Junkanoo and it is not for 8 year olds, honestly could not tell u what to do there

 

As for Space Center, my son and I each downloaded Uber and got the 1st ride $22 off each way so it was only $10 for us. I did not see anyone staying later, the 4 hours is not enough, we did not get to everything, probably need another 90 minutes or so. But we do enjoy going

 

The balcony was normal size but the layout of the room longways made it seem bigger than a normal room

Edited November 17, 2016 by dvond

[dvond]

OP did you ever feel or hear music at nite from spice whether on balcony or inside?

 

Never inside but usually was not back in the room until after 1 most nights as for balcony, really was only out there early in the day or around dinner

[dvond]

Would you be able to expand on your issues with dining? Was it the free dining or the specialty? Did you have UDP? Can you explain the 2-2.5 hr you mentioned? TIA.

 

It was the free dining areas, we did the Ultimate Drink Package

[dvond]

One other note on the UDP, they handed out multiple drinks to everyone, with one card I was able to order 2 or 3 if I did not want to wait online again

[luckyinpa]

In Nassau, we usually go to Atlantis but due to getting there so late, it was not worth it, I have also been to Junkanoo and it is not for 8 year olds, honestly could not tell u what to do there

 

As for Space Center, my son and I each downloaded Uber and got the 1st ride $22 off each way so it was only $10 for us. I did not see anyone staying later, the 4 hours is not enough, we did not get to everything, probably need another 90 minutes or so. But we do enjoy going

 

The balcony was normal size but the layout of the room longways made it seem bigger than a normal room

 

thats interesting because i thought based on the pic attached that it was angled balcony. and i found this post

 

Originally Posted by sacooper34 View Post

We are staying in room 13290 in oct which is a bumped out bal

 

uber sounds like a good alternative and i think i did see some coupons online. i guess we have to prioritize what space things to see. that wont be easy. i think he will appreciate anything we do and we are mere 18 hour drive from there so can go again.

 

so what do you mean room longways. what makes it different than the standard balcony room?

[hnaxcd]

So sad to hear the itinerary was changed. Do you know why they cancelled the private lsland? I will be on the same ship and same itinerary this Sunday, hope we can get to 3 ports, not 2.

 

 

 

 

Not the OP, but hubby and I were on this cruise as well.

 

Very smooth sailing and the weather was great considering it's November.

 

We did not experience long waits for dinner; we ate at 4 specialties (Le Bistro, Cagneys, Teppanyaki, and La Cucina); 2x at Savor, and 1x at O'Sheehans. Our favorite was le Bistro and La Cucina was better than expected after reading reviews. Teppanyaki was OK but too much food and a little bland. We had reservations 5 of the nights; the 2 we didn't, we just wandered until we found something with short/no wait i.e. OSheehan's and Savor. For lunch we grabbed something at the buffet or O'Sheehan's, everything was fine. It would have been nice to have trays at the buffet, I wonder why they don't?

 

The itinerary was probably my biggest complaint, due to GSC cancellation; just 2 ports; Port Canaveral 1 to 9, and Nassau from 1pm until 10 am next morning (why? not long enough to do a day pass, and who would bother getting off the ship at 7 am to be back on at 9? I felt they could have stretched this longer). Then the ship just sailed around off the Florida coast the rest of Thursday and most of Friday before heading north. Seems like we could have made a stop somewhere, Key West maybe? Miami? Charleston? idk. It was effectively 5 sea days.

 

Glad we had the Thermal Spa pass as well as Vibe pass due to all the time spent on the ship. The pool area does get very crowded so we enjoyed having our own little space. I do wish some people would realize that the Spa is for relaxation and tone down their voices a little - I don't need to hear about your sister's friend's cousin's mastectomy from the other side of the spa.

 

We enjoyed a late night comedy show, Howl at the Moon, and Fat Cats.

 

2nd biggest complaint: smokiness in the Casino and surrounding areas. I've sailed on Breakaway before, along with many other cruises, and have never experienced this... my clothes and hair stunk every time we left the Casino. Upon debarkation we lined up through the Casino and I could barely stand waiting there. The ventilation system, whatever it was, wasn't doing its job. I played less than I might have otherwise if it wasn't so stinky. Slots were tight.

 

No problem getting drinks with the package, several waiters even offered to bring us a 'double' at a restaurant to make it easier/faster. In general we found all of the staff to be excellent.

 

I personally like the Atrium as a venue, not sure what he/she meant by "shows" there... it was either a musician or something on the screen like a movie or game. I never felt it was hard to see, more something you do as you 'pass through' the area. Great people watching. Maybe there was something I missed.

 

We used the gym several times, it was never crowded. We tried the ropes course too, fun - I was proud of myself for doing it.

 

The cabin was more than sufficient, the shower actually larger than I remember on other ships. Bed was near the closet but we scooted it over, moving one of the end tables, to add another foot or so of room. That helped.

 

Overall... a week away from work, with a book and a drink in my hand, maybe a little sunshine and music at night, and I'm easily pleased!

[Heckah]

So sad to hear the itinerary was changed. Do you know why they cancelled the private lsland? I will be on the same ship and same itinerary this Sunday, hope we can get to 3 ports, not 2.

 

Hurricane Matthew delayed the opening until November 20th. You might be OK.