Breakaway...Third and Final Time 12/18-26

[April42749]

First of all, this is not an anti-Breakaway or NCL report. It's my personal report and feelings.

 

The cruise itself was very good. Lots of good food, entertainment and people.

 

This was probably our 7th NCL cruise and maybe 15th overall.

 

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Oct 2015 and went on a very strict diet...combining weight loss (lost 43lbs)/breast health/heart health. So...when I talk about food, please keep in mind for the past year it's been "the salad and salmon" diet for me.

 

Generally, we are "buffet people" but, the first evening we opted "to see how the other half lives" and went to the Manhattan room. The food was excellent, actually much better than I expected. I had red snapper and the molten lava cake. And we danced! The bad part was that this dinner took about 2 hours. It's not that we had anywhere to go...but, life is just too short to spend 2 hours in the dining room (no matter how good the food is).

 

Now that I am a "regular person" (achieved goal for weight loss and really stick to a healthy diet/exercise) I decided to indulge. So I did...in O'Sheehans. It was the best burger I had ever and the chocolate brownie cheesecake was "to die for".

 

Whenever Moderno's had a buffet...for breakfast or lunch, we were there. The breakfast buffet is the best kept secret. They had a server on the side making fresh omelets with just about no wait. And there were always seats available. The lunch buffets were also good...but got a bit more crowded.

 

The service....I really don't understand what people complain about. I didn't meet one rude or over-worked person. As a matter of fact....I need 2 cups of almond milk daily and my husband likes it too, but warmed up. I got it, every day, without a problem...in the Garden Buffet or at Moderno's breakfast buffet.

 

Entertainment....here's one of the reasons we won't be on the BA in the near future. How many times can we see "Burn the Floor", Carla Stickler, or "Rock of Ages"? I think 3 times is enough. And, the lounge/atrium entertainment as gone down in talent since our first cruise.

 

Itinerary....another reason to not return.

Port Canaveral....a waste of time. We've already done the excursions and there's nothing near the ship (unless you are docked by Terminal 1)

Nassau....this one we like. We walk to the beach and then do the jewelry stores.

Great Stirrup Cay...we used to take the trolley to the lagoon, where there were always lots of seats in the shade, as well as a buffet with little wait and lots of seats. Well, "the lagoon" no longer exists and the line for the buffet was about a 30 minute wait. So, we headed back to the ship for our lunch.

 

One thing we did that I wished we didn't was "Wine Lovers...the Musical". Although the entertainers were good....I didn't like the food at all and I'm not much of a wine drinker. I knew the menu in advance...but, again, I needed a change from "Rock of Ages".

 

The casino....I came home with part of my budget (I generally expect to lose the whole thing but have fun while losing) because the casino was so tight it was like throwing the money out.

 

So...to sum it up....the trip was wonderful...but I'm ready for a change. (The Jade is coming to NYC next fall...will probably do that.)

 

And, despite my ice creams, cookies, cakes and the dreaded hamburger...I didn't put on an ounce.

[mkerewski]

How was embarkation at the pier?

[April42749]

How was embarkation at the pier?

 

We got there about 10:30 am.

 

We are gold, and were escorted to the front of the line (actually....there was no line yet) and registered right away. We were Group 1. The boarding itself was a bit delayed. They originally said between 11:30 and 12. But, it we got on a little after 12.

[easyboy]

Glad you enjoyed the food that Breakaway had to offer. Not gaining an ounce during a cruise is quite a feat. Thanks for the feedback.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[April42749]

Glad you enjoyed the food that Breakaway had to offer. Not gaining an ounce during a cruise is quite a feat. Thanks for the feedback.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Forgot to mention...the treadmill....30 minute to 1 hour 15 minutes daily.

Although there were times when all were taken...if I waited a few minutes...one became available.

[cruizecrazygramma]

Did they have the oh what a night tribute to Franki Vallie or anything similar?

[April42749]

Did they have the oh what a night tribute to Franki Vallie or anything similar?

 

Nope....

The first time I was on the BA (12/15) they had "Oh What A Night". I was on again last May, and it wasn't performed. And, not last week either. I thought that show was great....really sorry they dropped it.

 

They used to have "Arvin & Emily" in the atrium until a couple of weeks ago. I loved them. They're gone now...with another "not as talented" couple.

 

They did have a holiday show...with the talent from all the shows "doing their thing". It was OK...but it wasn't nearly as good as "Oh What a Night" or "Arvin & Emily". I could easily see either of these "over and over".

[ncklhaus]

From one breast cancer survivor to another...FLAG! For those of your that don't know what that means....Fight Like A Girl!

I was diagnosed in July 2015, bilateral mastectomy August 2015 with placement of tissue expanders. First of 4 rounds of chemo October 2015, last round December 17, 2015. I felt fantastic and was on a 14 night cruise January 3rd 2016. Reconstruction was done one week after we returned. Around 6 months later, the left reconstruction ruptured and I had them redone again, slightly larger. :D

Fast forward to now and I'm going on the Breakaway 13 night cruise next week.

Stay healthy, stay active, and stay positive my sister.

[rickysmom]

NCL really should update the entertainment. We skipped Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor, and Cirque Dreams. We have cruised with NCL about 15 times since 2006. Caught every act on previous cruises. Spent every night in Fat Cats Lounge just to hear something different.

 

The chance to dream wine and listen to a show didn't appeal to us. After 1 glass I would be asleep.

 

The Christmas show in the theater was geared toward kids in the daily. So why did the singer performing "Santa Baby" have a cigarette in her hand and the guys dancing with her, walk off smoking a cigarette? Not really appropriate for kids. Rock of Ages has very talented guitar players but to include them in the kids Christmas show playing so loud, made many kids cry. I'm not a prude but this show wasn't kid friendly.

 

It appears NCL is trying to cut cost on entertainment but that's the wrong dept to cut. Try cutting the cost of pictures and drinks. Not everyone purchases or receive drink packages. With the additional tip added into the price of a single drink which is already high, leaves most people trying to stay on a budget, torn between a high price picture or a glass of wine with dinner. About the same price.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

Tina and Maurice - Southern MD

[craiginoregon]

 

It appears NCL is trying to cut cost on entertainment but that's the wrong dept to cut. Try cutting the cost of pictures and drinks. Not everyone purchases or receive drink packages. With the additional tip added into the price of a single drink which is already high, leaves most people trying to stay on a budget, torn between a high price picture or a glass of wine with dinner. About the same price.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

Tina and Maurice - Southern MD

 

 

I have to agree with you on this. Sometimes cutting the costs on drinks and pictures could increase sales. I live in an area of Oregon where you can get a large glass of wine for 6 dollars. I know NCL needs to make money but for people not buying a package I think cutting the cost a little would be helpful.

[robmac330]

Is the Second City troupe still on board? Their shows were one of my favorites when I sailed Breakaway in 2014 and I'm hoping they're still there when I sail in February.

[Clarea]

Interesting review, thanks.

[April42749]

Is the Second City troupe still on board? Their shows were one of my favorites when I sailed Breakaway in 2014 and I'm hoping they're still there when I sail in February.

 

Yes, still there...

[lovedestiny]

 

Entertainment....here's one of the reasons we won't be on the BA in the near future. How many times can we see "Burn the Floor", Carla Stickler, or "Rock of Ages"? I think 3 times is enough. And, the lounge/atrium entertainment as gone down in talent since our first cruise.

 

 

 

Totally agree