Just Back From Breakaway 6/4-6/11/17

[RadarContact]

A few thoughts from this Bermuda cruise from a family of five.

Deck 5 family ocean view was pretty spacious. Plenty of space to unpack five suitcases, nestle them into each other and push it under the bed for the week. Loved the bathroom with the double sink and bathtub. 10 yr old slept in the pullman from the ceiling and 6 and 8 yr olds slept on the couch converted to a sleeper.

Hallway on deck five was very wide with some smaller sections. However, when we tried to find Splash Academy on deck 12, we were suprised how narrow the hallway was. I read how some people in wheelchairs or motorized scooters were concerned about space when the room steward's cart were in the hallway and I can echo those concerns. When we passed a cart on deck 12 we had to walk single file, that's how tight of a fit.

Embarcation, we choose 10-10:30, parked at 10:45, no porter at the elevator, second time that has happened. Maybe they changed their policy. From the elevator we has to go to the bottom floor and then outside to drop off our luggage to the porter. Security line was about five minutes and then we were issued number 26. The line for the check-in was about 20 minutes and during that time they started calling numbers to board. Just as we finished checking in, they called 26. Awesome. Approx 40 minutes from parking to buffet.

Ship was beautiful. Only time I felt there were a lot of people was during the muster drill.

Dinner, took forever. Especially with three kids. Manhattan room, plan on at least an hour and thirty minute. Specialty dining took a long time too. Food was good but inconsistent. Buffet was also good. Had to find the elusive crape station.

Pool area, holy cow! All I can say is "it's small" as for almost 4000 passengers. It's small. Did I mention how small the adult pool is. Nice pool area for the little little ones and separate heated pool for for my 6 and 8 yr olds with a divider for 3 and 4 ft deep also a attendant was on watch standing and watching the kids. Parents were allowed with the kids or we just sat on the edge to keep a eye on them.

Bermuda, third time there. As beautiful as the first time we laid eyes on the island when we changed destination on a Carnival cruise to this island in 2004. I, like most checked the boards. Tried to make plans. Today here, then taxi there, maybe there if we have time. Doesn't work. Don't rush. Enjoy each stop. Soak up the beauty. Most importantly, kids tire easily, especially with the heat. We say our time at a particular area depends on the kids.

Disembarkation was painless we opted to leave our luggage out. We left our stateroom at 8:30 and headed for the aft gangway. We zig zagged through the casino and into O'Sheens and out to the gangway. Took about 20-25 minutes. Not too bad. Found our bags in the red section and hailed a porter. This is our first time using a porter. OMG, he loaded our heavy bags, rolled us pass all the people waiting in line for immigration and out to the elevator to the parking roof, waited for me to get my van and loaded our bags. I tipped $25. He seemed suprised I tipped so much but when I didn't have to wait on the long line and didn't have to lift a heavy bag. It was worth it.

[Dart17]

Thanks for taking the time to write a review!

[easyboy]

Very nice feedback! Thanks.

[sharonann24]

Can't wait! We just booked today for the July 16 sailing from NYC--last minute decision, but I will also be celebrating my birthday. This will be our first NCL cruise so it will be interesting. How did you find the dining options? Any recommendations?

[Bellyflopchamp]

Thanks for the review. I agree with you. Using a porter for getting through customs is the way to go. We did it both times we sailed out of Fort Lauderdale. It is worth every penny not to have to wait in the line at customs.

[Quencups]

We were on this cruise as well with you!! The weather forecast for Bermuda was supposed to be a washout for the three days we were there and luckily we had sun every day!!! A great cruise in a great room Haven DOS 16702. Happy to answer any questions!!!

[ssalaam85]

do you have any pictures of the room? I booked a family oceanview also and I want to get an idea of the size.