NCL Breakaway review......ship is tired

[mking8288]

Just recently returned from an NCL Breakaway sailing out of NYC ...

 

 

- This ship is tired, and I suspect in need of a refurb. ... In the restos, often the furniture was stained or damaged.

 

- Service was slightly below other NCL sailings, which compared to the other cruise lines is already lacking to begin with. Staff often seem uninterested or generally don't put much effort into their work ...

 

... Even the cruise terminal was chaotic as compared to the Florida terminals.

 

Feel free if you have any questions,

Happy Cruising!!!!!

Hi, I am not sure if we're on the same BA cruise that disembarked this past NYC Marathon Sunday.

 

If true, then I would have to say & agree with some of your comments & observations ... others, we don't agree with. It's okay, you and I were on the ship - others who are critical, were NOT.

 

And, you probably knew that I was doing my "Semi Live" blog & update, mostly focused on pictures & happenings - trying NOT to be overtly negative and critical, just to the fair & balanced, to give everyone "heads up" on what to expect and not to count upon, and plan accordingly - to have a good time and make the best cruise experience out of it all, whether it's the Haven pampering or kettles below ... we're lucky to score an BD upgrade.

 

A small, tiny fraction of the small # of badly behaving pax on the sailing last week, were, as a matter of fact, not from New York or even the Americas ... they're oversea visitors - buying up a duty-free storm onboard ... liquors & cigarettes and other items, smiling & laughing as they disembarked. Probably cutting the lines by joining their "friends" and skipping the queues - I am not sure if that distinctive group speaking a foreign language is what you ran into often. I know that there was a half dozen of noisy ladies on the sailing - but, they aren't different than most other NCL sailings that they've been on ... ain't going to ruin our cruise vacations.

 

It's what we made out of it, no matters what !

 

Ship has been cruising almost non-stop for 5 years, I would be surprised if there are no wear & tears and appeared worn out ... but, my "beef" was with the weak & sagging bed mattress springs, it should've been replaced (on order - ??) long ago - as the other half of the Queen bed that Mrs. M slept on was fine.

 

We did noticed some maintenance issues - immediately outside our "hump" balcony with the extended awning over Cagney's / Watefront below ... metal rusting from exposure to corrosive salt water spray ... an easy fix with marine/outdoor paint coating, not a safety issue - just looks bad, cosmetically.

 

I have to agree with you about the manners & attitudes of some of the NCL crew members onboard, as they are on 8 months contract before they fly back ... probably the same robotic ones going thru the motions in the buffet and a handful of them in the MDR's. In all fairness, majority of the crew are okay and friendly, helpful and trying to do their best.

 

The other elements I've noticed, is that most of the senior department heads & officers on the BA, including the young Captain (and, he is "short" said my DW) & Staff Captain, aren't the same ones we had in 2016 ... so, perhaps they could and need to set a different tune.

 

Disembarkation is always organized chaos in NYC, so this isn't really something new - but I would say that the newer procedures even threw a curve ball at us ... and, we're supposed to have Priority Disembarkation. Fortunately, we're made the trip from Deck 7 out to 12th Avenue for ground transportation in less than 45 minutes ... no worst than coming home on an international flight, flying coach with APC, like at JFK Airport.

[Sotermarler]

Just recently returned from an NCL Breakaway sailing out of NYC. The following is my review and is based on my thoughts and opinions only. Comparisons are based on my sailing experience (9 cruises, 3rd with NCL (Epic, Escape), 1st not originating in Florida).

 

- This ship is tired, and I suspect in need of a refurb. As per the pics, there were many flaws and faults with the ship. I couldn't believe the ill repair in both the cabin and around the ship. Had to call maintenance of 5 occasions to repair the air cond in the cabin. It would not keep working for more than 8 or so hours at a time at one point. In the restos, often the furniture was stained or damaged.

 

- Food was good and on par with our other NCL sailings. Surprisingly, the only poor meal we had was in Cagney's steak house. It went from our fav resto on Escape to our only unsatisfactory meal on this ship. Steaks were extremely under cooked and sides were all late (5 min after steaks brought out) and lacking flavor. The best steaks we had were in Le Bistro. Definitely recommend that resto.

 

- Entertainment was on par with other NCL ships, which means it was amazing. Both shows were fantastic. NCL is definitely a step ahead of the other cruise lines when it comes to entertainment. Nobody is even close. Only negative was the comedy club. I am not a fan of Improv as the laughs are hit and miss. Much prefer comedians performing their acts. There were a lot of activities around the ship though much of it was often closed due to winds (rope course, water slides).

 

- Service was slightly below other NCL sailings, which compared to the other cruise lines is already lacking to begin with. Staff often seem uninterested or generally don't put much effort into their work. Our room steward was hit and miss with his service.

 

- Ports were ok given the starting point of the ship which negates it from getting to most of the better ports further South. Their private island was very good. I highly recommend Stingray City as you can swim with the stingrays for a fraction of the price you pay in say Grand Cayman. And the staff on the excursion were amazing. In Port Canaveral I recommend using an Uber. We paid less than half of what others paid using the shuttle or taxi to get to the beach and/or Ron Jon area.

 

- Clientele was the biggest shocker/disastifier on the cruise. If you are planning a quiet and relaxing cruise this is definitely not the one for you. We determined at the terminal that it was going to interesting. Cruisers were obnoxiously loud throughout the week. I susect that most NY/NJ cruisers, which seemed to make up 95% of the guests, were there to party and drink as much as they could. It didn't even matter in the a la carte restos. Everyone would rather yell than talk. Smoking was an issue as many chose to smoke on their balconies, which is a major fire hazard at sea. I've never witnessed this on other cruises.

 

- Price I post so u can use it for comparitive purposes and get yourself the best deal. We paid $2000 USD for our balcony room, which included unlimited beverage package, a la carte dining package, 10 photo package, 300 MB internet package, $50 casino credit, and unlimited long distance calls. We even got a $120 Costco cash card.

 

 

In the end it was a great week overall, though we will never sail out of NY again. Even the cruise terminal was chaotic as compared to the Florida terminals.

 

Feel free if you have any questions,

 

Happy Cruising!!!!!

 

 

 

I was on the BA on 10/8 and I didn't notice much wear and tear, but I do agree with you about the AC. Ours would cut out after about 5 mins, we had to keep getting up and turning it back on. It was super hot and annoying. We complained but nothing was done.

 

 

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[Zenica]

I like New Yorkers. I'll refrain from commenting on NJ.

 

It seems couth is lacking the world over. It is worse in densely populated areas. Just visit any theme park, public beach or large mall and it isn't limited to the US. This was my experience across Europe as well.

[SailBreakaway]

This review is a waste of everyone’s time and has no value.

 

1. The ship goes in for dry dock maintenance in April. This is why it’s scheduled every 5 years. Nothing out of the ordinary here.

 

2. I was just on a MIA cruise again in Sept. BA has been my second home for some years, I’ll take the NY market any day over the FL market. That’s of course my opinion. Two different cultures. Apples and oranges, both are great fruits. See #4

 

3. If you want quiet, call Azamarra, Princess, or Viking, or open your wallet for the Haven like I do.

 

4. What is this 1950? Your ignorance shows no bounds in your comments. You clearly haven’t traveled the world to appreciate different cultures.

 

5. This post proves an important point, “Everything we need as adults we learned in Kindergarten”

 

Hence my point, this post has zero value added to this site.

 

Oh one more thing:

 

“Baddha-Bing!!”

 

That must really have upset you huh? [emoji23]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[happy traveler69]

I’m from city of Philadelphia... not the suburbs, not from a town “right out the city”, but a true Philadelphian. We had the distinction one year of having the worst fans at our sporting events. Most fans weren’t even from the city! They were the ones who came from the ‘burbs and the small towns! Don’t judge folks.

BTW- I’m on the BA on 12/15! The Eagles play the Giants on 12/17. I know the Giants aren’t great this year, but I am looking forward to a great football Sunday on the ship and I totally hope it’s a loud and lively crowd from the NY/NJ area on this cruise!!!

 

 

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[thumper114]

This review is a waste of everyone’s time and has no value.

 

4. What is this 1950? Your ignorance shows no bounds in your comments. You clearly haven’t traveled the world to appreciate different cultures.

 

 

Haven't traveled the world to appreciate different cultures? What I don't include in my signature block are multiple cruises flying off of warships around the world. I've also had multiple deployments to war zones, both on ship and on land. I've been immersed in cultures you can't believe.

 

If you think breaking safety rules is a culture then it is a culture that I do not want to be a part of. In my line of work if rules set in place for the sake of safety are broken, people die.

[SailBreakaway]

Haven't traveled the world to appreciate different cultures? What I don't include in my signature block are multiple cruises flying off of warships around the world. I've also had multiple deployments to war zones, both on ship and on land. I've been immersed in cultures you can't believe.

 

 

 

If you think breaking safety rules is a culture then it is a culture that I do not want to be a part of. In my line of work if rules set in place for the sake of safety are broken, people die.

 

 

 

Noncompliance to Safety rules? Did I miss something sir? I believe you honestly may have the wrong thread you’re replying to, as this thread you created, wasn’t at all about safety?

 

Immersion in foreign lands by military order and respect for culture are two very different things.

 

From here I’m signing off this thread. It’s Very toxic, negative, and holds no value.

 

Having said that, enjoy this special weekend sir, and thank you for your service to our country.

 

 

 

 

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[thumper114]

Noncompliance to Safety rules? Did I miss something sir? I believe you honestly may have the wrong thread you’re replying to, as this thread you created, wasn’t at all about safety?

 

Immersion in foreign lands by military order and respect for culture are two very different things.

 

From here I’m signing off this thread. It’s Very toxic, negative, and holds no value.

 

Having said that, enjoy this special weekend sir, and thank you for your service to our country.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

 

"Smoking was an issue as many chose to smoke on their balconies, which is a major fire hazard at sea"

[angeleyez915]

[Zenica]

This review is a waste of everyone’s time and has no value.

 

1. The ship goes in for dry dock maintenance in April. This is why it’s scheduled every 5 years. Nothing out of the ordinary here.

 

2. I was just on a MIA cruise again in Sept. BA has been my second home for some years, I’ll take the NY market any day over the FL market. That’s of course my opinion. Two different cultures. Apples and oranges, both are great fruits. See #4

 

3. If you want quiet, call Azamarra, Princess, or Viking, or open your wallet for the Haven like I do.

 

4. What is this 1950? Your ignorance shows no bounds in your comments. You clearly haven’t traveled the world to appreciate different cultures.

 

5. This post proves an important point, “Everything we need as adults we learned in Kindergarten”

 

Hence my point, this post has zero value added to this site.

 

Oh one more thing:

 

“Baddha-Bing!!”

 

That must really have upset you huh? [emoji23]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

In your travels, you've never not once been exposed to people with no respect for boundaries, space or another persons immediate privacy? Then you've been fortunate. Just stand in line at any given store, it is bound to happen that the person behind you stands close enough you can smell their bubble gum or hear them grind their teeth. Or those on the phone soooo loud you can actually hear both sides of the conversation. Don't get me started on the "speaker phone" types. Or people that don't hold the door for the person behind them when a train of people are passing through the same door way.

 

Please, I could go on and on. If none of these are familiar to you, then I'd love to know what city you live or vacation in.

I want in.

[new salt]

Me too, such threads should carry a POPCORN REQUIRED header!

[Keith1010]

Thanks for sharing your review/report.

Keith

[mjkacmom]

"Smoking was an issue as many chose to smoke on their balconies, which is a major fire hazard at sea"

I don’t know if they started to prohibit smoking due to fire safety, it was allowed for decades, but less than 10 years ago they stopped allowing it. Didn’t they use to allow smoking in the cabins? With the removal of almost all public indoor smoking areas, more people hate the smell. Most hotels no longer have smoking rooms, because most don’t want to stay in them.

[skeeter195]

We have on the Gem and Breakaway 8 times in the past 4 years and we love some things and hate others.

 

Love

-We live 70 miles north(upstate) of NYC, very easy drive in and home

-The sail down the Hudson

-Both ships are great in their own way

-Winter cruising from cold to hot

-The fun people from NY/NJ

 

Hate

-The loud obnoxious people(there is no need to yell across rooms to have a conversation, get closer. Or everyone trying to talk over each other at the same dining room table, wait your turn)

-The F bombs that are dropped constantly by some people(NYC/NJ people). For some reason the F word is part of everyday conversation for some from NYC/NJ.

[caribbeanboy]

I was on the Oct 22 sailing,and just 4 weeks before I cruised on the Escape. Can't put my finger on it but liked my Escape cruise better, guess it's a newer ship and more fun ports. Everything else was more or less the same. I have noticed some differences at Garden Cafe, but nothing mayor. Totally agree with you when it comes to entertainment that NCL is one of the better ones. After all who pays $526 for a balcony with no single supplement for a week on a cruise ship.

[April42749]

I’m from city of Philadelphia... not the suburbs, not from a town “right out the city”, but a true Philadelphian. We had the distinction one year of having the worst fans at our sporting events. Most fans weren’t even from the city! They were the ones who came from the ‘burbs and the small towns! Don’t judge folks.

BTW- I’m on the BA on 12/15! The Eagles play the Giants on 12/17. I know the Giants aren’t great this year, but I am looking forward to a great football Sunday on the ship and I totally hope it’s a loud and lively crowd from the NY/NJ area on this cruise!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

You to Philadelphia = Me to NYC

 

I rarely even meet a true New Yorker on an NCL cruise. We are generally stylishly dressed and in good physical shape. We walk fast and keep to the right when getting on/off the elevators because we need to get places and know how to get thru the crowds without knocking people down.

[luckyinpa]

i have to jump in here to comment about the noisy newyorker comment.

 

2 weeks ago i left from brooklyn ( which i think still qualifies as NYC) so i'm assuming the loud new yorkers that would leave from brooklyn as well? or is that exclusive to manhattan?:halo:

 

you would be wrong to think that loud NYers leave from brooklyn as well because they dont! it must have been the retirees from iowa because i thought the Regal was an empty and quiet ship for 5 nites. i counted less that 20 kids the entire trip. never anyone being loud or obnoxious/drunk etc and except for muster i genuinely thought the ship was sailing half empty. never any elevator issues and it was just an overall fantastic cruise . no lines at the buffet and no pushing like on the BA where they dig in your back with their plates behind you .

 

maybe NCL is the issue and if you want quiet you should try princess. i did love it!

[luckyinpa]

Another vote for disappointed with Cagney's. I was on this sailing as well and it was the most disappointing meal of the week. Sides came out almost ten minutes after our steaks (and were tiny), no one interested in taking a drink order and the creme brulee was awful. Overall, not impressed and I've always enjoyed Cagney's on other ships.

 

this is sad. a year ago with a friend and 2 kids, i found cagneys to be perfection. the waiter handled all special requests perfectly and quickly. we had the rear seats out overlooking the dark ocean which was cool and everything was just wonderful.

 

i regretting not doing it on my 1st trip

[kitty-sail]

all the offended, please get a jar of playdoh and some coloring books out.

 

I somewhat agree with your review, was on the BA 10/8 I think second trip with new intinerary

 

Agree with the NY/NJ clientele...definitely different that Boston.

 

The clothes I seen worn in the MDR were a disgrace, short shorts, flip flops and wife beater t-shirts.....GROSS and were allowed. COME ON NCL, tell these people to turn around and look in the mirror.

 

Heavy smokers...but who cares, not my lungs.

 

Didn't notice too much wear and tear on the ship, also cruised on BA in 2016, BA is only like 4 years old.

 

What is also GROSS, is the number of people using their water bottle to fill at the water station, even though it says do not user personal bottle at the station. Is this NY/NJ behavior where they don't read rules......not sure.

 

As a Jersey Gal, I find some of the attire in MDR not acceptable on many cruises. Hoping to meet some friendly fellow passengers. First time on Breakaway and I don't have to fly !! I'm packing my entire closet this time. lol - see you all soon.

[ncklhaus]

I’m from city of Philadelphia... not the suburbs, not from a town “right out the city”, but a true Philadelphian. We had the distinction one year of having the worst fans at our sporting events. Most fans weren’t even from the city! They were the ones who came from the ‘burbs and the small towns! Don’t judge folks.

BTW- I’m on the BA on 12/15! The Eagles play the Giants on 12/17. I know the Giants aren’t great this year, but I am looking forward to a great football Sunday on the ship and I totally hope it’s a loud and lively crowd from the NY/NJ area on this cruise!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

See you onboard!

[PinoyCruiser]

There is no such thing as an undercooked steak. Had to stop reading after that.

[Bootman4U]

When "sides come out ten minutes late" what do MOST PEOPLE do? They call the manager and that's to start. Why anybody would sit there and accept this is beyond me. And please, where did the OP say they had complained and given management the opportunity to correct this on the spot?

[ramdoggiesmom]

There is no such thing as an undercooked steak. Had to stop reading after that.

Amen to that!

[SnowBird Cruzer]

I've never sailed on NCL, but I was surprised by the view that the shop is "tired".

It was only launched 4 years ago!! 04/30/13

Are cruise ships evolving as fast as computers did, and smartphones are? Wow, I guess that doesn't say much for investment and the years it takes to build a ship.

I guess a billion dollars doesn't go as far as it used too

 

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[DaisyGoldberg]

I've never sailed on NCL, but I was surprised by the view that the shop is "tired".

It was only launched 4 years ago!! 04/30/13

Are cruise ships evolving as fast as computers did, and smartphones are? Wow, I guess that doesn't say much for investment and the years it takes to build a ship.

I guess a billion dollars doesn't go as far as it used too

 

Haven't been on her yet, but a few million passengers are going to put some wear and tear on just about anything.