Mitsugirly BREAKAWAYs for a summer cruise: Review/Pictorial

[Cafedumonde]

So glad to hear the doc is involved.  

[Arzeena]

Kim,

So much has happened since I last checked in on this thread! I feel for you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers always. Get well soon!

[pghsteelerfan]

Holy heck and oowwwiiiiiiieeeeee!!!!  I haven't been on CC much with too much to do around here with me trying to get off my lazy butt and going for walks every day (no, not trying to rub it in) and then that keeps me in the "mood" to get the house cleaning done in addition to my big project of getting rid of stuff we're just storing.  But I just came back to see how you were doing.  You were definitely right about raining/pouring and tornadoes!  I just hope this starts moving in the right direction and soon.  Hopefully you won't need IV antibiotics.  I mentioned in another review of yours my hubby's issues last year (surgery was a year ago last Friday) but leading up to it he was in the hospital with diverticulitis infection that wouldn't clear up so they got an infectious disease specialist in to come up with another treatment plan.  They decided on a daily IV antibiotic and put in the picc line in his upper arm.  Guess who was lucky enough to be the "nurse"?  Lol!!!  They actually had someone come out and show me and it really wasn't that bad.  We also had a home health nurse come out once a week to change dressings and do blood draws to make sure the antibiotics were working.  And my gosh, the knowledge she had!  Any questions and she was like an encyclopedia and so helpful.  But once he had the surgery to remove that section of his bowel, he no longer needed it and fortunately he had no complications.  They were able to do the laparoscopic surgery.  But he's all good now.  He will not get suckered into any of Carnival's "men's hairy chest" contests though.  LOL!  In his defense, he did NOT want to do it but a few of us got him roped into it.  😜

Sending more good vibes and juju your way and hoping for a better report soon. 

 

Holly

Attaching some pictures of fish from Barbados from our last cruise in 2015

 

 

[jaxw17]

Always follow you as I have with this what a mess to be in. Hearing you talking about this makes me so grateful for the N.H.S. in the UK.

Wishing you well and a speedy recovery.

As for your employers well what can I say but they do not deserve you back when you are right. xxx

[ProfCruise]

I was so happy to read your latest review of the Breakaway.  We've sailed on her twice and had a great time.  We've also been to each of these ports, so it's fun to see what you did at them.  I'm so sorry to hear of your medical challenges - how stressful!  Thinking about you and sending out positive, healing vibes. 

 

Here's my review of the Breakaway, if anyone wants another one to read (not as good as yours, but better than nothing, I guess): https://profcruise.com/norwegian-breakaway-ship-review/

 

Thanks again for taking the time to write these detailed reviews.  I always enjoy them!

[ShannonSC2]

On 8/17/2019 at 2:20 PM, mitsugirly said:

Now normally I go into a review about each deck and pictures of everything you'll find on the ship. However, we've already been on this ship and I have already taken pictures of each area, so I decided this time around to forego taking pictures of each area and just refer everyone to my previous Breakaway cruise. As far as I could tell, nothing has changed WITH THE EXCEPTION of the UPTOWN BAR & GRILL. It has changed to Margaritaville instead and you now have to pay to eat there (I think it was $14.95). I absolutely loved eating at the uptown grill. When there was a hectic rush at the buffet, you could always go up to the Uptown and eat breakfast and it was pretty amazing. There wouldn't be a lot of people up there and they had breakfast sandwiches that were amazing!

 

From the previous cruise:

 

 

 

 

You can find the complete tour located HERE.  Or you can find it on my Smugmug pictures located HERE.

 

Another reason I didn't bother to take a picture tour of the ship is this ship was the MOST CROWDED ship I have EVER experienced in my entire cruise history....EVER!! I was the worst! Like I've never seen anything like this before. It was very uncomfortable and it was nothing but a sea of people everywhere you went. You couldn't move half the time. You stood in line, back to back people just to get from one end of the ship to the other. It was terrible! It made me not want to be on the ship. I don't know if it was just because it was during the summer and that's the only ship they have cruising the Caribbean or what it was. But, I have cruised during the summer months and never experienced this. I have cruise when all the rooms were booked before and never experienced this. They did say that we were cruising at capacity.

 

Now, I'm going to go into this right now and hopefully I'll be able to remember most of it. If not, I might remember during the review...

 

This was not a very good cruise (other than the ports). I would go as far as saying it was the worse cruise experience I have had to date...for many reasons.

 

Everyone knows I was a loyal NCL cruiser for many years. Then I branched out and started cruising with Carnival and Royal. For the most part, I felt like there are more similarities in all 3 lines than not. Some things better with each cruise line and some things not as good. But after taking a few years off from NCL and then coming back...I have definitely noticed a lot of changes...and not for the better IMO. I don't know, maybe it was just this particular cruise but things have changed.

 

The service was terrible this cruise...absolutely terrible! I don't think we even met our room steward until maybe day 3 or 4 and even then I wasn't sure if I was talking to the right person. He wasn't very friendly and didn't make himself known or really talk to us like every single cruise we've ever been on in the past. 

Our last NCL cruise we had a room steward who wouldn't hardly speak to us.  He didn't go out of his way for us at all.  Also it was the last cruise before heading to Europe.  My husbands passport disappeared but we had no proof it was stolen (we didn't find out until we are standing in line at the port).  There were some papers and we could have thrown it away by accident but I still think it was stolen.  

On 8/17/2019 at 2:20 PM, mitsugirly said:

 

 

 

The service trying to get drinks was just ridiculous. We had several instances where we were highly pissed about not being served and the bar tenders aren't pressed about giving you a drink unless you are standing there with a $5 bill in your hand flashing it at them. It was just crazy! Even trying to get a pop/soda was a task!

 

 

I think they stopped pool service.  Last time I was on NCL I had to get my own drinks at the bar and yes I agree they aren't quick to wait on you.  I honestly wonder if the drink package promo have hurt their service.  They don't get as much for tips now and they aren't' providing  like they use to. 

 

The pool towels we went through the same with RCCL.  They didn't have pool towels in your room and we had to go to the pool and sign them out.  Then you had to return them but I still don't understand that system as they don't mark your name off the list when you return them.  

[perfect match]

Kim, I’m so glad you went back to the Dr - and actually saw the Dr!  I hope you’re able to get that infection cleared up - sooner rather than later. My wishes for your full and speedy recovery are still being sent your way. I will keep checking in to see how you’re doing. 

 

I need to to load some more of my marine life pictures into this computer so I can post someone 🐠🐢🦈🐟 to brighten up your day even if it’s just for a minute. No marine life today, just a visitor to my back door (Sandhill Crane) and one of my cats, Carly, telling me that bird was way too big for her to take o and what did I think she was going to do about it. 🤔😻

[mitsugirly]

On 9/20/2019 at 8:48 PM, blarko said:

My goodness.....that doesn’t even look like a foot! Does it feel like it’s not even your own foot? 

 

After all this with your your current employer, do you think you will return to the same place when you’re ready to go back to work?

 

Praying for a speedy recovery for you ❤️

 

It hasn't felt right since the surgery. The pain is unbearable at times and I can feel the "jiggle" of the fluid in my foot and ankles. It usually numb and tingling non-stop like needles being put in it. Definitely not my foot. 😕

 

I honestly don't know what the future holds for me at this point. Everything is up in the air.

 

Thanks so much for your concern. I appreciate it.

 

On 9/20/2019 at 10:14 PM, luvcruzing said:

Good Lord!  Even in the first picture, it’s obvious your right foot is quite swollen. Your family is worried, and we all are worried and hoping for good news soon.  Still keeping you in my prayers for a full recovery sooner rather than later.

 

 

Thanks so much. I appreciate it.

 

On 9/20/2019 at 11:01 PM, Wanna_Cruize said:

Oh, Kim. Just back in town & caught up on work. I was SO hoping to hear you would finally be getting some good news. I'm so sorry you are having to go through all of this. I do think you need to find yourself an attorney with experience in Workers' Comp cases in order to fight the BWC denial, and also potentially file an unfair labor or some other suit against your employer for lying about your injury, after you had given her proof. There is your damage claim, among the pain and suffering you are going through. And don't hire a nice lawyer, you need a real SOB who will fight as hard for your rights as you do for your family. 

 

I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. 

 

I was hoping to report better news as well. I did find an attorney and we will see what happens.

 

On 9/21/2019 at 12:12 AM, aztekpm said:

Kim, like everyone else, sorry you're having to go thru this nightmare.  That is one scary looking picture and can't imagine anyone not ordering tests for infection based on strictly visuals!

 

I'm with you ... I can't believe they think you'll be able to bear weight and start the rehab for walking in 2 weeks! You'll be lucky if the infection is fully cleared by then and the swelling goes down enough to not be an additional painful element to your original injury.

 

Wishing you good vibes, juju, a little turtle love from Barbados & whatever you believe in to see you thru this!

 

 

 

Thanks so much and love the turtle picture!! Yep, they are still saying 2 weeks...I'll be back on my feet. LOL LOL LOL

 

On 9/21/2019 at 7:37 AM, newmexicoNita said:

Just experienced something like this because of no antibiotics even though the doctor knew I had problems healing when my lower legs were involved. 

 

Kim, thanks for the update even if it isn't positive. Take care and yes, prayers to you and the family.

 

Thanks so much! I appreciate it.

 

On 9/22/2019 at 2:22 AM, Von & John said:

Kim  --  Checking in.  Sorry to hear the medical update wasn't more positive & the challenges you are having w/ WC & your Employer...  You have lots of people pulling for you.  We continue to send positive thoughts, energy & our prayers are with you.  I know you love sea life - so I thought I'd share one of my pic's.  Not your usual variety, but hope it brings a smile... 

 

Thanks so much and I appreciate everyone pulling for me. I can not believe the outpour of love and support on here. It brings me to tears sometimes.

 

Look at that little guy! Oh my gosh. So cute!!!

 

 

On 9/22/2019 at 5:28 PM, Cafedumonde said:

So glad to hear the doc is involved.  

 

Me too. He should have been involved weeks ago instead of just the PA.

 

On 9/23/2019 at 6:34 PM, Arzeena said:

Kim,

So much has happened since I last checked in on this thread! I feel for you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers always. Get well soon!

 

Thanks so much!

 

20 hours ago, pghsteelerfan said:

Holy heck and oowwwiiiiiiieeeeee!!!!  I haven't been on CC much with too much to do around here with me trying to get off my lazy butt and going for walks every day (no, not trying to rub it in) and then that keeps me in the "mood" to get the house cleaning done in addition to my big project of getting rid of stuff we're just storing.  But I just came back to see how you were doing.  You were definitely right about raining/pouring and tornadoes!  I just hope this starts moving in the right direction and soon.  Hopefully you won't need IV antibiotics.  I mentioned in another review of yours my hubby's issues last year (surgery was a year ago last Friday) but leading up to it he was in the hospital with diverticulitis infection that wouldn't clear up so they got an infectious disease specialist in to come up with another treatment plan.  They decided on a daily IV antibiotic and put in the picc line in his upper arm.  Guess who was lucky enough to be the "nurse"?  Lol!!!  They actually had someone come out and show me and it really wasn't that bad.  We also had a home health nurse come out once a week to change dressings and do blood draws to make sure the antibiotics were working.  And my gosh, the knowledge she had!  Any questions and she was like an encyclopedia and so helpful.  But once he had the surgery to remove that section of his bowel, he no longer needed it and fortunately he had no complications.  They were able to do the laparoscopic surgery.  But he's all good now.  He will not get suckered into any of Carnival's "men's hairy chest" contests though.  LOL!  In his defense, he did NOT want to do it but a few of us got him roped into it.  😜

Sending more good vibes and juju your way and hoping for a better report soon. 

 

Holly

Attaching some pictures of fish from Barbados from our last cruise in 2015

 

 

 

 

Yea, forget the raining, pouring and tornado's, this has turned into a full blown tsunami!

 

Yea, I've had to do IV antibiotics before on patients and it's really not that bad, so I'm prepared for it. So glad your husband recovered and is doing good. LOL about the hairy man contest.

 

Wow, look at that adorable puffer! They have such cute personalities. I just love them.

 

19 hours ago, jaxw17 said:

Always follow you as I have with this what a mess to be in. Hearing you talking about this makes me so grateful for the N.H.S. in the UK.

Wishing you well and a speedy recovery.

As for your employers well what can I say but they do not deserve you back when you are right. xxx

 

Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it.

 

19 hours ago, ProfCruise said:

I was so happy to read your latest review of the Breakaway.  We've sailed on her twice and had a great time.  We've also been to each of these ports, so it's fun to see what you did at them.  I'm so sorry to hear of your medical challenges - how stressful!  Thinking about you and sending out positive, healing vibes. 

 

Here's my review of the Breakaway, if anyone wants another one to read (not as good as yours, but better than nothing, I guess): https://profcruise.com/norwegian-breakaway-ship-review/

 

Thanks again for taking the time to write these detailed reviews.  I always enjoy them!

 

Thanks so much. I will definitely take a look at your review...seeing how I have tons of time on my hands. LOL

 

 

13 hours ago, ShannonSC2 said:

Our last NCL cruise we had a room steward who wouldn't hardly speak to us.  He didn't go out of his way for us at all.  Also it was the last cruise before heading to Europe.  My husbands passport disappeared but we had no proof it was stolen (we didn't find out until we are standing in line at the port).  There were some papers and we could have thrown it away by accident but I still think it was stolen.  

I think they stopped pool service.  Last time I was on NCL I had to get my own drinks at the bar and yes I agree they aren't quick to wait on you.  I honestly wonder if the drink package promo have hurt their service.  They don't get as much for tips now and they aren't' providing  like they use to. 

 

The pool towels we went through the same with RCCL.  They didn't have pool towels in your room and we had to go to the pool and sign them out.  Then you had to return them but I still don't understand that system as they don't mark your name off the list when you return them.  

 

That's just crazy. I have NEVER experienced anything like this with NCL. The staff has always been so amazing! That's so sad and hopefully things are not changing on all the ships. I still plan to cruise with them in the future but hoping that things are better in the future.

 

 

7 hours ago, perfect match said:

Kim, I’m so glad you went back to the Dr - and actually saw the Dr!  I hope you’re able to get that infection cleared up - sooner rather than later. My wishes for your full and speedy recovery are still being sent your way. I will keep checking in to see how you’re doing. 

 

I need to to load some more of my marine life pictures into this computer so I can post someone 🐠🐢🦈🐟 to brighten up your day even if it’s just for a minute. No marine life today, just a visitor to my back door (Sandhill Crane) and one of my cats, Carly, telling me that bird was way too big for her to take o and what did I think she was going to do about it. 🤔😻

 

 

Thanks so much for continuing to check in and I appreciate the thoughts.

 

OH EM GEE!!! Look at that beautiful crane! WOW, I've never seen anything like that. So amazing it's in your back yard! Man that thing is huge!

 

We have a huge pond in back of us and a very small one down the street. There's always a white crane hanging out at them and it is so pretty.  I love cranes and Sakari gets so excited when they are there. But this one...just wow. I think it's my favorite pic to date now! 🙂

[mitsugirly]

Well here I am again with an update...of course not a positive one because that would just be too easy for a person like me. 😕

 

Last week I was put on 2 antibiotics to try to clear the infection and my ortho doctor ordered lab work. I had a visit this morning with him and he is very concerned about my white blood count being 17.5µl. The normal range should be between 4,000-11,000µl. This high WBC indicates a serious bacterial infection. He said with the surgery and also the blood clots, he would expect this number to be elevated, but not to this extent.

 

He can feel, what he thinks might be, pus pockets deep inside. The continued swelling and redness and areas that haven't healed on that side indicates that the infection is deep down and possibly even attached itself to the hardware. He states I could stay on the antibiotics and it might go away but chances are that the minute I stop them, it would return and continue to return as long as I am not on them. This presents a problem with MRSA and he stated that the hardware might need to come back out in 3 months (he just couldn't do it at this point since the bones are not completely healed and fragile).

 

So off to surgery I go tomorrow and an inpatient stay for monitoring. He will open me back up, clean out the infection, get a culture to see what strand of infection it is and then treat with IV antibiotics. I will be sent home on IV antibiotics as well and I will have to administer them for awhile. Then I will have a follow up with him next Wednesday. And of course he threw in the "you'll be walking in another 2 weeks" on me again. 🙄

 

I know everyone says I'm strong, but this is really breaking me down. I sat in the doctors office and just cried. The thought of opening me back up, in an area that is so painful and sensitive, is not sitting well with me. So many things are racing in my head and I feel like I'm going to have a nervous breakdown. 😭

 

I seriously can not believe the out pour of thoughts, prayers, good juju vibes and so on that this community has shown me. It makes me cry even more knowing that there are so many people out there that don't even personally know me and are thinking of me and pulling for me and constantly checking back in to see how I'm doing. You guys are in my heart and I am so humbled. I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart! ❤️

[indygirl76]

I'm so sorry you keep getting bad news dumped on you. 😞 We're all thinking about you, Kim!

[deedle7544]

Definitely not the update we are all hoping you get.  Sometimes you just gotta cry it out. 

[pghsteelerfan]

Oh ship....just read your latest update and tsunami IS more like it!  I'd have had the wind knocked out of my sails by now and would definitely be tears and breaking down at this point as well.   So sorry you have to go through another surgery and impatient stay, and I hope this will resolve this nasty infection once and for all so you can get back on the right track with this recovery.  The positive thoughts, vibes, juju, and whatever else works for are on their way. 

 

Thought you'd enjoy this little snowflake eel we saw in Hawaii 2 years ago this month.  Out of 2 weeks there, this was one of the 2 times we were able to snorkel (water conditions much different from Caribbean).  This was from Poipu Beach on the south side of the island of Kauai.  Saw some beautiful fish too, but currents were strong and stirred up sand and my camera focused on the sand and not the fish.  I thought I had some great pics until I reviewed them later, so I'm glad that this is one of the ones that came out.  First I've seen an eel snorkeling.

 

 

Edited September 25, 2019 by pghsteelerfan

[firstimecruiseronncl]

I'm so sorry that you are dealing with so much. I hope the surgery and IV antibiotics will get this infection under control and you will be on your way to feeling better.

[OHCruisin]

Just want to add my thoughts and prayers.  I cannot imagine what you're going through.  Makes me feel foolish for complaining about having a cast put on for a broken pinky finger.

 

Stay strong and know that so many are praying for you.

[SenatorsFan]

Oh, Kim, I'm so sorry to hear you have to have more surgery. I hope this works and these antibiotics help you. Also, how can they still be saying you'll be walking in 2 weeks? When I broke my tib/fib I was  non-weight-bearing for the first 8 weeks and even when I got my walking boot I still had to use my crutches sometimes. 

Thinking of you, 😢❤️

Heather

[dreamer976]

OMG Kim, I cannot believe this unfortunate continued bad news since your fall!  Sometimes life just isn’t fair and your present situation is certainly proof of that. 

 

I wish that I had some beautiful underwater snaps to post that could make you smile and think about something else than the pain for even just one second, but I don’t have any. What I DO have, however, is a true story of an ankle injury that a close friend of mine had many years back that almost mirrors yours. 

 

She he took a bad step, broke bones and ripped and tore muscle, tendons, etc. After the first surgery where they “fixed her up”, including hardware, etc., she also ended up with infections (including staph!) that required reopening the ankle, and on and on and on....

 

I’ll fast forward to the end of the story. She was told that her ankle would never be “right” again, which was true, at least in her case; HOWEVER, even though she still has discomfort and swelling (she is now 76 years old - her accident happened when she was about 40ish), she did recover, has continued to live a very full life and that ankle has kept her from doing nothing (well, except from maybe becoming a competitive long-jumper!!😜), walking and doing stairs complete unaided.  She also has become one of my cruise buddies since our husbands passed and will, for the first time, be using a scooter aboard our cruise coming up next month ... and that’s because of her bad back. 

 

I hope that that gives you at least some hope that all of this will end at some point and you will get through it and that yes, you will get your life back 😘. 

 

Just keep looking down that tunnel. Soon, I pray, you’ll soon be seeing even the vaguest bit of light at the other end. 

 

You’re in my thoughts. 🤗

 

Ellen

[kpark895]

Oh Kim, I am so sorry about all of this.  But at least there is a plan of action now, as painful as it may appear.  Better than crossing your fingers and hoping.  And hopefully once the infection clears up, the healing process will be quick.

 

[Cafedumonde]

Mitsugirly,  It is good that they are going back in.  The sooner they clear out the infection, the sooner you will heal.  My son had oral surgery with pockets of infection afterwards.  They had to go back in twice (ugh).  Lots of antibiotics.  Back in the doctor’s office like four times where they tried to squeeze it out manually (gross but true.  Lol).  The entire ordeal took about 2 months.  But in the end they did get rid of the infection.  

Don’t loose hope.  Glad the doc is on it!

 

 

[Von & John]

Kim  --  Sorry to hear the latest news.  As Deedle said - sometimes you just have to cry to get it out of your system...  Once the angst, frustration, etc is released you can move on to the solution...

 

Best wishes in your surgery tomorrow & hopefully this time they'll catch it all...

If it helps - the CC Team has your back & is pulling for you...

 

I don't currently have access to my photos, so I borrowed one off the internet...

Here's an Angel Fish to look over you during the surgery & the next couple of weeks...

[MimiRN]

So very sorry Kim.  You  have been through it and are entitled to every tear that drops.  Praying for you to heal and strength for your family.  

[graphicguy]

Oh Kim...so sorry to hear.  Lots of positive, good JuJu coming your way from Cincinnati!!!!!!!

[Hatteras51]

Wow, Kim. I check this board every day for updates from you, hoping to see that things are finally improving.  I'm at a loss for words. Just know that I'm praying for you,  along with many of your CC friends, and I'll definitely be praying for you tomorrow. Hopefully,  this will rid you of all of the infection,  and you can continue to heal. Dianne

[jbhcw]

Sometimes a good cry helps....get it out of your system...prayers being lifted up for you for tomorrow...and for healing.  You are a strong person....and this too shall pass.  Hang in there.

[locchiato]

Hi Kim,

 

I rarely ever post on here but have read all of your reviews and loved them all. I can’t imagine what you are going through but I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. You will get through this and will be even stronger mentally, emotionally, and physically than ever before. Please keep us posted on your recovery. 

[onlyano]

No shame in a good cry every now and then.  Sending positive vibes your way!