Live from Norwegian Breakaway (Western Caribbean) - December 17-24, 2023

[KtayRN]

Our friends and family cruise is leaving from NOLA on the 31st. Any way to find out what activities will be happening on NYE on board?  Also would love to see what all is offered at Starbucks! Really enjoying your play by play. Thank you for taking the time out of your vacay to post

[HoosierShipmate]

Dinner tonight at Ocean Blue. They take their dress code seriously including signs and they left a message on our cabin phone this afternoon!

 

We have eaten at OB in the past and loved it, so we knew what we would be getting.

 

First the menu:

 

 

 

 

The server was much more ‘by the book’ on what comes with the meal package than the Cagney’s server. ONE appetizer, ONE soup or salad, ONE entree, TWO sides and ONE dessert.  That’s exactly how she sounded 🙂

 

The wine steward pushed hard on some off their menu but in the end we wanted the Riesling again from Eroica so we went with that. They kept our bottle a fair distance away but were great at watching and refilling when appropriate.

 

Appetizers, Josh and I both had the pan seared scallops, Angie had the jumbo shrimp cocktail and Chelsie had blazing shrimp. Everyone loved their apps.

 

 

 

 

For soup/salad I had the clam chowder, J and A had the gumbo and Chelsie had a wedge salad but made so many changes it was a head of lettuce covered in a pound of bacon with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

 

 

 

Again all enjoyed this course - I’ve had better clam chowder but it was very good.  

 

Entree time:  I have a habit of second guessing myself after it’s too late and I’ve already ordered. That happened tonight too but once my food came and I had the first bite I knew I didn’t mess up.

 

I had the blackened tuna with au gratin potatoes and jasmine rice.  A had the grilled seafood platter. C and J did exactly as I predicted and had the 8oz filet mignon. I believe Josh is 4/4 steaks for dinner now.  Can he run the table?  He chose friesx2 and Chelsie ricex2.

 

Tuna was fantastic. Angie’s grilled platter was good. Kids said steak was great but just a tad less so than Cagney’s.  We will be back at Cagney’s on the last night so I know they’ll get it again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At this point even I thought about skipping dessert but it’s vacation so that would be wrong.

 

I had key lime pie w/ a cappuccino, Angie had cheesecake in a jar, Josh the apple tart and Chelsie the chocolate mousse cake. All were great!

 

 

 

 

 

Service was great.  They’re really good at dealing with picky eaters, nut allergy, refilling water for people who drink like camels, and they haven’t balked once for any odd menu request.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[www3traveler]

2 hours ago, KtayRN said:

Our friends and family cruise is leaving from NOLA on the 31st. Any way to find out what activities will be happening on NYE on board?  Also would love to see what all is offered at Starbucks! Really enjoying your play by play. Thank you for taking the time out of your vacay to post

There should be parties all over the ship: the Atrium, the pool deck and SpiceH2O (Deck 15 at the rear of the ship).

[justhappy]

10 minutes ago, HoosierShipmate said:

Dinner tonight at Ocean Blue. They take their dress code seriously including signs and they left a message on our cabin phone this afternoon!

 

We have eaten at OB in the past and loved it, so we knew what we would be getting.

 

First the menu:

 

 

 

 

The server was much more ‘by the book’ on what comes with the meal package than the Cagney’s server. ONE appetizer, ONE soup or salad, ONE entree, TWO sides and ONE dessert.  That’s exactly how she sounded 🙂

 

The wine steward pushed hard on some off their menu but in the end we wanted the Riesling again from Eroica so we went with that. They kept our bottle a fair distance away but were great at watching and refilling when appropriate.

 

Appetizers, Josh and I both had the pan seared scallops, Angie had the jumbo shrimp cocktail and Chelsie had blazing shrimp. Everyone loved their apps.

 

 

 

 

For soup/salad I had the clam chowder, J and A had the gumbo and Chelsie had a wedge salad but made so many changes it was a head of lettuce covered in a pound of bacon with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

 

 

 

Again all enjoyed this course - I’ve had better clam chowder but it was very good.  

 

Entree time:  I have a habit of second guessing myself after it’s too late and I’ve already ordered. That happened tonight too but once my food came and I had the first bite I knew I didn’t mess up.

 

I had the blackened tuna with au gratin potatoes and jasmine rice.  A had the grilled seafood platter. C and J did exactly as I predicted and had the 8oz filet mignon. I believe Josh is 4/4 steaks for dinner now.  Can he run the table?  He chose friesx2 and Chelsie ricex2.

 

Tuna was fantastic. Angie’s grilled platter was good. Kids said steak was great but just a tad less so than Cagney’s.  We will be back at Cagney’s on the last night so I know they’ll get it again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At this point even I thought about skipping dessert but it’s vacation so that would be wrong.

 

I had key lime pie w/ a cappuccino, Angie had cheesecake in a jar, Josh the apple tart and Chelsie the chocolate mousse cake. All were great!

 

 

 

 

 

Service was great.  They’re really good at dealing with picky eaters, nut allergy, refilling water for people who drink like camels, and they haven’t balked once for any odd menu request.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glad you came to your senses and ordered dessert. What were you thinking!!!
I’m really enjoying your review and I have to say Bayamo/Ocean Blue is my favorite specialty restaurant on NCL.

I reliving good memories of meals past while also planning on meals yet to be enjoyed. Thank you!
 

[HoosierShipmate]

2 hours ago, KtayRN said:

Our friends and family cruise is leaving from NOLA on the 31st. Any way to find out what activities will be happening on NYE on board?  Also would love to see what all is offered at Starbucks! Really enjoying your play by play. Thank you for taking the time out of your vacay to post

@KtayRN We were on Breakaway in ‘21 for NYE and it was a blast.  I remember it bc the deck party at spice h20 (all ages for that) was the first night their DJ had gotten out of his Covid protocol or something and suddenly it was like a whole new world opened up that night in their poolside and evening entertainment- was a full on rave that night and was a lot of fun lol. My idea would hav le been 17 and 14 at the time and loved it too.  I’ll see if I have the dailies from 2021 when I get home.  
 

Starbucks pretty much has the whole beverage menu but I can’t remember seeing any food items.  I’ll take a pic tomorrow.  They only have nitro cold brew so I’ve been living with iced coffee.  

[HoosierShipmate]

Before I forget here are pics of the kids’ cabin - a typical inside cabin.  Normally we have two inside cabins as I’m not a balcony guy and would rather travel frugally more often. But I may be spoiled now.  
 

 

 

 

 

 

We are always happy in the inside but I admit it feels a bit small now more than before.

 

 

[HoosierShipmate]

17 minutes ago, justhappy said:

Glad you came to your senses and ordered dessert. What were you thinking!!!
I’m really enjoying your review and I have to say Bayamo/Ocean Blue is my favorite specialty restaurant on NCL.

I reliving good memories of meals past while also planning on meals yet to be enjoyed. Thank you!
 

@justhappy I was momentarily stuffed into a ridiculous place but lucky to decide to power thru!  The only specialty we have been disappointed with in the past is moderno - I love Brazilian steakhouses and it was just meh.  We haven’t done the French place because my family would starve in there - nothing that would really be enjoyable for us unless it’s just another steak - so we just skip it. Maybe someday/

Edited December 21, 2023 by HoosierShipmate

[ltmguy]

On 12/18/2023 at 5:22 PM, HoosierShipmate said:

Waiting for dinner and got a nice almost-sunset shot from the balcony.  And why oh why NCL do you not post your MDR menu on the app every day? I need to plan my strategy!!!!!

Completely Agree!!! 
day 1 of cruise we ask for the entire weeks menus and take pictures. 

[HoosierShipmate]

3 minutes ago, ltmguy said:

Completely Agree!!! 
day 1 of cruise we ask for the entire weeks menus and take pictures. 

Oooh I didn’t know this was an option - now I may have a project tomorrow to get the next few MDR menus!  

[ltmguy]

On 12/19/2023 at 12:11 PM, HoosierShipmate said:

@ltmguy This is the officer board I believe you were asking for. Have a 30 minute wait for O’Sheehans so wandered down. It’s digital and I’m uploading highest quality level to help if you zoom in but not the best…

 

 

 

Thank you this is perfect 

[HoosierShipmate]

Freestyle Daily - Norwegian Breakaway - Day 5 - December 21, 2023.

 

Here are your dailies for the day!

 

 

 

 

[HoosierShipmate]

 Hey @KtayRN per your request 🙂. Full menu and they do have a small selection of pastries in the case.  Lines have been pretty reasonable even when I go early morning.  If you don’t have Starbucks as part of your dining/drink package you can also use Starbucks app or gift cards. That’s a hot topic on the boards and I personally witnessed it happening 🙂

 

Guy in front of me ordered a medicine ball off the ‘secret menu’ and barista didn’t flinch.  My extra espresso shots are always covered in the drink package no additional charges.

 

 

 

 

 

[PaperSniper4]

Deleted

Edited December 21, 2023 by PaperSniper4

[cruiseny4life]

5 minutes ago, PaperSniper4 said:

I can't remember from last time on the Breakaway. Does the standard beverage package cover specialty coffee?

 

Is NCL charging additional for any cabin service in the morning for anything more than coffee and croissants? Seems like that's become the standard for all cruise lines.

 

 Doug

The Free at Sea Ultimate Beverage Package (or whatever it's called today) - otherwise known as the standard beverage package - does not cover specialty coffee. You have to upgrade to Premium Plus for that.

 

NCL charges a flat rate of $4.95 (I believe) for breakfast to be delivered to your room, even just croissants and coffee.

[HoosierShipmate]

4 minutes ago, PaperSniper4 said:

I can't remember from last time on the Breakaway. Does the standard beverage package cover specialty coffee?

 

Is NCL charging additional for any cabin service in the morning for anything more than coffee and croissants? Seems like that's become the standard for all cruise lines.

 

 Doug

Good morning @PaperSniper4 below is a pic of the breakfast room service menu - a $4.95 flat fee for whatever you request.  Just hang on the door by 4:00am.

 

As to the beverage plans that’s more than I can type on my phone so unless somebody beats me to it I’ll reply to that one later.

 

[HoosierShipmate]

Wow @cruiseny4life beat us both to the punch! Quick fingers! Thanks!

[HoosierShipmate]

Our beach day at Harvest Caye, Belize isn’t looking pretty. But the cruise director just announced they’re selling ponchos to ‘ensure we have 101% of our planned fun’ - I would say his math skills are challenged as clouds and rain aren’t going to make that possible even with a poncho! 🙂

 

[KtayRN]

2 hours ago, HoosierShipmate said:

 Hey @KtayRN per your request 🙂. Full menu and they do have a small selection of pastries in the case.  Lines have been pretty reasonable even when I go early morning.  If you don’t have Starbucks as part of your dining/drink package you can also use Starbucks app or gift cards. That’s a hot topic on the boards and I personally witnessed it happening 🙂

 

Guy in front of me ordered a medicine ball off the ‘secret menu’ and barista didn’t flinch.  My extra espresso shots are always covered in the drink package no additional charges.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much!!!  Cannot wait to be back on board the Breakaway!  Just got my upgrade email today to a balcony. Idk what I was thinking when I booked an inside room 😳

[HoosierShipmate]

Quick photo dump from Harvest Caye - we were on the island from about 9:30-1:15 and it rained on and off.  Sat on the beach until the heavier rain then moved to the pool under an umbrella.

Love the setup of the island - plenty of chairs (even when it isn’t raining we have never had a problem) and a great pool complex. There is som shopping (of course) and a restaurant and a grill.  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now we are back on board for a quick lunch at the buffet.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 21, 2023 by HoosierShipmate

[HoosierShipmate]

If you’ve been reading from the start my #1 bucket list item was to recreate a photo as the kids are older.  
 

I failed to consider we might have taken the original at a different port 😞

 

Original:

 

 

Today:

 

 

It’s close right? They didn’t grow up THAT much 🙂

[HoosierShipmate]

I was asked by @ltmguy who my favorite bartender is - and when I read other reports I’m always curious because folks seem to have definite favorites.  I don’t know that I’ve ever spent enough time in one bar to create a rapport or have a favorite - if if I’ve really paid attention. Despite our use of the drink package to ensure we get our money’s worth it’s usually fly-by drink pickups as we are wandering or via poolside servers. BUT I’ve been paying attention and today I’ll say  Jose Mercado at the pool bar or whomever made my iced espresso thing at dueling pianos.  I reserve the right to change my mind as we are only halfway thru our week!

[HoosierShipmate]

The captain really needs to speak up during his announcements. He’s so soft spoken. CD is loud and easy to hear. 

[HoosierShipmate]

Catching up while I’m just waiting to get ready for the night….breakfast this morning at Savor before heading onto the island.  Same menu as usual (MDR menu for breakfast repeats) so just the pics.  No commentary other than I tried a bite of Josh’s omelette and it was better than mine a few days ago so maybe mine was a fluke.  

The yogurt parfait was part of my breakfast and was delish, by the way!

 

 

 

 

 

FWIW I hate eggs Benedict so these aren’t mine!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[HoosierShipmate]

Ship just left Harvest Caye to begin our trek north - feels like a symbolic halfway point even though only two full days remain after tonight.

 

Here we are:

 

[PaperSniper4]

8 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

The Free at Sea Ultimate Beverage Package (or whatever it's called today) - otherwise known as the standard beverage package - does not cover specialty coffee. You have to upgrade to Premium Plus for that.

 

NCL charges a flat rate of $4.95 (I believe) for breakfast to be delivered to your room, even just croissants and coffee.

Thanks. I think when we last sailed rolls n coffee was still without charge.

 

Roger that on the coffee, I remember now.

 

 Doug