Jump to content

Haven Review of Breakaway


Recommended Posts

As reviews seem to take longer to go through the CC review system now I thought I'd post ours here also, any questions fire away?

 

We were on the Breakaway for two nights, one night sailing from Rotterdam to Southampton, then an overnight in Southampton, staying in the Haven Deluxe Owners Suite 16102.

Embarkation

If you are ever sailing from Rotterdam stay in the Hotel New York, the old Holland America Line building which is literally a minute away from the Cruise Terminal. Staying in their Loft Suite meant we could go onto our roof terrace and watch Breakaway come up the river and tie up literally yards away, and so the excitement begins! She has a classic design without the Epic top hat, and you either love or hate the hull art work, personally I think it’s rather cool.

Boarding was a breeze, and we ended up maintaining the Butler family tradition (since the Sun) of being the first fare paying passengers to board; being met at the gangway by Denis Prguda the Hotel Director who brought Breakaway into service, a man we’ve sailed with before and a real professional.

The first impression of Breakaway (as with all NCL ships) is WOW, classy, elegant and fun looking, and as you explore the ship it is obvious she is the daughter of Epic and the granddaughter of the Jewel Class ships. Albeit after a while you realise she is Deluxe Epic on Steroids. Throughout this review I will refer to comparison with Epic, so apologise to those who have not sailed on Epic – you should.

The Haven

As usual with Haven guests we were escorted to the Haven by our butler Lucky Lee who has looked after us before and as we discovered later had set the wet bar in our suite exactly how we like it. Unlike Epic the entrance to the Haven is nowhere near as grand, but hey a door’s a door. Walking into the reception we were met by Ruth Hagger (who we’ve known for more years that either of us likes to admit) and the lovely Elvina De Meneses who we last saw on Epic. Ruth was her usual friendly and professional self, ensuring we knew about the reserved seating for the Burn the Floor show that evening in the Theatre.

The Haven area has a comfortable bar and meeting area, and an elegant dining room, neither of which are as large as Epic but there are less Haven guests so I don’t think this will be a problem as they have less Haven guests to cater for. Fortunately (especially for winter in New York) the Haven has a moveable full glass roof, so no problems with wind and inclement weather. The area itself is much superior to Epic with beautiful items including a stunning and very impressive green planted wall feature.

The colours are muted with many beds and sofas/chairs, with a really nice feature being a surrounding balcony on deck 17 under the glass roof with even more beds and sofas. So this is a super place to sit and relax especially for the suites with compact balconies, and we always like to have breakfast here as opposed to the dining room.

Pools, hot-tub, sauna and Spa treatment rooms (as on Epic) compliment the Haven area, although the small pool appeared not to have a swim against system?

There were a large number of day visitors on the ship before we sailed, so I have no doubt that the Haven will provide more than enough space, comfort, luxury and enjoyment for its guests when cruising. The food in the restaurant was as usual up to the high standards we have come to expect, and it was nice to catch up with lots of crew who we’ve known from past cruises – just like coming home to a family get together.

The Deluxe Owners Suite (16102)

At the front of the ship above the Mandara Spa with a wraparound balcony – what a spectacular suite, except for the Garden Villas, the finest suite in the fleet.

The colours, design and finish are magnificent, as we walked in we were just wowed by it, the lounge is stunning with masses of space, a large dining table and even larger sofa which I believe turns into a bed. The wet bar as I said had been stocked correctly by Lucky and I was pleased to see that NCL have kept the same glorious coffee machines, and there is enough technology to keep even me amused. The sound system is still Bose but It’s a shame that the surround sound speakers have disappeared. I suspect that is because it’s possible to remove the adjoining wall to the next Owners Suite, now that makes some accommodation, find a hot tub and it’s nearly a Garden Villa! The whole front of the lounge, as well as the bedroom and bathroom, have a glass wall and doors that open onto an enormous wrap around balcony, with loungers table and chairs.

Arturo Guerrero (VP Hotel & Newbuild Operations/Development) who we’ve had fun with on previous new builds came up to check on us and bet me (unlike Epic) that I wouldn’t find anything wrong or missing with the suite. Lucky for me I found one screw on the balcony that had not been tightened. He of course had it fixed within the hour, but still paid his wager. There is no doubt that Breakaway meets all the quality build standards that come from Meyer Werft.

Into the very large and comfortable bedroom, with fantastic views through to the plush and luxurious bathroom. A large corner tub with windows on two sides, a very large shower again with a glass wall to the side, dual vanity sinks and everything else you would need in a luxury suite. A very large dressing area leads back into the hallway with a well-appointed guest bathroom.

The only other observation about this beautiful suite is that there is more storage space than we’ve ever seen in any suite (in any hotel let alone ship). Dark wood and soft touch opening drawers and cupboards, although as Pamela said she’d hate to be the steward (ours was Noel) responsible for cleaning the finger marks off. A great example of fantastic design ignoring practicality and functionality, but beautiful all the same.

The Ship

In two days it’s impossible to review the whole ship, so I will focus on the areas we enjoyed and stood out to us. You need at least two weeks on Breakaway to experience the whole ship and she definitely warrants at least that much time. Breakaway has restaurants and then some, Norwegian classics and new additions with the exciting and innovative feature of outdoor dining to many of them along the superb Waterfront, which is a brilliant feature and one NCL should be very proud of.

As well as the Haven we ate in Cirque Dreams and Dinner Jungle Fantasy, the show is mind boggling and even better than Epic, the tent seating all tables on one floor with standard seating around the edge and premium nearer the action. We sat at one of the two elevated stage tables which provided a superb view, although from what we saw everyone had a great view of a mesmerising performance. The set menu was excellent, although as we were so enthralled with the performance the food was really an afterthought but delicious nonetheless, this experience is a must do on Breakaway.

The other must do as far as dining is concerned is dinner at Ocean Blue with the Raw Bar alongside, the menu by Geoffrey Zakarian is simply brilliant, fine dining at its best. My dover sole was to die for and Pamela says her crab risotto was even better; a truly memorable experience, and worth every cent. With inside and outside dining this restaurant is worth making a beeline for.

Of course we had to have cocktails in the Ice Bar which seemed slightly smaller (but probably wasn’t) than Epic. The New York theme was very much different from Epic, and I would say we missed the actual ice bar inside the cool room. What’s a Norwegian cruise without donning the snow cape?

Pamela spent a few hours in the Mandara Spa, coming back invigorated and rejuvenated, she loved the time in the Salt Room and very much enjoyed La Therapie Oxy-Polish facial. All in all a great success.

The Casino is a very important and key feature for us, we had a great time ‘investing’ dollars with NCL, met lots of our old casino friends, who always smile as they manage our investment! The set- up is almost identical to Epic, Rimarie Manzano, the Casino Host and Jules Boligao the Casino Fleet Host Manager were charming and attentive as always and made us both very welcome.

It was terrific to see that Le Bistro has been brought back to prominence by NCL with a superb location on Deck 6 where the venue actually looks like a classic bistro in Paris. Therefore, Platinum Latitudes members will enjoy meals in fine surroundings as well, of course, as all the other guests on Breakaway.

A few very happy hours were spent in Fat Cats Jazz Club and it was especially enjoyable as they brought Slam Allen and his Blues Band from Epic, a venue to spend many hours listening to superlative jazz.

We strolled all around the Waterfront seeing all the outside elements of each restaurant. as well as a great outdoor seating area for Maltings. As I said, the Waterfront is a brilliant idea and I am sure that the glass windbreaks along the walkways will ensure dining comfort.

The pool and sundecks are everything one comes to expect, the meccano style rope area and walk the plank looked fun, although I didn’t have time to try any of it. The crazy golf has an amusing and challenging course recommended only for golfers with a 10 handicap or less! As always a basketball court is available (mainly for the crew if any of our other cruises are to go by)!

The colourful and breath taking waterslides are going to give endless hours of fun for all and H2O looks like a party location for the outdoor evenings.

I think I liked VIBE, although I preferred POSH on Epic. I am not sure the design and set-up has been completely thought through, but I have no doubt it will be a success and the cabanas are a great idea for the lucky few who secure them.

Back to the restaurants, the Garden Café looked spacious and again a similar design to Epic, every food station accessible and what looked like a great choice of dining. The Uptown bar and grill near H2O also looked like an interesting venue to spend some quality eating and drinking time in.

Cagneys and Moderno are set up exactly like Epic on each side of the stern of the ship with the centre tables overlooking the Manhattan Room below. It seems that Cagneys has a new menu and a number of people we spoke to commented very positively about the quality of the steaks.

Savour and Taste, together with the now classic O’Sheehan’s are all well located and complete the eating areas providing great choice and menus.

The centre of the Ship on decks 6 through to 8 have the new Norwegian signature very large LED chandelier changing mood and colour as the day drifts by. This is the hub of bars, restaurants, shopping and entertainment and it is great place to people watch and while the time away. (Assuming you have any of course)! Again like Epic Teppanyaki is a big feature with numerous eating/cooking stations which generate a fun atmosphere, great food and entertainment.

Whilst catching up with lots of old crew friends, we met up with Andy Stuart and Francis Riley and of course, the inimitable and world famous Klaus Lugmaier, all who were beaming from ear to ear about Breakaway and justifiably so, as she is a fantastic ship and will no doubt become NCL’s number one very quickly.

However, in closing, there is one point I must make, NCL designs and builds innovative ships, however, they are only steel, wood, glass etc. What makes NCL stand out for us, and ensures we come back time and time again, are the Crew, some of who we consider close friends and indeed, some we have known for over 15 years.

NCL recruits, trains, retains and motivates the best crew sailing and to them Pamela and I say a very heartfelt THANK YOU.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you for your review.I am thinking of booking the Getaway.I read that you must pay for Vibe as a suite guest. Did you hear anything about that?

 

Is there a sundeck besides the portion under the Haven sunroof for suite guest if they do not go to Vibe?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bravo!

Thank you for the wonderful review. I also enjoyed your videos, especially of the DOS. Breakaway looks amazing and I loved your review. Thank you!

We have a DOS booked on Getaway. Now I just have 2 years to dream about it :)

Just one question that I am curious about. What makes you like Posh more than Vibe? The bar in Vibe looks much larger and Vibe has hot tubs. I wish Vibe had the waterfall from Spice ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great review and thanks for the video.

 

One question, what was on the table in the room near the front balcony - looked like the Bose system, but what was next to it?

 

Also, where is the fridge - by the wet bar?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great review and thanks for the video.

 

One question, what was on the table in the room near the front balcony - looked like the Bose system, but what was next to it?

 

Also, where is the fridge - by the wet bar?

 

On the table from left to right was the Bose system, then the multi-functional phone (there's a second cell phone on the wet bar to carry around the ship), then the holder for the information brochures and finally a cool slim desk lamp.

 

Yes the fridge is under the wet bar on the curved corner.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bravo!

Thank you for the wonderful review. I also enjoyed your videos, especially of the DOS. Breakaway looks amazing and I loved your review. Thank you!

We have a DOS booked on Getaway. Now I just have 2 years to dream about it :)

Just one question that I am curious about. What makes you like Posh more than Vibe? The bar in Vibe looks much larger and Vibe has hot tubs. I wish Vibe had the waterfall from Spice ;)

 

I always liked the Posh area on Epic as it was never too busy, and there was always masses of space to either sit or lie, I also liked sitting at the circular bar. Vibe to me seemed long and narrow, and because the bar is split between the deck ie it serves both sides I suspect that it's going to be busier. Just a personal thing I guess

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you for your review.I am thinking of booking the Getaway.I read that you must pay for Vibe as a suite guest. Did you hear anything about that?

 

Is there a sundeck besides the portion under the Haven sunroof for suite guest if they do not go to Vibe?

 

In terms of paying there was clearly no definitive answer but lots of rumours, and whilst I won't add to them I suspect $$. The sundeck question is tricky, we did discover a front section of the top deck that looked like it could be the sundeck for Haven guests but at the time it was locked off and being used to store sun beds etc. so my guess is a strong yes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Thank you for posting about the Haven. We will be in the same suite, 16102, for Thanksgiving this year. My son and his family will be next door in 16104. I assume the connecting door works just fine so that if left open they have access to the living room anytime they would like.

 

I know Rinmarie from the Epic and a previous cruise on one of the Gem ships. She is very accommodating. Was the setup similar to, or maybe even exactly like the Epic (we have been on 3 times).

 

I know Ruth is wonderful, but we have so much history with Adrian - we are hoping she takes a break by Thanksgiving and he comes over from the Epic!

 

How was O'Sheehan's? What were the liquor options in the suite? I think we will like a smaller Haven area.

 

Thank you for your help and comments!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you for posting about the Haven. We will be in the same suite, 16102, for Thanksgiving this year. My son and his family will be next door in 16104. I assume the connecting door works just fine so that if left open they have access to the living room anytime they would like.

 

I know Rinmarie from the Epic and a previous cruise on one of the Gem ships. She is very accommodating. Was the setup similar to, or maybe even exactly like the Epic (we have been on 3 times).

 

I know Ruth is wonderful, but we have so much history with Adrian - we are hoping she takes a break by Thanksgiving and he comes over from the Epic!

 

How was O'Sheehan's? What were the liquor options in the suite? I think we will like a smaller Haven area.

 

Thank you for your help and comments!

 

Yes the connecting door can remain unlocked and you then have access from 16104 to 16102, however the entrance to the bedroom from the front of the lounge is just a curtain not a door.

 

Setup was the same as all other DOS including the three bottles of liquor. When Ruth leaves I think Ryan will be on Breakaway, Adrian is still on Epic I believe.

 

O'Sheehan's was virtually identical to Epic, a great place to chill, good menu etc, but we really liked the Waterfront.

 

I put a couple of videos up on Youtube, the first is the Suite so it's short, the second shows the Haven in detail and the rest of the ship, but you should get some popcorn before ypu start the second :)

 

 

 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On the table from left to right was the Bose system, then the multi-functional phone (there's a second cell phone on the wet bar to carry around the ship), then the holder for the information brochures and finally a cool slim desk lamp.

 

Yes the fridge is under the wet bar on the curved corner.

 

One more question. I saw somewhere you mentioned the movable wall between the room and the OS. I've seen the pictures and it reminds me of being at a wedding banquet at some hotel with those movable walls and seems a bit cheesy. Did you have any noise issues with the neighbors?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One more question. I saw somewhere you mentioned the movable wall between the room and the OS. I've seen the pictures and it reminds me of being at a wedding banquet at some hotel with those movable walls and seems a bit cheesy. Did you have any noise issues with the neighbors?

 

They were using the smaller OS as a room for Travel Agents to look at, I sat on our couch which backs onto the dividing wall and yes I could hear voices, not exactly what was being said. I suspect that if you had noisy neighbours it may be a problem, but assuming you had music etc on then I doubt much of an issue.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They were using the smaller OS as a room for Travel Agents to look at, I sat on our couch which backs onto the dividing wall and yes I could hear voices, not exactly what was being said. I suspect that if you had noisy neighbours it may be a problem, but assuming you had music etc on then I doubt much of an issue.

 

Thanks for all the info on the room.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...