Breakaway??? Daunting reviews

Any one else concerned about Breakaways lack luster reviews so far?

I have traveled Carnival over a decade ago and swore I would never cruise again, until a good friend of mine convinced us to give it a try on Disney's Magic, which was great.

I booked NCL Breakaway as I figured its a new boat and close to home thus should be perfect, but little by little I'm getting nervous as I see more comments about the Breakaway and NCL.

:confused:

Lackluster reviews? Other than the small balconies I think the reviews have been mostly positive!

It is a new ship. There will be a few glitches that will be resolved over the first few sailings.

In all I thought our trip went pretty well. The ship itself is gorgeous and I didn't really see any flaws with the layout, etc. Though I wasn't crazy about the casino taking up deck 7 in the middle and everyone has to walk through it.

Food in all was pretty good, good well, tasted good. Though I don't find their variety to be the greatest, but there are certainly many options.

Main issues are with the confusion over what can and can't be done, though I think this seems to be a norm across NCL in general. I think all cruise lines experience some confusion in some areas.

Only thing I would skip and not do would be the Ice Bar, that truly was my biggest disappointment.

Lackluster reviews? Other than the small balconies I think the reviews have been mostly positive!

 

It is a new ship. There will be a few glitches that will be resolved over the first few sailings.

I agree, I haven't read anything that would make me nervous. We already know to expect small balconies, other than that everything seems great.

The only complaint I've heard is small balconies. Any vacation whether its a cruise or land based can have mixed reviews. A vacation is what you make of it. If you go into the vacation with negative thoughts and opinions of what others have thought, you'll have a bad vacation. Some people just aren't happy no matter what and they look for something to complain about. Go with an open mind, relax and go with the flow. Don't let little things of what others think ruin things for you. I have 2 Breakaway cruises booked and can't wait to get on that boat and have a great vacation!!! Have a positive outlook and form your own opinions.

Just like the Epic...some people hate it some people love it. You won't know until you try :)

Lackluster ? The Breakaway was Brilliant. I spent 9 days on the ship and it will become the most popular ship in the fleet. Great spaces, well designed and decorated, great crew all coming up to speed quickly. Did we have a couple of service glitches yes but 99% of the time it was excellent. Yes the balconies are small but all the aft balconies are very large. If a big balcony is important spend a few bucks more for on or the mini suites forward on 8.

I often wonder what people are referring to when they talk about bad reviews. I at least skim most every thread here, and other than the complaints about the balcony size what I've heard about the ship is overwhelmingly positive.

To the OP...do you have a link to the threads or posts that give you concern?

I have read thru a few reviews and there were a few complaints, balcony size, casino placement(smoke) and a few other complaints. One was about crowding others about how crowded it might get along the Waterfront when it is warm out. This cruise reviews should see if a full capacity ship adds to the bad reviews. Also when compared to the Gem , people miss the great outdoors, Spinnakers, and how the pool layout is too small. I know it is a totally different ship than the Gem but it worked on the GEM

Personally, the reviews that are published thusfar don't tell the true story. The TA is a unique situation - all sea days, not great weather to take advantage of some things (so when it was nice, everyone wanted to waterslide, sit on the waterfront, walk the plank, etc. causing more crowds. Plus a TA is known for working the kinks out. The next two 2-day sailings don't tell a true story either. All of those people are trying to see everything and do everything in 2 days, making for more crowds and more service confusion.

This week is her first, true sailing. These are the reviews that will tell more of how the Bermuda runs will go. Even the first week may not be right depending on if they dock or have to tender. Things like balcony size don't matter which sailing. That's a ship thing. But things like smoke, crowds, too-full restaurants will better be explained on a true 7-day trip to Bermuda.

Just my opinion. If I listened to every Epic review in the beginning, I would have canceled. But I didn't. Sailed her again I loved her so much. The reviews that are coming in are so much more positive than the Epic's first reviews. She's now a beloved ship in the fleet.

I wouldn't worry.

"61% of cruisers loved it" when I was in school 61%" is still failing.

From a review:

"Another thing not taken into consideration was the fact that the shows started at 7 pm and the splash academy didn't open for kids til 7 pm. Most of the shows stated that latecomers would not be allowed in which meant that each night one member of our party could not go as it was impossible to get from splash academy at deck 12 down to the theatre at the same time. Ridiculous."

"BOWLING

Sure small ships have a big one but only 2 lanes???"

When I personally called up NCL to ask about spa access, and was advised I'd have the option on board to buy an access pass, I felt like the lady on the phone was about to say "Duh," like I already should have known that.

Also since I'm New to NCL, I'm just learning about all the additional up charges i.e.: spa access, soda package, free birthday cake but can only be redeemed at the for a fee dining option, additional course ie appetizer ect at the for fee dining is also extra charge.

"61% of cruisers loved it" when I was in school 61%" is still failing.

 

From a review:

"Another thing not taken into consideration was the fact that the shows started at 7 pm and the splash academy didn't open for kids til 7 pm. Most of the shows stated that latecomers would not be allowed in which meant that each night one member of our party could not go as it was impossible to get from splash academy at deck 12 down to the theatre at the same time. Ridiculous."

.

This was a bone of contention with me on Epic as well. Splash closed from 5-7. However, in a Breakaway review (think it was cruisinmama06's), it stated that they will be opening Splash 1/2 hour early to accommodate those going to the show.

"61% of cruisers loved it" when I was in school 61%" is still failing.

 

From a review:

"Another thing not taken into consideration was the fact that the shows started at 7 pm and the splash academy didn't open for kids til 7 pm. Most of the shows stated that latecomers would not be allowed in which meant that each night one member of our party could not go as it was impossible to get from splash academy at deck 12 down to the theatre at the same time. Ridiculous."

 

"BOWLING

Sure small ships have a big one but only 2 lanes???"

 

 

 

When I personally called up NCL to ask about spa access, and was advised I'd have the option on board to buy an access pass, I felt like the lady on the phone was about to say "Duh," like I already should have known that.

 

Also since I'm New to NCL, I'm just learning about all the additional up charges i.e.: spa access, soda package, free birthday cake but can only be redeemed at the for a fee dining option, additional course ie appetizer ect at the for fee dining is also extra charge.

Many people will only give a ship 4 stars no matter how wonderful the experience. So yes, I think 4 stars is very good!

As far as soda packages, etc. that is fairly consistent with all main-stream cruise lines. Every cruise line is a bit different and as far as birthday cakes many now charge no matter what. The cost for the additional appetizer seems to be just a Ocean Blue thing.

Give it time -- the ship just came out and some things take awhile to tweek. We were on a two-night cruise and thought it was an amazing ship with things for everyone. Can't wait to go back the end of the month to experience a full week.

Get this one. the NCL customer service rep help us book 2 rooms directly in-front of each other for me, my kids and nanny. Now from the reviews I am finding out the rooms have different corridors. I like the idea that way won't have weird "Hi" with the cabin directly in-front of your room but thats why I book both rooms this time so my kids could be right in front of me. The NCL rep was clear about that and knew exactly my needs, unfortunately they must not have told her about the new design.

Thanks Bobeye,

Thats why I booked the 5th cruise, I am assuming they good get all the quirks out by then.

Thanks Bobeye,

 

Thats why I booked the 5th cruise, I am assuming they good get all the quirks out by then.

We are on the June 9th cruise too, and hoping any minor glitches will be fixed by then:)

Lackluster reviews? Other than the small balconies I think the reviews have been mostly positive!

Uh...wasn't there the one about the untrained staff that kept contradicting each other? That one will work out in time, but it was definitely negative.

DML :(

The more I read about the breakaway from people who have actually sailed on her the more excited I get about my up-coming cruise. I read all of the wining and complaining about the EPIC and when I sailed on her I absolutely loved it, that is not to say there were things I didn't like but the pluses far our weighed the negatives. The problem with most reviews is that the writer thinks that they have to point out every little thing that goes wrong, whereas my approach is to find something to complement a staff member on each and every day. Cruise and have a wonderful holiday.

Get this one. the NCL customer service rep help us book 2 rooms directly in-front of each other for me, my kids and nanny. Now from the reviews I am finding out the rooms have different corridors. I like the idea that way won't have weird "Hi" with the cabin directly in-front of your room but thats why I book both rooms this time so my kids could be right in front of me. The NCL rep was clear about that and knew exactly my needs, unfortunately they must not have told her about the new design.

I'm surprised that you only found out about this via a published review. This is made obvious on the available deck plans so should have been known in advance. It simply wouldn't be logical to have the center corridor unless that is where the doors were located.

I don't know what it was that you told the NCL rep and what he/she may have told you. However, I'm not surprised that this occured unless you specifically stated that you wanted two rooms located on opposite sides of the same hallway with doors directly across from each other. If you simply said something along the lines of I want stateroom X for myself, and stateroom Y for my kids, then you can't blame the rep for not knowing what you wanted...they can only go by what you stated.

I often wonder what people are referring to when they talk about bad reviews. I at least skim most every thread here, and other than the complaints about the balcony size what I've heard about the ship is overwhelmingly positive.

 

To the OP...do you have a link to the threads or posts that give you concern?

Mike...good points. I was wondering the same. I haven't seen any thing but good reviews, and even better pictures of this beautiful ship.

Uh...wasn't there the one about the untrained staff that kept contradicting each other? That one will work out in time, but it was definitely negative.

 

DML :(

I haven't seen that...either while I was onboard Breakaway OR in a published review.

Although if I had seen it my first thought would be wondering why somebody would get an answer from one staff member and then continue to ask different staff members the same question. Seems like a good way to make a pest of yourself. MHO of course.

I don't know where the idea of "untrained staff" comes from....NCL, as a rule, staffs its newest ship with experienced crew. There are a very, very small amount of "new" employees onboard. The HD has 24 years experience just with NCL, and I can state that I came across MANY crew members who I have personally met on a number of cruises over the years...these people are anything but rookies.

the NCL rep new completely that I wanted the kids in front of us, I don't know enough about the ships to start picking room numbers.

My only other request was we are on the same level as splash academy to make it quick trip to drop them off and pick up easier.

"61% of cruisers loved it" when I was in school 61%" is still failing.

 

.

Not sure where you went to school ;) but when I was in school if 61% got As it clearly was not failing. I bet less then 1% could possibly give the Breakaway an F. :)

Keep in mind those that any issues no matter how small are 10 times more likely to post a review.

Any one else concerned about Breakaways lack luster reviews so far?

 

I have traveled Carnival over a decade ago and swore I would never cruise again, until a good friend of mine convinced us to give it a try on Disney's Magic, which was great.

 

I booked NCL Breakaway as I figured its a new boat and close to home thus should be perfect, but little by little I'm getting nervous as I see more comments about the Breakaway and NCL.

 

:confused:

Where are you getting the idea the reviews are lackluster? I have been reading pretty much the opposite.

No, you are not going to get Disney, cabin size or in any other way, but you are not paying Disney prices. Disney is designed for families and they do a great job with that.

I think when someone posts something like you are posting, it might be a good idea to let us know where you are getting your ideas and opinions. When a ship is brand new there are always wrinkles that need smoothing out, but other than that what are you referring to? Let me add, one more thing, I don't know how long it has been since you cruised but cruising is ever changing. One thing I will assure you, regardless as to what you may have read and regardless to some confusion, NCL offers as good of service as any mass marketed line in the water, better than most. If you go with misconceptions about the line or the ship or you look for negatives you will find them and ruin your own cruise experience.

"61% of cruisers loved it" when I was in school 61%" is still failing.

 

From a review:

"Another thing not taken into consideration was the fact that the shows started at 7 pm and the splash academy didn't open for kids til 7 pm. Most of the shows stated that latecomers would not be allowed in which meant that each night one member of our party could not go as it was impossible to get from splash academy at deck 12 down to the theatre at the same time. Ridiculous."

 

"BOWLING

Sure small ships have a big one but only 2 lanes???"

 

 

 

When I personally called up NCL to ask about spa access, and was advised I'd have the option on board to buy an access pass, I felt like the lady on the phone was about to say "Duh," like I already should have known that.

 

Also since I'm New to NCL, I'm just learning about all the additional up charges i.e.: spa access, soda package, free birthday cake but can only be redeemed at the for a fee dining option, additional course ie appetizer ect at the for fee dining is also extra charge.

ok, so now I have read your concerns and I have to say, you might a little nit picky. 61% loved it, where did you get the idea the other 39% didn't like it?

How many ships have you cruised with bowling alleys? Well I have cruised several and they are rarely used, so why would there be more than a couple of lanes?

You didn't think the lady on the phone was very nice, shame on her, but what she told you about the options is pretty much common knowledge. As for extra charges, for the most part this is standard on all mass marketed lines and even some upscale ones. The extra charge for more than one appetizer, that is a new one and yes, something I would not be happy about, but then I never order more than one anyway, cause the meals in the specialty dining rooms are so filling. I think you are really looking for trouble. If you continue to look for it, you are going to find it. Hopefully you will re-think your concerns and enjoy the experience for what it is, a new experience.

Where are you getting the idea the reviews are lackluster? I have been reading pretty much the opposite.

 

No, you are not going to get Disney, cabin size or in any other way, but you are not paying Disney prices. Disney is designed for families and they do a great job with that.

 

I think when someone posts something like you are posting, it might be a good idea to let us know where you are getting your ideas and opinions. When a ship is brand new there are always wrinkles that need smoothing out, but other than that what are you referring to? Let me add, one more thing, I don't know how long it has been since you cruised but cruising is ever changing. One thing I will assure you, regardless as to what you may have read and regardless to some confusion, NCL offers as good of service as any mass marketed line in the water, better than most. If you go with misconceptions about the line or the ship or you look for negatives you will find them and ruin your own cruise experience.

By my calculations so far by the time I finish I'll be spending more that I did on Disney.

And you are right its been over 5 years since I last cruised, thats I am asking for a little insight from CC and its members.

I too am constantly checking for new reviews to reassure us on our upcoming cruise, I booked 5 rooms for my family and friends on this cruise.

I am not attacking NCL as I think people may think I am trying to do.

Thanks