jetta8300

Ok so we just got off Breakaway today from our first NCL cruise after doing 3 RCCL cruises before this. My take of the good and bad. I'll try and be concise but its not my strong suit.

Manhattan cruise terminal in my opinion is pure chaos. Embarkation is so-so but disembarkation is just a jumbled mess of chaos. I did not care for it at all.

Now the ship itself. It is the most beautifully decorated ship I've ever been on, its just gorgeous inside. Very tastefully decorated. The bad of this ship is I have no clue of what they were doing with the layout, there is no flow to this ship at all. Its all broken up, hard to find things. People I could see were getting a really mad about having to turn around in different spots because this ship was so poorly laid out. We got very annoyed several times. There were so many times I stopped and said "I don't know what they were thinking doing this". Its a very large ship that feels very small. What I mean by that is there are lots of bottle necks.

The elevator situation is horrendous. Again I have no idea what they were thinking with regards to the elevators.

Here is my biggest "I don't know in God's name what they were doing", THE CASINO. Why did they choose to put that casino where they did? You have no choice but to walk through it at times, it stinks to high heaven with smoke and it permeates every where. Whoever came up with that idea should be fired, because it can't be fixed. Its baked into the design now. That is just a start, I'll post more in a few minutes.

Just got off this morning as well, first NCL cruise for us too :). Very similar thoughts, we had an amazing time. Beautiful ship, room, etc. But we thought the complimentary food was BAD. Like REALLY BAD. Mostly MDR dinner food at Taste, Savor, etc. Compared to carnival and RCL. Especially desserts. They were like Chinese buffet desserts. They are really counting on people paying extra for the specialty restaurants. I also missed Carnival and RCL's drink menus.

Both my wife and I are disappointed and upset. We both know that NCL doesn't control the weather but that doesn't change the fact that fact that months of planning and thousands of dollars have now been spent on what may turn out to be an incredibly disappointing trip. Are we going to try and make the best of it? Absolutely, but at this point we don't know anything about what the future holds for our trip. We haven't gone down to Guest Services, we haven't yelled and screamed at anyone. Currently we're sitting in our cabin licking our wounds.

 

To those that are saying, "this is what you get when you book during hurricane season" please take a moment to realize what a jerk you sound like. The cruise lines obviously offer itineraries during times of the year that they feel they can safely sail. I'm sure most of realize that nothing is certain, weather is unpredictable but to essentially say, "you're getting what you deserve" is pretty tactless. None of us asked for this to happen, we picked a sailing date that was offered to us, we didn't force NCL to offer October Bermuda dates.

 

My wife and I booked this trip ten months ago. Since then she's been laid off from her job, gone on unemployment and found a new job. Somehow we've still managed to make this trip happen despite her not having any vacation days at her new job, this entire week off for her is unpaid. We scrapped every penny we had and fought hard for months for this one week of fun in Bermuda and a few expensive days in NYC.

 

So yeah, it's a lot easier said than done to be super happy about the possibility of heading to Florida and the Bahamas at this point. I could have planned that trip on my own with a lot less effort and expense.

Also the Carnival Sunshine left after just one day in Bermuda. They left after about 8 hours. I would rather have more than one port other than Bermuda rather than only get 8 hours. That also stinks.

Just off the Breakaway this morning. First... I would expect anyone to be disappointed. But how did people seriously think they were going to Bermuda? How did they not see the weather forecast with at least 1, and possibly two hurricanes going right for Bermuda? We left Bermuda 2 hours early on Friday and I can tell you that night was ROUGH, and the storm was still 350 miles away at that point. It was pretty scary. There is no way any sane person would want to sail into that. And the captain kept us up to date about both hurricanes, saying that the two could combine into a stronger storm.

Both my wife and I are disappointed and upset. We both know that NCL doesn't control the weather but that doesn't change the fact that fact that months of planning and thousands of dollars have now been spent on what may turn out to be an incredibly disappointing trip. Are we going to try and make the best of it? Absolutely, but at this point we don't know anything about what the future holds for our trip. We haven't gone down to Guest Services, we haven't yelled and screamed at anyone. Currently we're sitting in our cabin licking our wounds.

 

To those that are saying, "this is what you get when you book during hurricane season" please take a moment to realize what a jerk you sound like. The cruise lines obviously offer itineraries during times of the year that they feel they can safely sail. I'm sure most of realize that nothing is certain, weather is unpredictable but to essentially say, "you're getting what you deserve" is pretty tactless. None of us asked for this to happen, we picked a sailing date that was offered to us, we didn't force NCL to offer October Bermuda dates.

 

My wife and I booked this trip ten months ago. Since then she's been laid off from her job, gone on unemployment and found a new job. Somehow we've still managed to make this trip happen despite her not having any vacation days at her new job, this entire week off for her is unpaid. We scrapped every penny we had and fought hard for months for this one week of fun in Bermuda and a few expensive days in NYC.

 

So yeah, it's a lot easier said than done to be super happy about the possibility of heading to Florida and the Bahamas at this point. I could have planned that trip on my own with a lot less effort and expense.

Nobody is saying that you should be "super happy". I sympathize with you completely about being disappointed. But I also watch those hurricane websites before my trip, having traveled twice in October. And honestly I was fully prepared ahead of time with all the talk of Matthew for our trip to be affected. It's a wait and see type thing. I'm telling you, it was ROUGH on Friday and the storm was still very far away. It would not be safe. Look where Nicole is headed and it's straight for Bermuda. And if cruise lines had to book on where they knew was safe, they could not sail anywhere in the ocean June-November. That doesn't make sense.

You can book using your TV, iConcierge app, the touch screen kiosks in all public areas, phone reservations (will be on speed dial), or at the dining desk in the atrium.

 

Changes and cancellations by phone or in person (any dining host can help you too).

Thank you very much for your response. I find it so odd that you are unable to cancel a reservation for a MDR online or using any kind of technology. I had no idea when I was making my reservations that I would not be able to cancel them unless I called.

How are dining reservations booked, changed, or cancelled while onboard? We are sailing the Breakaway this weekend. On our previous RCI cruise, we could do all of this from our stateroom TV, which was amazing. For this cruise since we booked late, We were only able to get awful dining times in the main dining room every night, and the specialty restaurants were pretty much sold out.

Do we actually have to show up in person at each restaurant to see if they have a reservation since they save some for on board? And if we want to see if they have better times for the MDR what is the easiest way to change this reservation? Thanks!

I don't personally understand being "loyal" to one cruise line. We will cruise Norwegian if the itinerary, ship, and price are right! Same goes for any line. The company really has nothing to do with our decision. The minimal perks of using one line does not persuade us to do anything. We will go where we want on the ship we want and compare prices on all kinds before booking. I hope we eventually cruise all the ships on all the lines. Variety is the spice of life! :)

Does anyone have the drink menu and prices for Shakers Martini Bar?

Thank you for your post and your balanced approach. I am trying to do the same in my cruise selections. I did not need to be chastised that 'if I don't like it don't open your wallet or choose another cruise line'. I have cruised NCL previously and would not have booked another cruise with them if I thought they were a terrible line. I do think they have carried the pay as you go concept too far and TO ME it does seem like nickle and diming. That said there are certainly values that NCL offers.

Not that anyone cares but I will list my thoughts as I selected my Jan 2017 Getaway Cruise:

 

-to start, the only reason we did not book X is that we have been on Reflection and Eclipse several times and the itinerary they offered was one we have done frequently We have upcoming longer cruises booked with X and Princess.

 

-we wanted a 'bonus' drink package. Outside of X only NCL and HAL offered these for our dates. Excluding water is cheap but the 15 buck drink limit is generous more so than HAL or X even with premium package. 18% grat added as extra cost is cheap approach IMHO better to have a lower drink limit and offer a premium upgrade including bottled water(for those who like the pay for what you want approach) while including grats.

 

-Vibe at 99 week is not a bad deal and clearly an extra option above and beyond what a cruise passenger should expect. Sanctuary on Princess (the only thing I can compare to) is twice as much money

 

-7.95 room service charge- kind of a money grab that other lines do not follow as far as I know. That said others are charging for pizza and hot selection of breakfast is not always the norm- I will reserve judgement until seeing room service in action

 

-private isle Harvest Caye- would be disappointed if drinks from UBP not included but who knows at this point. A new destination especially with pool is very welcome

 

- not sure frankly how much specialty dining is but I plan to try it and I believe it competitively priced with Princess and HAL. While good X specialty dining is very expensive 35-50pp. Adding grat as extra is again

questionable in my mind. Why not include it in extra charge- you have to pay it anyway.

 

-we have spa balcony and am looking forward to spa use. Aqua class on X is similar but the spas are frankly somewhat limited in features

 

-my main concerns on NCL are- more crowded ships especially pool areas

small balcony and cabin ( we will see when we get there). Longer dining wait times if we do not make resv, (we experienced on Jade and Epic

 

-positives -new itinerary, newer ship, hopefully a more exciting spa experience than X, better entertainment options?

 

So much of this has to be experienced to make a 'final' judgement.

 

At the end of the day we booked our cruise with the positives in mind. The

'nickle and dime' comments I started this post with are certainly concerns

but not to imply that cost of bottled water or room service charges blind us assessing the overall value of NCL.

 

My HAL CC is contacting me with pricing for a cruise on their latest ship leaving the same days and we will make a decision on which represents the greatest value for us. I can say if it was not for the 'additional cost' issues I identified in my post as concerns, I would have not have looked at alternative options before final payment. Happy cruising to everyone.

 

 

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You're welcome, and I'm totally with you. People have a tendency to get defensive with they feel like "their brand" is being called into question... I get it. But the bottom line is there are certain things that I feel are worth charging extra and certain up charges I find unreasonable and annoying. I can see charging for lobster and to eat at Cagneys. But not charging me for a hamburger and fries at Margaritaville when they were free at Uptown Grill. To me that's nickel and diming. Charging $79 for a beverage package and making me pay for water. Same thing. Charging me for a pass for a padded chair at Vibe when this is free on other comparable lines. (We have never had issues with kids at Serenity or the Solarium like other posters said... Just plentiful chairs and a relaxing atmosphere).

However I am reserving my final judgements until after the cruise. If the chairs on deck seem plentiful and I can find a place to lounge, I may not be bothered. If we think there is a good selection of food otherwise, then we may be impressed. We shall see!!! We were going to try Norwegian at some point, and it may be our only cruise with Norwegian, or the first of many :). But we have to try it to make a decision. I hope you have a good cruise!

You are, of course, entitled to your opinion so I'm not going to try to convince you that if you are paying upcharges, it's because you're making the choice to do that. But, lack of complimentary dining? There's plenty of dining included in your fare between multiple MDRs, O'Sheehan's, Asian restaurant, Garden Buffet, etc. A lot of cruisers don't pay a dime for dining and others eat in the specialties. I'm one of those who chooses to eat most of my meals in the specialty restaurants--they are why I tried NCL to begin with. Personally, I would much rather get to choose what I pay for instead of everything being included in my fare if it means fares are lower when I get to choose.

Each line has a MDR, (multiple with the same menu, so listing all of the MDRs isn't really accurate) and a buffet. O'sheehans is definitely a nice addition, kind of like the 24 hour venues on the other lines (Sorrento's, etc.). We like Royal, but our last cruise with Carnival had a really nice complimentary Blue Iguana Cantina with lots of Mexican choices, and Guy's Burgers which was DELICIOUS. In addition to the MDR and buffet. We LOVED the Park Cafe, on Royal, which was almost like a Panera at sea. But it had lots of fresh and healthy choices, salad bar, etc. This is what I was looking forward to with the Uptown Grill on the Breakaway, and they are getting rid of that right before our sailing, and now adding another "for fee" Margaritaville. If the Uptown Grill was still around, I probably would not be saying there was a lack of complimentary options. I've heard to not even try to get to the noodle bar, that it's packed 24,7?

Like I said, I'm SURE we will have an amazing time. We will just have to see what our feeling are after the cruise is done! But we are really looking forward to our cruise. I am excited that the MDR seems to actually be open for lunch more often! Like for lunch the day we board. That's nice.

Thanks everyone for your replies. After going on the website, it looks like most reservation times were taken up for the MDRs as well, I went ahead and made reservations at Savor every night (for some reason that was the only MDR that actually had available times left...maybe it's because we are a party of 2?)

The food is probably what I would expect like someone else said, typical mass produced banquet food which was what was on Carnival and RCI as well. Nothing we had was terrible, but we are foodies and so nothing was great either. But we enjoyed our meals. After searching all over the Internet, I was able to find about 2 days worth of menus, but that's all. It seems as though Norwegian does not have the same menus on all of their ships?

Starting to read the CC postings more thoroughly with an NCL cruise coming up.

 

I note the general dissatisfaction with some of NCL's policies. Summing up my understanding:

 

- we pay an 18% grat up front for UBP

- specialty dining will incur an 18% charge

- no bottled water included in UBP/ no water allowed to bring on board

- 7.95 charge for room service full breakfast items Not sure if this is a charge all day

- researching Harvest Caye it now looks questionable to me that UBP will be honored on the island and no food will be offered without charge.

- Margaritaville will be a pay as you go experience

- we will pay (if available) 100 pp for Vibe (one week)

 

We are getting within a few weeks of final payment and frankly am getting a bit bothered myself with the 'nickle and diming' approach. Was aware of several of these items when I booked but not all. Bringing water on board was an option then as an example and I assumed HC had UDP included. Just learned about the room service charge. It is not so much the specific costs involved but the marketing concept behind this approach. I love cruises in part because of the minimal focus on 'spending' while on board especially with drink packages, etc.

 

I am not posting this to inflame but to share my thoughts as an (primarily) X cruiser who has taken 5 NCL cruises but the last was several years ago.

Yes, I know this is for the most part 'upfront' info that has to be weighed to make a purchase decision but it still causes pause none the less. Probably going to keep my eyes open to X, HAL, and Princess options in the next few weeks. JMHO

I have to say that I did know about all of these charges and booked my cruise with NCL anyway, after considering the whole price of the vacation, and comparing to the competition. Having said that, each of these things bother me as well, having cruised other lines. I had considered with each cruise in the past, booking with NCL and decided against it due to all of the annoying policies that NCL seems to have with up charges and policy changes. Specifically the Vibe pass, Room service charge, lack of complimentary dining experiences, (and now another with them replacing the complimentary Uptown Grill with an up- charge Margaritaville) and no bottled water with UBP or having to pay for bottled water bothers me. It's not really about the money for me either, it's just being in sales/marketing myself all of the nickel and diming annoys me personally.

Not having to fly, and already having sailed out of Baltimore on the Pride last year, we decided to go ahead with the Breakaway and keep an open mind. I'm sure we will have a wonderful cruise, and I will definitely compare NCL to our previous cruises, and if we are overly annoyed with the charges or not. That will determine whether or not we sail them again. But I completely agree with you that it's NOT necessarily about the money, it's about feeling like they are making you pay for things that I personally feel should be included in a $3200 cruise, that would be on other lines. The tipping charges I have to say do not bother me.

We booked a cruise to Bermuda on the Breakaway very last minute, and I am in the process of making dinner reservations! I cannot seem to find much information whatsoever about dinner in the complimentary Taste, Savor, or Manhattan room. We will be eating here most nights if not all of them, most of the specialty restaurants do not have reservations left before 9pm. We are ok with this however.

It seems as though most people sailing Norwegian do not discuss or review the MDR dinners, only the specialty restaurants. Are the current menu's posted somewhere? Do all 3 restaurants serve the same menu? (Norwegians website would like you to think there are different menus for some reason when describing the restaurants.) Has anyone ever tried ordering the cheese plate on the dessert menu as an appetizer? (One of my fav things to do while cruising:). How would one compare the MDR food to Royal Caribbean or Carnival? Thanks for your opinions!

I usually bring a box of Starbucks Vue packets with me on my cruises!

Another solo cruiser here. This is actually something I consider an advantage of cruising NCL. If I want to share a table, I'll arrive at the MDR with those I'm going to share with. Most evenings I prefer to eat solo and I appreciate not being asked to share. The only place I've been asked if I wanted to share was at O'Sheehan's.

 

 

 

I've never felt like I've been nickled and dimed on NCL. I make choices of what I pay for. If I Vibe appealed to me, I wouldn't have a problem paying the small fee to be one of the limited number of people who has access. I enjoy the spa so I purchase a spa pass. I'm glad it isn't open for everyone on the ship to utilize the spa--it would be so crowded.

 

The only bar I know of that you pay to enter is the Ice Bar--what are the other bars you pay for? To me that's not big deal. I went with friends on the Epic. Probably won't do it again, but I didn't mind paying for the experience. Every other bar on the ship I could go into without paying extra except, of course, the Haven.

 

As far as the Haven, you either choose to pay the price or you don't. I haven't even been aware of the Haven while on the ship so it doesn't impact my enjoyment of my vacation. I did dine in the Haven restaurant on my last cruise as a guest of someone staying in the Haven. It was nice (though I found the wait service a bit cloying) but I wouldn't pay the Haven prices for it.

I just think it's important to point out that, in answering the OP's question, that There are no free of charge areas on some Norwegian ships that compare to a Carnival Serenity or Royal Caribbean Solarium area. Those areas would be more comparable to The Vibe or the Haven areas. Both of which you have to pay for with Norwegian. Not everyone is aware of that. If that is an area you spend a lot of time in with the other cruise lines, then be prepared to pay for a vibe pass.

On your Breakaway cruise, you will also have the option of going to the FREE Spice H20 adult-only section (deck 16 aft).

I am aware. I'm just saying that the free of charge areas on Carnival and RCI are themed more like The Vibe. Padded chairs, clamshell loungers, more serene, quiet atmosphere. H2O looks more like the party place, with a screen, stage, etc. We spent the majority of our cruises in the adult areas on RCI and Carnival. I am cruising to Bermuda in October and don't want to pay for something extra if the weather is not good or very warm, something we may not use. We did end up booking a large extended balcony cabin on this cruise to have somewhere quiet to be, so yes, I am willing to pay also. But it's also annoying you cannot book the Vibe ahead of the cruise. I have to board and then apparently wait in line for something (some people say you need to run there). Sorry, I just find the whole process annoying, to each his own.

I'm not sure if anyone has said this yet, but There are charges for going into certain areas of the ship that you will not see with other lines. Honestly this is one thing that really irked me about Norwegian and prevented me from booking a cruise with them for a long time... We'll see how this one goes and if we sail again, or if we feel like we are being nickel and dimed.

Namely the adult only "Vibe" Beach club, you would compare this to the FREE Serenity adult only area with Carnival, and the adult only FREE Solarium on Royal. On Norwegian, you actually have to purchase a pass to enter into this Vibe area with padded chairs. There are also entrance fees to certain bars, like the Ice Bar, and the Haven is a whole other no access area for suite guests with their own private pool, lounging, and main dining room.

Beautiful pics and info! Thanks!

Thanks so much everyone. The GW to Henry Hudson Parkway sounds like the way we should go. I will make sure we do that! When doing Google Maps, it says to take I80 to I95, to the I95/ NJ turnpike for a few miles, to Henry Hudson Parkway. Looks like this takes us over the GW bridge! Thanks!

Just back from Bermuda last week. We took the minivan from the pier to Horseshoe and back. It was $7.00 per person one way.

We also went to St George by ferry. It was $9.00 per person for the round trip tokens, purchased at the information kiosk in the arrival terminal just off the ship.

Thanks so much! I was very confused because some threads were saying you could not purchase tokens or tickets anymore by the ship. Great to know that this is the case. We will look into taking the minivans then to Horseshoe, and the ferry to the shopping area. I also was not sure how that would work with the minivans with there only being two of us. I would assume they would just wait there until they could fill up the van?

What route are you coming in on from Ohio? I80, I78, or the NJ Turnpike?

I'm actually not sure! When I use MapQuest, it wants to take me I80 to the Lincoln Tunnel. Is this a good way?

Thanks very much for your replies. I think the traffic with actually driving directly to the pier is what worried us, and if we would then somehow be late, but if driving straight there isn't usually a problem traffic wise then we will just do that. We will plan on arriving sometime around 9:30 or 10 then! Hoping our GPS is accurate with the ETA and accounts for traffic!

Horseshoe Beach? Take a bus. Hamilton? Take the ferry or a bus. Where to buy? Where to buy WHAT? Have you considered buying a guidebook? You are going to find that Bermuda is very different from the Caribbean.

Where to purchase tickets for the transportation is what I meant... If we get tickets for the ferry the same place as the busses or small vans... GEEZ. :(

I've read through quite a bit of threads and I still cannot seem to grasp how to get around in Bermuda, how to get tickets for transportation, etc. We will be arriving October 5 on the NLC Breakaway.

We would like to go our first day to Horseshoe Bay beach. What is the best way to get there from the ship? I've seen info about busses, cabs, some sort of small vans, and ferries?

The next day we will probably go to a different beach, or the shopping area, Hamilton I think? What would be the best way to get to shopping? And where to purchase?

No clue what we will do the third day. Possibly stay around the pier. Thanks for any help you can give me!:confused:

...

Parking at the pier is easy, and not a bad value for NYC.

Thank you!