NCL Breakaway review......ship is tired

Just recently returned from an NCL Breakaway sailing out of NYC. The following is my review and is based on my thoughts and opinions only. Comparisons are based on my sailing experience (9 cruises, 3rd with NCL (Epic, Escape), 1st not originating in Florida).

 

- This ship is tired, and I suspect in need of a refurb. As per the pics, there were many flaws and faults with the ship. I couldn't believe the ill repair in both the cabin and around the ship. Had to call maintenance of 5 occasions to repair the air cond in the cabin. It would not keep working for more than 8 or so hours at a time at one point. In the restos, often the furniture was stained or damaged.

 

- Food was good and on par with our other NCL sailings. Surprisingly, the only poor meal we had was in Cagney's steak house. It went from our fav resto on Escape to our only unsatisfactory meal on this ship. Steaks were extremely under cooked and sides were all late (5 min after steaks brought out) and lacking flavor. The best steaks we had were in Le Bistro. Definitely recommend that resto.

 

- Entertainment was on par with other NCL ships, which means it was amazing. Both shows were fantastic. NCL is definitely a step ahead of the other cruise lines when it comes to entertainment. Nobody is even close. Only negative was the comedy club. I am not a fan of Improv as the laughs are hit and miss. Much prefer comedians performing their acts. There were a lot of activities around the ship though much of it was often closed due to winds (rope course, water slides).

 

- Service was slightly below other NCL sailings, which compared to the other cruise lines is already lacking to begin with. Staff often seem uninterested or generally don't put much effort into their work. Our room steward was hit and miss with his service.

 

- Ports were ok given the starting point of the ship which negates it from getting to most of the better ports further South. Their private island was very good. I highly recommend Stingray City as you can swim with the stingrays for a fraction of the price you pay in say Grand Cayman. And the staff on the excursion were amazing. In Port Canaveral I recommend using an Uber. We paid less than half of what others paid using the shuttle or taxi to get to the beach and/or Ron Jon area.

 

- Clientele was the biggest shocker/disastifier on the cruise. If you are planning a quiet and relaxing cruise this is definitely not the one for you. We determined at the terminal that it was going to interesting. Cruisers were obnoxiously loud throughout the week. I susect that most NY/NJ cruisers, which seemed to make up 95% of the guests, were there to party and drink as much as they could. It didn't even matter in the a la carte restos. Everyone would rather yell than talk. Smoking was an issue as many chose to smoke on their balconies, which is a major fire hazard at sea. I've never witnessed this on other cruises.

 

- Price I post so u can use it for comparitive purposes and get yourself the best deal. We paid $2000 USD for our balcony room, which included unlimited beverage package, a la carte dining package, 10 photo package, 300 MB internet package, $50 casino credit, and unlimited long distance calls. We even got a $120 Costco cash card.

 

 

In the end it was a great week overall, though we will never sail out of NY again. Even the cruise terminal was chaotic as compared to the Florida terminals.

 

Feel free if you have any questions,

 

Happy Cruising!!!!!

Edited November 8, 2017 by thumper114

You think people from NY/NJ are loud? Yes, we certainly are, loud, and very friendly. And we walk fast.

Lost interest in your review when you stated that " Cruisers were obnoxiously loud"

You think people from NY/NJ are loud? Yes, we certainly are, loud, and very friendly. And we walk fast.

 

 

LOL funny (CT Native :cool:)

You think people from NY/NJ are loud? Yes, we certainly are, loud, and very friendly. And we walk fast.

Hey, New Yorkers and New Jerseyans aren't the only ones.:) Edited November 8, 2017 by NLH Arizona

I have to agree that the ship is beginning to show its age, but in all fairness that is to be expected and she is going into dry dock soonish.

 

On my last trip aboard last month I really noticed it more than ever, but still had a fantastic time. I also agree that, for some reason, Cagney's on the Breakaway just never measures up for us. Last time was 90 mins to get our dinner and we didn't order any appetizers!

 

As for the NY/NJ clientele, it does take some adjusting! I'm from Boston (and one of it's more reserved neighborhoods) so it is always a little shock for me at the terminal to adjust to the attitude (and the pushing and cutting), but once I do I'm fine.

 

I will say, however, I completely agree with the prior poster, that the folks I have met on the Breakaway are some of the nicest, honest, friendly and most open people I have ever met. In all my cruises it is he folks that I met on the Breakaway that are front of mind.

 

 

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- Price I post so u can use it for comparitive purposes and get yourself the best deal. We paid $2000 USD for our balcony room, which included unlimited beverage package, a la carte dining package, 10 photo package, 300 MB internet package, $50 casino credit, and unlimited long distance calls.

I wish more people would be willing to include this information in their reviews, but for it to be truly useful, it would be great if you could say whether this was per person or total for two people, and tell us how many days the cruise was. Thanks, and thank you for your review.

I wish more people would be willing to include this information in their reviews, but for it to be truly useful, it would be great if you could say whether this was per person or total for two people, and tell us how many days the cruise was. Thanks, and thank you for your review.

 

Good point!!! This rate was for 2 adults on a 7 day cruise...tax included. Our daughter's attached balcony room was $1600 for her and her friend but was without inclusions.

Just recently returned from an NCL Breakaway sailing out of NYC. The following is my review and is based on my thoughts and opinions only. Comparisons are based on my sailing experience (9 cruises, 3rd with NCL (Epic, Escape), 1st not originating in Florida).

 

- This ship is tired, and I suspect in need of a refurb. As per the pics, there were many flaws and faults with the ship. I couldn't believe the ill repair in both the cabin and around the ship. Had to call maintenance of 5 occasions to repair the air cond in the cabin. It would not keep working for more than 8 or so hours at a time at one point. In the restos, often the furniture was stained or damaged.

 

- Food was good and on par with our other NCL sailings. Surprisingly, the only poor meal we had was in Cagney's steak house. It went from our fav resto on Escape to our only unsatisfactory meal on this ship. Steaks were extremely under cooked and sides were all late (5 min after steaks brought out) and lacking flavor. The best steaks we had were in Le Bistro. Definitely recommend that resto.

 

- Entertainment was on par with other NCL ships, which means it was amazing. Both shows were fantastic. NCL is definitely a step ahead of the other cruise lines when it comes to entertainment. Nobody is even close. Only negative was the comedy club. I am not a fan of Improv as the laughs are hit and miss. Much prefer comedians performing their acts. There were a lot of activities around the ship though much of it was often closed due to winds (rope course, water slides).

 

- Service was slightly below other NCL sailings, which compared to the other cruise lines is already lacking to begin with. Staff often seem uninterested or generally don't put much effort into their work. Our room steward was hit and miss with his service.

 

- Ports were ok given the starting point of the ship which negates it from getting to most of the better ports further South. Their private island was very good. I highly recommend Stingray City as you can swim with the stingrays for a fraction of the price you pay in say Grand Cayman. And the staff on the excursion were amazing. In Port Canaveral I recommend using an Uber. We paid less than half of what others paid using the shuttle or taxi to get to the beach and/or Ron Jon area.

 

- Clientele was the biggest shocker/disastifier on the cruise. If you are planning a quiet and relaxing cruise this is definitely not the one for you. We determined at the terminal that it was going to interesting. Cruisers were obnoxiously loud throughout the week. I susect that most NY/NJ cruisers, which seemed to make up 95% of the guests, were there to party and drink as much as they could. It didn't even matter in the a la carte restos. Everyone would rather yell than talk. Smoking was an issue as many chose to smoke on their balconies, which is a major fire hazard at sea. I've never witnessed this on other cruises.

 

- Price I post so u can use it for comparitive purposes and get yourself the best deal. We paid $2000 USD for our balcony room, which included unlimited beverage package, a la carte dining package, 10 photo package, 300 MB internet package, $50 casino credit, and unlimited long distance calls. We even got a $120 Costco cash card.

 

 

In the end it was a great week overall, though we will never sail out of NY again. Even the cruise terminal was chaotic as compared to the Florida terminals.

 

Feel free if you have any questions,

 

Happy Cruising!!!!!

 

well, you sail out of of NYC lol thats the way we roll.........loud but friendley

Marion

You think people from NY/NJ are loud? Yes, we certainly are, loud, and very friendly. And we walk fast.

 

 

 

Not from NYC, but from Buffalo, NY! I am a loud Italian NewYorker and proud of it! "Forget about it..."

 

 

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Clientele was the biggest shocker/disastifier on the cruise. If you are planning a quiet and relaxing cruise this is definitely not the one for you. We determined at the terminal that it was going to interesting. Cruisers were obnoxiously loud throughout the week. I susect that most NY/NJ cruisers, which seemed to make up 95% of the guests, were there to party and drink as much as they could. It didn't even matter in the a la carte restos. Everyone would rather yell than talk. Smoking was an issue as many chose to smoke on their balconies, which is a major fire hazard at sea. I've never witnessed this on other cruises.

 

Your review is appreciated, your opinions duly noted. However, I am deeply offended by your assumption that all New Yorkers are loud, obnoxious drinkers and smokers who cannot conduct themselves properly in the "a la carte" restaurants.

As a New Yorker, I take offense of your suspicions that anyone behaving this way must be NY/NJ. You know you shouldn't make assumptions. As, I don't smoke, don't drink, and I am friendly and gracious to anyone in my vicinity. I've always met lovely, friendly, and perhaps, even loud people on my cruises originating out of NYC. It never occurred to me to poll the "loud" passengers as to their home state. It has been my experience that people from many different places can be obnoxious.

If you chose not to sail from NYC again in the future, that is your loss.

LOL...."I'm offended".:D

You think people from NY/NJ are loud? Yes, we certainly are, loud, and very friendly. And we walk fast.

:hearteyes:YES WE'RE LOUD!! AND FRIENDLY AND FUN! and I will be sailing this Sunday with a ship full of people,, many from NY/ NJ and it will be just as great as the last time! PS. we do know how to act,, but don't act like you're superior. we know everyone has ghosts in their closet buddy.

Thanks for your honest, straightforward review. I appreciate it.

The follow-up comments from other posters give it additional credibility.

It's amazing that the BA has so many bad reviews. People have hated it but love the Getaway, which is identical. People haven't like the restaurants, staff, rooms, the shows, et al but move her out of NY and the reviews are good. So, I've long suspected that it's the fellow passengers that are at the bottom of this. Personally, we've really enjoyed all of our cruises on BA and GEM and one aspect that we've enjoyed is our fellow passengers. The thing is: I doubt any New Yorker really cares. They're too busy enjoying their cruises!

As a Jersey girl myself, I'm kinda surprised at the level of offense being taken. C'mon we all know there is some degree of truth to the comments made and the OP just prefers a different type/pace of cruise. I would suggest though that it may be more of an issue with the larger ships as opposed to specific to only the NJ/NY area. I found the Gem to overall be a much slower paced cruise, also out of NY.

Im from the 'B'est Coast and found this post interesting, lol! Never sailed out of New York but have been there twice.

 

We'll be sailing out of NY next year and can't wait! I'm a people person and am looking forward to meeting all of you 'loud and obnoxious' east coasters! !

 

Party on!!!

all the offended, please get a jar of playdoh and some coloring books out.

 

I somewhat agree with your review, was on the BA 10/8 I think second trip with new intinerary

 

Agree with the NY/NJ clientele...definitely different that Boston.

 

The clothes I seen worn in the MDR were a disgrace, short shorts, flip flops and wife beater t-shirts.....GROSS and were allowed. COME ON NCL, tell these people to turn around and look in the mirror.

 

Heavy smokers...but who cares, not my lungs.

 

Didn't notice too much wear and tear on the ship, also cruised on BA in 2016, BA is only like 4 years old.

 

What is also GROSS, is the number of people using their water bottle to fill at the water station, even though it says do not user personal bottle at the station. Is this NY/NJ behavior where they don't read rules......not sure.

And let's not forget that the sail away from the Manhattan pier is the most breathtaking views! You can't beat the NY Skyline and Statue of Liberty for their awesomeness!!

all the offended, please get a jar of playdoh and some coloring books out.

 

I somewhat agree with your review, was on the BA 10/8 I think second trip with new intinerary

 

Agree with the NY/NJ clientele...definitely different that Boston.

 

The clothes I seen worn in the MDR were a disgrace, short shorts, flip flops and wife beater t-shirts.....GROSS and were allowed. COME ON NCL, tell these people to turn around and look in the mirror.

 

Heavy smokers...but who cares, not my lungs.

 

Didn't notice too much wear and tear on the ship, also cruised on BA in 2016, BA is only like 4 years old.

 

What is also GROSS, is the number of people using their water bottle to fill at the water station, even though it says do not user personal bottle at the station. Is this NY/NJ behavior where they don't read rules......not sure.

Excuse me, but I think you are referring to a guinea tee, we don’t beat our wives here.

I'm on the Breakaway on the Dec 3rd cruise out of NYC, and am actually happy to hear that the client-base is loud and fun. ;) I'm traveling with three kids, so anything to overshadow my crew is appreciated, haha.

And let's not forget that the sail away from the Manhattan pier is the most breathtaking views! You can't beat the NY Skyline and Statue of Liberty for their awesomeness!!

 

Absolutely!!

Another vote for disappointed with Cagney's. I was on this sailing as well and it was the most disappointing meal of the week. Sides came out almost ten minutes after our steaks (and were tiny), no one interested in taking a drink order and the creme brulee was awful. Overall, not impressed and I've always enjoyed Cagney's on other ships.

I'll second the thought on NY/NJ cruisers not being quiet and reserved. I went on a 2 nighter out of NY years ago. Never again.

I've never had a bad cruise. Were some better then others. Yes. If no one gets sick [Noro] No one falls overboard or gets air lifted at sea and the ship makes it back to home port. It was a good cruise. I hope I enjoy my cruise next week on the Breakaway.