Breakaway Questions:

I am looking to book a cruise out of NY to the Caribbean during the winter and I see when we want to go the Breakaway is the only ship. I was on the Gem last winter for the 10day out of NY and I absolutely loved the ship. I am not a fan of the mega-ships, so please tell me experiences on the BRKWAY.

Also we will be traveling with young babies, maybe under a year, do we have to pay for infants? What about tips? We are traveling with the DH and I, 3 grown children and their families, one of who will be getting pregnant within the next few months. Thanks for any help/advice....Happy sailing

If you liked the GEM, you will really like the Breakaway. Ive done the GEM 3 times and the Breakaway twice.

I would say the GEM is a B- and the Breakaway is an A-

It (Breakaway) doesnt have a megaship feel. Which I sometimes like. It doesnt have a huge grand atrium, open air feel, etc. It just has many restaurants scattered, so they can make as much money as possible. You know. The water slide is cool. Self serve ice cream, etc.

Ive been on 18 cruises and if the price was right and I didnt have to fly, the Breakaway is perfect. NYC parking costs will kill you, but you know about that. I am jealous and looking to go sometime in late Feb / March (out of NYC, NJ or Baltimore) and the deals on Norwegian right now simply cant be beat. Good for them. Have fun! Also the beverage package is amazing. I hope Norwegian changes the way all other cruise lines offer specials. Other cruise lines should take notice. I think 4 out of 5 of my last cruises are all Norwegian. And I'll be honest; to me the boat & price matter way more than the cruise line.

Also we will be traveling with young babies, maybe under a year, do we have to pay for infants?

Minimum age to sail...

At least six (6) months of age on the day of boarding

At least twelve (12) months of age on the day of boarding if your cruise has 3 or more consecutive days at sea. - NCL

If they sail, they pay whatever price is applicable to an adult. If (for ex) the infant is guest #2 in the stateroom, the price is the same as guest #1. If the infant is guest #3, the price is less than #1 & #2 but would be the same price as an adult that is guest #3

What about tips? We are traveling with the DH and I, 3 grown children and their families, one of who will be getting pregnant within the next few months. Thanks for any help/advice....Happy sailing

The DSC is for everyone in the stateroom over the age of 3 years-old.

$13.50 USD per person per day for guests staying in Studio, Inside, Oceanview, Balcony and Mini-Suite categories

$15.50 USD per person per day for guests staying in Suite and The Haven categories

For the pregnant female...

Norwegian will make every effort to accommodate you, providing you have not entered the 24th week of pregnancy when the cruise ends. Please include your cruise details in an email to the Access Desk with a medical certificate establishing your due date prior to your cruise. - NCL

I guess we have a different opinion. Been on BA once for the winter trip and Gem twice. Prefer Gem. Yes, the BA has much more to do but on the winter trips you lose about 1.5 days each way (typically) due to cold weather for the outside areas. We also missed GSC and on that day they had the outside areas on 678 roped off so everyone was inside which meant crowded public areas. We were in the Haven so that made things better but have no interest going on BA again. We did book Escape though but that is for a Bermuda trip. I'd think the BA trip to Bermuda would be pretty good though.

I guess we have a different opinion. Been on BA once for the winter trip and Gem twice. Prefer Gem. Yes, the BA has much more to do but on the winter trips you lose about 1.5 days each way (typically) due to cold weather for the outside areas. We also missed GSC and on that day they had the outside areas on 678 roped off so everyone was inside which meant crowded public areas. We were in the Haven so that made things better but have no interest going on BA again. We did book Escape though but that is for a Bermuda trip. I'd think the BA trip to Bermuda would be pretty good though.

The BA to Bermuda is fantastic. I don't think I'd book a NY to the Caribbean trip. Since we have to fly to port either way, I don't want to lost 3 of my 7 days to cold weather, and am much less excited for the NY itinerary than the Florida itinerary.

If you liked the GEM, you will really like the Breakaway. Ive done the GEM 3 times and the Breakaway twice.

 

I would say the GEM is a B- and the Breakaway is an A-

 

It (Breakaway) doesnt have a megaship feel. Which I sometimes like. It doesnt have a huge grand atrium, open air feel, etc. It just has many restaurants scattered, so they can make as much money as possible. You know. The water slide is cool. Self serve ice cream, etc.

 

Thanks the the reply, we live in CT, so for us, NY is the way to go. I think we will give the Breakaway a chance, I heard so many reviews good and bad, so I'll take a chance. Thanks for all the advice ;)

If you liked the GEM, you will really like the Breakaway. Ive done the GEM 3 times and the Breakaway twice.

 

I would say the GEM is a B- and the Breakaway is an A-

 

It (Breakaway) doesnt have a megaship feel. Which I sometimes like. It doesnt have a huge grand atrium, open air feel, etc. It just has many restaurants scattered, so they can make as much money as possible. You know. The water slide is cool. Self serve ice cream, etc.

 

Thanks the the reply, we live in CT, so for us, NY is the way to go. I think we will give the Breakaway a chance, I heard so many reviews good and bad, so I'll take a chance. Thanks for all the advice ;)

Thanks for all the responses, good to know about the pregnancy thing, I did not know that. I also didn't realize that the DSC does not have to be paid by children under 3. It's sad that they charge you full price (or whatever for 3 & 4guest), as infants who only eat what mom brings or has, not using any of the facilities and such, but it is what it is. At least the babies will be the 3rd and 4th guests for their parents, which will still cost about 800.00/child. Also I didn't realize that the babies have to be at least 1 year for the longer sea day voyage. I did know that they had to be at least 6 months. SO all this information helped, thanks again

Cathy

:)

Thanks for all the responses, good to know about the pregnancy thing, I did not know that. I also didn't realize that the DSC does not have to be paid by children under 3. It's sad that they charge you full price (or whatever for 3 & 4guest), as infants who only eat what mom brings or has, not using any of the facilities and such, but it is what it is. At least the babies will be the 3rd and 4th guests for their parents, which will still cost about 800.00/child. Also I didn't realize that the babies have to be at least 1 year for the longer sea day voyage. I did know that they had to be at least 6 months. SO all this information helped, thanks again

Cathy

:)

The age policy for babies must have changed as we brought our 6 month old son on 7 day cruise back in 2012!

babies pay becuase they count towards the overall passenger count for purposes of lifeboats, vests, etc. 10 babies also means 10 adults that cant go that would spend money on booze, casino, shops, etc.

we have done BA twice, soon to be 3 times. we are in MA so its convenient. we've done both itineraries, although our preference is Bermuda. the FL/Bahamas sail is boring as there isnt much to do in Port Canaveral (other than Kennedy Space Center) and Nassau is just a dump. the big pull in Port Canaveral is to go to Disney - but between travel time, etc. you pay a fortune for what ends up being a couple of hours in the park and maybe 2 or 3 rides given the lines, crowds, etc.

Boston Gal,

Yeah I understand why babies have to pay, but it still stinks. It won't stop me from booking, as it's been my dream to have my entire family go on a cruise together. We are planning on the 11 day Caribbean out of New York, it's the best itinerary as far as I am concerned. Hopefully they will do a deal with 3rd and 4th guests free again. Thanks for the response

Cathy

If you liked the GEM, you will really like the Breakaway. Ive done the GEM 3 times and the Breakaway twice.

 

 

 

I would say the GEM is a B- and the Breakaway is an A-

 

 

 

It (Breakaway) doesnt have a megaship feel. Which I sometimes like. It doesnt have a huge grand atrium, open air feel, etc. It just has many restaurants scattered, so they can make as much money as possible. You know. The water slide is cool. Self serve ice cream, etc.

 

 

 

Thanks the the reply, we live in CT, so for us, NY is the way to go. I think we will give the Breakaway a chance, I heard so many reviews good and bad, so I'll take a chance. Thanks for all the advice ;)

 

 

Disagree that breakaway feels closed in. That is one of the things that DW and I enjoy about her. You have the waterfront, which is a great space to get out and about. It feels very external, outward facing. This brings a good connection to the sea. I have no desire to sail on a ship that is inward facing, like the new RCL vessels.

 

 

 

 

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also keep in mind that there is no babysitting service on board, and i think kids have to be at least 3 to attend the kids programs.

I am looking to book a cruise out of NY to the Caribbean during the winter and I see when we want to go the Breakaway is the only ship. I was on the Gem last winter for the 10day out of NY and I absolutely loved the ship. I am not a fan of the mega-ships, so please tell me experiences on the BRKWAY.

 

Also we will be traveling with young babies, maybe under a year, do we have to pay for infants? What about tips? We are traveling with the DH and I, 3 grown children and their families, one of who will be getting pregnant within the next few months. Thanks for any help/advice....Happy sailing

Not trying to start a panic, but just talked to my OBGYN, we're not sure if we want a second child, but he advised getting pregnant 3 months after traveling to areas with Zika and using lots of bug spray when on vacation. Stay safe! :)

Not trying to start a panic, but just talked to my OBGYN, we're not sure if we want a second child, but he advised getting pregnant 3 months after traveling to areas with Zika and using lots of bug spray when on vacation. Stay safe! :)[/QUOT

 

Oh yeah I totally forgot about Zika, I haven't heard much about it lately. Thanks for bringing that up, a very important fact if my DIL is going to be pregnant. I will definitely keep that in mind :)

also keep in mind that there is no babysitting service on board, and i think kids have to be at least 3 to attend the kids programs.

Thanks Bostongal, we wouldn't need babysitters that's what hubby and I are for, it's the dream of grandparents to babysit

Just rent a big enough beach house on cape cod or the jersey shore for a week and enjoy your extended family

There seems to be a lot of stuff you either forgot or didn't realize

That's not an insult btw just an observation from your posts

With young grandchildren and potentially more on the way just keep it simple for now

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I am looking to book a cruise out of NY to the Caribbean during the winter and I see when we want to go the Breakaway is the only ship. I was on the Gem last winter for the 10day out of NY and I absolutely loved the ship. I am not a fan of the mega-ships, so please tell me experiences on the BRKWAY.

 

Also we will be traveling with young babies, maybe under a year, do we have to pay for infants? What about tips? We are traveling with the DH and I, 3 grown children and their families, one of who will be getting pregnant within the next few months. Thanks for any help/advice....Happy sailing

You mentioned someone in your group looking to get pregnant in the next few months. Just as a heads up, there is a travel advisory for the Bahamas for the Zika virus. If she and her partner do go, they should check in with their doctors for advise. I'm attaching a link for you from the CDC.gov website.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/zika-virus-the-bahamas

It's not a big deal except for people who are expecting or those who are planning on getting pregnant within a few months of traveling to areas where there is a known current epidemic.

I just want your future generations to be safe and healthy! 😁

Just rent a big enough beach house on cape cod or the jersey shore for a week and enjoy your extended family

 

 

There seems to be a lot of stuff you either forgot or didn't realize

 

That's not an insult btw just an observation from your posts

 

With young grandchildren and potentially more on the way just keep it simple for now

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We are doing that in Myrtle Beach this year in July! I have cruise next certificates, which I purchased for this reason, at least I have until Jan 2020 to use them :)

Just rent a big enough beach house on cape cod or the jersey shore for a week and enjoy your extended family

 

 

There seems to be a lot of stuff you either forgot or didn't realize

 

That's not an insult btw just an observation from your posts

 

With young grandchildren and potentially more on the way just keep it simple for now

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks for the non-insult, although it is quite insulting....Sorry I am a full time teacher, and I help baby-sit on weekends so I just wanted to get answers quickly, but enjoy your day :)

You mentioned someone in your group looking to get pregnant in the next few months. Just as a heads up, there is a travel advisory for the Bahamas for the Zika virus. If she and her partner do go, they should check in with their doctors for advise. I'm attaching a link for you from the CDC.gov website.

 

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/zika-virus-the-bahamas

 

It's not a big deal except for people who are expecting or those who are planning on getting pregnant within a few months of traveling to areas where there is a known current epidemic.

 

I just want your future generations to be safe and healthy! 😁

Yes I realize this, we are going to wait until the babies are all done, as we don't want to risk it, thanks

Hi. My wife, daughter and I recently sailed in a balcony cabin on the Breakaway on the 14-day Southern Caribbean cruise r/t from NYC (11/27-12/11/16). The ship is beautiful and spacious but a lot larger then the NCL ships we prefer. We were able to secure the 3rd passenger free deal and the free ultimate beverage package. Of course there were additional taxes and service charges associated with these deals that we had to pay. I would think that NCL should be able to offer you at least one of these.

Hi. My wife, daughter and I recently sailed in a balcony cabin on the Breakaway on the 14-day Southern Caribbean cruise r/t from NYC (11/27-12/11/16). The ship is beautiful and spacious but a lot larger then the NCL ships we prefer. We were able to secure the 3rd passenger free deal and the free ultimate beverage package. Of course there were additional taxes and service charges associated with these deals that we had to pay. I would think that NCL should be able to offer you at least one of these.

Because I am a teacher, I only have certain times of the year to travel and of corse that is when they never offer the 3rd and 4th guest free. DH and I will have our own room, but my children will have their babies in their room. Although the 3rd and 4th guest is discounted, we still end up paying about 800.00/baby. It is what it is, at least I get summers off ;)

Also, I am not certain weather I will be a fan of the mega ship, as I have never sailed anything bigger than the Gem. I guess we will give it a try and see, thanks

Because I am a teacher, I only have certain times of the year to travel and of corse that is when they never offer the 3rd and 4th guest free. DH and I will have our own room, but my children will have their babies in their room. Although the 3rd and 4th guest is discounted, we still end up paying about 800.00/baby. It is what it is, at least I get summers off ;)

 

Also, I am not certain weather I will be a fan of the mega ship, as I have never sailed anything bigger than the Gem. I guess we will give it a try and see, thanks

I know I will be missing the great outdoors (outdoor buffet at the back of the buffet) and why is thermal spa unisex? The Gem had the dry sauna and sauna in the locker room, which gave you more privacy and greater chance of having more quiet time. We leave in 12 days!

Babies are doable. We brought our son at 6 months in 2012, but I believe things are different now? Then we waited until 3 years old so he would be old enough for the ship "school" which he hated until 4 years old last year :)