NCL Breakaway Advice

Good morning!

Looking for some insight on NCL and more specifically Breakaway. We sail once a year over spring break and Our last several cruises have been exclusive to CCL on a variety of ships. Very excited that due to pricing, dates and ship options we are returning to NCL next spring break on the Breakaway from NOLA. This is after a 5 year hiatus (6 by the time we sail!) when we took our only NCL cruise on Epic.

I’ve tried keeping up on NCL changes over the years but I almost feel like a first time cruiser! Any tips on what to expect for an overall vibe onboard? Are there fun games/contests near or around the lido? One of our other favorites is the dive in movies at night, is there anything similar, it looks like there’s two giant outdoor screens on Breakaway. I really can’t remember any of this from Epic!

Are reservations really required as soon as it opens for shows and specialty dining? More concerned about the shows. We’re more of go with the flow and wing it for dinner plans depending on moods and how everyone feels after busy port days, would we have any luck with walk up or day of reservations?

Any port tips too would be welcomed, especially for Harvest Cay. In pictures it looks awesome but reviews both here and elsewhere are really mixed. It looks to me similar to Grand Turk, just much larger. Does it hold/dock multiple ships per day or only one?

Last question :) it sounds like Breakaway has a dry dock scheduled soon. Any ideas on what’s changing or being refreshed?

Thanks!!

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i would book all shows and dinners online at the 90 day mark (120 if you are sailing in a suite) as soon as you can. specialities can and do fill up, i would not recommend trying to walk into any of those unless you go at 5pm or 9pm. we usually book a standing 730 rezzie in teh MDR simply because we hate waiting and like to have our evenings planned out. also 7-8 is when the MDR will be busiest.

harvest cay is their new private island. not sure if you ever went to great stirrup cay, but the biggest difference is that nothing is free on harvest cay. you have to pay for food and booze, and i dont believe your ship card works on the island either. GSC is nice because you got the free lunch buffet and if you had the booze package it worked on the island as well.

i would book all shows and dinners online at the 90 day mark (120 if you are sailing in a suite) as soon as you can. specialities can and do fill up, i would not recommend trying to walk into any of those unless you go at 5pm or 9pm. we usually book a standing 730 rezzie in teh MDR simply because we hate waiting and like to have our evenings planned out. also 7-8 is when the MDR will be busiest.

 

harvest cay is their new private island. not sure if you ever went to great stirrup cay, but the biggest difference is that nothing is free on harvest cay. you have to pay for food and booze, and i dont believe your ship card works on the island either. GSC is nice because you got the free lunch buffet and if you had the booze package it worked on the island as well.

I didn’t know that was an option for MDR, great to know—thanks!!

We haven’t yet been to GSC, that’s too bad that HC isn’t similar with having a lunch included. We do have a longer time in port that day, 8a-4p, so it could work to go back onboard if we really wanted.

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Are reservations really required as soon as it opens for shows and specialty dining? More concerned about the shows. We’re more of go with the flow and wing it for dinner plans depending on moods and how everyone feels after busy port days, would we have any luck with walk up or day of reservations?

 

I have not been on the Breakaway (we're sailing the TA in 18 days though!), but from all my research and my experience on another mega-ship...I would say "YES" to reserving shows. I totally understand wanting to go with the flow...that's my style on ships too. But the only shows you'll be able to reserve in advance are the "Broadway style" shows (probably BURN THE FLOOR and ROCK OF AGES). They are in high demand, so I suggest you snag those reservations at the very least. The other shows they will have (you know, comedians, magicians, jugglers, etc.) can't be reserved in advance anyway. So it's not like you have to plan all 7 nights of your cruise...just a couple. It's worth it.

My wife and I booked our BA cruise less than a month from sail date, so we didn't have the opportunity to book 90 days out and it worked out fine for us (we just got back about on 3/18).

If you are a "go with the flow" type person, then you will be able to book everything onboard (except for Cagney's). This is especially true if you want to see the shows at the 9pm time slot on the 2nd night performance (plenty of open seats for both). In terms of restaurants, I would book a reservation for each night as a backup (so you know you won't have to wait), then you can adjust on the fly each day depending on everyone's mood vs availability.

I have been on the Breakaway several times. I never get reservations and don't have any problem with walk up- anywhere. IF you happen to want the Burn the Floor show, that is in the dining room, You do have to get in line early. Of course with no reservations- you'd have to be accepting of any open seat and possible single seats left.

There is a lot of trivia, seating is very limited in the Atrium, also can use the wrap open upper level outside of OSheenan's

Harvest Key, is very nice in itself. When I want my preferred Belize touring, I don't take NCL. :) I was just there, a week ago, and there was a few tours, but less than ideal with price and substance compared to tours direct from Belize City.

It can be a nice beach day, plenty of seats and life guards.

Make reservations at the 120 day mark for all main theater shows and specialty dining. You will be sorely disappointed if you take the advice and try to walk up.

Get some ideas of what happens in the Breakaway on this link. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2504449

Even though they have the great big movie screen in h2o they never show movies on it however they do show a 10/11pm movie in the overcrowded cramped atrium from time to time

Btw h2o is 18 and over only by day. At night all ages and that's where they do deck parties

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We might be on the same cruise. March 10-17 from NOLA? This will be our first time on the BA also so I'm interested to hear how it is different from the Escape. This is also our first time sailing over Spring Break and I'm a little worried about the crowds.

I have not been on the Breakaway (we're sailing the TA in 18 days though!), but from all my research and my experience on another mega-ship...I would say "YES" to reserving shows. I totally understand wanting to go with the flow...that's my style on ships too. But the only shows you'll be able to reserve in advance are the "Broadway style" shows (probably BURN THE FLOOR and ROCK OF AGES). They are in high demand, so I suggest you snag those reservations at the very least. The other shows they will have (you know, comedians, magicians, jugglers, etc.) can't be reserved in advance anyway. So it's not like you have to plan all 7 nights of your cruise...just a couple. It's worth it.

Thank you and Have a great time! TA is on my future cruise to do list!!

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My wife and I booked our BA cruise less than a month from sail date, so we didn't have the opportunity to book 90 days out and it worked out fine for us (we just got back about on 3/18).

 

 

 

If you are a "go with the flow" type person, then you will be able to book everything onboard (except for Cagney's). This is especially true if you want to see the shows at the 9pm time slot on the 2nd night performance (plenty of open seats for both). In terms of restaurants, I would book a reservation for each night as a backup (so you know you won't have to wait), then you can adjust on the fly each day depending on everyone's mood vs availability.

Thank you!! I’m glad to hear dinner shouldn’t be an issue!!

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I have been on the Breakaway several times. I never get reservations and don't have any problem with walk up- anywhere. IF you happen to want the Burn the Floor show, that is in the dining room, You do have to get in line early. Of course with no reservations- you'd have to be accepting of any open seat and possible single seats left.

 

There is a lot of trivia, seating is very limited in the Atrium, also can use the wrap open upper level outside of OSheenan's

 

Harvest Key, is very nice in itself. When I want my preferred Belize touring, I don't take NCL. :) I was just there, a week ago, and there was a few tours, but less than ideal with price and substance compared to tours direct from Belize City.

 

It can be a nice beach day, plenty of seats and life guards.

Yay for lots of trivia and happy to hear HK is good for a beach or lounge-about day.

Thanks as well for the tip on the show, I had no idea that burn the floor was in the dining room. I assumed it was in the showroom/theater.

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Even though they have the great big movie screen in h2o they never show movies on it however they do show a 10/11pm movie in the overcrowded cramped atrium from time to time

 

 

Btw h2o is 18 and over only by day. At night all ages and that's where they do deck parties

 

 

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That’s really too bad about no movies ☹️ but good to know about H2O at night to look at our room locations!

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We might be on the same cruise. March 10-17 from NOLA? This will be our first time on the BA also so I'm interested to hear how it is different from the Escape. This is also our first time sailing over Spring Break and I'm a little worried about the crowds.

That’s the one! We only sail over spring break and knock on wood, have not yet run into any issues with the crowds. This will be our first time sailing from NOLA over spring break. I’m hoping the cruisers there are similar to Galveston! If I rated cruises on the most friendly guests, it would be the winner. [emoji4]

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Make reservations at the 120 day mark for all main theater shows and specialty dining. You will be sorely disappointed if you take the advice and try to walk up.

 

 

 

Get some ideas of what happens in the Breakaway on this link. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2504449

Thanks for the link!! Oh my gosh, the Haven looks amazing!!

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That’s really too bad about no movies ☹️ but good to know about H2O at night to look at our room locations!

So,,, if you looked at my posting on the link provided,,,, maggie is incorrect, they do show movies at night in Spice H20 (look at the Freestyle dailies on the link at night and search for H20 in the location column).

So,,, if you looked at my posting on the link provided,,,, maggie is incorrect, they do show movies at night in Spice H20 (look at the Freestyle dailies on the link at night and search for H20 in the location column).

I just noticed the H2O shows as I’m reading this to my mom [emoji4], are they open for all ages for movies?

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I just noticed the H2O shows as I’m reading this to my mom [emoji4], are they open for all ages for movies?

The H20 is open in the evening to all ages. Some nights movies. Some nights deck parties. Great Fun!

The movies weren't being shown in 2015 when I sailed. It's good they finally decided to put that screen to use.

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Make reservations at the 120 day mark for all main theater shows and specialty dining. You will be sorely disappointed if you take the advice and try to walk up.

 

Get some ideas of what happens in the Breakaway on this link. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2504449

Sorry but no way was I "sorry". I got into all the entertainment I wanted just fine. There isn't only a single choice to make.

I've been on Breakaway twice (just came off it) and there are no Movies being broadcast where you san sit in water to watch them, sorry... but they have a cool indoor large screen in the lobby.

.

Good morning!

 

Looking for some insight on NCL and more specifically Breakaway. We sail once a year over spring break and Our last several cruises have been exclusive to CCL on a variety of ships. Very excited that due to pricing, dates and ship options we are returning to NCL next spring break on the Breakaway from NOLA. This is after a 5 year hiatus (6 by the time we sail!) when we took our only NCL cruise on Epic.

 

I’ve tried keeping up on NCL changes over the years but I almost feel like a first time cruiser! Any tips on what to expect for an overall vibe onboard? Are there fun games/contests near or around the lido? One of our other favorites is the dive in movies at night, is there anything similar, it looks like there’s two giant outdoor screens on Breakaway. I really can’t remember any of this from Epic!

 

Are reservations really required as soon as it opens for shows and specialty dining? More concerned about the shows. We’re more of go with the flow and wing it for dinner plans depending on moods and how everyone feels after busy port days, would we have any luck with walk up or day of reservations?

 

Any port tips too would be welcomed, especially for Harvest Cay. In pictures it looks awesome but reviews both here and elsewhere are really mixed. It looks to me similar to Grand Turk, just much larger. Does it hold/dock multiple ships per day or only one?

 

Last question :) it sounds like Breakaway has a dry dock scheduled soon. Any ideas on what’s changing or being refreshed?

 

Thanks!!

 

 

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I will be on the Breakaway Thanksgiving 2018. We would like to see Burn the Floor and Rock of Ages. I have a haven suite should I book in advance or this something the concierge will do for us. We really want to see the shows so I would hate to miss them. Thanks in advance for your help.

Good morning!

 

Looking for some insight on NCL and more specifically Breakaway. We sail once a year over spring break and Our last several cruises have been exclusive to CCL on a variety of ships. Very excited that due to pricing, dates and ship options we are returning to NCL next spring break on the Breakaway from NOLA. This is after a 5 year hiatus (6 by the time we sail!) when we took our only NCL cruise on Epic.

 

I’ve tried keeping up on NCL changes over the years but I almost feel like a first time cruiser! Any tips on what to expect for an overall vibe onboard? Are there fun games/contests near or around the lido? One of our other favorites is the dive in movies at night, is there anything similar, it looks like there’s two giant outdoor screens on Breakaway. I really can’t remember any of this from Epic!

 

Are reservations really required as soon as it opens for shows and specialty dining? More concerned about the shows. We’re more of go with the flow and wing it for dinner plans depending on moods and how everyone feels after busy port days, would we have any luck with walk up or day of reservations?

 

Any port tips too would be welcomed, especially for Harvest Cay. In pictures it looks awesome but reviews both here and elsewhere are really mixed. It looks to me similar to Grand Turk, just much larger. Does it hold/dock multiple ships per day or only one?

 

Last question :) it sounds like Breakaway has a dry dock scheduled soon. Any ideas on what’s changing or being refreshed?

 

Thanks!!

 

 

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I would recommend the zip line at Harvest Caye. O’Sheehans is always good for 24 hour meals.

I will be on the Breakaway Thanksgiving 2018. We would like to see Burn the Floor and Rock of Ages. I have a haven suite should I book in advance or this something the concierge will do for us. We really want to see the shows so I would hate to miss them. Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi - we were in Haven on Breakaway this past Feb. They save a large block of seats strictly for Haven guests. Your concierge will let you know what time to meet at their desk (in the Haven lounge) - and they escort you right into the theatre. We saw Rock of Ages and Burn the Floor twice each - we really enjoyed it. Have a great trip - we loved the BA and the Haven is fantastic :)

Just wanted to add - if you miss the Haven escort, they do give away any empty Haven seats to people who had been waiting on standby or latecomers to the show. So to ensure your spot, make sure you go with the concierge.

Hi - we were in Haven on Breakaway this past Feb. They save a large block of seats strictly for Haven guests. Your concierge will let you know what time to meet at their desk (in the Haven lounge) - and they escort you right into the theatre. We saw Rock of Ages and Burn the Floor twice each - we really enjoyed it. Have a great trip - we loved the BA and the Haven is fantastic :)

 

Just wanted to add - if you miss the Haven escort, they do give away any empty Haven seats to people who had been waiting on standby or latecomers to the show. So to ensure your spot, make sure you go with the concierge.

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