Breakaway 1/17-19, 2014 Cruise to Nowhere review

We arrived at the pier around 11:30 on Friday. If you were paying cash you were directed to parallel park. If using a credit card you were directed to the first pier on the right (not as close to the ship). Went down the escalator into the terminal where the queue was about 1/3 full. Lines moved quickly and off to check-in we went. We used our NJ driver’s license as our photo ID and this worked fine. I did note that people next to us used passports which get swiped, so using a passport speeds your check-in a bit. Driver’s license needs all digits manually typed in.

At this point it was announced that boarding would begin at 12:30. At 12:30 sharp I saw the suites people being escorted on. Then group #1 got called, and after a brief wait, next was #1-6! ? Cabins weren’t ready yet so we took our bags up the stairs to the Garden Café which was not at all crowded. You could also lunch at O'Sheehan's or one of the dining rooms.

Checked our cabins out at 1:30. 2 were balcony cabins aft on deck 12—the one angled balcony was nice. The interior deck plan on NCL was right for ours; showed the bed in the middle, but for the other cabin the deck plan wasn’t accurate. And one studio which was cool, as was the studio lounge area. Our cabin was very nice. The shower, however, was a pitiful stream of water. I didn’t recall this being an issue when we spent a week on it in June but our cabin was pretty far forward on that one if that matters.

At this point there were still show tickets available, so don’t worry if something appears as not available online.

Took the family/friends on a tour of the ship since it was so beautiful outside (50 and sunny) we covered the outdoor decks first. Cute little nephew wandered around the mini golf course, kicked a soccer ball around the basketball court area. (2 of us had been on Breakaway already, 1 has cruised NCL, and 3 had never been on NCL—but other various lines).

The pools are heated and had people in them at various times, and 4 mid-ship (pool area) hot tubs were ready. (the 2 aft at H20 were covered).

Muster drill came and went quickly. Efficiency as usual for this.

After muster we wandered up to the buffet to check it out and it was crowded. Only one side was open. Wait an hour and it’s much less crowded.

Lines were off a little after six and off we went. We stayed on our starboard angled balcony for most of this ride. Yes, we had coats on. Never get tired of cruising down the Hudson out of NY Harbor. Lady Liberty was aglow.

We cruised about 50 miles off the Jersey coast and down toward MD and then mid-day Saturday headed east a bit and then back north.

Sinan’s voice was occasionally heard but I didn’t see him once. The Asst. CD seemed to be handling events.

We didn’t go to Rock of Ages, but spent time at Fat Cats with Slam Allen and also Howl at the Moon.

We always enjoy NCL’s food. The buffet was good, and we ate in Savor Saturday night. The wait is hit or miss; our group of six could have been seated immediately at 7 if all had been present—which they weren’t—so we ended up waiting about 20 minutes. Food and service was good.

There is a note in the Daily that kids eat from the kids menu at upcharge restaurants at ½ price.

Other observations: There was no room service available at all. You won’t receive a final bill so take a photo of the tv screen showing your account balance. The fridge in the cabin was locked. Not one of the self-serve wine dispensers was available--even in the studio lounge. There were no martini, mojito, etc. tastings scheduled. No White Hot Party (it’s not a Breakaway thing). Waterslides were not open, neither was the rock wall or ropes course. The ship was quite warm (in contrast to the Gem last month where it was cold everywhere). Tables in the buffet take too long to be cleared of dirty dishes. Various bars have various bar menus—if you don’t find what you like, try another bar. Watch your charges if you use the arcade; some games didn’t work but we were charged for them and it wasn’t fun wasting time at Guest Services trying to have $ removed (some games are $5!) iConcierge app—codes were on your tv—we didn’t use it. $4.99 per minute to use in-cabin phone to call off the ship. Cupcake decorating is just getting a naked cupcake and choosing some toppings. I still think the atrium is not the best place for some venues--they need a bigger space indoors as a backup. Breakfast was available in the buffet, one dining room, and there was a scaled-down buffet in Moderno. The water was rough as it was windy on Saturday; a lot of white cap waves. But the ship handled it very well I thought. Gold and Platinum Latitudes members received a plate of canapes and chocolate-covered strawberries.

The gym was empty Friday evening. We went at noon on Saturday figuring people would be eating, but a lot of the machines were in use at this time. Checked out the spa area which smelled really nice.

Back at the dock Sunday at 7am and we saw people getting off around 7:30. We were off at 7:45, handed in our customs cards, and to our car we went. Very quick and simple. A fun weekend and I’d do it again tomorrow—or in two weeks!! :)

We arrived at the pier around 11:30 on Friday. If you were paying cash you were directed to parallel park. If using a credit card you were directed to the first pier on the right (not as close to the ship). Went down the escalator into the terminal where the queue was about 1/3 full. Lines moved quickly and off to check-in we went. We used our NJ driver’s license as our photo ID and this worked fine. I did note that people next to us used passports which get swiped, so using a passport speeds your check-in a bit. Driver’s license needs all digits manually typed in.

 

At this point it was announced that boarding would begin at 12:30. At 12:30 sharp I saw the suites people being escorted on. Then group #1 got called, and after a brief wait, next was #1-6! ? Cabins weren’t ready yet so we took our bags up the stairs to the Garden Café which was not at all crowded. You could also lunch at O'Sheehan's or one of the dining rooms.

 

Checked our cabins out at 1:30. 2 were balcony cabins aft on deck 12—the one angled balcony was nice. The interior deck plan on NCL was right for ours; showed the bed in the middle, but for the other cabin the deck plan wasn’t accurate. And one studio which was cool, as was the studio lounge area. Our cabin was very nice. The shower, however, was a pitiful stream of water. I didn’t recall this being an issue when we spent a week on it in June but our cabin was pretty far forward on that one if that matters.

 

At this point there were still show tickets available, so don’t worry if something appears as not available online.

 

Took the family/friends on a tour of the ship since it was so beautiful outside (50 and sunny) we covered the outdoor decks first. Cute little nephew wandered around the mini golf course, kicked a soccer ball around the basketball court area. (2 of us had been on Breakaway already, 1 has cruised NCL, and 3 had never been on NCL—but other various lines).

 

The pools are heated and had people in them at various times, and 4 mid-ship (pool area) hot tubs were ready. (the 2 aft at H20 were covered).

 

Muster drill came and went quickly. Efficiency as usual for this.

 

After muster we wandered up to the buffet to check it out and it was crowded. Only one side was open. Wait an hour and it’s much less crowded.

 

Lines were off a little after six and off we went. We stayed on our starboard angled balcony for most of this ride. Yes, we had coats on. Never get tired of cruising down the Hudson out of NY Harbor. Lady Liberty was aglow.

 

We cruised about 50 miles off the Jersey coast and down toward MD and then mid-day Saturday headed east a bit and then back north.

 

Sinan’s voice was occasionally heard but I didn’t see him once. The Asst. CD seemed to be handling events.

 

We didn’t go to Rock of Ages, but spent time at Fat Cats with Slam Allen and also Howl at the Moon.

 

We always enjoy NCL’s food. The buffet was good, and we ate in Savor Saturday night. The wait is hit or miss; our group of six could have been seated immediately at 7 if all had been present—which they weren’t—so we ended up waiting about 20 minutes. Food and service was good.

 

There is a note in the Daily that kids eat from the kids menu at upcharge restaurants at ½ price.

 

Other observations: There was no room service available at all. You won’t receive a final bill so take a photo of the tv screen showing your account balance. The fridge in the cabin was locked. Not one of the self-serve wine dispensers was available--even in the studio lounge. There were no martini, mojito, etc. tastings scheduled. No White Hot Party (it’s not a Breakaway thing). Waterslides were not open, neither was the rock wall or ropes course. The ship was quite warm (in contrast to the Gem last month where it was cold everywhere). Tables in the buffet take too long to be cleared of dirty dishes. Various bars have various bar menus—if you don’t find what you like, try another bar. Watch your charges if you use the arcade; some games didn’t work but we were charged for them and it wasn’t fun wasting time at Guest Services trying to have $ removed (some games are $5!) iConcierge app—codes were on your tv—we didn’t use it. $4.99 per minute to use in-cabin phone to call off the ship. Cupcake decorating is just getting a naked cupcake and choosing some toppings. I still think the atrium is not the best place for some venues--they need a bigger space indoors as a backup. Breakfast was available in the buffet, one dining room, and there was a scaled-down buffet in Moderno. The water was rough as it was windy on Saturday; a lot of white cap waves. But the ship handled it very well I thought. Gold and above Latitudes members received a plate of canapes and chocolate-covered strawberries.

 

The gym was empty Friday evening. We went at noon on Saturday figuring people would be eating, but a lot of the machines were in use at this time. Checked out the spa area which smelled really nice.

 

Back at the dock Sunday at 7am and we saw people getting off around 7:30. We were off at 7:45, handed in our customs cards, and to our car we went. Very quick and simple. A fun weekend and I’d do it again tomorrow—or in two weeks!! :)

Thanks. Did you pick up a copy of the ship's freestyle daily (not sure if this is the correct name?) I'm wondering what other activities/entertainment the ship offered?

Where did you eat Friday night?

Also, tell me more about disembarkation, how late or what's the latest time you absolutely have to be off the ship?

Thanks. Did you pick up a copy of the ship's freestyle daily (not sure if this is the correct name?) I'm wondering what other activities/entertainment the ship offered?

 

Where did you eat Friday night?

 

Also, tell me more about disembarkation, how late or what's the latest time you absolutely have to be off the ship?

Hi BabyR. I do have the Dailies. I'll try to figure out how to post them.

We ate at the buffet Friday night; I like the variety there and was probably full of ice cream by then anyway. Love those soft self-serve machines. I get a bowl of sprinkles from the ice cream counter and then load it with soft-serve on top. I've had enough ice cream till our next one! :)

They'd like you out of your cabin at 8:30am and ask everyone to be off by 9:30am. Was very easy; we walked down to deck 7 and the exit was right there. No line at all. They don't do debarkation colors or numbers or anything like that on a CTN. I did notice that some people did not have their cruise card handy so they were off to the side searching.

Also this ship is European hotel style--you put your key card into the switch thingie as soon as you enter your cabin to give the cabin power.

It was great !

Oh, you can drop your luggage at Bliss on deck 7 if you'd like, but I figured the rooms had to be ready soon so why wait in the long line to check it just to have to come back 30 minutes later to get it.

Glad you had a good weekend overall! I had many clients on this sailing.

Hi BabyR. I do have the Dailies. I'll try to figure out how to post them.

 

We ate at the buffet Friday night; I like the variety there and was probably full of ice cream by then anyway. Love those soft self-serve machines. I get a bowl of sprinkles from the ice cream counter and then load it with soft-serve on top. I've had enough ice cream till our next one! :)

 

They'd like you out of your cabin at 8:30am and ask everyone to be off by 9:30am. Was very easy; we walked down to deck 7 and the exit was right there. No line at all. They don't do debarkation colors or numbers or anything like that on a CTN. I did notice that some people did not have their cruise card handy so they were off to the side searching.

 

Also this ship is European hotel style--you put your key card into the switch thingie as soon as you enter your cabin to give the cabin power.

 

It was great !

 

Oh, you can drop your luggage at Bliss on deck 7 if you'd like, but I figured the rooms had to be ready soon so why wait in the long line to check it just to have to come back 30 minutes later to get it.

Okay, I'm asking b/c we have a friend picking us up at 10:00, going to hang out in the Village for a few then head to Penn Station to catch the 1:00 pm train. I'm just trying to work out the logistics.

Okay, I'm asking b/c we have a friend picking us up at 10:00, going to hang out in the Village for a few then head to Penn Station to catch the 1:00 pm train. I'm just trying to work out the logistics.

Gotchya. But with 9:30 "off time", do you want to move your pickup to a little earlier?

After enjoying twelve wonderful days on the Breakaway, and having to tear myself away from her.....I just couldn't imagine how anyone could possibly be satisfied with such a short 'teaser' cruise...thanks for posting your review, and glad you enjoyed it.:)

Gotchya. But with 9:30 "off time", do you want to move your pickup to a little earlier?

Yes. That's what I will likely end up doing.

Glad you had a good cruise and thanks for the review!!

We watched your sailaway on Friday night from the new port ny webcam....which was completely breathtaking. I tried zooming in to see you waving but there were so many lights and flashes going off it was hard to see. With the pretty lights of the ship against the NYC skyline lights it was one (if not the best) sailaways I have EVER seen!!

Happy Cruising!

~Robin

Norwegian Breakaway July 2014

Carnival Miracle 2010

Carnival Legend 2006

Every Day at Sea is a Great Day

Thanks so much for posting your experience! Two weeks . . . WOOT! :D

It was a nice weekend away. I like being able to view my account and schedule on the iconcierge app. It is much easier to locate your photos in the gallery with the digital system.

We ate at the restaurants each night around 6 pm to avoid the long wait. The food was good however service was pretty slow. The second night we skipped dessert to make sure we were on time for the 7 pm Rock of ages. The wait to pick up alcohol at the duty free shop was 30-40 minutes.

With 4000 passengers on the ship it seemed so crowded in all the public spaces. I am sure it's different in the warmer months because more people are enjoying the outside space so less crowding indoors.

Overall I enjoyed the the cruise. The breakway still has a " new ship smell" lol. I would probably stick to the Gem for weekend cruises and save the Breakway for longer cruises.

NCL Gem CTN 11/13

Disney Dream 8/2013

NCL Jewel 2 day CTN 1/2013

NCL Gem CTN 1/2012

Carnival Sensation Bahamas 3/12

Disney Magic NYC CTN 8/12

NCL Gem CTN 2/11

NCL Gem Bahamas 11/10

NCL Gem CTN 1/10

Carnival Sensation Bahamas 5 /09

NCL Spirit CTN 10/07

Carnival Fascination Bahamas 11/02

It was a nice weekend away. . .

 

With 4000 passengers on the ship it seemed so crowded in all the public spaces. I am sure it's different in the warmer months because more people are enjoying the outside space so less crowding indoors.

Yes, it's not quite as crowded feeling on a week-long cruise. And it's such a cool ship to spend more than 2 days on.

Voltron, we've been on quite a few of the same CTN! :)

Thanks. Did you pick up a copy of the ship's freestyle daily (not sure if this is the correct name?) I'm wondering what other activities/entertainment the ship offered?

 

Where did you eat Friday night?

 

Also, tell me more about disembarkation, how late or what's the latest time you absolutely have to be off the ship?

Here are the freestyle dailies. Sorry if they are not uploaded in order.

Do you know if there were exercise classes? How about the 80s party?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

Do you know if there were exercise classes? How about the 80s party?

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

There were Zumba classes. Not sure if there were others. See the freestyle dailies that I posted.

Here are the rest of the freestyle dailies...

Thanks for all the info!

Do you remember what time the ship pushed off the dock to set sail?

Do you by chance have Saturday freestyle daily?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

Here are the freestyle dailies. Sorry if they are not uploaded in order.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many thanks! How was the "Glow Party?"

Thanks for all the info!

Do you remember what time the ship pushed off the dock to set sail?

We set sail right at 6pm.

Thank you. Do you know if they had the glow party? Did they offer exercise classes?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

There is a note in the Daily that kids eat from the kids menu at upcharge restaurants at ½ price.

 

Glad to see from the posted Freestyle Dailys that this was not what it actually said. :)

We set sail right at 6pm.

Thank you!!

Just wanted to make sure my kids knew what time to watch the web cam! :)

Thanks

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

Yes, it's not quite as crowded feeling on a week-long cruise. And it's such a cool ship to spend more than 2 days on.

 

Voltron, we've been on quite a few of the same CTN! :)

Yes, I love the weekend cruises! It's a nice break between vacations. I will most likely do the May

and November CTN.

NCL Gem CTN 11/13

Disney Dream 8/2013

NCL Jewel 2 day CTN 1/2013

NCL Gem CTN 1/2012

Carnival Sensation Bahamas 3/12

Disney Magic NYC CTN 8/12

NCL Gem CTN 2/11

NCL Gem Bahamas 11/10

NCL Gem CTN 1/10

Carnival Sensation Bahamas 5 /09

NCL Spirit CTN 10/07

Carnival Fascination Bahamas 11/02