Review of our 2013 Spring Break Carnival Breeze Cruise

[oncruisecontrol]

Presumably, this is a photo of Micky Arison and Judi Dench, but who is the third person in this photo? Though logically, I would conclude he is the captain, I feel as though I recognize him as a Maitre'D from one of my cruises.

My sister has just shown me a photo of the two of us with Captain Cupisti on the Liberty from just two years ago. She thinks the person in your photo is Captain Cupisti. It seems as though the photo in question is from several years ago (if I'm not mistaken). Initially, he looked like the Maitre'D we had on the Freedom back in 2009, but now I think he may be Capt. Cupisti. Is this Capt. Cupisti?

[PaulMedik]

Hi Paul - loving your review - also Liberty used to be my favorite ship - but now definitely love the Breeze.

 

Can you please confirm your comment about the smoking in the Piano Bar? I understand Carnival's new policy (as of a while ago) is no smoking in the piano bars on any ship? And of course when we were on the Breeze there was definitely no smoking there? Have they changed the rules!!!????

 

 

Froufie,

 

Thank you.

 

I can confirm that the Fun Times lists all the smoking areas and does NOT list the Piano bar as a smoking location. Each day's Fun Times is worded a little different for where smoking is allowed, but essentially it covers all of the same areas with not one mention of the Piano Bar either being smoking or non.

 

What I recall is that I read that the piano bar was a smoking location and I read it at least three different times; my recollection does NOT correspond with ANY of the Fun Times that I have (and I do have the Fun Times for all 8 days.) When I read that the smoking bar was a smoking location it also listed the penalties for smoking in staterooms was $250. I honestly can't recall where I read it, but it was somewhere in our cabin. :o

[PaulMedik]

My sister has just shown me a photo of the two of us with Captain Cupisti on the Liberty from just two years ago. She thinks the person in your photo is Captain Cupisti. It seems as though the photo in question is from several years ago (if I'm not mistaken). Initially, he looked like the Maitre'D we had on the Freedom back in 2009, but now I think he may be Capt. Cupisti. Is this Capt. Cupisti?

 

 

oncruisecontrol,

 

It is Captain Claudio Cupisci

 

 

Presumably, this is a photo of Micky Arison and Judi Dench, but who is the third person in this photo? Though logically, I would conclude he is the captain, I feel as though I recognize him as a Maitre'D from one of my cruises.

 

I also recall a Maitre'D from one of our cruises that looked a lot like him. As I recall he was from one of the former USSR countries.....

[LizaMM]

So happy to see this review! I have not been on CC much lately and it was certainly a treat to log on and see that you are doing a Breeze review!

 

I sailed the same itin as you in January (although we did go to Grand Turk then) AND prior to that cruise Liberty was my favorite ship to date as well....and I agree with you....Breeze is now my favorite ship and I cant wait to sail her again!

 

I am in need of a "cruise fix" so I am really looking forward to your review and photos!!!!

 

 

 

funfamilyof6,

 

Thank you.

 

Comparing entertainment on Liberty to Breeze is a bit more complicated than it may seem simply because Liberty has been evolving each time we've sailed her. On our first cruise they still had the steel drum bands live on Lido every day and by our second and third cruise they were phasing them out; they were still there, just not every day. Various entertainment acts were more prevalent throughout the ship years ago moreso than last year. Stage shows for the most part have been consistant; entertaining, but with room for improvement.

 

Activities staff on Liberty has always been outstanding, but Breeze would earn the advantage simply due to more venues for activities along with a much wider variety for all ages.

 

Smoking is allowed in the piano bar on Breeze, but I don't think it's allowed in the comedy club and if so not everywhere. I honestly never noticed the smoking on Liberty until we sailed Breeze and I noticed how little smoke I actually encountered.

 

The ports were perfect. We never encountered any negative issues and each port lived up to what we expected and had planned. I definitely look forward to visiting each port again and may have to do an all inclusive to Dreams in DR.

 

was smoking allowed on port or starboard side on Lido? what about that place on the 5th level?

 

When I sailed.....

 

No smoking in the Piano Bar or the Comedy Club.

 

Smoking is allowed on Deck 5 Portside outside. Indoor areas on Deck 5 are Liquid Nightclub and selected areas at the bar by the Casino

 

Also allowed Portside outdoors on Deck 11

Edited April 21, 2013 by LizaMM

[PaulMedik]

was smoking allowed on port or starboard side on Lido? what about that place on the 5th level?

 

Patriotfl,

 

Smoking is allowed on entire port side lanai. Cigar and pipe smoking is allowed on balconies (Except spa) and Lanai 'Mid Portside.' Well the wording is odd so I'll just scan it in and upload it;

 

 

Breeze Smoking areas by paulmedik, on Flickr

[UpstateCruizer]

UpstateCruizer,

 

Debarking was literally a Breeze. We normally do self assist and get off whenever, but this time we set our bags out the night before.

 

We ate breakfast at 0647;

 

Carnival Breeze Post Cruise by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

We walked straight to the Gangway when our number was called (Platinum was #1, 2, and 3) and at ) and at 07:23 we were on the gangway;

 

Carnival Breeze Post Cruise by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

At 07:38 we were curbside with all of our luggage waiting for our ride;

 

Carnival Breeze Post Cruise by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

Suffices to say that all of the self assist folks who needed to be off early were off the ship in plenty of time for early flights.

 

Thank you so much :)

[campdaan]

Thanks Paul !

 

Great review.

[VickiD59]

No no no no noooo - say it ain't so!

 

We have pre-cruise info... embarking... lunch... good bread.. and a jump to DISembarking??? :eek: Say it ain't so.. say there's tons more yet to come!

There's gotta be... there's just GOTTA be ;)

[battchief1]

Great review I love it.

[lovecruzing]

No no no no noooo - say it ain't so!

 

We have pre-cruise info... embarking... lunch... good bread.. and a jump to DISembarking??? :eek: Say it ain't so.. say there's tons more yet to come!

There's gotta be... there's just GOTTA be ;)

 

I'm following along too Vicki and Paul was just answering a question for someone.

[cruises42]

Paul when you get a chance can you tell me how debarking the ship went for you? I've heard stories about how long it's taking to clear customs now with the government cutbacks ect. I'll be on the Breeze next week and for the first time I'm actually a bit nervous about our early flights back home. We do self assist and priority debarking so hoping this will be a non issue for us. We typically end up at the airport so early that we end up waiting just to be able to hand over our bags. This time we have flights at 10:50am. :eek:

 

We're on the same cruise as you. I was also concerned about debarkation. We have an 11:25 flight.

[Jazzzy]

Loving your review and pictures.

 

I considered Savoy on SB too, but for some reason ended up booking Marriott South Beach for our upcoming trip. Reading your review and seeing the beautiful photos of Savoy I am debating if I should book the Savoy instead. Any thoughts?

 

Thank you so much for sharing your experience :)

[Boozebabe]

What the heck just happened?? Getting on, a couple meals, and getting off. Have you lost your ever lovin' mind? We need more please.

[PaulMedik]

Loving your review and pictures.

 

I considered Savoy on SB too, but for some reason ended up booking Marriott South Beach for our upcoming trip. Reading your review and seeing the beautiful photos of Savoy I am debating if I should book the Savoy instead. Any thoughts?

 

Thank you so much for sharing your experience :)

 

 

Jazzzy,

 

I've checked out Marriott South Beach a couple of times and basically it's standard hotel rooms at a very premium price vs rooms with character and more modest pricing at The Savoy. Granted The Savoy isn't cheap, but IMO it's worth every penny and then some.

 

 

 

What the heck just happened?? Getting on, a couple meals, and getting off. Have you lost your ever lovin' mind? We need more please.

 

Boozebabe,

 

Sorry for the intermission; I had a lot of spring cleaning to do around the house today.

 

I have kinda lost my ever lovin' mind though....and I'm not looking for it either. :D

[outtoseacruise]

Paul, what were the internet packages available on your sailing? I gave heard and seen different post from others.

Do they have the unlimited option for one device at a time or just by the minutes?

Thanks

[CruzerDeb]

Looking forward to the rest of your review!

[PaulMedik]

Paul, what were the internet packages available on your sailing? I gave heard and seen different post from others.

Do they have the unlimited option for one device at a time or just by the minutes?

Thanks

 

 

Outoseacruise,

 

For the first time ever I did not sign up for any internet plan at all; each cruise I say I'm not going to do it again because it's so slow and finally I followed through and stayed off the grid. I even left my cell phone turned off the entire time. :cool:

 

I don't recall seeing any unlimited options and all options / price plans I did see were available from your own devices and from any of the FunHub computers.

 

The only site I accessed while on board was Carnival SeaMiles to pay off our pre cruise expenses and to watch how long it took for holds placed by The Savoy and Hilton's banks to expire; Both holds expired on Thursday evening which was four business days. The Savoy's bank hold was $600 and Hilton's bank had four holds of $329 x2 and $389 x2.

 

Incidentally Carnival's holds were dropped promptly and charges showed up within a half hour each time we spent around $100. Holds were also placed at the beginning of the cruise even though we had over $1k in OBC due to ES Price drops, Shareholder's credit, and OBC from SeaMiles points.

 

SeaMiles is free to access while on board due to their affiliation with Carnival; the only downside is that the link on my laptop kept getting redirected to Barclays on board signup page since it's cached on board the ships. :rolleyes: I could access directly by typing the link in the FunHubs and the FunHubs are much faster than WiFi though at the speed of their internet, the WiFi should be just as fast.

 

Accessing SeaMiles fulfilled any curiosity I had about whether the internet speeds on board had improved; they have not. ;)

[jimbo5544]

Hey Paul, great start to another wonderful review (as usual). Also as usual, we agree on our new fav ship. Got off her yesterday and LOVED the ship.

Edited April 22, 2013 by jimbo5544

[jimbo5544]

I don't recall seeing any unlimited options and all options / price plans I did see were available from your own devices and from any of the FunHub computers.

 

There are not any unlimited internet options on the Breeze. We did have a package and happy to say it was as fast as we had on the Magic (better than most ships).

[JXR]

Paul, what were the internet packages available on your sailing? I gave heard and seen different post from others.

Do they have the unlimited option for one device at a time or just by the minutes?

Thanks

 

I can answer this question as well!

 

When I sailed the Breeze for the US Inaugural, they did have the Unlimited package. When I cruised this past March on the Breeze again, they had discontinued the "Unlimited package" due to too many people utilizing it and slowing down the system. Apparently once they discontinued it, the system became much faster for everyone.

 

Joanne

[PaulMedik]

Hey Paul, great start to another wonderful review (as usual). Also as usual, we agree on our new fav ship. Got off her yesterday and LOVED the ship.

 

 

Jim,

 

Thank you.

 

Breeze has complicated my search for our next cruise; In the past I looked at itineraries and then chose which ship I liked the most, but now I'm looking at Breeze and trying to decide which itinerary we want. Other ships / itineraries keep popping up (Mainly involving Half Moon Cay) and Breeze doesn't do HMC at least not that I can find.

 

I'm also looking at Sunshine and her Captain's suite like you had on Liberty, but not liking Sunshine's selection of ports............:confused: I also don't like the half wrap new aft wrap they slashed into deck 5; I had planned to book it, but then the specs came out and it's not what I expected. Hopefully it will turn out to be better than it looks, but adding 'suite' to the name doesn't make it sweet. ;)

 

I also researched Allure and Oasis for next Spring Break and to get comparable rooms I'd be paying double or more for ports that don't have any particular appeal. I like the 'Sky Loft' and the other 'loft' but at $16k and $20k they'd have to spice up the itinerary quite a bit because I do like to get off the ship at least a couple of times, but with that said I'm not sure I'd need to as long as most of the other passengers got off....

 

Pride out of Baltimore does Half Moon Cay next Spring Break, but Spirit Class wasn't my favorite though the aft wrap we'd prefer is available.....

 

Decisions, decisions, decisions, and all because of Breeze! Had we sailed any other ship I'd already have booked for next SB or next summer since we may skip SB (Bryson's SB will be in March and Spencer & Britt's will be in April).

[lele100]

Loving your review and pics. We also have the aft wrap balcony on the other side of yours 6470 on our upcoming trip. Do you have any pics of the inside of your cabin?

[MzOhioLady]

Hello Paul,

 

Another fantastic review from you! YAY. And with some awesome pictures that I can see from work. Double Yay! LOL

 

I'm curious as to what Jaden thought about cruising, the ship, ports, activities and excursions? Is he now hooked on cruising at a young age?

[PaulMedik]

Loving your review and pics. We also have the aft wrap balcony on the other side of yours 6470 on our upcoming trip. Do you have any pics of the inside of your cabin?

 

lele100,

 

Thank you.

 

Normally I take cabin pics right after we drop off our luggage, but I didn't take them on this cruise so cabin pics are sprinkled thoughout. Here's one I took with the FishEye later on during the week. The vantage point is from the balcony door;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 5 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

I apologize for the 'lived in' look of the room, but since the boys were all piled in our room watching a movie........

 

 

 

Hello Paul,

 

Another fantastic review from you! YAY. And with some awesome pictures that I can see from work. Double Yay! LOL

 

I'm curious as to what Jaden thought about cruising, the ship, ports, activities and excursions? Is he now hooked on cruising at a young age?

 

MzOhioLady,

 

Thank you.

 

He is hooked and talking about going again. His Grand Father is an experienced cruiser, but his Mom has never cruised and he's hoping he can talk her into going with us on our next cruise. I do think he missed out on a few cruise activities simply because he was with Spencer who knew what he wanted to do and where to go etc, and thus didn't get to explore as much as he would have on his own or with his family.

 

 

 

****************************************

 

 

After lunch we found a comfy spot above Lido and enjoyed the afternoon listening to LIVE music and people watching;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Notice the bar server in the red shirt? His name, or at least I hope it was his name because we called him that a lot was DelRay. DelRay made a couple dozen deliveries to our crew before Muster drill

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

DelRay's libations were delicious;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Even though my hunger was non existent after lunch, Guy's Burgers were too tempting to pass up;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

They just scream at you to bite into them;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

[PaulMedik]

The view of Miami from a cruise ship is second to none IMO;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

View to the North;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

View to the East;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Strolling around the ship, the view changes with the lighting and atmosphere of each area;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr