Review of our 2013 Spring Break Carnival Breeze Cruise

[PaulMedik]

This is NOT the Serenity area, but as you can see there are comfy chairs everywhere;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Bryson checking out the electronic BlackJack;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

Hit Me! Practicing for his first live BlackJack game;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

Meanwhile back up above Lido there was ample evidence that DelRay had been visiting;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Steve, Karen, and Bryson in the midst of an amusing anecdote;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

Karen is normally a bit reserved, but today she was unable to sit still and obviously was talking with her hands;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

[PaulMedik]

Take a look at her face and tell me if you think DelRay missed stopping by even one time;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

A Newlywed bride strolled past with Carnival photog in tow;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

After a while we noticed that the decks were deserted and that the announcements we had been hearing had all been related to the muster drill so we headed that way;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Nobody on deck means you're missing the drill;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

Muster drill for our cabin was held in the aft dining room and is quite a bit more comfortable than in past years;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

It's a good thing the drill wasn't out on deck standing in lines, because one of us was laughing hysterically;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

[jimbo5544]

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).

We are doing HMC on the Splendor in August. May regret that we got one of the double decker cabanas, but we will see.:cool:

 

Having sailed the Pride 3 times (and one out of Baltimore, Ic an tell you the cruise is great (the one that does GT, HMC and Freeport....ehh you can't have everything in life). They sell out quick, but we got a 4th floor Vista suite (aft wrap) on the Legend this Feb.....WOW is all I can say from a balcony....as well as a room perspective. I have pics if you want to see them.

 

Think we are doing the Breeze in April (the sailing that goes to Aruba).

 

Jim

[PaulMedik]

After the muster drill we went by the Pursor or rather 'Guest Services' desk on deck three to swap room keys. When we first arrived the Platinum Line was about 25 deep, but there was a Carnival officer walking along the line redirecting those who needed to be elsewhere to where they needed to be. Ultimately there was only one Platinum guest in front of us so it didn't take long.

 

We then went to our room and just in time found our old friend Carnival Liberty had already turned and was passing by;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

We have a lot of fond memories on Carnival Liberty and it was nice to see her again;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

We have stayed in all three aft wraps on the starboard side of Liberty and it was nice to see the folks out on their / our wraps enjoying their sailaway;

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

2013 Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Britt was out on the balcony with me taking pics using his Canon 6D. If you like full sized pics, be sure and check out Britt's pic below and check out the full sized version;

 

Carnival Liberty by paulmedik, on Flickr

[PaulMedik]

We are doing HMC on the Splendor in August. May regret that we got one of the double decker cabanas, but we will see.:cool:

 

Having sailed the Pride 3 times (and one out of Baltimore, Ic an tell you the cruise is great (the one that does GT, HMC and Freeport....ehh you can't have everything in life). They sell out quick, but we got a 4th floor Vista suite (aft wrap) on the Legend this Feb.....WOW is all I can say from a balcony....as well as a room perspective. I have pics if you want to see them.

 

Think we are doing the Breeze in April (the sailing that goes to Aruba).

 

Jim

 

 

Jim,

 

I love the look and features of the double deckers, but I also like the sun deck of the regular cabanas so it will be a tough choice for us; maybe we can bring enough people to get both, but then why not just get the Oasis? I sure wish they'd have included a sundeck with the double deckers.

 

We had the deck 4 aft wrap suite on Legend in 2009 and it's by far the best aft wrap in the fleet;

 

 

 

The room is very nice, but one of the best features is that it connects via inside door to the balcony beside it (And we had the balcony divider open too) which is ideal for five passengers.

 

 

 

 

I am curious as to how long it takes the ship to get out to sea from Baltimore. Is there still enough light for pictures as you pass under the final bridge above Virginia Beach?

[jimbo5544]

Had the same room. LOL

[jimbo5544]

It took over 6 hours. It wont be light in April. There was a small Coast Guard ship (maybe 25 feet) with a crewmember at the "ready" on the gun. They stayed with us all the way to the bay bridge tunnel. It got cool in the evening and I am sure they got wet from the spray. Made me think someone was doing "pennace".

 

We had the occasion to talk to the Captain and I asked him about the coast guard ship and whether they always stay with the Pride all the way out. His response was sometimes yes and sometimes no.

 

Coming back, it was around 11 PM on the last day when we passed the bridge/tunnel. Had a tanker pass the opposite direction an the smallest point. Maybe 300 yards between ships.

[mairead224]

Fantastic review, thankyou so much for taking the time to write it!!!

[PaulMedik]

 

Coming back, it was around 11 PM on the last day when we passed the bridge/tunnel. Had a tanker pass the opposite direction an the smallest point. Maybe 300 yards between ships.

 

Jim,

 

Wow! I bet that made for some interesting wave action / motion at least for a little while.

 

The time frame we're looking at for next April will most likely be the week before Easter which is the Breeze sailing to Aruba, but it might be the week after Easter which causes the options to expand since Breeze will be on a six night voyage........I'm not really in to six night sailings. We might also wait until Summer since Bryson will be in college and unable to do SB with us.

 

If it happens to be the Breeze sailing before Easter I'm sure we'll run in to each other a time or two; Definitely will be going back to Dreams resort in DR and Palm Beach in Aruba, but open for suggestions for the other two ports.

[Catrin]

Jim,

 

Wow! I bet that made for some interesting wave action / motion at least for a little while.

 

The time frame we're looking at for next April will most likely be the week before Easter which is the Breeze sailing to Aruba, but it might be the week after Easter which causes the options to expand since Breeze will be on a six night voyage........I'm not really in to six night sailings. We might also wait until Summer since Bryson will be in college and unable to do SB with us.

 

If it happens to be the Breeze sailing before Easter I'm sure we'll run in to each other a time or two; Definitely will be going back to Dreams resort in DR and Palm Beach in Aruba, but open for suggestions for the other two ports.

 

You are having the same issues we are next year!

With our oldest, Kyle, going to college in September, we will have to wait until summer to cruise with all three kids.

 

BUT>>> Sssshhhhh..... we are considering cruising April Vacation week without him! How much easier cruising with four will be!!

 

Loving your review as always.... I LOVE those comfy chairs on the Lido and Deck above! I cannot wait to discover the Breeze in 2014. the Splendor out of NYC is this summer however.....

 

PS.. my husband Steve has that same Carnival VIP shirt. He is sad they do not make great shirts like that one anymore!

Catrin

[mikenhe]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am curious as to how long it takes the ship to get out to sea from Baltimore. Is there still enough light for pictures as you pass under the final bridge above Virginia Beach?

 

Not normally - its dark by the time you get there. However we were on a RCL cruise out of Baltimore that couldn't leave the dock until 4am due to high wind and we passed under the bridge in full daylight at about 9.30am

[PaulMedik]

Carnival Breeze was tied off to the pier on port side having pulled in without turning so for sailaway we had to sail down the channel and turn around.

 

Thru the eyes of a fish we untied and proceeded up the channel;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

Passing the Disney ship

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

Britt's pic of the Disney ship;

 

Disney Wonder by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Mid turn;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

This is an HDR (High Dynamic Range) fisheye looking down the channel. The HDR is produced in camera from three images combined in to one. HDR is fine for still images of landscape, but when there's movement it tends to be skewed. Check out the folks on the Lanai deck; those who are standing still look normal, but those whe were moving have become spread out;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

[PaulMedik]

Turn complete and heading down the channel;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

After our turn they open the channel back up to cross traffic;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

Fish looking foward along the side (Check out the size of the balcony beside ours!);

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Fish of our balcony;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Fish of the Disney ship as we passed back by it;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Carnival Breeze' gangway. I think they can line up half the ship's passengers on this gangway;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

[PaulMedik]

Cruising on down the channel;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Bryson's neighbors enjoying sailaway. (I mentioned to them that I would be doing a review and posting their photo on the internet. I'll be sending them a link via email, but if anyone recognizes these fine folks, feel free to let them know);

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Passing South Beach;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

The ship's smoke along our wake and the setting sun always makes for interesting lighting when sailing away from Miami;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

Out to sea by sunset;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

[MrsDestinationVickers]

This review is amazing!!! We have 12 days before we board and your photos are making me wish that May 5 would hurry and get here...but maybe I should have a "little patience"...May 4 (when we fly to MIA) can come instead :D:cool::rolleyes: LoL!

[fl_couple]

Turn complete and heading down the channel;

 

 

Fish looking foward along the side (Check out the size of the balcony beside ours!);

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

 

Thank you so much for taking this photo! We have that room on our upcoming sail on the Breeze! And to think I was having 2nd thoughts on our room selection! Not now! Thank you again for the fabulous review and for the shot above!

[gambee]

Just found your review and I am really enjoying it. Thank you for taking the time to put this together for our enjoyment. I have the Carnival Breeze in my sight for our next trip after Breakaway, can't wait to see how your adventure develops.

[PaulMedik]

Those who don't like sunsets might wanna skip the next few pics.

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

While I do not condone smoking especially when it's my son, I did take a picture of Bryson enjoying his first cigar that I actually allowed him to smoke;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

Almost set;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

[PaulMedik]

Sports deck looking aft right after sunset;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Bryson and I enjoyed an evening stroll around the ship and had to get an obligatory pic at the Red Frog Pub;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

Karen slept after sail away (Slept well too considering the DelRay drinks she consumed) and her and Britt enjoyed room service;

 

Carnival Breeze Day 1 by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

We enjoyed a very restful nights sleep thanks to the high wind that gently rocked the ship.

 

Our cruise was scheduled to have a Fun Day @ Sea for our second day, but since Grand Turk was cancelled dut to virus outbreaks our Fun Day @ Sea turned into a Fun day @ Nassau. I snapped this very poor picture from our balcony (I promise to post better pics from later in the day);

 

Carnival Breeze Nassau by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

 

My hearty breakfast;

 

Carnival Breeze Nassau by paulmedik, on Flickr

 

Everyone lined up for the elevator with no particular plans other than to walk around and go to a beach;

 

Carnival Breeze Nassau by paulmedik, on Flickr

[Froufie]

Love the sunset pics - absolutely stunning!

 

As for the cigar - my 25 yr old does not smoke cigarettes - but does smoke the odd cigar - and loves when I cruise cuz I usually bring back a few for him :)

 

And speaking of smoking found this on John's blog in answer to someone asking about smoking areas on the Breeze!!!

 

Smoking on the Carnival Breeze is limited to the port side of the Lanai open deck, the starboard side of Deck 11 which is also an open deck and a small section of the casino. All the other bars, lounges and restaurants and open deck spaces are all non-smoking. I am not sure where you found the smoke to be overbearing but I apologise for the fact you did. I don’t think it’s fair to say that we are “years behind” other cruise lines as most of us have very similar policies when it comes to smoking.

Edited April 23, 2013 by Froufie

[PaulMedik]

Love the sunset pics - absolutely stunning!

 

As for the cigar - my 25 yr old does not smoke cigarettes - but does smoke the odd cigar - and loves when I cruise cuz I usually bring back a few for him :)

 

And speaking of smoking found this on John's blog in answer to someone asking about smoking areas on the Breeze!!!

 

Smoking on the Carnival Breeze is limited to the port side of the Lanai open deck, the starboard side of Deck 11 which is also an open deck and a small section of the casino. All the other bars, lounges and restaurants and open deck spaces are all non-smoking. I am not sure where you found the smoke to be overbearing but I apologise for the fact you did. I don’t think it’s fair to say that we are “years behind” other cruise lines as most of us have very similar policies when it comes to smoking.

 

 

Froufie,

 

John is absolutely correct that Carnival is NOT years behind in terms of smoking; there was so little on this cruise that it's what caused me to notice that there was less. ;)

[nybumpkin]

We might also wait until Summer since Bryson will be in college and unable to do SB with us.

Paul - (and also for Catrin) - life gets interesting with one in college. Our oldest DS has not sailed with us since February 2009 due to his college/work schedule (the fact that it's a service academy adds to the joys of trying to schedule something). And since our other sons are middle/high school and DH teaches college, we're pretty much limited to sailing in July and August. We had hoped that oldest son would be able to join us this July for our "blowout" cruise, in part to celebrate his graduation - but it's not to be. He's taking a commission in the Navy, and Uncle Sam wants him about 5 days after graduation.:(

 

I really enjoy your reviews, and it has been a lot of fun watching your sons grow up.:cool: BTW, I haven't changed my avatar either. The boys are a lot older now.

[Catrin]

Paul - (and also for Catrin) - life gets interesting with one in college. Our oldest DS has not sailed with us since February 2009 due to his college/work schedule (the fact that it's a service academy adds to the joys of trying to schedule something). And since our other sons are middle/high school and DH teaches college, we're pretty much limited to sailing in July and August. We had hoped that oldest son would be able to join us this July for our "blowout" cruise, in part to celebrate his graduation - but it's not to be. He's taking a commission in the Navy, and Uncle Sam wants him about 5 days after graduation.:(

 

I really enjoy your reviews, and it has been a lot of fun watching your sons grow up.:cool: BTW, I haven't changed my avatar either. The boys are a lot older now.

 

NYbumpkin....

We decided today and paid deposit.... heading your way, to RPI in the fall. Looks like after our July cruise on the Splendor, we will be taking a break from cruising!

 

Catrin

[DiverDownAZ]

Great Pics, loving the review.

[nybumpkin]

NYbumpkin....

We decided today and paid deposit.... heading your way, to RPI in the fall. Looks like after our July cruise on the Splendor, we will be taking a break from cruising!

 

Catrin

Small world...DH has his Master's from RPI and used to teach there. He's still in Troy, teaching at the community college. RPI's a great school. Best wishes to your son!