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Live Blog: Norwegian Breakaway Inaugural Transatlantic Cruise!


philamike
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Friday, May 3 – Third Sea Day

 

We are rocking today! We passed through a weather front this morning, and the seas have been moderate. According to the weather info on the television, the seas were 11.5 feet and the wind was 36 knots. (We still don’t have a bridge cam channel, by the way… Something that would be useful in my interior cabin!) But the ship feels like it’s rocking side-to-side, rather than an up-and-down motion. Thankfully, the side-to-side motion doesn’t really bother me. But just as a precaution, I’ve been taking a daily dose of Bonine every morning.

 

My morning sleep was interrupted twice. First by the sound of things falling off the shelf in my bathroom, after hitting a particularly strong wave. Then around 11 am… “*bing bong* This is so-and-so, reminding you that in 15 minutes, it’s time for BINGO!” More proof that we’re on a brand new ship and the crew is still learning how everything works – they made the BINGO announcement across the entire ship including passenger cabins, instead of just in the public spaces!

 

Norwegian has gotten a lot of feedback about the amount of on-board upsell advertising that they do. While on-board revenue is necessary for the ship’s bottom line, many Norwegian cruisers have complained of their peaceful moments being interrupted for a minute-long pitch for BINGO, an art auction, a casino tournament, or some other money-making activity.

 

But I’ve noticed a stark difference on this cruise. There seem to be fewer sales pitches over the ship’s PA system, and they have been remarkably short – perhaps no longer than 20 seconds. I’m hoping that Norwegian has finally taken this feedback seriously and has toned down its sales interruptions.

 

I left my room around noon and made my way to the Garden Café. It’s always amusing to walk through a ship that’s rocking – everyone looks drunk! I sat just outside the Garden Café, but within a mostly protected space free of wind and showers. It wasn’t too cold, and I was comfortable in a long T-shirt and a light jacket. After eating, I pulled out my laptop and wrote up yesterday’s blog entry and selected photos for it. I also sat and chatted with Erica from Baltimore, whom I met earlier in the cruise.

 

The showers stopped and the clouds started to break up a bit, although the seas were still rocky. I walked around deck for a little while, snapping a few more pictures. The ropes course and waterslides were open, and being used. I think the water in the slides is heated – I noticed vapor coming off of the landing area for one of the slides. Jake and I are waiting until the last sea day to do the water slides, as we’ll have the best chance for warmer weather then.

 

Around 5 pm, Julie the Cruise Director came over the PA system to give an outline to the night’s entertainment. The two Cirque Dreams shows for tonight have been canceled, due to the rocky seas. (This is a Cirque-style acrobatics show, and requires some steadiness for the safety of the performers.) Julie said the shows will be rescheduled for another day.

 

Jake, his mom and I had 6 pm reservations at La Cucina, the ship’s Italian specialty restaurant. We were seated immediately, and the restaurant was sparsely populated at this early hour. I had calamari and an appetizer-sized lobster pasta dish, then pork scallopini marsala for my entrée. The food was pretty good, but nothing stellar – then again, I was raised in an Italian family and I’m very particular about the cuisine! :-) We noticed a burned-out light bulb in one of the fixtures, which really stuck out on this brand new ship where everything looks perfect. No doubt that the bulb will be replaced tomorrow!

 

After dinner, I walked around the deck 7 promenade as I hadn’t seen it yet. There aren’t any services here, as its primary function is to launch the lifeboats. (But I did notice a shuffleboard game here.) With the ship still rocking in the moderately swelling seas, I was awestruck by the amount of water being pushed out by the front of the ship as it encountered each wave. I snapped some photos and video clips.

 

I reconnected with Jake at Shakers at 8 pm for the nightly Friends of Dorothy gathering. Afterwards, we went to Headliners for The Second City improv show. Six cast members took queues from the audience and acted out several different scenes. Unlike other Second City shows I’ve seen on Norwegian where it was a mix of improv and scripted comedy, this show was purely improv. I liked this better, as improv is challenging and Second City does it well. The show was fun, although the last game was especially challenging for the performers: a political debate about whether or not pompous potatoes should obfuscate. Neither of the two cast members who had to guess what the others were pantomiming was familiar with the word “obfuscate.” (In case you were wondering…no, it wasn’t me who suggested the word.)

 

I returned to my room to find that the laundry I had sent out yesterday had been returned. I opened the bag, and realized that I was missing two T-shirts. I called guest services. They asked me to call back tomorrow, as no one was available at this late hour. (There was no offer to take or relay the message, which I think would have been a better way to handle the request.)

 

The “White Hot Party” has been a signature party on every Norwegian ship fleetwide, but Breakaway is replacing it with the “Glow Party.” It was held in Bliss, but I assume it will normally be held in Spice H2O on the regular cruises. Since none of the passengers knew that White Hot was being replaced, most of us wore our whites anyway. Bliss was decorated with neon pendants and signs, and some of the entertainment staff were dressed in head-to-toe neon body suits. DJ Keith spun most of the night and played a great selection of vocal house music. A lot of passengers turned out for the party, and I think Norwegian has a success on its hands with this rebranding.

 

Turned back the watch another hour before bedtime.

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Love the blog. Can't wait until our June 2 cruise. Is there a great outdoors for eating behind the Garden Cafe? That's such a nice spot on the Gem and the Jewel. Thanks.

Susan

 

we particularly love that spot outside. I hope it's the same setup; we're on the may 12 sailing:)

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Hi Mike,

Thanks for the live blog. It is especially appreciated by us that are on the first few Bermuda runs.

 

Are they offering Zumba and the spin classes? If so, what times?

 

Have a great time!

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www3traveler: re: fees for ropes course / waterslides. There is no fee for either the ropes course or the waterslides. You do need to sign a waiver for the ropes course, but I’m not sure about the waterslides. We haven’t done the slides yet.

 

Gambee: re: aft balcony. It was on deck 13.

 

Peteukmcr: re: mini-suite tubs. I don’t recall the specific stateroom, but it was deck 12 midship. Perhaps this was a “family mini-suite” with the tub? (ah yes, roe2ship has confirmed this. Thanks!)

 

Lyndamr: re: coffee makers. They are not Keurig machines. I think they take the ones that are like round pouches.

 

Green eyed lady: re: hump balconies. I’d say the balcony is about 50% larger, as it’s the same size as a standard balcony plus the extra space provided by the angled railing. If it’s the same price I would definitely switch. (looks like others answered your other question. Thanks!)

 

JoePiz: re: pizza and bowling. Pizza is delivered 24/7, and there’s a $5 charge. 16” cheese, vegetarian or pepperoni. I think they deliver anywhere, so even poolside you can get a pizza. There aren’t any bowling alleys on Breakaway. I think there are a couple air hockey tables in O’Sheehan’s. Plus a full arcarde near the sports complex.

 

Dirtgirl: re: zipline. Sorry to hear about your injury. You don’t go very fast on the zipline portion, and the brake is hardly noticeable. I’ve been on regular ziplines and know what you mean about those brakes; this is nothing like those. You can also bypass the zipline portion and enjoy the rest of the course.

 

Educators2: re: great outdoors. I also loved that spot on the Pearl, but unfortunately the Breakaway doesn’t have it. (Neither did Epic.) But there is seating between the Garden Café and the pool deck that is outdoors and largely protected from wind/rain. It’s not the same, but it’s something…

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Hi Mike,

Thanks for the live blog. It is especially appreciated by us that are on the first few Bermuda runs.

 

Are they offering Zumba and the spin classes? If so, what times?

 

Have a great time!

 

Flywheel Indoor Cycling at 9 am. Zumba at 1 pm.

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Green eyed lady: re: hump balconies. I’d say the balcony is about 50% larger, as it’s the same size as a standard balcony plus the extra space provided by the angled railing. If it’s the same price I would definitely switch. (looks like others answered your other question. Thanks!)

 

You are awesome to answer all these questions! :D So regarding my other question about the bed placement, can you confirm what everyone else said about how to figure out if it's by the balcony or closet? 11780 would be by the closet? If so, I think I will switch to 11782 which would have the bed by the balcony as well as the bigger balcony for the same price :D

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we particularly love that spot outside. I hope it's the same setup; we're on the may 12 sailing:)

 

Educators2: re: great outdoors. I also loved that spot on the Pearl, but unfortunately the Breakaway doesn’t have it. (Neither did Epic.) But there is seating between the Garden Café and the pool deck that is outdoors and largely protected from wind/rain. It’s not the same, but it’s something…

 

I think alot of us will miss the Great Outdoors. Did you happen to take any photos of this spot?

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I think alot of us will miss the Great Outdoors. Did you happen to take any photos of this spot?

 

Mike, are you sure there is no bowling alley. I had heard there was a small sized one somewhere on the ship..though I can't remember where??

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Mike, are you sure there is no bowling alley. I had heard there was a small sized one somewhere on the ship..though I can't remember where??

 

I've seen photos by two different people. I want to say it was in/near O'Sheehan's. It's two lanes, but perhaps 1/2 of regulation size. The balls are (to quote someone else) the size of "cantaloupes". Games are $5, and I am told doesn't require the use of bowling shoes.

 

Tom

Edited by Tom-n-Cheryl
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Thank you PhilMike!! I also not mind side to side rocking glad it wasen't that bad, I saw on national hurricane sight there was a front but nothing bad but it was something I assume you are out of it by now as I am tracking your ship on a webscanner.

 

What main dining room do you prefer most? Would you happen to have a photo of the ocean blu menu?

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I've seen photos by two different people. I want to say it was in/near O'Sheehan's. It's two lanes, but perhaps 1/2 of regulation size. The balls are (to quote someone else) the size of "cantaloupes". Games are $5, and I am told doesn't require the use of bowling shoes.

 

Tom

I believe it is in O'Sheehans.....Mike is having too much fun to even notice these two tiny lanes.;)

 

 

nb_0041.jpg

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Thank you for your daily reports as we're going to Bermuda in July. I'm used to cruising on RCL, is there enough activities during the day for families? Do you have a favorite restaurant yet? Which do you recommend?:)

Thanks for the great info!

Joan

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Philamike- Do you know anything about the Ultimate Beverage Program I am sure many others on this board wondering same thing as we here conflicting stories as to what is the maximum price of a drink we can order. I was wondering whether this UBP would include Martini's, apple martini's, mojitos and long island iced teas. The last time I heard somebody on a board speak of this program they said drinks up to $7.50 were included....also can we get a jack and coke or tequila and orange juice for this price?

If you cannot answer no problem, just keep enjoying your cruise and thank you.

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Mike.....excellent review!! Going on the may 12th cruise and this is making me so excited, I can barely contain myself...Thank You so much!!! 8 days till i'm in your shoes!! :D

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Great review. I think you've become the question and answer guru.

 

Must admit I'm disappointed that the mexican tortilla or mushroom quesadilla has gone, what have they replaced it with? (hopefuly something mexican with salsa. I think I ordered this nearly every night from the MDR on my 21 day B2B Med cruise.

 

Is the Norwegian Signature strawberry cheesecake still on the menu? -my other fave.

 

Can you do the zipline without doing most of the ropes course?

 

Enjoy your cruise! I hope Fire and Ice have a long contract. I love watching/dancing etc. to them. I'm looking to cruise Sept/Oct'13.

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Saturday, May 4 - Fourth Sea Day

 

We are still rocking today, but not as much as yesterday. The sun is out and it’s actually quite nice outside. I had looked at a marine forecast earlier today online and it appears that these swells are diminishing and that we’ll have smooth sailing on our last couple days.

 

I called guest services this morning to report the two T-shirts missing from my laundry. The operator said she would relay the message to Housekeeping. One minute later, the phone rang and a Housekeeping supervisor (Devon) asked me the shirts’ colors. About 15 minutes later, Mary Ann, my stateroom attendant, knocked on my door with my clean shirts in hand. Whew.

 

I met up with Jake and his mom, and we went to the Spiegel Tent for The Second City’s “Dysfunktional Family Reunion.” Other ships in the fleet offer a for-fee lunch show with Second City that’s an interactive murder mystery, and this new show was debuted for Breakaway. (I had never seen the murder mystery one, so I can’t compare it.) The cost is $20.

 

The performance offers a set lunch menu, but you do have a choice of entrée: roasted chicken or salmon. Also served were a salad with shrimp and chocolate eclairs for dessert. We were seated next to a couple who were dissatisfied with the menu. Very dissatisfied. In fact, think of the two most bitter and negative people you know –now picture them on your vacation, sitting next to you. They are exactly the kind of passengers you don’t want stuck at your table. In my previous 21 cruises, I’ve been pretty lucky with my random tablemates and have met some truly wonderful people, so perhaps I was overdue for a glimpse of how some in society choose negativity over positivity.

 

The wife of the couple got up to talk to staff at the door. A couple minutes later, a server came around to get our entrée orders. The gentleman (I use that term loosely) of the couple chose to take out his aggravation on the server, strongly suggesting that the offered menu was an insult and throwing his napkin onto the table in front of him. The server asked what else he would like to have and was graciously offering to substitute anything else. The gentleman refuted the offer and said he needed to wait for his wife to return, to see if she wanted to stay. The server calmly responded that he would get the supervisor. (I passed a handwritten note to Jake: “Is this part of the show?”)

 

About a minute later, the wife returned just as Elena Cornea, the supervisor, came onto the scene. She calmly reiterated what the server offered, to serve them anything they wanted and offered some suggestions. The wife was more amenable than her husband and took up Elena’s offer, which I think placated the husband’s concerns. Together they selected an alternative lunch menu.

 

I thought Elena did a fantastic job diffusing the situation, and never allowed the couple’s negativity to affect her responsibilities. She quickly and effectively worked on a solution, when I think many others would have simply told the couple to go “F” themselves! On my way out, I approached Elena and thanked her for her great work. (I also got her name so that I could write out a “Vacation Hero” commendation card for her.)

 

But back to the show… The performance presents five members of the Fullerton family, plus one person’s fiancée, who are on board the Breakaway with many relatives (us) for a family reunion. As each cast member introduces their character, we were prompted for suggestions to help fill in the story. As the show progresses, the cast incorporates a lot of improvisational comedy, such as creating a song on-the-spot. Slips of paper placed on every table asked attendees to write in some advice our mothers gave us – these were collected and randomly used during one scene, with many funny moments. A few audience members were also brought up on stage to participate at times. The show works very well with a cruise audience, and I think Norwegian has another success with this new offering. (I think even the Grumps next to me enjoyed it. Or maybe they were just happy to leave and get on with terrorizing other parts of the ship…)

 

I wrote and posted my blog entry for yesterday, then I strolled around the open decks. Quite a few people were outside enjoying the sunny weather – passengers were playing mini golf and trying out the ropes course.

 

At 5:15, I met up with Jake and his mom for the Latitudes Rewards gathering, offered to passengers who have earned Gold or higher status. It was held in Fat Cats, and Fire & Ice provided entertainment. Captain Haavard welcomed the attendees, and introduced Martin (Food & Beverage Director), Julie (Cruise Director), Sonja (Asst. Hotel Director) and Denis (Hotel Director). Waiters circulated with complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

 

Jake and I had reservations for the Cirque Dreams dinner show tonight at 9 pm, but we still went to dinner in the Manhattan Room with his mom around 6 pm. We figured we would get a better meal in the dining room than with the fixed menu at Cirque Dreams. I had a salmon tartar and prime rib. I skipped dessert, knowing I’d get it at the show.

 

We got a drink at the Friends of Dorothy gathering at Shakers, then queued up for the Cirque Dreams show at the Spiegel Tent (second time we were there today). We had “standard seating,” which at $30 costs $10 less than the “premium seating.” But the standard seating uses the booths in the back that surround the round venue, and I actually found this better than the cramped tables on the floor. We were lucky that there were no poles blocking our view. We sat with two very nice couples: one from Germany, and one from California. The dinner menu: tomato, mozzarella and prosciutto salad; coconut shrimp and beef tenderloin; and a dessert sampler trio.

 

Cirque Dreams premiered on Norwegian Epic with a circus theme. The show for Breakaway was redesigned with a “jungle fantasy” theme. All the servers had feathered hoods and accessories that resembled tropical birds. The lights dimmed, and then we were treated to 75 minutes of nonstop acrobatics, stunts and gymnastics. The performers emerged wearing very elaborate animal costumes, and an upbeat soundtrack kept the pace of the show. The Jungle Fantasy show definitely met the expectations set by Epic’s circus show, and it focused more on the stylized performances rather than Epic’s comedy.

 

Following dinner, we proceeded up to Spice H2O for the 80s party. A lot of passengers had gathered here, as this party also featured something else new to Norwegian’s fleet: fireworks! (Disney Cruise Line is the only other brand that offers pyrotechnics at sea.) As fire is the #1 risk at sea, many fire and security staff were on hand to make sure the show went off without a hitch. The extreme port side of Spice was cordoned off. Later we would see that a few errant sparks would land here, and the safety crews would make sure they were stamped out.

 

A number of 80s songs played during the party, and the entertainment staff got people dancing and also performed Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” About 45 minutes into the party, Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” offered the perfect segue for Julie to introduce the fireworks show – the lights were extinguished and the first rockets launched! They are launched from the port side just forward of Spice H2O, and the best views were from the dance floor of Spice. (Otherwise, rear port side balcony cabins would get the best views. Aft cabins actually would not, as most rockets exploded while they were still to the left of the ship.) The show lasted about seven or eight minutes, as an 80s medley played over the speakers. After the show, quite a few people continued to dance on deck. I left around midnight.

 

Turning the watch back for the fifth and final time tonight! We’ll be on Eastern Daylight Time for the remainder of the cruise.

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Dirtgirl: re: zipline. Sorry to hear about your injury. You don’t go very fast on the zipline portion, and the brake is hardly noticeable. I’ve been on regular ziplines and know what you mean about those brakes; this is nothing like those. You can also bypass the zipline portion and enjoy the rest of the course.

 

Thank you so much for your response! This sets my mind at ease. I wish I could do everything that I used to be able to do, but I can't. I should be okay if the speed isn't too great. :)

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