Breakaway Suite 11908 ~ Suite Life in an S6

[OnTheGoMom921]

Okay, back to work...Amenities & The Haven:

 

Beside our wonderful room staff (Joemar, Marlon, Devon) we also enjoyed extra special treatment from many of the Haven staff. The first stop on the ship from the pier would be the Haven Restaurant for lunch. Suite passengers are escorted directly to the Concierge Lounge/Haven Restaurant area. After a short welcome speech from Ruth, we were directed to the restaurant. Seems there were some issues with missing paperwork and they couldn't find us in the computer, although we had our embarkation papers and room keys in hand. My DH was a bit put off that we are on the ship for less than 5 minutes and there is already a problem. But Mr. Singh, the Maitre'D, assured us it would be remedied and escorted us to our table. Lunch was served promptly, same as Cagney's menu (well the NEW Cagney's menu) Mr. Singh was very apologetic, he insisted we return later for dinner if we hadn't made other arrangements. We did, and he reserved us a table near the windows at sunset, and we were asked to choose any wine from the wine list, compliments of Mr. Singh. It was a lovely gesture, and we continued to have impeccable service each and every time we entered the Haven Restaurant. Our servers, Michelle and Valentina, were very attentive. Jelly Bean, our bartender, always greeted us with prompt service and friendly conversation. The Maître D, Mr. Singh, ran a tight ship, and the staff was excellent.

The Haven Restaurant

Haven Lounge

 

Bar

[1witchydiva]

OMG.....Im drooling over here....lol I cant wait....:)

 

Thanks for the review and the awesome pictures. I know this is a lot of work and I appreciate it....:)

[Cruiseisle]

Michele, Thank you for all the photos and all your great work on providing the details. We really appreciate all your efforts … we’re soaking up each bit of info like a sponge.

We’ll be sailing on the Getaway next spring and booked cabin 14872, before seeing your review and photos. We really liked the idea of the bedroom being next to the balcony instead of the bathroom in the other Aft S6 Suites. I’d been waiting for your photos … just anticipating them.

 

It’s likely the décor will differ but, according to NCL, the layout will be the same. Sizewise, they told me the interior of cabins 11908 and 14872 are the same @ 419 sq. ft. The only difference is 35 sq. ft. in the depth of the Balcony… 11908 @ 292 sq. ft. versus 14872 @ 257 sq. ft. So, it's all good.

 

Thank you again so very much …

[francina]

Wow. Love your review and pictures.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

[OnTheGoMom921]

Amenities & The Haven, continued...

 

We enjoyed the Haven pool and sundeck a few times during the course of the week. This is where I thought it would be great to be a Haven passenger. The main pool deck was so crowded, and just not appealing to me. The Haven area was a bit small considering how many suites had use of it. Hot tubs and lounge chairs were hit or miss, although, there was always something available if you waited a few minutes. Same for the hot tubs, sometimes they were filled with children/teens and wait a few minutes, one of them always freed up.

 

I even managed to score a nice wave lounger in the pool area a few times during the week.

 

 

Staff would walk around with skewers of fruit and iced washcloths occasionally. Servers would take bar orders, and a limited lunch menu was served at tables poolside.

 

The sundeck was a bone of contention with me, as all chairs were filled with people or towels, and when I tried to sit on a "saved" sunbed I was yelled at by a very rude passenger, it was her daughter's towel and she was in the restaurant. I told her I would get up as soon as the daughter returned, but she stood over me and told me SHE was sitting there. Needless to say, I told her to have a nice day, and went inside the pool area and found another seat. Other passengers rallied around me for the rest of the trip, telling me that the daughter NEVER showed up the WHOLE DAY! I had to stifle the urge to take a nice photo of her and post it here with a big giant "CHAIR HOG" sign under her face! My biggest complaint is "Where is NCL when this happens to their passengers?" I mentioned it to Ruth on my way out that day, and she said this is not allowed...really? And who is enforcing this? So, yes, there are still chair hogs in the Haven. A bit of a sour note for me, as I would have happily vacated the seat when her daughter returned.

 

 

This is one of the few areas where I'm subtracting a few points from my overall experience on the Breakaway. Listen up, NCL! Why not enforce your rules!

[1witchydiva]

Excuse me for my ignorance, but aren't children not allowed in the hot tub????

 

I may be wrong, but I thought they weren't.

[OnTheGoMom921]

Excuse me for my ignorance, but aren't children not allowed in the hot tub????

 

I may be wrong, but I thought they weren't.

 

The signs say they are not allowed in tubs without adult supervision, but it doesn't say adults can't supervise from a lounge chair. It wasn't that bad, and truth be told, the kids aboard on our week were better behaved than some adults (see above post). The only time I was really grossed out was when a little girl (maybe 7 or 8 years old) was holding her nose and swimming underwater in the hot tub...eeeewwww! I would be afraid she would catch something (pink eye, Cocsackie (sp.) virus, etc.) I even asked how often they emptied and cleaned the tubs and it wasn't even my child!!

We have a hot tub at our home, and it isn't safe for a child if you keep the temperatures up to 102-104 degrees. However, the hot tubs on the ship aren't kept as warm.

[1witchydiva]

The signs say they are not allowed in tubs without adult supervision, but it doesn't say adults can't supervise from a lounge chair. It wasn't that bad, and truth be told, the kids aboard on our week were better behaved than some adults (see above post). The only time I was really grossed out was when a little girl (maybe 7 or 8 years old) was holding her nose and swimming underwater in the hot tub...eeeewwww! I would be afraid she would catch something (pink eye, Cocsackie (sp.) virus, etc.) I even asked how often they emptied and cleaned the tubs and it wasn't even my child!!

We have a hot tub at our home, and it isn't safe for a child if you keep the temperatures up to 102-104 degrees. However, the hot tubs on the ship aren't kept as warm.

 

Thank you so much for clarifying. When we were on the Jewel, I thought I saw signs about no children and I wouldn't let my daughter go in. :(. I remember one hot tub for children in the children's area. My poor daughter couldn't go in that one because the kids were belly flopping, spitting etc.

 

Some adults are worse than any out of control child. How do you think the child got to be that way???? Lol. :)

 

Thanks for your review. I love it and I can't wait till Sunday!!!!!

Edited July 9, 2013 by 1witchydiva

[david_sobe]

Thanks for continuing the review. Love the photos. Great camera with lots of detail. The Haven restaurant looks beautiful. So sorry to hear about the rude family in the Haven and the chair hog situation. The Haven sundeck looks small so I could see this being a problem from the beginning.

It is pretty much the norm that people feel entitled to put a towel on a chair and leave and feel it is really their chair. Just today someone posted a thread about Vibe and the chair hogs. But they started the thread that they went to claim chairs in the morning, put towels down, and then go to breakfast. I thought... huh? How can you complain about the chair hogs? Also sad that even in the Haven and Vibe there can be issues about getting a chair :(

Love your attitude and how you handled it. A++++++++

Edited July 9, 2013 by david_sobe

[peg013]

Is the last photo of the Haven or Vibe? They remind me of the cabanas in Vibe.

[OnTheGoMom921]

Is the last photo of the Haven or Vibe? They remind me of the cabanas in Vibe.

 

 

That's the Haven Sundeck. Vibe's furniture is a lighter color, beige wicker. The door to Vibe is right next to the Haven Sundeck, BTW. There was a really cool photo floating around here at least a month ago, showing the forward public sundeck, vibe, cabanas and the Haven sundeck with a lot of detail. Looked for it, but couldn't find it, probably buried too far back!

 

Edit: found the link to the photo...vibe has larger cabanas, lighter furniture...Haven has darker wicker, and smaller round sunbeds.

Edited July 9, 2013 by OnTheGoMom921
added link

[peg013]

There are a lot of great photos of the Breakaway that are "somewhere" on this board. I pulled up this thread this weekend to show my stepson which suite we'll be in next year......he was impressed. He and DS Steve will be in an inside across from us.

[SouthernBelle_N_Louisiana]

Did you eat your dinners in the Haven restaurant or in the MDRs or Specialty places? I have seen pdfs of the dinner menus and it looked ok but I am not sure how they compare to the MDR menus and we are not much for paying the upcharge at specialty dining. DS is a newly diagnosed celiac and we have to be careful now with foods.

 

By the way, your review and pics have been wonderful and just solidified my decision to book us in the Haven for the Getaway. I am not regretting the extra expense or the extra consulting work at school I am doing to pay for it :)

[SissasMomE]

Did you eat your dinners in the Haven restaurant or in the MDRs or Specialty places? I have seen pdfs of the dinner menus and it looked ok but I am not sure how they compare to the MDR menus and we are not much for paying the upcharge at specialty dining. DS is a newly diagnosed celiac and we have to be careful now with foods.

 

By the way, your review and pics have been wonderful and just solidified my decision to book us in the Haven for the Getaway. I am not regretting the extra expense or the extra consulting work at school I am doing to pay for it :)

 

I honestly can't imagine sailing the Breakaway w/out being in a suite. Not after reading all of the reviews. We will be more than happy sunning on our huge balcony all week. It sure beats the crowds!

[OnTheGoMom921]

Did you eat your dinners in the Haven restaurant or in the MDRs or Specialty places? I have seen pdfs of the dinner menus and it looked ok but I am not sure how they compare to the MDR menus and we are not much for paying the upcharge at specialty dining. DS is a newly diagnosed celiac and we have to be careful now with foods.

 

By the way, your review and pics have been wonderful and just solidified my decision to book us in the Haven for the Getaway. I am not regretting the extra expense or the extra consulting work at school I am doing to pay for it :)

 

We tried many of the dining venues. Please remember, food is subjective, these are just my opinions:

 

1. Enjoyed dinner 2x at Haven Restaurant. Included in fare, no upcharge. Much more serene and intimate than MDR and food was much better choice and quality. Each night they had 1 or 2 specials not featured on the menu. Ordered specials both nights, both were excellent. Menu is limited, would get boring eating here exclusively all week, but the specials help change it up.

 

2. We also ate dinner at Teppynaki, very tasty. Had the Shrimp and Scallops. The scallops were delicious. Meal was good, chef was a bit lackluster as compared to others working that night, but it depends also on the group you are seated with.

 

3. LeBistro, dinner delicious, additional upcharge for the lobster, but it was superb...worth the $30 charge.

 

4. Ate in the Manhattan Room once. Meal was not our favorite, but food is subjective and after having steaks elsewhere, the one we each tried in this MDR was practically inedible. Had Ruth make reservations for us, seated promptly when we arrived. Nice to have the band playing and a dance floor to work off some of the calories during dinner.

 

5. Ordered dinner delivered to our suite and served on our balcony. Menu selections were from Haven Restaurant. Enjoyed our private alfresco dining.

 

6. Had dinner with the Cirque show. Steak/Fried Shrimp is only selection. My steak was very good. Shrimp tasted like frozen supermarket seafood. Not very good quality, but overall I enjoyed the meal. The show was terrific.

 

We also had most breakfasts delivered to our balcony from the Haven Restaurant, although we did go to the restaurant and eat breakfast or lunch there occasionally. We did eat one breakfast in the Garden Cafe, as we were in a hurry to catch a ferry in Bermuda. Was pretty good (as I usually avoid buffet)

 

We also tried for lunch or snacks: Sushi at Wasabi (not great, bit disappointing, as we love sushi) $35 snack at Raw Bar (very good) Gelato (again, very good) O'Sheehans wings (great late night snack) and some baked goods from Carlo's (tasty).

[kylenyc]

Big thank you to the OP and everyone who's contributed to these S6 discussions, pictures, and spreadsheets. I've switched cabins. Cruise Critics rawk. :D;)

Edited July 9, 2013 by kylenyc

[cruisezr1]

Quick question was there any kind of closet or draws in the living room? Or does the 3rd person have to share the closets in the bedroom?

 

Thanks!

[susea4000]

It looks delightful and your family is beautiful (as are those Laboutins). One day, I will have a suite- it will happen. And thanks, I didn't know the sofa opened up, I just though you sleepy on it as is. Lol. Thanks for the wonderful pictures!

[OnTheGoMom921]

Quick question was there any kind of closet or draws in the living room? Or does the 3rd person have to share the closets in the bedroom?

 

Thanks!

 

Wow, a whole section that I missed!! Yes, there is plenty of closet space and storage in the living room.

 

Closet doors on right side of photo

 

Closet space

 

 

more storage over television

 

Storage by bar

 

 

There is also storage by the bed, however we didn't even look. There was more than enough space to keep everything neatly stored.

[OnTheGoMom921]

It looks delightful and your family is beautiful (as are those Laboutins). One day, I will have a suite- it will happen. And thanks, I didn't know the sofa opened up, I just though you sleepy on it as is. Lol. Thanks for the wonderful pictures!

 

 

thank you! :) As far as the suite, you should go for it...I highly recommend it as a fabulous way to spend a vacation!!!

[mason525]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post great pic & info!

[English101]

That's the Haven Sundeck. Vibe's furniture is a lighter color, beige wicker. The door to Vibe is right next to the Haven Sundeck, BTW. There was a really cool photo floating around here at least a month ago, showing the forward public sundeck, vibe, cabanas and the Haven sundeck with a lot of detail. Looked for it, but couldn't find it, probably buried too far back!

 

Edit: found the link to the photo...vibe has larger cabanas, lighter furniture...Haven has darker wicker, and smaller round sunbeds.

 

Just found your review!!!! LOVE IT! I'm going to show my husband your pics and we may move our deck 12 starboard s6 to deck 11 port side s6. Love the door from bedroom to balcony and would like the option of watching fireworks from balcony since they are SO LATE and our daughters will be 9&7. Thanks also for letting us know that your daughter was able to sleep parallel OR perpendicular to the wall! I was wondering for my daughters. Sleeping perpendicular will allow more room, side to side, and also make it easier to get in and out of the bed.

 

Is this the pic you were talking about? Sorry don't know how to make bigger, or where it's from. :( saved to camera roll on ipad. (Looked at your post again and see that you found the link to the picture!)

Edited July 15, 2013 by English101
Noticed you already included link to picture.

[OnTheGoMom921]

Just found your review!!!! LOVE IT! I'm going to show my husband your pics and we may move our deck 12 starboard s6 to deck 11 port side s6. Love the door from bedroom to balcony and would like the option of watching fireworks from balcony since they are SO LATE and our daughters will be 9&7. Thanks also for letting us know that your daughter was able to sleep parallel OR perpendicular to the wall! I was wondering for my daughters. Sleeping perpendicular will allow more room, side to side, and also make it easier to get in and out of the bed.

 

Is this the pic you were talking about? Sorry don't know how to make bigger, or where it's from. :( saved to camera roll on ipad. (Looked at your post again and see that you found the link to the picture!)

 

 

Thank you, and yes! That was the same photo, and I did find it to link here! Just note if you want to watch the fireworks, you will have to be in the suite on the port side, we were starboard and would not be able to see fireworks from our balcony. port side would be a better view, but still might not get a 100% unobstructed view of show. :)

[maja651]

Thanks so much for this fantabulous review! Before your review, I was convinced I did not want the bathroom setup on decks 11 and 14, because I was convinced I needed a window. After reading your review, I called my TA up and switched to 11908! :). I sure hope the Getaway mirrors the Breakaway exactly for those rooms!

Edited July 15, 2013 by maja651

[Treacher1]

Michele -

 

I can't thank you enough for your excellent pictures. They are fantastic - I will go back and read every detail of your review later. I was cheating and only looking at your pictures - THEN I saw you and recognized you!!!!! on your HUGE balcony. This is Judy and Dennis from Pennsylvania - we sailed with you last year on the GEM in June and spent some fun times with you including Cruise Critic meeting and the cabin crawl. Hope you and your family are doing well!!!! Did you find the Haven service as good or better than Gem? We have a spa suite on Breakaway for October. Can't wait - tiny cabin compared to yours - book looking forward to the suite life. Your suite looked SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very anxious for the Haven experience :) Do you remember us??