Breakaway Convince Me

[Giorgi-one]

We have been on NCL many times. Like to sail on new ships. Currently have Breakaway Bahamas cruise on hold. Great deal with prepaid gratuities, OBC and 3 free specialty restaurants. However, many of the reviews I read are negative - not just one or two. Cigarette smoke, small cabins, narrow corridors, crowded elevators and public areas, overhyped entertainment. We have subscriptions to several theaters and have seen the National Tour of Rock of Ages. Left at Intermission. Would have left earlier but did not want to disturb people. Sounds like the best show is Cirque which is an extra charge. Do not understand a ship which holds over 4000 passengers with a theater that seats 700. We are young seniors so kids activites mean nothing to us. Paying $235 to park in NYC is a giantic turnoff. Not just the money but the idea of paying for parking is an insult if you have already paid $3000 for a cruise. One of the main reasons I almost never go to sporting events. Have been on Allure of the Seas and going again in January so the WOW factor for Breakaway would probably be a big disappointment compared to Allure. Certainly not going for the Itinerary. Is Breakaway worth spending my money?

[time2cruise1]

Based in your current state of mind, no

[messy]

It sounds like you have already decided you won't like it so I suggest you don't go. Use your money for something else.

[coaster]

You listed the exact reasons why I would not want to try this ship. I would not even put myself in a position to ask others to change my mind. There are too many other ships out there to try to convince yourself into spending money on such a non-essential expense as a cruise.

[SuiteCruiser]

Go on the Gem and you won't need to worry.

[Paphillyguy]

It does sound like you let some other people's views sway your opinion already. Did you read all the positive reviews?

 

I agree with most of the prior posts, you seemed so negative already I don't think you would enjoy the ship.

[tymike]

I personally had a fabulous time on the BA, but my entire party of 8 stayed in three Haven rooms and I realize that in many ways that setting can changes some of the BA experience (but not everything).

 

I agree with prior posters. If you are very hesitant for all the reasons you state, then go with what you feel good about. Cruises are vacations and meant to be fun...not a source of frustration/disappointment/anger etc. over unmet expectations.

 

Good luck deciding! And I hope whatever cruise you decide on is fabulous for you and yours.:)

[Starry Eyes]

I agree with the others; do not sail if you feel negative.

 

But tone is lost in such posting,, so I will assume you are just thinking it over.

 

When do you plan to sail? Is it a popular family vacation time? Will schools be in session? I sailed recently and I was told there were 4890 guests, so well over double occupancy. On my August sailing, here were lots of families with minor children (honestly the children as a rule behaved rather well, some adults, well :rolleyes:) At a different time of year, I'd expect smaller numbers of passengers and perhaps a somewhat older age distribution.

 

I am willing and able to use stairs for a few flights up or multiple flights down; I find that helps on every single ship I have sailed, including Breakaway. I spent less time waiting for elevators on Breakaway than I did on either of my Oasis sailings (not complaining about Oasis elevators, just comparing). If you did OK on Allure, I think you'll be fine on BA.

 

Entertainment is scheduled, as it is on Allure. As shows repeat, most people attend each show once (or not at all), so the theater does not have to hold half the ship, as the old traditional ships. Multiple venues are active each night so people spread out (thank goodness; why would you want 2000 people entering or leaving the theater at one time:eek:). I enjoyed Rock of Ages, but understand it is not your thing. I can understand if you have multiple subscriptions, ship shows may not live up to your past experiences. But if ship shows matter a lot to you, and you do not like BA's selections, choose a different ship, obviously. If shows are not that big a deal on ships (because you see tons on land), you likely will be fine.

 

Are you within driving distance of the Manhattan port? If so, paying for parking might be commonplace in your life or maybe you forego pleasures to avoid parking fees. I all comes out in the wash....some people pay airfare and taxi, some people pay a car service, some people pay to park, some people pay bus plus taxi, etc. A few have a friend or family member drop and pick them up; great deal for the guest if somebody will do it for you. If you wish to cut that cost, you could try to arrange to share transportation with somebody on your roll call. If it saves airfare, I cannot see parking fees stopping somebody from using a (relatively) local port.

 

I am rather sensitive to smoke. I smelled it in the casino, just like every line save Celebrity. In fact, for me the smoking was just like Royal Caribbean...here and there, not pervasive, IMHO.

 

My balcony cabin on BA was larger than my balcony cabin on Oasis. And frankly, both were big enough for the two of us.

 

Wow factor? I thought Oasis and Breakaway had plenty of Wow. I'll soon be on Allure, but may be I will be less wowed, as it will be my third time on Oasis class ship. Totally worth it to me.

 

I love Bermuda, but have been there multiple times (so less wow, naturally). NYC is far from many ports, I never think 7 night itineraries from NYC are innovative or fascinating. Just geography.

 

Have fun, whatever you decide.

[kcwingwalker]

We have been on NCL many times. Like to sail on new ships. Currently have Breakaway Bahamas cruise on hold. Great deal with prepaid gratuities, OBC and 3 free specialty restaurants. However, many of the reviews I read are negative - not just one or two. Cigarette smoke, small cabins, narrow corridors, crowded elevators and public areas, overhyped entertainment. We have subscriptions to several theaters and have seen the National Tour of Rock of Ages. Left at Intermission. Would have left earlier but did not want to disturb people. Sounds like the best show is Cirque which is an extra charge. Do not understand a ship which holds over 4000 passengers with a theater that seats 700. We are young seniors so kids activites mean nothing to us. Paying $235 to park in NYC is a giantic turnoff. Not just the money but the idea of paying for parking is an insult if you have already paid $3000 for a cruise. One of the main reasons I almost never go to sporting events. Have been on Allure of the Seas and going again in January so the WOW factor for Breakaway would probably be a big disappointment compared to Allure. Certainly not going for the Itinerary. Is Breakaway worth spending my money?

 

Go with a positive attitude and you will have a great cruise. But if you are looking for things to disappoint, then it's not likely you'll enjoy your cruise.

 

Here's a list of new ships for 2013 http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1477 including Royal Princess. And for ships on order http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=167

[sdmike]

If you need to be convinced, it's probably not right for you

[Winston Wolf]

Based in your current state of mind, no

 

This

[mommyto2girls]

In have to agree with some of the other posts, why would you want someone to convince you? If I had that many reservations (no pun intended) I would not go.

[ibcnusoon]

Go on the Gem and you won't need to worry.

 

They'd still have to pay for parking. :P I'd rather pay parking than airfare.

 

Seriously, this is New York City - an amazing city that, if you live out of town, should definitely do a pre- or post- cruise stay!!

[SMerritt]

They'd still have to pay for parking. :P I'd rather pay parking than airfare.

 

Seriously, this is New York City - an amazing city that, if you live out of town, should definitely do a pre- or post- cruise stay!!

 

Flight from Calif. $1300.00, Hired Car, taxis approx $150.00. I would gladly pay $300.00 for parking, then a short drive home, instead of an 10+ hour travel home day

 

We sailed out of NYC last September - A Great Experience - Helpful NYC locals, drivers (Dial7), our first time, so the sights were overwhelming.

 

I am reading all of the Breakaway posts/reviews daily, now I am almost "giddy" with excitement to sail on the Breakaway, but the big ship is not for everyone.

 

Bermuda is amazing and I will be staying close to my Lavazza Machine:D

[Laszlo]

Paying $235 to park in NYC is a giantic turnoff.

 

Now thats funny...........I just payed $935 to fly from Philadelphia to Tampa for our November cruise (2 people). You think I'm turned on by that?

 

$235 in Manhattan is nothing. I have a friend who lives in lower M and pays $1700 a month for his car and thats 3 blocks away from his condo. Seems like your mind is pretty much made.

 

You must live under a rock if you think your not going to pay for parking in any major city........thats life, pay or don't play.

[SissasMomE]

We have been on NCL many times. Like to sail on new ships. Currently have Breakaway Bahamas cruise on hold. Great deal with prepaid gratuities, OBC and 3 free specialty restaurants. However, many of the reviews I read are negative - not just one or two. Cigarette smoke, small cabins, narrow corridors, crowded elevators and public areas, overhyped entertainment. We have subscriptions to several theaters and have seen the National Tour of Rock of Ages. Left at Intermission. Would have left earlier but did not want to disturb people. Sounds like the best show is Cirque which is an extra charge. Do not understand a ship which holds over 4000 passengers with a theater that seats 700. We are young seniors so kids activites mean nothing to us. Paying $235 to park in NYC is a giantic turnoff. Not just the money but the idea of paying for parking is an insult if you have already paid $3000 for a cruise. One of the main reasons I almost never go to sporting events. Have been on Allure of the Seas and going again in January so the WOW factor for Breakaway would probably be a big disappointment compared to Allure. Certainly not going for the Itinerary. Is Breakaway worth spending my money?

 

I switched to the Dawn for most of these reasons. ;)

[Giorgi-one]

Inane comments were pretty much what I expected. Have been on over 30 cruises and have sold cruises so I really don't need a lecture on how to select a cruise. Enjoyed entertainment on every cruise I have been on. Do not hate kids just said I was not interested in kids activities like a family would be. I said I was looking at Bahamas itinerary so why tell me how beautiful Bermuda is (have been there twice). People need to read the OPs post and understand all the big words. This seems to be a recurring problem on these boards. I clearly said that I was commenting on reviews I read on Cruise Critic. If we are not to use or believe these reviews then maybe we should just do away with them. I do not believe every review but the negative comments were consistent even for people who liked the cruise. I know that no cruise is perfect but an alarm goes off when I see this many negative comments. I never pay attention to reviews by first time cruisers since most of them feel they have died and gone to heaven. I am very thankful that I can afford to cruise. Finally remember the name of this site is CRUISE CRITIC not CRUISE LOVEFEST!

[SissasMomE]

Inane comments were pretty much what I expected. Have been on over 30 cruises and have sold cruises so I really don't need a lecture on how to select a cruise. Enjoyed entertainment on every cruise I have been on. Do not hate kids just said I was not interested in kids activities like a family would be. I said I was looking at Bahamas itinerary so why tell me how beautiful Bermuda is (have been there twice). People need to read the OPs post and understand all the big words. This seems to be a recurring problem on these boards. I clearly said that I was commenting on reviews I read on Cruise Critic. If we are not to use or believe these reviews then maybe we should just do away with them. I do not believe every review but the negative comments were consistent even for people who liked the cruise. I know that no cruise is perfect but an alarm goes off when I see this many negative comments. I never pay attention to reviews by first time cruisers since most of them feel they have died and gone to heaven. I am very thankful that I can afford to cruise. Finally remember the name of this site is CRUISE CRITIC not CRUISE LOVEFEST!

 

I'm not sure where you live, but have you thought about the Epic? It's bigger than Dawn, Gem, etc., but not as crazy crowded like some of the Breakaway reviews seem. I've been on her twice, and I really enjoyed her. I have not been on the Allure yet, but that is definitely in my future as I have read so many wonderful things about her!

[SuiteCruiser]

Inane comments were pretty much what I expected. Have been on over 30 cruises and have sold cruises so I really don't need a lecture on how to select a cruise. Enjoyed entertainment on every cruise I have been on. Do not hate kids just said I was not interested in kids activities like a family would be. I said I was looking at Bahamas itinerary so why tell me how beautiful Bermuda is (have been there twice). People need to read the OPs post and understand all the big words. This seems to be a recurring problem on these boards. I clearly said that I was commenting on reviews I read on Cruise Critic. If we are not to use or believe these reviews then maybe we should just do away with them. I do not believe every review but the negative comments were consistent even for people who liked the cruise. I know that no cruise is perfect but an alarm goes off when I see this many negative comments. I never pay attention to reviews by first time cruisers since most of them feel they have died and gone to heaven. I am very thankful that I can afford to cruise. Finally remember the name of this site is CRUISE CRITIC not CRUISE LOVEFEST!

 

I don't understand the reason for sarcasm and anger? If you are that worried, then don't chance it. I'm booked on Breakaway in March and have read all of the reviews and am really excited to sail this beautiful ship. Your post was very negative, but perhaps that's just the way that you communicate.

 

Thousands of people cruise the Breakaway every week and love it. You should sail on it. Perhaps that's better?

[SissasMomE]

I don't understand the reason for sarcasm and anger? If you are that worried, then don't chance it. I'm booked on Breakaway in March and have read all of the reviews and am really excited to sail this beautiful ship. Your post was very negative, but perhaps that's just the way that you communicate.

 

Thousands of people cruise the Breakaway every week and love it. You should sail on it. Perhaps that's better?

 

There was a very nasty post directed to this poster that has since been removed. That was probably the reason for his response. Just FYI.

[SuiteCruiser]

There was a very nasty post directed to this poster that has since been removed. That was probably the reason for his response. Just FYI.

 

Okay that makes more sense, thanks Sheri and apologies to OP.

[tymike]

I'm really sorry if my comment was 'inane'. I hope you have a great cruise!:)

[Giorgi-one]

Now thats funny...........I just payed $935 to fly from Philadelphia to Tampa for our November cruise (2 people). You think I'm turned on by that?

 

$235 in Manhattan is nothing. I have a fr!iend who lives in lower M and pays $1700 a month for his car and thats 3 blocks away from his condo. Seems like your mind is pretty much made.

 

You must live under a rock if you think your not going to pay for parking in any major city........thats life, pay or don't play.

 

I live under a rock in Philly. Just paid $500 for 2 to fly to Lauderdale in January which is should be way more expensive than Nov. Sounds like you waited too long to book. I am very happy for your friend who pays $1700 a month. Parking at Bayonne was $133 for 7 days but Celebrity provided free parking voucher.

[Giorgi-one]

I'm really sorry if my comment was 'inane'. I hope you have a great cruise!:)

 

Not to belabor the point but do you really think it was informative to tell me that vacations are for fun. Ya Think!

[Laszlo]

I live under a rock in Philly. Just paid $500 for 2 to fly to Lauderdale in January which is should be way more expensive than Nov. Sounds like you waited too long to book. I am very happy for your friend who pays $1700 a month. Parking at Bayonne was $133 for 7 days but Celebrity provided free parking voucher.

 

Just the opposite, flights were booked 3 months ago and have gone down, stuff happens. If your happy with Bayonne's parking rate sail from there. Its Bayonne NJ, which is why its cheaper, NYC is going to be expensive whatever you do. Call me in three weeks, I'll answer any question you have about the Breakaway