Breakaway Inside Cabins & Balcony: 13655 & 11665 (photos,) Balcony 9872

[mking8288]

(Continued from - NCL Breakaway 3.23.2014 looking good)

 

There are a # of great BA reviews, so I've decided to a more (separate) limited review to not repeat/duplicate other's efforts. These pictures applied to 2 of our inside MID/AFT cabins near the elevators on deck 11 and 13, both GTY or IX booked last minute about 1 month out via one of the major online T/A - with some related comments of MID ship Balcony 9872, and 2 adults per cabin or 6 adults. For this sailing, we all had extra OBC's to use and the Breakaway is the destination, as we've all been to Port Canaveral/GSC & Nassau before.

 

 

 

One of our inside 13655 is 2 cabins from the AFT elevators or about 10 or 15 steps away in the middle corridor (only 11 cabins in this mini-section) - behind the fire door and pretty quiet, foot traffic by the elevators never an issue for us and 2 floors below the Garden Cafe. Elevators on the port side only go as high as deck 15 but the starboard side will go up to deck 16 - that's for Uptown Bar & Grill, and Spice/H2O (adults only until 6 PM, outdoor movies and best location for watching fireworks.)

 

 

 

Our bed was a double and could've been split into two single, plus an optional upper Pullman bed, with its own switching upper reading light.

Spacing between the bed and the walls are tight, about 12-14" on the side without the pullman, and about 16-18" with the pullman dropdown bed, so getting out in the dark to the bathroom is a tricky sideway walk or crawl on top of the bed. (Comment - prefer the Dawn/Jewel & Gem's "wider" cabin width) The swivel & adjustable reading lights above the bed are adjustable, and notice the magazine/iPad or tablet space above the bed (just don't foreget to take them home ...)

 

 

 

More on storage - ideas & suggestions, electrical outlets & how we kept ourselves organized.

[mking8288]

Our BIL/SIL were assigned Inside 11665 (Category IX) as we're expected to be on Deck 5 or maybe Deck 9, AFT or FWD - this is more MID/AFT location, a bit further away from the AFT elevators & stairs, but still very good - and the cabin will only fit two (there is no upper/pullman bed that drop down. For those traveling with an infant or small child, a crib would be a very tight sqeeze due to the layout or floor plan.

 

 

Noticed the angular space-saving shape of the desk/dresser counter space - the ice bucket/cups tray and telephone (w. voice mail & alarm function) took up 40% of the usable space. leaving little room for those 15" or 17" laptop computer - AND, unlike "older" NCL ships - there is NO ethernet port connection - it's all done over wireless N ("Cisco") routers on Ch. 1, 6 & 11 - signal is solid with the ship's closed loop intranet (as it doesn't get slowed down by satellite's high latency)

 

 

Under the 26" HDTV - there is space (that's our blue "sleeve")to store a slim netbook/laptop (or iPad/tablet) when not in use - or while getting Room Service (unless you wanted to put that 16" $5 pizza on the bed while you eat, as there is only one (1) stool and no extra chair to sit otherwise.

 

I could not find an easy HDMI port but the regular RGB or component cables are on the side and can be readily hookup, assuming the Setup/Menu can be accessed & changed or not blocked by installed firmware. We decided not to mess around with it as we watched the NAV & Bridge Cam channels as well as BBC Int'l, CNBC, MSNBC and Fox News Channels (sorry, no CNN) - sports, kids & movie channels are free also.

 

 

Here, there are two open shelves, ideal for storing clothings, soda & water, or electronics/gadgets, etc. - be creative, items could fall out if seas are rough.

 

 

There was a post/thread question about bringint an inflatable airbed to use in these cabins instead of using one or both pullman bed for a teen to avoid the possibility of falling off the upper bunks - I just don't see room for it, and even by re-arranging the orientation of the lower beds, would meant nearly tripping over the person sleeping close to the floor if someone has to use the bathroom at night - not recommended. Consider getting the bigger "family" sized inside or oceanview cabins instead, IMO.

 

 

This is what the closet looked like - organizer/packing cubes would help greatly. Hanging space is fine for two, tight for three and with winter coats for four being a challenge (I would store them if not needed for the duration of the cruise under the bed, to free up usable space) Most 22" rollers or carryon will fit on the top shelf - up to 3.

 

 

 

With limited & tight storage space for the 3rd. (or 4th. guests, as equipped) guests, NCL's orange life vests are stored underneath the bed, which as about 10" of elevated space for big suitcases with 10" height, so those typical 25" and even 26" or 27" rollers & spinners should fit with problems under the bed.

 

The bi-swing closet will store two 22" or 25" rollers With just 4 near small-drawer sized open shelves for storing t-shirts & folded/rowed up clothing items, I storngly recommend using popular packing cubes (i.e. those from Rick Steve's, eBags and even the ones from IKEA to keep things orgnized & dust-free, and they are very efficient in compacting everyting as each of us managed the entire week with a 22" MLC/airline-sized carryon rollers, plus one convertible backpack/carryon with our electronics, gadgets & toiletry, spare change of clothes, medications, and three 1 liter soda plus water bottles and insulated coffee thermos.

 

There is enough hangers for dresses, suits & coats, with a relatively small digital mini-safe using up 3/4 of an open shelf for items like passports, wallets & ipads or 11" netbook (bigger 15" notebook will not fit inside, sorry.)

[mking8288]

Continue - Upper Bunk/Pullman Bed (Inside Cabin for 3)

 

 

This is Cabin 13665, Port Side AFT that sleep up to 3 - assigned to use as GTY about 3 weeks before sailing date for the two of us. Third bed was flipped down for photography purposes - the step ladder being stored under the Queen Bed since it's not being used.

 

To create more sitting space along the edges of the bed, I would suggest moving the Queen Bed directly underneath the Bunk/Pullman Bed, with the step ladder at the bottom of the bed for climbing up/down. There is a foldup guard rail against falling off the upper bed. The beds are heavy so it's best to get help and/or have the room steward do it. Another variation is to turn the Queen Bed 90 degree , flush against the back wall as from the tape measurement that I took - it will create more usable sitting space along the long edge of the bed during the day with 3 people.

 

 

 

There are four (4) usable electrical outlet on top of the desk/dresser top - 2 for 110 volts and 2 for 220 volts, but I still prefer to use my Belkin power cube with its own USB charging ports.

 

Inside cabins do have come with a single-serving coffee or hot water maker, typically provided as in our Balcony cabin #9872. The hair dryer is 220 volts powered & stored under the desk/dresser, next to the storage stool.

 

 

Below is my mini Coleman multi-tool, part of my cruise carry-on and did not have problem going thru NYC's port security screening. Small folding knife blade is just 1". Also, notice the small sign pointing to the storage location for the life vests in case of emergency - underneath the bed in a basket.

 

 

If your charging device and/or laptop computer, etc. are 220 volts capable - a simple adapter (available at Radio Shacks and many 99 cents/dollar store) will fit these outlets.

 

 

There is a 5th electrical outlet - inside the bathroom at the ceiling level, directly in front of the mirror next to the top shelf, marked as for shaver only. It will work with low wattage/drain device like a smartphone charger.

[mking8288]

 

This is the standard mini-refrigerator used both for our balcony and inside cabins (also, for the oceanview) on the Breakaway, the shelf is adjustable and removable. Our steward, Julito, emptied its minibar content by the time we came back from dinner on Day 1 - we kept our water bottles, 1 liter soda, juice & milk inside - nice and cold.

 

Unlike most cooler box on NCL, the temperature is adjustable - there is a knob in the back.

 

 

We have no problems with noise from above or below in all three cabins, except for the occassional running around by children (and, adults alike) up & down the corridors - nor from neighboring cabins.

Edited March 31, 2014 by mking8288

[Let yet?]

Mking8288 thank you so much for the reviews on the inside cabins the information gave us some very good ideas on how to make the cabin seem larger and more comfortable.

Karen

[UAL_FlyGal]

WoW!! Thanks soooo much for taking the time to post these VERY informative pics! ALL of my questions were answered. You're a winner!

[mking8288]

GREAT & thank you. Please pass it along & share with your roll calls, while I know that many have the luxury & financial means to sail in Haven, Owner's Suite & wraparound balconies - I searched & look around while doing bookings for pictures of the standard INSIDES and only came up with a few "stock" photos. Here they are for your research & planning purposes - to get the most use out of it, and to pack accordingly without moving half the closet to the ship for 7 nights, dragging 4 pairs of shoes for the ladies and 3 purses, etc. LOL.

 

More photos - as you open the cabin door (it swing outward into the recessed/hallway) looking in, store your beach towels, jeans & rolled up tees under the night stand/table. It has 2 open shelves. Ice bucket & cups on the tray - move it to the night stand & it will free up the small table for doing makeup, etc.

 

 

 

A closeup of the closet - hangers and the mini-safe, set your own 4 digitals to lock it. The sideway shelves are narrow, about 12" wide by 22" deep. The top shelf will take 2, maybe 3 airline-sized 22" carryon suitcase - my favorite 22" eBags Motherlode Weekender fit easily, with or without its packing cubes. An extra pillow is stored up there.

 

 

 

 

Keep in mind that you are NOT restricted to the "small" stateroom - the ship itself is your "living" room and most public spaces are NOT off limits - if you are on deck 5, nice spaces to relax & chat are one floor up on deck 6 - nice sitting area by LeBistro and you can sit there & play Monopoly or Chess, or people watch and read, etc. Bring a coffee tumber & grab some snacks or fruits & cookies from the buffet - no need to pay $5 for a pizza delivery, UNLESS you have plenty of extra OBC like us, LOL.

 

 

These huge chairs & sofas are just outside TASTE and SAVOR MDR on deck 6 AFT, except during meal time - quiet & good place to daydream, if you aren't into sunbathing.

 

 

Before you know it - (not everyone gets towel animals and not every night, as your Steward is busy, responsible for 16 staterooms daily - and nightly chocolate mints aren't for everyone either ) - it's Day 7 and the CBP "Blue" Declaration Form is on your bed ... :D

 

[meatball_nyc]

Thank you so much for all this info mking. It really is invaluable.

:)

Happy Cruising!

81 days to go!!!

 

 

~Robin

Norwegian Breakaway July 2014

Carnival Miracle 2010

Carnival Legend 2006

[mking8288]

You are welcomed, again. We are doing a " conference " as to whether we are going on her again, before you, 2 or 3 cabins - in June, LOL.

 

by Tapatalk on Nexus 5 via 4G-LTE/HSI