Short review Breakaway June 8-15, 2014

[Catalina56]

We are in our sixty’s and have sailed over 50 cruises. We were in a Mini Suite #12186, very large cabin, average balcony. No noise or smoke. We flew in the night before and stayed at the Courtyard & Central Park (54 Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue. Excellent hotel and great location. It was pricy at $358.00, very clean, good staff and its only 5 months old, great views and the room was large considering it was New York City/

 

Got to the pier #95 (12th Avenue & 55th Street) at 10:25am, boarding started at 11:40am for Haven Suites, then those needing special assistance, then general boarding. They used two boarding entrances onto the ship.

 

For those wanting to purchase a SPA Pass, they are selling them at the pier, get them there, cost was $199. per person. SPA passes were still available on the second day of cruise. We really enjoyed the Thalassotherapy (T-Pool). We went directly to Customer Service once on board, very long lines. Vibe and Cabanas sold out immediately.

 

High light of cruise is sailing out of New York City, nothing like it. Yes, we had many children on board; you hardly knew they were there. We had glorious weather for six days, no rain. Very calm seas. We saw “Rock of Ages” and “Burn the Floor”; they were not our type of entertainment, however, the audiences loved them. Tried to get into Second City, but it was always sold out. Newlywed game was very popular with the passengers. Wine Lovers: The Musical was so. We did enjoy “Arvin & Emily” who appeared in the Atrium. Julie was the cruise director. Selection of free movies in cabin was dreadful.

 

Specialty Restaurants: Cagney’s Steakhouse big disappointment had to send my steak back twice and it was still tough, they claim its Prime Beef. It’s no Ruth’s Chris or Morton’s. O’Sheehan’s Prime Rib, also tough, no taste. LaCucina, pretty good. LeBistro, we enjoyed the most, it was excellent. Manhattan Dining Room was very good as well. We always wanted a table for two; they always seated us at a four top table, which was great, plenty of room, no one right next to you. Try to avoid the dining restaurants between 8:15 and 8:45, which was the most popular time to dine. Garden Café Buffet was mediocre. Disembarkation went smoothly and we had a full sailing.

 

We had a nice cruise and signed up for the Escape’s Inaugural cruise on November 14, 2015.

 

Catalina56

[wasiii]

.....we sail on her September 14 and can't wait.

 

:)

 

wasiii

[glorialagos]

We were on the same sailing, same deck in fact. I just wanted to mention for others - yes, Second City was always booked. We enjoyed our first one with reservations so much that we wanted to go back. We discovered that if we went in 5 or so minutes after show time, we could still enjoy the show. We usually had to stand but didn't mind. Since a lot is improv and they also have 3 levels of show (G, PG-13 and R), we never saw the same show twice and we went 4 times! They really are good. In fact, Headliners (where the show is held) was a great place for evening entertainment - the piano players are excellent.